As the Appeal Court prepares to pronounce judgment on Ladi Adebutu’s petition against Governor Dapo Abiodun, a sense of unease pervades members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Adebutu, the PDP candidate, had initially taken his case to the tribunal, alleging that the March 18 governorship election, which saw Abiodun’s victory, violated the Electoral Act. He further claimed irregularities and corruption, asserting that violence disenfranchised over 40,000 voters. Adebutu sought the court’s intervention to nullify the election and declare him the winner. However, the Hamidu Kunaza-led tribunal dismissed Adebutu’s petition, citing a lack…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
In response to the Appeal Court’s decision overturning the dismissal of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is poised to contest the ruling at the Supreme Court. Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Francis Enokela Orogu, announced this course of action in a statement issued on Thursday. The appellate court nullified the tribunal’s judgment that had declared PDP candidate David Ombugadu the winner of the March 18 governorship election, prompting Orogu to characterize the Appeal Court’s decision as a temporary setback. Encouraging supporters to remain calm, Orogu expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would reinstate their mandate. He…
Governor Seyi Makinde has taken a decisive step to regulate the operation of motorcyclists and tricyclists in Oyo State, declaring that unregistered operators will be prohibited from plying the roads effective January 1, 2024. Governor Makinde conveyed this directive on Wednesday following a meeting of the state’s security council. He urged all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators within the state to enroll in the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme before December 31, 2023, to avoid disruptions to their operations. Addressing the media, Governor Makinde emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing the challenges associated with commercial motorcycle and tricycle activities to…
Dr. Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, has given assurances that the 2024 Appropriation Bill will receive approval before December 31. Addressing reporters in response to the presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill by Governor Umo Eno, Etim stressed the importance of collaboration between Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the budget defense. She emphasized the need for a streamlined process to facilitate the swift passage of the budget. Representing the Uruan state constituency, Etim underscored the continuity of government programs, stating that the current administration would build…
In a commendable ceremony, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, along with the State police command’s management team, adorned fifty-four senior police officers with their newly acquired ranks. The promotions, recently released by the Police Service Commission (PSC), saw officers ascend to various elevated positions. As detailed in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abdulahi, the promotions included three Superintendents of Police (SP) advancing to the esteemed rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Additionally, 51 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) were promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Notable among the promoted…
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State made a significant move on Wednesday by signing into law a new legislation that modifies the retirement age for teachers employed by the state. The groundbreaking legislation raises the retirement age to 65 or 40 years of service, marking a departure from the previous criteria of 35 years of service or reaching 60 years of age. Expressing his motivation behind the legislative change, Governor Uzodimma emphasized that the extended retirement age aims to inspire teachers in the state’s public schools. He asserted, “Having given the teachers an extra five years, they are expected to…
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Caroline Okolie, the acting Director of Library Services at Enugu State Library, has appealed to the state government to address the issue of noise pollution surrounding the library premises. The library, standing for over 50 years, is grappling with disruptions from nearby bus terminals and businesses, hindering readers’ ability to concentrate effectively. Mrs. Okolie emphasized the importance of utilizing noise-proof materials on the library building to create a serene environment for users. Highlighting the need for modern facilities, Okolie expressed that incorporating an E-Library service could enhance the…
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed apprehension regarding the growing disconnect between the people of the state and the government, attributing it to the political instability plaguing Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s administration. In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Darlington Nwauju, the APC highlighted the detrimental impact of the ongoing political crisis on the state’s governance. The party emphasized that the political turbulence has undermined the effectiveness of the government’s policies, contributing to an alarming rise in poverty within society. “The political crisis in the state has weakened the government’s policies due to…
Senior Advocate Femi Falana Contradicts Perception of Kano State Governor’s Removal In a notable contradiction to the widely circulated belief about the removal of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has clarified that the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld Yusuf’s election, overturning the ruling of the lower tribunal. Speaking on the Arise News Primetime Show, Falana disclosed that he meticulously examined the Certified True Copy of the judgment and expressed his surprise at the existing contradictions in the public narrative. According to Falana, the majority judgment at the Court of Appeal set aside the…
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State revealed during the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday that his administration has borrowed a total of N100 billion since assuming office in 2019. Addressing the council, Governor Mohammed clarified that a significant portion of the borrowed funds, over N90 billion, has been allocated to infrastructural projects. Highlighting the allocation strategy, the governor specified that the borrowed funds have been utilized in key sectors such as education and health. He emphasized the commitment to utilizing the resources transparently for the betterment of the state. Governor Mohammed stated, “You can see the projects and programmes…
In a surprising turn of events, the Adamawa State High Court heard on Wednesday that the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has purportedly fled to Niger Republic. The disclosure was made during the court’s proceedings, presided over by Justice Benjamin Lawan. According to counsel to the defendant, Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), Hudu has sought refuge with his wife in Niger, away from his other wife in his home in Bauchi, Nigeria. Despite the defense counsel’s assertion that he knew the whereabouts of his client, the court insisted that Hudu must be served in person, denying the plea for…
In a recent address at the meeting of NYSC Management with select Corps Producing Institutions in Africa, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Scheme to thwarting the participation of unqualified individuals in National Service. Highlighting the core objectives of the NYSC program, Ahmed underscored its role in reshaping Nigerian youths for national unity and development. The program aims to instill values such as discipline, honesty, probity, accountability, hard work, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Speaking on the challenges faced in the mobilization of foreign-trained graduates, Ahmed expressed concerns…
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Armed Forces, emphasizing support for the families of deceased heroes. This affirmation was made in Abuja on Wednesday, as reported by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President. The Vice-President’s remarks came shortly after receiving the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem from retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion. Reflecting on the valor exhibited by Nigerian soldiers in crisis zones across Africa and globally, Shettima expressed the need to recognize…
Brigade Commandant, Brigadier General Jamiu Olayinka Are, announced that the Nigeria Army’s Bukavor Barrack 3 Mechanized Brigade in Kano and its environs has experienced zero cases of banditry, kidnapping, and criminal activities by non-State actors. The disclosure was made during a visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the brigade in Kano. Are attributed the sustained peace in Kano to the collaborative efforts of the Joint Security Taskforce. He emphasized the positive results achieved through the synergy with other security agencies, stating, “In Kano, the synergy we have with other security agencies has yielded positive results…
Former governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, has unequivocally stated that he harbors no regrets for selecting Governor Francis Nwifuru as his successor. Umahi made this declaration during a stakeholder address at a dinner organized by Governor Nwifuru, honoring former executive council members of the state at the old Government House in Abakaliki. Reflecting on his tenure, Umahi asserted that he left the Government House meticulously and without oversight. He acknowledged the adversaries he gained during his governance and the efforts invested in securing Nwifuru as his successor for the 2023 general election. Umahi assured…
Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election, has suggested that the recent Court of Appeal decision leading to the removal of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, may have implications for the outcome of the Ebonyi governorship election. Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Bwala expressed dissatisfaction with the grounds on which Governor Mutfwang was sacked, arguing that the governor was duly nominated during the party’s primary. The Court of Appeal had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Mutfwang’s certificate of return and issue a fresh one to…
In the aftermath of the Appeal Court’s verdict on the Kano State Gubernatorial elections, a directive has been issued for concerned lawyers to return copies of the judgement for necessary corrections. Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, shared this information via his official handle on Wednesday. Last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had ousted Kano governor, Abba Yusuf, citing his alleged ineligibility to contest and stating that he was not a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) during the election. The court declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as…
In a candid admission, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has acknowledged errors in the reported figures of government spending, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency and responsible governance. The governor made these remarks at the inauguration of the Lagos State Building Control Agency Building in Ikeja, where he responded to the procurement record scrutinized by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency. Addressing concerns raised in an open letter by Funso Doherty, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that his government will persist in publishing its spending details despite facing…
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against meddling in the affairs of the judiciary. This advice comes in the wake of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recently annulling the victory of Kano State’s governor, Abba Yusuf, citing his non-membership in the political party. Oguntoyinbo, who contested as the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State in 2023, delivered this message on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for Tinubu to refrain from intimidating the judiciary. In a statement shared with the media after expressing solidarity with Yusuf, Oguntoyinbo stated,…
In a stern message issued on Tuesday, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, vehemently cautioned against any illegal amendments to its constitution, asserting that those behind such actions would face public disgrace. The organization expressed concern that these unauthorized alterations were specifically intended to obstruct the appointment of a President General from Rivers State in January 2025, alleging that it aimed to extend the tenure of certain dissenting elements within the group. In an official statement released by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, he highlighted that the proposed amendments directly contradicted Article 11(a) of the Constitution, which outlines the…