The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • UPDATED: Makinde absent as Atiku’s campaign suffers low turn-out in Ibadan

    UPDATED: Makinde absent as Atiku’s campaign suffers low turn-out in Ibadan

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde was conspicuously absent at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally in Ibadan, the state capital on Thursday.

    His absence also robbed the rally of the usual heavy crowd that normally attends governorship and presidential campaign rallies.

    Though the presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his team members hailed the Governor for allowing the rally to hold, and for mobilizing supporters to attend, the crowd fell heavily short of what is usually experienced at Mapo Hall during governorship and presidential campaigns.

    Crowds of supporters usually fill up to 500 meter radius around the hall while vehicular movements are usually hindered up to about 700 metres.

    But Thursday’s crowd only filled the frontage of the hall while residents were going about their normal businesses around the hall.

    Read Also : Seyi Makinde: Between the end and the means!

    The rally, which held at the historic Mapo Hall, attracted the national leadership of the party in attendance. The party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa were also joined by Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom).

    A former vice president Namadi Sambo; former Governors Achike Udenwa (Imo); Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Idris Wada (Kogi) and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, were also at the campaign.

    Makinde’s absence confirmed that the G5 crisis with the national leadership of the party was still firmly rooted, only five weeks to the election.

    The Integrity Group (aka G5 Governors), including Makinde, are demanding the resignation of the national chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to allow a southerner take over for the purpose of inclusiveness. They are Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuayi (Enugu).

    Though Atiku and all the party leaders spoke glowingly of Makinde at the event, commending him for giving the rally a favourable space, it was clear that all was not well with the PDP both nationally, and in Oyo State.

    Sent from my iPhone

  • I survived four miscarriages, says Rudeboy’s ex-wife

    I survived four miscarriages, says Rudeboy’s ex-wife

    Singer Rudeboy’s ex-wife Anita has recollected suffering four miscarriages during her marriage to the PSquare twin.

    In December 2017, acknowledging the sovereignty of God while appreciating Him for His goodness in dedicating her twins, Nathan and Nadia revealed she suffered four miscarriages before their birth.

    The mother of three also appreciated family and friends for their support and remembering her in their prayers.

    In a now-deleted post, sharing the flier of ‘The Wait’, a 2021 Nigerian faith-based drama film directed by Yemi Morafa and Fiyin Gambo, the creative strategist yet recollected her travail.

    Read Also : Tell us your presidential candidate, Rudeboy tells AY

    She noted seeing the movie stirred mixed emotions in her as it opened old wounds but thanked God it was all history now.

    “This movie had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Having gone through four miscarriages myself, it undoubtedly reopened closed wounds. But look at me today.

    “There is truly purpose in ‘The Wait’ and it truly is ‘WorthTheWait’. I am aware that occasionally silence can be unbearably loud. Trust God in his infinite mercy will (not) forsake you and it’s truly (a) privilege to #waitonGod. I am a living testimony,” she wrote.

  • Why G-5 Govs can’t join Atiku campaign, by Ortom

    Why G-5 Govs can’t join Atiku campaign, by Ortom

    Governors in the G-5 group cannot join the campaign of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar because the leadership of the PDP has made reconciliation impossible.

    Benue Governor Samuel Ortom who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday accused the PDP leadership of arrogance, impunity and mischief in the handling of the rift between Atiku and the G-5.

    The G-5, consisting five PDP Governors, is led by the Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike. Other Governors in the group are Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Ortom.

    The Governors have demanded the replacement of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu with another person from the South as condition to support Atiku.

    Read Also : Wike lists cardinal quality of preferred presidential candidate

    Ortom, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja, said: “So, no efforts by the leadership of our party have been able to address the issues that we are raising. They have not been able to adopt methods that will pacify and placate the G5, you know. This is not right. So, on the G5, that is where we are.

    “Arrogance, impunity, mischief, will not really help matters. One would expect humility; it is said that you stoop down to conquer even if you want to make it.”

    The Benue Governor expressed disappointment with some PDP leaders in the South who chickened out on the demand for power shift to the South.

    “I must say that I am disappointed with some of our PDP southern governors who chickened out, who sold out and chose to do something else.

    “In the APC, all the governors in the North allowed for power shift even when they have a majority. I must commend them for fighting for equity, fairness and justice, because they considered that the presidency should go to the south.

    “We (G-5) are committed to issues of integrity, issues of fairness, equity, and justice,” Ortom added.

    The Governor said the G-5 remained on course and will not back down on its demands, stressing that they have given the PDP leadership ample time to address the issues at stake.

    Continuing, the Benue Governor said: “I think we are on course as far as I am concerned with our group. As faithful party men, we have given enough time. And we are told that the failed leadership at the national level will take advantage of the opportunity we have given them to address those issues.

    “There are many ways of addressing issues even when you are not able to meet the demands of a group or individuals, you will find a way of meeting.

    “And then you find a meeting place where people decide to be arrogant, where they decide to be mischievous, and do things as if the other person does not exist and try to do some things with impunity, as if they have won election and they don’t need any other person. It becomes a problem.”

  • Stop forwarding church materials to me- Prince Eke

    Stop forwarding church materials to me- Prince Eke

    US-based Nollywood actor Prince Eke has appealed to the online community against sending him materials from New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), the popular daily live broadcast hosted by Pastor Jerry Eze or from any other church for that matter.

    He registered his displeasure in being sent any form of religious materials on an insta story post on Thursday.

    Eke said he doesn’t desire to receive such posts because he had no intention of reposting, watching, or even sharing them.

    According to the 45-year-old movie producer, individuals should learn not to disturb the peace of others with another man’s business being disguised as religion.

    Read Also : Prince Eke: I still pick up Muma Gee’s bills after divorce

    “Pls, I’d love to appeal to you guys. Do not forward me any materials from either NSPPD or any church at all to repost, watch or share”, he said.

    I have nothing personal against anybody but don’t use another man’s business disguised as religion to disturb my peace.”

    In a working system, 99% of your prayer points aren’t things you should pray for. We are all hustlers. Get your PVC,” he added.

  • BBTitans: Housemates lose first wager task

    BBTitans: Housemates lose first wager task

    The 20 housemates in the ongoing BBTitans with the theme Ziyakhala Wahala have lost their first wager task.

    The housemates concluded their task on the evening of day four.

    Though the housemates got some commendations from Biggie, it didn’t stop Biggie from penalising them for not doing very well.

    Biggie also asked Jenni O and Mmeli, the HoH, if the presentation was good enough for them to which they answered. Both Mmeli and Jenni O said the songs and presentation were good enough.

    Read Also : BBTitans: I might not go back if I visit Nigeria – Yaya 

    The housemates stake 75% of their wager for the week’s theme, “Here I am, who am I.”

    After they had lost their wager, Biggie stopped the housemates from discussing and wallowing in their loss by asking them to move out for the pool party.

  • Arsenal sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton

    Arsenal sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton

    Arsenal have completed the signing of Leandro Trossard for £27k from Brighton.

    The German is set to travel to Arsenal for medicals as soon as possible.

    He hopes to continue his fine form from Brighton, recording seven goals and three assists in 16 apps this season.

    Read Also : EPL: Gusty Arsenal sink Spurs to move eight clear

    Mykhaylo Mudryk was the top target but he has instead joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk. Arsenal were not prepared to pay the £88million the Ukrainian club were demanding.

    Arteta is eager to strengthen his attack as his side looks to hold on to their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, and in Trossard they would be securing a ready-made addition with experience in the English game who is eager to move on.

  • Tinubu will get Nigeria back on track, says TSN

    Tinubu will get Nigeria back on track, says TSN

    The Tinubu/Shettima Network (TSN) on Thursday said the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima will get Nigeria back on track if elected.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Unity fountain Abuja after trekking from their office in Wuse Il to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat down to the Tinubu campaign office in central area before settling at the Unity fountain, the National Chairman of TSN, Dr Kailani Muhammad, said the trek has sent a strong redemption message to Nigerians.

    “The Tinubu Shettima Network (TSN) has earmarked this day, the 19th of January, 2023, to embark on a solidarity “Walk The Talk Trek, to send a strong redemption message to Nigerians.

    “Our message is simple, clear and critical in the resolve to get our dear country Nigeria, back on the pedestal of re-invention and development, such that will propel us from the clutches of poverty, insecurity and unemployment, to continue work on the economic diversification template of the President Muhammadu Buhari initiative.

    Read Also : APC postpones Tinubu/Shettima campaign rally in Taraba

    “We embark on this “Walk The Trek”, from our National Headquarters, traversing other areas in the FCT to Unity Fountain, as a sign of the victory of Bola Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shetima as President and Commander-in-Chief and Vice President respectively, at the Presidential election of 25th February 2023.

    “This brings me to the dynamics of the political space in our country as of today. Of the contenders for the exalted Office of the Presidency, we have supposed forerunners/ candidates, namely; Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu of our great party, the APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    “All these candidates have fixed their gaze on the exalted office of the President of Nigeria, when President Muhammadu Buhari finally leaves Office on the 29th of May, 2023.

    “We are calling on Nigerians with PVCs with a loud voice, not to listen to the voices of dissent, but to come out en masse and cast their votes for the Tinubu/ Shettima presidency, ” Muhammad said.

  • IG didn’t get tenure extension, says Minister

    IG didn’t get tenure extension, says Minister

    Police Affairs Minister, Dr. Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, on Thursday described as misrepresentation, reports that Inspector General of Police (IG) Alkali Usman‘s tenure has been extended.

    Dingyadi said the clarification was necessary as he only emphasised that Alkali’s appointment in 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari was for four years in line with the Police Act, 2020.

    A statement by his media aide, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen, quoted Sections 7(3) and 7(6) of the Police Act which clearly provides the appointment and tenure of an IGP.

    He said: “The Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, has noted with concern misrepresentation of his response on the tenure for Inspector-General of Police by some sections of the media, following his engagement with State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House on Wednesday 18th January, 2023.

    Read Also : ‘Why IG Usman’s tenure was extended’

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister during the media engagement also responded to inquiries on retirement date of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP. Usman Alkali Baba,
    CFR.
    “For clarity purposes, IGP. Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 6th April, 2021.

    “His appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council headed by Mr. President in June, 2021 for a single tenure of four years as provided for, in Section 7(3), and Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020 which amongst others states “that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years”.

    “These provisions of 2020 amended Police Acts should not be misconstrued for tenure extension as erroneously reported in some sections of the media.”

  • Abducted Edo train passengers freed, says NRC

    Abducted Edo train passengers freed, says NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed all abducted passengers at the Chief Tom Ikimi Railway Station Ekehen, in Igueben, Edo State have been released.

    In a statement by the NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations Mahmood Yakub, the Corporation stated that all the affected persons have been released to their families.

    Read Also : Abuja-Kaduna Train: NRC construct two overpasses at Kubwa

    The statement stated that none of the victims was hurt or injured during their period of captivity and release.

    The NRC Board and Management also appreciated the role, patience and cooperation of the families of the victims and appreciated the roles played by the security agencies, State Government and those who contributed to the release of the victims.

  • Court strikes out suit against Buhari, others over NDDC board appointments

    Court strikes out suit against Buhari, others over NDDC board appointments

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit brought against President Muhammadu Buhari and some others to challenge the recent constitution of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The plaintiff, Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor, who claimed to be a stakeholder from the Itsekiri extraction, alleged in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1069/2019 that the appointment was lopsided.

    In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo struck the suit on the grounds that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to approach the court on the issue raised.

    Justice Ekwo, who upheld the objection raised by the defendants, held that the provision of Section 2 of the NDDC Act 2000 is specific that any suit on any infraction in matters relating to NDDC can only be instituted by corporate persons and not individuals like the plaintiff.

    The Judge further held that the law was clear that the power to file any case to challenge infractions in the NDDC can not be delegated by proxy to anybody.

    Justice Ekwo added that if those empowered by the law to challenge infractions in the NDDC appointments refuse or neglect to act, then they do not consider it a material infraction or infraction at all.

    “The consequence of lack of locus standi is dire and the courts have been unwavering in making pronouncements on it.

    Read Also : Diri to NDDC board: focus on impactful regional projects

    “It is the law that the claims must be struck out when a plaintiff is found to be lacking locus standi.

    “I am bound to follow the law, and I hereby make an order striking out the case of the plaintiff.”

    Listed as defendants with President Buhari are the NDDC, the Senate, Dr. Pius Odubu, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The plaintiff had among others, prayed the court to invoke Sections 4 and 12 of the NDDC Act to order President Buhari to appoint indigenes of oil-producing areas of Delta State as Chairman in specific compliance with Section 4 of the Act.

    She also sought an order compelling President Buhari to appoint an Itsekiri indigene from oil-producing areas of Delta State as the Managing Director of the NDDC.

    The plaintiff also urged the court to declare that President Buhari is under a legal obligation to comply with all laws relating to appointments in the NDDC.