Senate President Godswill Akpabio asserted on Wednesday that Nigeria has achieved a milestone in 24 years that the United States took 185 years to accomplish. He made this declaration during the 2024 budget presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the joint session of lawmakers at the National Assembly. Akpabio emphasized the strategic positions held by former senators in the executive, fostering a robust relationship between the two arms of government. He noted that having ex-lawmakers in key executive roles ensures not only a necessary, but a symbiotic relationship, where they will collaborate closely. “Mr. President, the United States of…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
In the aftermath of the Court of Appeal’s turnaround affirming Governor Abdullahi Sule as the victor in the 2023 Nasarawa State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a call on Tuesday for the Supreme Court to meticulously scrutinize the recent judgment. The state election petitions tribunal had initially ousted Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 2, declaring David Ombugadu of the PDP as the rightful winner. However, the appellate court overturned this decision, asserting that the tribunal had erred in recomputing votes, reinstating Sule as the governor. Stella Oboshi, PDP women leader in the state,…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State officially awarded a Certificate of Return to Rauf Age-Suleiman, the APC candidate, following the Court of Appeal’s confirmation of his victory in the March 18 Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II House of Assembly election. Presenting the certificate on Wednesday, Prof. Ayobami Salami, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), congratulated Age-Suleiman and urged him to contribute to the growth of both his constituency and Nigeria at large. Salami, in his address, invoked prayers for Age-Suleiman, asking for divine wisdom to guide his actions. Age-Suleiman expressed gratitude for the justice served through the legal process and…
In a resolute declaration, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State emphasized his unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises aimed at improving the lives of youths in the state. Governor Fubara made this assertion during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch C Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Represented by Hamilton Amadi, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the governor assured corps members of his administration’s dedication to providing adequate security and welfare during their deployment in the state. Governor Fubara pledged to be steadfast and resolute in delivering the best…
In a decisive ruling on Tuesday evening, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the election victory of Kefas Agbu as the Governor of Taraba State. The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Peter Affen, delivered a unanimous judgment, dismissing the challenge brought by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its governorship candidate, Prof. Yahaya Sani. Justice Affen highlighted that the appellants, NNPP and Sani, were inconsistent in their petition against the March 28 governorship election. While seeking the nullification of the election due to non-compliance with the electoral act, they simultaneously requested the court to declare them…
In a significant development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the victory of Suleiman Wanchiko from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Bida I (North) State Constituency election in Niger. The court declared Bako Kasim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner. Justice Bature Isa-Gafai, delivering the judgment on behalf of the three-member panel, deemed Wanchiko’s appeal as unmeritorious. The court concurred with Kasim’s counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, asserting that Wanchiko’s use of a forged testimonial presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warranted disqualification from the election. Wanchiko, initially declared the winner…
During an interview on Arise Television, constitutional lawyer Daniel Bwala voiced concerns on Monday, asserting that the authority of the Supreme Court, recognized as the ultimate court in the nation, has been brought into question by the recent Court of Appeal decision on Plateau State elections. Bwala highlighted the apparent contradiction in the Court of Appeal’s actions, noting that in cases from Benue, Ebonyi, and other jurisdictions, the court had deferred to the authority of the Supreme Court by dismissing pre-election matters. However, he expressed bewilderment as to why the same court took jurisdiction over the Plateau State issue. He…
In response to the recent Appeal Court verdict in Kano State, Chief Olabode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed strong condemnation of judges overturning election results. The controversy arose when the appellate court nullified the election of Governor Abba Yusuf, declaring Gawuna as the winner. However, confusion ensued when the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment indicated that the Appeal Court affirmed Yusuf as the Kano governor. The court attributed this discrepancy to a clerical error. Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Monday, George expressed his concern, stating, “This system is worrisome because…
In the 30th edition of the Social Media Influencers seminar, organized in collaboration with the Ukan Kurugh Foundation, the Chief of Military Affairs at Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. NC Ugbo, urged social media actors to exercise caution and verify the information they disseminate on social media platforms. Highlighting the profound impact of social media on shaping perceptions and opinions, Maj. Gen. Ugbo emphasized the need for influencers to be mindful of the authenticity of the content they share. He stated, “The information we share on social media platforms has far-reaching effects in shaping the perceptions, opinions, and reactions of people.”…
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has taken decisive action following allegations of conspiracy and aiding the escape of a suspected serial rapist. CP Danjuma ordered the immediate redeployment of Orji Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Udom Godwin, to the Command headquarters in Owerri on standby. An official query has been issued to CSP Udom Godwin and other officers serving in the division, citing serious dereliction of duty, discreditable conduct, lack of supervision, failure to send a situation report, disobedience to lawful orders, and acts of sabotage unbecoming of public officers, all linked to the case. In a…
In a bid to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has revealed a significant boost for Youth Corp members serving in the state. Starting from January next year, these corps members will receive an additional monthly pay of N10,000, as announced by the governor during the swearing-in ceremony of the Batch C Stream 2 deployment, which included 1,340 corps members posted to Adamawa State. Governor Fintiri emphasized that this initiative is part of his administration’s generosity, aiming to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. The new N10,000 monthly allowance is in addition…
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s consideration and approval for a substantial loan totaling $8,699,168,559 and €100 million, forming a crucial part of the federal government’s external borrowing plan spanning 2022 to 2024. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Tinubu’s letter of request during a plenary session on Tuesday. Highlighting international support, President Tinubu informed the Senate that both the World Bank and the African Development Bank have pledged their interest to bolster the loan with $1 billion and N1.5 billion, respectively. The President outlined the diverse areas the funds are earmarked for, including infrastructure, agriculture, health, roads, security,…
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday, Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, boldly asserted that his intention to vie for the governorship seat in the upcoming 2024 election is a divine calling from God. Shaibu, with unwavering confidence, stated, “No one can stop us; we are Edo people, confident in our ancestral heritage, fighting for our rights. I have consulted with God, and His unequivocal directive empowers me to contest the gubernatorial poll.” Highlighting the spiritual dimension of his decision, Shaibu emphasized, “I don’t do things by my strength, so since I am sure…
In a collaborative effort, the United Nations (UN), the Federal Government, and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have emphasized the critical role of data visualization in decision-making processes. This affirmation was made during the official launch of the “Nigeria Visualised Project” on Monday night in Abuja, a program orchestrated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the NBS. Speaking at the launch, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, underscored the significance of the project in the full implementation of government policies and programs in Nigeria. He highlighted…
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has expressed his appreciation for the recent Court of Appeal judgment that upheld his election victory, emphasizing the judiciary’s impartiality in Nigeria. In a statement released by Aliyu’s Press Secretary, Malam Abubakar Bawa, the governor attributed the triumph to the divine will of Almighty Allah, commending the judiciary for upholding truth and justice. Governor Aliyu called for collaboration with the opposition, urging them to join hands in ensuring the development of Sokoto State. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to delivering democratic dividends and emphasized ongoing efforts to eliminate bandits and criminals through sustained military…
Chukwuemeka Aaron, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has emphasized that the party is committed to impartiality and not aligned with any specific ethnic group within the state. Addressing the media in Port Harcourt, Aaron asserted that individuals who opposed Governor Siminialayi Fubara during the election are attempting to disrupt the party’s harmony covertly, cautioning that their efforts will be unsuccessful. Aaron expressed confidence in maintaining peace within the party and sternly warned those with disruptive intentions to refrain from their harmful schemes for the greater good of the state. Additionally, the State PDP…
In a recent development, the Lagos State Appeal Court has officially dismissed the petition brought forth by Tonye-Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Tonye-Cole sought the intervention of the Appeal Court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare him the victor of the March governorship election. Among his claims, he argued that Fubara continued to sign documents as the Accountant-General of the State despite his nomination as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, citing this as a violation. Allegations of irregularities in the election were also…
In a significant development, the Appeal Court in Lagos State is poised to deliver its judgment today on the governorship election petition brought by Patrick Tonye-Cole, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. The petition is against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The swift judgment comes just two weeks after both parties presented and adopted their final written addresses. Tonye-Cole’s plea to the court is to direct INEC to declare him the rightful winner of the March governorship election in Rivers. Central to his…
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointments of the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), expressing concerns over perceived partisanship among some appointees. Approximately a month ago, President Tinubu nominated 10 RECs, and their appointments were subsequently confirmed by the Senate. However, allegations of some RECs being involved in partisan politics have raised criticism. Jega, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, emphasized the importance of reviewing the appointments to address the concerns and maintain the integrity of elections. He stated, “I think there is no…
The Osun State Government has emphatically stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke adequately informed the state’s citizens about his working vacation to Europe and Asia. This marks the first time Governor Adeleke has taken a break since assuming office. Addressing recent reports circulating on various platforms, allegedly from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on New Media, the government, in a statement signed by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant (New Media) to Governor Adeleke, dismissed the information as false and attributed it to mischief makers. Badmus denied issuing the statement and urged the public to treat the information…