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PDP, LP in battle over opposition role

• ‘LP lacks basis to claim top spot’

Leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) yesterday disagreed over which is the main opposition platform.

Presidential candidate of the LP in last year’s general election, Mr. Peter Obi drew the ire of the PDP with his claim in his New Year message in which he rates the LP ahead of it.

The former governor of Anambra State said the party will continue to adjust to its new role as the main opposition party.

But, objecting to LP’s claim to a superior opposition status, PDP leaders said LP was day dreaming and evading reality.

While PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest) Kamoru Ajisafe berated the LP for a shortfall in objectivity, its former governorship candidate in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) said LP’s claim lacked substance.

Former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi said LP’s claim was absurd and laughable.

According to the results of the presidential, governorship and parliamentary elections announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), LP came third. It trailed the PDP which was defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obi and the LP, despite coming third, challenged the result declared by INEC before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), claiming that it won. It took the matter to the Supreme Court, but lost at both levels.

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In his statement, Obi said the nation must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state.

He said: “We in Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a new Nigeria that is possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward.

“Our collective role in nation building remains fundamental and obligatory.

Reflecting on the outcome of the elections, he said it is on record that it was contested in the court, which made the final pronouncement.

Obi added: “I wish to thank members of the Labour Party, the Obidient Family, friends and well-wishers of Nigeria for their loyalty, resilience, tenacity and commitment to true democracy.

“We will continue ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to our new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party.

“We will continue to constructively engage all Nigerians and our friends, who have now realised the vast implications of the road not taken; and the folly of national interest decisions predicated on sentiments and primordial interests.”

Taking exception to Obi’s claim to number one position for LP in the opposition, Ajisafe said the claim lacked basis.

He said: “I don’t know what basis they will claim to be the main opposition party when PDP has more spread than Labour Party in terms of governors, senators, House of Representatives members. What basis?

“Labour Party has not even been criticising the government as a group or as a party, except what Obi and his running mate are doing individually.”

The Southwest PDP leader said the LP claim lacked justification at a time the party is seriously battling with intra-party crisis arising from disputation over its national chairmanship.

Ajisafe stressed: “The activities of the PDP are not hidden. You can see the activities of our party and individuals in PDP. They are playing their opposition roles well. By March, it will become clearer.

“There is a limit to how you can manipulate the system. Labour Party does not have the strength to claim the number one position in the opposition. Where is their evidence?

“Labour Party does not enjoy the same spread that PDP enjoys. Labour Party is having leadership problem. Who is their national chairman? It is a contentious issue. There is no division in the PDP. But Labour Party is in court with its national leadership.”

Jegede, who is a top stalwart from Ondo State, said Obi’s claim amounted to wishful thinking.

He said: “You said they are claiming to be the main opposition party. Anybody can claim. Everybody knows who is the main opposition party. It is us the PDP and not the Labour Party.”

Odeyemi chided Obi for regression into absurdity, saying that he made a false claim.

He said: “It is very absurd for the Labour Party that is just finding its way on the political scene to call itself the main opposition party in Nigeria. It is even laughable for Labour Party, which hardly controls a state, unlike the PDP which has many senators, House of Representatives members and governors, to call itself the main opposition party.”

Odeyemi added: “PDP is the main opposition party. Labour Party should stop being radical unnecessarily and give support to the main opposition party instead of laying claim.”

January 2, 2024
First Lady, VP’s wife, minister, others visit ailing actor Zack Orji

• Thespian in stable condition

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has visited ailing Nollywood actor, Mr. Zack Orji, at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Mrs. Tinubu was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; the wife of the Minister for Works, Mrs. Rachael Umahi; and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Bello Matawalle, among others.

The First Lady was at the hospital to celebrate the first baby of the year.

Read Also; I’ll justify the trust Nigerians place on me – Tinubu

Though the details of her visit to the veteran actor were sketchy last night, it was gathered that she was with the actor for about 13 minutes.

It was learnt that the actor’s health has improved since getting to the hospital, following the intervention of Kennedy-Ohanenye at ensuring that he got the best medical attention the national hospital could offer.

“He has started talking. He is in stable condition. His wife is by his side. We really thank God for him,” the National Hospital Public Relations Officer (PRO) Tayo Hastrup told The Nation on phone yesterday.

Orji was conveyed to the National Hospital at the weekend after he reportedly slumped in his toilet.

January 2, 2024
Fed Govt to revoke more mining licences in 2024, says Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said the Federal Government will revoke more mining licences for other categories of defaulters this year.

Alake issued the warning in his New Year message to Nigerians yesterday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had revoked 1,633 mining licences from those who defaulted in the payment of annual service fees in 2023.

The minister said the Federal Government was prioritising value addition for prospective investors in the mining sector, adding that the era of carting away Nigeria’s resource was over.

“The era of just carting away our resources is over. We want to see practical plans to develop these raw materials into finished products or plans to add value to host communities before we even license new operators.

Read Also; New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

“This is pertinent so that the mining sector can lead the way in industrialisation, create massive jobs for our teeming young population, and contribute substantially to economic development in the new year.

“Our plans to tackle the menace of insecurity in mining areas alongside the activities of illegal miners, through a rejigged security architecture, is well on course.

“In a short while, we will see the result of months of engagement with heads of security agencies as we are poised to rout those plundering Nigeria’s mineral resources,” he said.

The minister said the mining sector would experience a major leap this year to contribute to increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said this was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of diversifying the economy through renewed focus on solid minerals.

According to him, reforms in the sector will yield tremendous results in the new year.

“On our part in the Solid Minerals Development Ministry, we will be consolidating on reforms that commenced with our ambitious Seven-Point Agenda, on assumption of office, four months ago,” the minister said.

Alake assured Nigerians that an efficient governance structure that would transform the opaque nature of the mining sector would crystallise this year.

January 2, 2024
NBA opens portal, digital app for payment of practice fee

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has opened a portal and digital app for payment of 2024 Bar Practising Fee (BPF) which is effective January 1, 2024.

This was contained in a statement issued by the NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite.

The statement reminded lawyers of an earlier statement instructing them of the mode of payment of the fee.

It stated: “As earlier communicated in my previous circulars, BPF payments can only be done via the NBA Portal or the new NBA Digital App.

“All members of the association who are yet to onboard on the portal are hereby advised to immediately proceed to create their unique profile on the NBA portal.

“The link to the NBA Portal is hereunder provided: https://portal.nigerianbar.org.ng/

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“The new NBA Digital App is not only robust and user friendly, it is most effective and efficient. To download the NBA Digital App, please follow the instructions below:

“ For iPhone/Apple devices, please visit iOS (App Store) or use the link below: https://apps.apple.com/ng/app/nba-digital-app/id6464066248; “ For android devices, please visit Google Playstore or use the link below: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ng.org.nigerianbar

It stated that there are two NBA Apps on Playstore presently.

The statement advised lawyers to “ the above link to download the valid NBA App on Playstore.

“While we are currently making efforts to take down the previously uploaded app, which is presently redundant, it is important that you are able to distinguish between the redundant app and the valid one.”

The statement also listed the NBA Digital App distinguishing features:

“ The Name- The valid NBA Digital App bears the name “NBA Digital App” while the redundant App bears “Digital NBA App”.

“ The Logo- The NBA logo on the valid App has a shade of lemon green, while the redundant App bears the regular NBA green logo.

“Bar Services- It is only on the valid NBA App that you can access Bar Services, ranging from payment of Bar Practicing Fee to Find a Lawyer, Explore Career Opportunities, Verify NIN and generate NBA ID amongst others.”

January 2, 2024
Land allocation: Ministry gets firm’s pre-action notice

An oil firm, World Oil Industries Limited, has issued a pre-action notice to the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, over an alleged encroachment on its land.

The firm threatened to sue the ministry and Sola Giwa, an aide of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, for allegedly attempting to illegally take over its land at the Ikate Elegushi area of Lagos.

In the notice signed by one of the lawyers, Kehinde Adeyemi, the firm accused Giwa and some employees of the ministry of encroaching on its land and allegedly allocating it to Sawgrass Multi Solutions Nigeria Limited as a car lot.

World Oil also alleged an attempt on December 29 by security agents to evict World Oil Petrol forcefully.

The oil firm alleged that Giwa had earlier issued a guit notice to World Oil and erected a sign stating that the Lagos State Ministry of Transport owns the land.

It is, therefore, urging the Commissioner to intervene, or it will be left with another option to institute a suit against the Ministry and others involved.

Read Also; New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

The letter reads: “Our client is the legal and beneficial owner of all the land at Block 44 Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki Lagos.

“It is upon this described address that our client built and operates a World oil filling station and has since been in undisturbed possession of the said land.

“On the 2nd day of December 2023, our client observed an unprecedented encroachment on a portion of the land owned and controlled by our client.

“Our client would later be aware that the allocation was approved by the Ministry of Transportation to Sawgrass Multi Solutions Nig. Ltd as a car lot.

“This wrongful allocation of our clients’ land to another business, if allowed, will cause a drastic disservice to our client’s business.

“It will, without any doubt, limit the daily sales of all fuel products and disturbingly restrain motorists from quickly accessing the filing station to purchase fuel.

“We are, therefore, constrained to write you to reverse this wrongful allocation and brazen encroachment of our clients’ land by Sawgrass Multi Solutions Limited as it is strange and an attempt to upset the peaceful usage and control of the land by our client.

“Please be advised that if no response Is given within seven days of your receipt of this letter, we shall, without further recourse to you, take necessary legal steps against the Ministry and other necessary parties.”

January 2, 2024
Court decides NBA’s case against ex-minister

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has won a suit filed against a former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal in a statement, said the suit was filed over her comments in respect of a Federal High Court judgment in suit no FHC/YL/CS/12/2022.

According to Lawal, the NBA Incorporated Trustees on December 14, 2022 took out an originating summons against Dame Pauline Tallen, who at the time was Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, over her public comments made in respect of the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/YL/12/2022 between Mallam Nuhu Ribadu v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & 2 Ors.

He said judgment was delivered in the matter on October 14, 2022.

“Dame Pauline Tallen had on October 15, 2022 described the court decision as “a kangaroo judgment that should be rejected by well-meaning Nigerians.”

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“The aforesaid statement by the former minister was widely circulated in both social and print media, and it was particularly reported by most of the major newspapers in the country including the Punch and Guardian Newspapers.

“By a letter dated November 14, 2022, the NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN had written to the former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development demanding her to withdraw the said disparaging comments and tender an unreserved and public apology to the Court, failing which the NBA would institute an action against her as being unfit to continue to hold any public office in Nigeria.

“This letter was never responded to and the demands therein were not complied with, hence the institution of Suit No: CV/816/2016 before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.”

He said that on December 18, 2023, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory decided in favour of the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA and against the defendant, Dame Pauline Tallen in Suit No: CV/816/2022 who was represented by Mssrs. J.K. Gadzama LLP.

“Consequently, the Court declared that the said statement of Dame Pauline Tallen (the Defendant) was unconstitutional, careless, reckless, disparaging, a call to disobey the judgment of court and therefore contemptuous of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

“The Court also granted among other reliefs, an injunction restraining Dame Pauline Tallen (the Defendant) from holding any public office in Nigeria, unless she purges herself of the ignoble conduct by publishing a personally signed apology letter to Nigerians and the Judiciary on a full page of the Punch and Guardian Newspapers.

“The Court ordered that the injunction restraining the defendant from holding any public office in Nigeria shall become perpetual if she fails to abide by the order directing her to publish an apology letter within 30 days. The enrolled order can be accessed here: https://blog.nigerianbar.org.ng/2023/12/18/nba-wins-suit-against-dame-pauline-tallen-former-minister-of-women-affairs-and-social-development-over-kangaroo-public-comments-made-in-respect-of-the-federal-high-court-judgment-in/

The NBA National Publicity Secretary said the association shall remain committed to maintaining, advancing and defending the integrity of the judiciary, and we will ensure that all those who seek to denigrate the judiciary are brought to book.

“The NBA shall also not fail to call out any judicial officer who fails to abide by his judicial code of conduct, even as we urge judicial officers to take their oath seriously, and avoid actions and omissions that will give the appearance of compromise.

The NBA President thanked all members of the legal team that prosecuted this suit namely; Aikpokpo Martins, Olukunle Edun, Eseagwu Augustine Nwabueze, Anne Agi, Nwabueze Obasi-Obi, T.J.J Danjuma and Tosin Amadi.

January 2, 2024
Ayangburen to Lagos govt: upgrade Ikorodu General Hospital to teaching hospital

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, has appealed to Lagos State Government to upgrade Ikorodu General Hospital to a teaching hospital.

Shotobi made the appeal when he visited the hospital to distribute gifts to the first baby of the year in Ikorodu yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first baby, a female, was delivered by Mrs Mosunmola Awodehinde at about 12:05am, weighing 3.2 kg.

The second baby, a male, was delivered by Mrs Kadijat Ahmad at about 12:10 a.m., while the third, also a male, was delivered by Mrs Omosalewa Fagbemi at about 1:27am.

NAN reports that cash and baby materials were distributed to the three women by the traditional ruler, accompanied by his wife, Olori Kudirat, and care givers.

Read Also; I’ll justify the trust Nigerians place on me – Tinubu

Oba Shotobi cautioned health professional against engaging in ‘Japa’ syndrome, saying they should rather be patient, as the current government was working on ways of reviving the economy, especially the health sector.

“This visit is our usual tradition to see the performances of health professionals, the first baby of the year and give thanks to Almighty God for blessing Ikorodu.

“I am appealing to the state government to upgrade this hospital to a teaching hospital that will accommodate more dialysis centre.

“I am delighted that the value of this hospital is appreciating. I have come to see, witness and give my own personal thought and recommendations.

“In all modesty, the doctors and nurses are doing wonderfully well and I can say that the hospital is best among equals,” he said.

The royal father also called governments at all levels to upgrade the welfare of medical professionals in order to discourage them from migrating abroad. Much value was placed on their services.

He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving the hospital the necessary tools to ensure an efficient service delivery in the health sector.

“I appeal to our doctors and nurses to be patient; things will get better very soon; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to revamp the health sector,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Taiwo Hassan, called for declaration of state of emergency on health professionals, as part of measures to address the challenges bedevelling the health sector.

He advised government to put in place measures that would discourage health professionals from migrating to other countries.

He said the hospital had been consistently providing timely and good quality services for citizens of Ikorodu since its establishment 40 years ago.

Hassan noted that the general hospital had won numerous awards, both locally and internationally, due to its efficient service delivery.

“We have advised that Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals should be upgraded to teaching hospitals.

“When we have teaching hospitals, the rate of producing doctors will increase and they will be more than enough to render their services.

“Consequently, they will have no option but to stay back and bring their experience to bear on the system,” he said.

January 2, 2024
Fire guts Enugu market

Enugu State Fire Service has saved goods worth millions of naira during a New Year Eve inferno that broke out at Orba International Market in Udenu Local Government.

The Director of Enugu State Fire Service, Mr Okwudiri Ohaa, made this known yesterday in Enugu.

He said the timely intervention of officers and men of the service prevented the fire from affecting the entire market.

The director, who could not ascertain the cause of the fire, said the state fire service operatives deployed two trucks that quenched the fire in record time.

Read Also; I’ll justify the trust Nigerians place on me – Tinubu

“Immediately we got the information, our office in Udenu area responded swiftly, and extinguished the fire to avoid further destruction of more goods at the big international market.

“I must appreciate residents that contacted us in time, and I commend our gallant operatives that responded swiftly,” he said.

A resident of Orba community where the market is domiciled, Mr Sunday Eze, said shops affected are those selling foams, gallons, drinks, provisions and other materials.

“Millions of naira have been lost. It is a pity because the shop owners were not around. All the goods in the affected shops in that line were completely destroyed.

“It is sad to begin the New Year with such a disaster.

“However, we thank the Enugu State Fire Service for responding in time and securing the market from fire escalation,” Eze added.

January 2, 2024
Police confirm passengers abduction in Cross River

The Police in Cross River have confirmed the abduction of some passengers around Nde 3 Corners Akparabong Junction in Ikom Local Government.

The passengers, who were on a transit, were said to have been ambushed by gunmen who shot at their vehicles, injuring three while unspecified number was taken away by the gunmen.

Spokesperson for the command, SP Irene Ugbo, who gave the confirmation, however, declined to give details of the attack, but said the incident occurred on Sunday.

Ugbo said efforts were on to secure the release of the abducted passengers and also ensure no repeat of the incident in the area.

Read Also; New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

A resident of the community, Mr. James Ese, said the three injured persons were taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.

He said Akparabong junction had become a nightmare for motorists and commuters in the last three weeks.

While alleging herdsmen to be responsible for the almost daily attack on the road, he called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.

“We want the police to rise up to the challenge and end this menace to passengers in the last three weeks.

“This particular area of the Nde 3 Corners Akparabong junction has become a bloodbath spot owing to kidnapping, with over four deaths, including a baby, recorded these past weeks,” he said.

January 2, 2024
Three suspected attackers of Chris Uba killed, say police

• 51-year-old kidnap victim rescued

Anambra State Police Command has killed three members of the armed criminal gang that attacked the convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Chris Uba.

During the attack by the gunmen, two police personnel of Enugu State Command were killed at Uga, in Aguata Local Government of Anambra State, on December 28, 2023.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, who confirmed this in an interview with reporters, said a 51-year-old kidnap victim was rescued during the operation.

Read Also; New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

He assured the public that intensive manhunt for the remaining members of the gang was ongoing, noting that there would be no hiding place for criminals.

He said: “Since the attack at Uga, the gang has been under close surveillance. But what held the police back was to avoid unintended casualties, as this is the season of merrymaking.

“The police struck immediately the gang was isolated from the innocent public somewhere around Ogboji, in Orumba South Local Government.

“Three members of the gang were killed, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and defused.

“In addition, two pump action guns and 16 live cartridges were recovered as well as one Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

“A 51-year old kidnap victim was rescued.”

January 2, 2024