The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Wamakko, two Sokoto Reps win at tribunal

    Wamakko, two Sokoto Reps win at tribunal

    The Election Petition Tribunal in Sokoto State has validated the election of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, dismissing the petition filed by the opposition PDP and its candidate, Muhammad Manir Dan Iya for lacking in merit and awarded N250,000 cost to the respondent.

    The petitioners had challenged the respondent at the tribunal on the grounds of non-qualification, vote buying, and non-compliance with the electoral act.

    Delivering judgment, the three-man tribunal panel led by Justice Josephine Echesi, said the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt with evidence citing already decided cases.

    The Judge also awarded N250,000 cost to the respondent.

    Read Also: Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa elections: IGP, CDS read riot act to troublemakers

    Meanwhile, the tribunal has upheld the elections of two representative members, Hon. Bala Hassan Abubakar (APC) and Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP) dismissing the petition filed against the duo for lacking in merit.

    Abdullahi Abubakar (PDP) and Hon. Bala Kokani of the (APC) were challenging the elections of the two representing Sokoto North /Sokoto South and Tambuwal / Kebbe Federal Constituencies of Sokoto State at the tribunal on the 2023 polls.

    In its ruling, the tribunal led by Justice Echesi dismissed the petition on grounds that it lacked merit and could not evidently prove its case.

    It awarded N250,000 costs to the respondent against Hon. Kokani.

  • Buratai becomes Betera of Biu Emirate

    Buratai becomes Betera of Biu Emirate

    Olowu of Kuta, Osun State, Oba Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian High Commissioner to Benin Republic,  Lt Gen Tukur Yussuf Buratai (rtd) as he becomes Betera of Biu Emirate, Borno State.

    Olowu, in a statement issued by his media office, felicitated Buratai, who has been recognised across the country for his achievements as a soldier and a diplomat.

    The monarch said Buratai had acquainted himself creditably, and that explains why he’s being recognised across the country and beyond.

    Read Also: Lagos APC congratulates Tinubu, Nigerians

    The monarch said the dignitary from all walks of life who thronged the Biu Emirate in Borno State to honour the former Army Chief is an attestation to his good works, which have continued to speak for him. The epoch-making event took place at the Emir of Biu’s Palace, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustafa Umar Mustafa II, CON. By this appointment, Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) will be among the kingmakers of the emirate as the title is the third in the hierarchy of traditional title holders of Biu Emirate

    In attendance were the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur; Former COAS,  LT General  Farouk Yahaya; Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, HRH  (Dr.) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (CON) (Tegbosun III),  traditional rulers, and a host of other eminent personalities.

    Apart from being a retired military general and an ambassador, the former Army Chief, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, the Garkuwan Keffi, the Jagunmolu of Sakiland.

  • Court rejects Binani’s suit to stop prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC

    Court rejects Binani’s suit to stop prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election in Adamawa, Senator Aishatu Dahiru (Binani).

    Binani had, by the suit, sought to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police from proceeding with their planned prosecution of the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, pending the conclusion of hearing in her petition before Adamawa Election Petition Tribunal.

    INEC and the police had planned to prosecute Yunusa-Ari for his alleged unlawful declaration of Binan as the winner of the March 18 governorship poll.

    Read Also: Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa elections: IGP, CDS read riot act to troublemakers

    In a judgment on Friday, Justice Donatus Okorowo upheld the preliminary objection raised by INEC and held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit,  marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023.

    Although Justice Okorowo agreed with Binani that she disclosed a reasonable course of action in the matter, he however held that the court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to hear the case.

    “The preliminary objection succeeds and the case is hereby struck out. This is the order of this court,” Justice Okorowo said.

  • Kano governor proposes N350 billion for 2024

    Kano governor proposes N350 billion for 2024

    Governor of Kano State, Abba  Kabir Yusuf, on Friday, presented an Appropriation Bill of N350 billion to the state House of Assembly for the fiscal.

    Yusuf called the appropriation bill “Budget of Restoration and Transformation,” saying it is a product of full cooperation and dedication, to change the narrative in Kano state.

    According to the budget, total recurrent expenditure amounts to N357.9 billion. Internally expected revenues, through IGR, stands at N100.7 billion.

    The expected capital receipt was given as N39.265 billion.

    Revenue recurrent expenditure stands at N134.4 billion, representing 38 percent. Salaries of civil servants and political office holders will have N85.739 billion, even as allowances, overheads, and other expenditures will gulp N78.4 billion.

    Read Also: Lagos APC congratulates Tinubu, Nigerians

    Capital expenditure was given as N215.2 billion, taking 62 percent of the total budgetary allocations.

    Education took the lion’s share of N95.389 billion, representing 29.97 percent of the total budget.

    Health got N51.4 billion, works and housing N40.4 billion, transport-N4.8 billion, and physical planning. N5.1 billion, while agriculture was allocated N11 billion.

    For other sectors, Security and Law and Justice got N11 billion, Water N34.4 billion, and Rural and Community Development N5.3 billion.

    Women, Youth and Sport was allocated N8.9 billion, Commerce and Tourism N3.5 billion, Environment N8.1 billion and General Administration N45.1 billion.

    Yusuf said his government will block possible leakages to ensure prudence, accountability, and transparency while implementing the budget.

    He noted that human capital development, the welfare of the Kano people, security of lives, provision of strategic health, achieving food security, creating opportunity for job creation, and strengthening inter and nongovernmental partnerships are cardinal principles of his administration.

    The State House of Assembly promised expedient deliberations in order to pass the budget on time.

  • Be patient, Tinubu committed to abundant life, Abiodun tells Nigerians

    Be patient, Tinubu committed to abundant life, Abiodun tells Nigerians

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has assured Nigerians of abundant life engendered by various economic reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu,  saying there is light at the end of the present tunnel in Nigeria.

    Prince Abiodun identified some key factors contributing to the bad state economy in the country, including the annulment of the 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by the late Moshood Abiola.

    The Governor, spoke at the Osun NUJ award program as part of the activities marking the  2023 press week, held in Osogbo, Osun State capital,  as  Keynote Speaker,  as he bagged the award of excellence as Icon of Developmental Governance &Inclusivity.

    Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy,  Kayode Akinmade said the current economic and security challenges informed the concept of the renewed hope mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which according to him signifies a pragmatic approach and sound decision as a way of changing the old order.

    Read Also: Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa elections: IGP, CDS read riot act to troublemakers

    Speaking on the topic ” Nigerian Economy, Political Evolution: Prospect or Retrospect and Way Forward”, Abiodun said many analysts and experts in political economy have identified major issues and challenges in Nigerian politics, giving particular attention to the evolution of the federal system, aspects of political competition, and the nature of ruling groups.

    “They enunciated the links among political demands and incentives, economic strategy, and capitalist development and analysed the evolution of economic policy and performance, looking specifically at the impact of large oil revenues, agrarian policies, and the programme of economic liberalization.

    Meanwhile, Gov Dapo Abiodun, Rave FM CEO, Dr. Femi Adefila, Osun State University, Dr Mobolaji Olaoye, Dr SAN Akinwumi Isaac Tope, EHOAN, Southwest President among other prominent Nigerians were honored with award of excellence.

  • I was underrated because of my dancing skills, says Adeleke

    I was underrated because of my dancing skills, says Adeleke

    • Unveils N100b projects

    The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said many people underrated him when he was sworn-in as governor because he used to dance. Adeleke speaking on Friday while unveiling N100billion infrastructural projects boosted that he has surprised his critics with his performance since he was sworn in.

    Speaking at Exco lounge, Governor’s office, Abere, Osun State, Adeleke noted that he used the last 11 months to address the over 90 percent infrastructure deficit his administration inherited.

    According to him, “By today’s event, our administration is building the confidence of the investing public. Osun state is ready and open for business. By investing so much in infrastructure upgrades, we are laying the foundation for effective public private partnership. We are getting set to key into infra financing opportunities as long as it will not add to the financial burden of the state. Let me declare here that the infra plan I am about to unveil is purely state sponsored without any loan from financial institutions.”

    Read Also: Lagos APC congratulates Tinubu, Nigerians

    He added that the government is hitting the ground running immediately after the launch, noting that “We are complying with all procurement laws and due process.”

    He highlighted that 345 health centers will be rehabilitated, commencement of construction of 332 boreholes, rehabilitation of 45 roads of at least one kilometer in each of the 30 mother local governments, making a total of 45 Kilometers, dualisation of roads in Osogbo, Ede and Ilesha.

     “We are going to construct of five Flyovers to ease traffic accidents and traffic jams in Osogbo(2), one in Ikirun, one in Ife and one in Owode-Ede among other projects.”

    He added that, “all these projects shall be completed within 12 months by the grace of God. It is therefore my honour and privilege to flag off the multi- Billion Naira Infrastructure Development of Osun.”

  • Owu Day: Monarch, leaders preach peaceful co-existence

    Owu Day: Monarch, leaders preach peaceful co-existence

    Indigenes of Owu communities in Ogun State have been urged to eschew violence and embrace peace for harmonious co-existence with their neighbors. The Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye,organised a reception in honour of the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola at the palace of Olu of Iju Gbalefa kingdom, Ado- Odo/Ota Local Government, Oba Olufemi Sodeinde on Tuesday.

    The event was organised by the Gbalefa/ Sango/ Ijoko (GSI- ISOKAN) Forum as part of the activities marking the 2023 Owu Day. Oba Ogunleye, who represented Oba Matemilola on the occasion said that Owu people are noted for their restrained temperament in the face of provocation urging the people to shun any form of violence to ventilate their reaction when provoked by their neighbours.

    ”We know ourselves and history very well. Iju Gbalefa is an ancient Owu community founded by a famed Owu warrior called Gbalefa. This town was a forest before Gbalefa settled here and the present monarch of the town, Oba Olufemi Shodeinde is a grandson of Gbalefa.

    Read Also: Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa elections: IGP, CDS read riot act to troublemakers

     ” As far as we are concerned, Iju is our home; Owu people are not known to be cowards but we want peace to reign wherever we are hence we are embracing dialogue with our Awori neighbours and the current Olota of Ota, Oba AbdulKabir Obalenlege and Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola are highly educated and rational monarchs who have advocated that dialogue is the best way out of any conflict.”

    In his words, the chairman of Gbalefa Elder Council and Asoju Oba of Iju, Reverend Ebenezer Oyeyemi also urged the town’s and Owu people’s indigenes to avoid conflict with neighbouring communities.”There is no need for fighting our Awori neighbours; our leaders and theirs have initiated dialogue to foster peaceful co-existence.”

    The chairman of the GSI Visitation Committee, Chief Bolaji Babalola expressed confidence that the Owu Day celebration would usher in harmonious relationships with neighbouring communities.

  • Naira Marley threatens legal action against K-Solo for defamation

    Naira Marley threatens legal action against K-Solo for defamation

    Naira Marley has instructed his lawyers to institute a defamation suit against Nigerian record producer Solomon Oyeniyi aka K-Solo.

    This is coming after K-Solo alleged that Naira Marley is directly or indirectly involved in the tragic demise of his former signee, Mohbad.

    According to Naira Marley’s lawyers, K-Solo made the statement in a recent edition of a TV show, Rubbin Mind where he said, “Naira Marley is involved [in Mohbad’s death]. He cannot tell me he is not involved. He has a hand in his death.” These claims, without any substantial evidence (developments have clearly shown Naira is not directly or remotely connected to his death) have caused serious damage to Naira Marley’s reputation.

    Naira Marley’s lawyers noted that K-Solo will find himself facing legal repercussions for unfounded accusations made against the Marlian Music CEO.

    The lawyer further stressed that lawsuit is necessary because K-Solo’s claims, without any substantial evidence (developments have clearly shown Naira is not directly or remotely connected to his death), have caused serious damage to Naira Marley’s reputation.

    Read Also: Why I maltreated Ilebaye in the All-Stars season – Doyin

    The lawyers went further to express that accusations of this nature not only tarnish the image of the accused but also perpetuate baseless claims that have spread like wildfire because individuals like K-Solo and others have spearheaded the campaign of calumny against the person of Naira for reasons best known to them.

    “In time past, we kept quiet because we wanted to honour the memory of the dead and honour the relationship with him but we realised many people are setting a negative agenda and spreading negative narrative against Naira Marley.

    “We will no longer fold our hands and watch people with a negative agenda drag Naira Marley, neither would we allow them achieve their aim of declaring him guilty for an offence he did not commit at all cost. From this moment on anyone who alleges must present concrete proof not only on the internet but also in the Court of Law. Every falsehood and rumour will be met with severity and full weight of law,” Naira Marley’s legal advisers said in a statement.

    Naira Marley has consistently refuted any involvement in Mohbad’s tragic passing and has vehemently denied the allegations put forth by K-Solo. We will give K-Solo the opportunity of providing evidence and proving his accusation, same honour he didn’t extend to Naira-fair hearing.

  • How Orijin celebrated Fela’s Legacy at 2023 Felabration

    How Orijin celebrated Fela’s Legacy at 2023 Felabration

    The Freedom Park edition of Felabration, themed “Question Jam Answer,” captured the enduring legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, uniting cultural heritage with a resonant celebration. The Orijin brand, inspired by the African roots that drive the global influence of Afrobeat, took centre stage while offering a narrative that complements the rhythms of the event.

    The event, themed “Question Jam Answer,” harmoniously blended excellence and cultural celebration in honour of the Afrobeat founder, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

    The African roots behind Afrobeat music created by Fela Anikulapo ‘Baba70’ have been a wellspring of inspiration for countless talents, leading to the rise of superstars who have taken Afrobeat to the global stage, earning prestigious awards like the Grammys, BET Awards, and numerous other international accolades.

    Read Also: Indecent dressing: Solomon Buchi defends Maraji against internet trolls

    Throughout the week, Freedom Park resonated with creativity and self-expression providing a platform for live music performances, spanning a spectrum of genres from jazz to reggae, highlife, and electrifying cover renditions of Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat classics.

    Over 90 distinguished artists from different continents took the stage. The line-up included Fela Anikulapo’s protégé, Dede Mabiaku, the UK-based Ezra Collective, the versatile Greek-born scientist and musician Salvador Sango, and legendary Jamaican acts. The event reached its climax when Sir Shina Peters added his flair with a high-energy performance, joining a diverse assembly of local and international talents.

    Uche Onwudiwe, Marketing Manager, Mainstream Spirits & RTS, Guinness Nigeria, expressed, “Orijin’s partnership with Felabration is a testament to the inspirational power of African roots and creativity. It reflects our dedication to nurturing culture, talent, and the deep-rooted heritage of the now-winning African entertainment industry.”

  • Uzoma Omenka laments injustice in ‘Freedom’

    Uzoma Omenka laments injustice in ‘Freedom’

    Record label executive and singer Uzoma Day Omenka aka Uzo has released his latest single, ‘Freedom.’

    According to Uzo, who is the former manager of the late reggae musician, Majek Fashek, his latest song was born out of the need for mankind to embrace peace and he performed the song at the 2023 editions of Black History event and Independence Day in London.

    He said: “I don’t just sing for singing sake. I pass messages in all of my songs. This is no exception. Freedom starts from home. Let me start from our local background. You are somebody’s father, your daughter brings home a man who wants to marry her. You begin to discriminate saying he doesn’t have anything. Or you meet abroad and maybe he doesn’t have legal papers forgetting that someday he would get his papers and your daughter would be happy for it but you deprive your daughter of her joy. She is not free, you are not free.

    Read Also: Indecent dressing: Solomon Buchi defends Maraji against internet trolls

    Take a look at the security guards guarding prisoners. They are not free, the prisoners are not free because the security personnel would be constantly watching.”

    Continuing, he said, “It is often cumbersome to go through African borders but one can freely move from one European border to the other. The sad part is that it is the bad eggs that are wickedly dealing with the good ones especially in our country. A substantial percentage of those in jail are the good ones convicted by the bad ones. Look at the bad records of some prominent people in government. They are the ones being celebrated instead of being punished. People that ought to be celebrated are being punished. If all these things can change, the world would be so free for all of us.”