The Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC) has announced that 11 political parties, including the state’s major opposition parties, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will participate in the upcoming local government election. This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of JISIEC, Mr. Auwal Harbo, during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Dutse. The local government election has been scheduled for October 5, 2024. Harbo stated that only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fielded candidates for all council chairmen and councillor positions across the state’s 27 local government areas. The…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed a bill amending the 1999 Constitution for the first reading. The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Allow for the Participation of Candidates Who Are Not Sponsored by Political Parties in the Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Council Elections”, seeks to expand electoral participation beyond candidates sponsored by political parties. The bill, sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and representative of the Ikole-Oye Federal Constituency…
The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and resolve the ongoing confrontation between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ex-governor. In a statement issued by Ohiare Michael, the media office criticised the EFCC’s recent actions, describing them as biased and politically motivated. The statement condemned the anti-graft agency’s approach towards the former governor, accusing the EFCC of acting based on “personal and political interests” rather than genuine anti-corruption efforts. Michael argued that the EFCC’s attempts to arrest Bello have been embarrassing for the agency, questioning why…
The Anambra State Government has imposed a restriction of movement across the state from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, to facilitate a smooth local government election. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the government explained that the restriction was put in place at the request of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process. “Ndi Anambra are hereby informed that there is a movement restriction throughout Anambra State on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, as requested by…
The Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Mr. Steven Nwankpa, has imposed a ban on all forms of ceremonies within the area following a recent cholera outbreak. The outbreak has claimed the lives of 11 people in Ndibokote, Ezzainyimegu community. This announcement follows a statement from the Ebonyi State government on Thursday, where the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, confirmed the fatalities. Nwankpa, while commending health workers for their swift response, expressed shock over the incident and urged residents to suspend burials and mass gatherings until further notice to curb the spread of the disease. “We…
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has announced that it will not utilise the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for September 28, citing concerns over its reliability. This was disclosed by ANSIEC Commissioner for Information and Logistics, Anthony Nnalue, during a sensitisation programme organised by the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) on Thursday in Awka. Speaking at the event, which was aimed at election observers and media personnel, Nnalue revealed that the commission had opted for manual accreditation, stating that it was a more dependable system. “We will not use…
The Executive members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State have removed their chairman, Alhaji Sala Umar, citing misconduct and non-compliance with party guidelines. In an official letter addressed to the party’s headquarters in Gusau, the council leadership confirmed that a vote of no confidence was passed on the chairman during a meeting held on 23rd September 2024, which was attended by two-thirds of the members. The letter, signed by Nura Yusuf (Acting Secretary), Musa Muhammad (Legal Adviser), and Salisu Adamu (Ward Chairman), highlighted multiple grievances against Umar. These included his failure to…
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested and paraded a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, ASC 11 Maikano S/Tasha, for allegedly supplying arms, ammunition, and drugs to bandits in the state. The arrest was announced by the Commissioner of Police, Shehu Muhammad Dalijan, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry. Maikano was apprehended in possession of a significant quantity of ammunition, including AK-47 rounds and anti-aircraft bullets, alongside drugs such as cannabis. The officer confessed to his involvement, admitting, “Yes, I was caught with drugs and bullets on my way to the bandit camp,…
An Osun State High Court in Ede has ordered the remand of the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, and four other defendants at the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre following their inability to meet the bail conditions granted by the court. The traditional ruler, along with Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye, is facing a 29-count charge, including arson and malicious damage of a farm in Iloba town. At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Kudirat Akano granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties. The judge stipulated that one of…
Justice Hauwa’u Bubari of the Federal High Court in Kaduna has sentenced Audu Ishida and Elisha Smith to a total of six years imprisonment for fraud-related offences. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, prosecuted the duo on separate charges of impersonation, retention of proceeds of fraud, and money laundering. According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, both Ishida and Smith pleaded guilty to the charges during their trial. This prompted the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, M.E. Eimonye, to request their conviction and sentencing. After reviewing the case, Justice Bubari…
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Edo State election, has accused members of his party of selling their votes to rival political parties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, the winner of the election on Sunday. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Akpata finished a distant third with 22,763 votes. During an interview on Channels TV, Akpata attributed his defeat to the widespread vote-buying that occurred during the election, lamenting that even members of the…
The Coalition for Kaduna Political Groups (KPG) has raised concerns over the internal crisis currently plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that it could significantly affect the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by its leadership, including Convener Ibrahim Murtala Kachia, Co-Convener Solomon Jacob Maiyaki, PRO Dr. Victor Bobai, and Secretary General Mrs. Daniel Blessing, the group expressed alarm over the leadership struggles, divisions, and erosion of trust within the PDP. They cautioned that these issues have cast doubt on the party’s ability to function as a credible opposition. The group highlighted recent developments…
The Kwara State High Court has sentenced five suspects involved in the infamous 2018 Offa bank robbery to death. Justice Haleemah Salman, presiding over the case, found the five individuals guilty of multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. The judge stated that the offences, under Nigerian law, are punishable by death. The 2018 Offa bank robbery remains one of the most brutal criminal incidents in the state’s history, resulting in the deaths of several people, including police officers and civilians. More details to follow…
Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed anticipation for a congratulatory message from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the recently concluded gubernatorial election, Asue Ighodalo. After receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, Okpebholo visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he met with President Bola Tinubu. During his visit, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate pledged to lead as a “servant-leader” and emphasised his commitment to the development of Edo State. “For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is…
The Federal Government has approved a significant increase in the monthly allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), raising it to N77,000 effective from July 2024. This development was confirmed in a statement issued by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC. The increase aligns with the recently enacted National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. The decision was communicated through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by its chairman, Ekpo Nta. This followed advocacy efforts led by Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, the…
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Imo State chapter has announced its decision to challenge the outcome of the recently concluded local government elections held across the 27 local council areas and 305 wards in the state. The party expressed its dissatisfaction with the election process, accusing the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) of undermining the election guidelines to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration. In a petition sent to ISIEC and made available to the media in Owerri, the SDP State Chairman, Ifeanyi Henry Eluwa, strongly criticised the manner in which the election was conducted. He claimed that…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), labelling him a “serial complainer” who refuses to accept election results that do not favour him or his supported candidates. Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, made the statement during an interview with Arise TV. He dismissed Obi’s concerns regarding the recently concluded Edo State governorship election, asserting that his opinions on the matter were irrelevant. Morka said, “Peter Obi is a serial complainer who will not accept the result of any election that is not in his favour or the…
At least 28 people have died, and 19 others were seriously injured after a bus swerved off the road and plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia on Wednesday, local authorities have confirmed. The tragic accident took place in the Wolaita region, about 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of the capital, Addis Ababa. According to local officials, the bus, which veered down a steep slope, was severely damaged, with its roof ripped off due to the impact of the crash. Rescue and search operations are ongoing, as authorities have yet to determine the exact number of passengers on board at…
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5. The party cited an ongoing legal case, initiated by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Tony Okocha, as a significant reason for its withdrawal from the election. State PDP Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, disclosed the party’s stance during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Chukwuemeka, who is reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, explained that the legal proceedings…
The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has officially presented Certificates of Return to the winners of the local government chairmanship election held last Saturday. The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a sweeping victory, winning all 27 chairmanship and 305 councillorship positions across the state. ISIEC Chairman, Charles Ejiogu, presided over the presentation ceremony on Tuesday. He explained that the issuance of the certificates was in accordance with legal requirements, adding that certificates for the vice chairmen and councillors would be distributed in the coming days. Speaking at the event, Ejiogu emphasised the significance of the election and the peaceful…