Category: Lead

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has imposed N40milion fine against an Abuja-based lawyer, Ambrose Owuru, for filing a frivolous suit with which he had sought to prevent the May 29 inauguration.

In a judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the court was unanimous in holding that the appeal by Owuru and his party, the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) amounted to an abuse of the court process.

In the lead judgment, Justice Jamil Tukur held that the appeal was an invitation for the court to review its earlier decision, which it cannot do.

Justice Tukur said the issues in the appeal had earlier been determined by the court while sitting as an election petition court after the 2019 election, with a judgment given on August 22, 2019.

He equally found that the Supreme Court had also heard the case and pronounced it with a judgment given on October 28, 2019.

Justice Tukur held that the case, having been litigated up to the Supreme Court, it was an abuse of the judicial process for Owuru and his party to seek to want to have the matter relitigated.

He upheld the January 30 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja which earlier dismissed the case for being an abuse of court process.

Read Also: Tinubu to Buhari: whether in Daura or Niger Republic expect knocks on your doors

Justice Tukur proceeded to dismiss the appeal and ordered Owuru to pay each of the respondents N10million in cost.

The respondents are President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The appeal by Owuru and HDP was against the January 30 judgment by Justice Ekwo, dismissing their suit in which Owuru had sought to be sworn in as Buhari’s successor.

Owuru claimed, among others, that he won a referendum purportedly conducted within the period of the postponement of the 2019 presidential election.

He argued that by the victory he recorded in the 2019 referendum, no other person should occupy the office of the president until he serves out his tenure.

Owuru and the HDP raised similar issues in the petition they filed against the 2019 presidential election, which petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court for want of jurisdiction.

The election petition court, while dismissing Owuru’s petition in its August 22, 2029 judgment, held among others that issue of referendum raised in the petition did not form a ground to challenge the outcome of an election.

President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he understands the magnitude of the task ahead as he prepares to take on the mantle of leadership from Monday.

The Nation reports President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima were on Thursday conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic(GCFR) and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger(GCON) respectively.

Speaking after receiving the honour in Abuja, Tinubu told President Muhammdu Buhari to “expect knocks” on his door

He said: “I understand the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task ahead; whether you go to Daura or Niger Republic, expect knocks on your doors.

Tinubu, who praised Buhari for honouring late MKO Abiola, is expected to be sworn in as 16th Nigerian President on May 29.

Read Also: VIDEO: Tinubu, Shettima conferred with GCFR, GCON

“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided. One of such decision was to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on the late MKO Abiola,” Tinubu said.

“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal a festering wound. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.

“I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part Mr. President.

“Now, that great duty descends on me. I understand the meaning of the honour given to me today and of the task that awaits.

“I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health and power and in all other sectors we must make headway. The people deserve no less. In this, I shall disappoint neither them nor you, Mr. President.”

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, on Thursday ordered the posting of CP Okon Okon Effiong to head the Department of Finance and Administration ICT, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Zachariah A. Fera, fdc to Force Criminal Investigation (FCID) Annex Enugu, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka to Rivers State Command, and CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah to Cross River State Command.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said the development is in an effort to achieve maximum impact of community-based and strategic policing on the society.

Adejobi said: “The IGP has tasked the Commissioners of Police to deploy all requisite assets in ensuring sanity, professional standards and discipline in all ramifications in their new places of assignment. 

Read Also: UPDATED: May 29 presidential inauguration sacrosanct – IGP

“He has further charged the senior police officers to effectively apply their wealth of experiences to improving existing structural arrangements towards achieving a citizen-focused and community-oriented policing system”.

The IGP also called for support and cooperation from members of the public to enable the newly posted senior officers to function optimally on their mandate.

The police boss said, the posting is with immediate effect.

President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima have been conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic(GCFR) and Grand Commander of Order of the Niger(GCON) respectively.

The investiture is ongoing at the State House Conference Center in Abuja.

Read Also: Tinubu and the birth of a new nation

The event is part of the activities lined up for the May 29 inauguration ceremony, where Tinubu will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

After the investiture, there would be the handover of transition documents to Tinubu and Shettima.

Detail shortly…

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it is aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the inauguration of the next President and Governors on May 29 across the country.

Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, said the aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.

The Service advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. 

Afunanya added that unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues. 

The statement reads: “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) on 18th May, 2023 held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration. 

“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on 29th May, 2023 in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.

Read Also: Security beefed up ahead of May 29 inauguration 

“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public. 

“Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises. This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion. 

“Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues. 

“The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”

• Military top brass sends off C-in-C •President charges Armed Forces to do more on security

President Muhammadu Buhari is battling with enormous pressure as his administration winds down.

On a day he juggled many activities, including inaugurating no fewer than eight projects, he also left a parting message to the military: do not give up until the battle against insurgency is won.

President Buhari spoke on Tuesday night at the Regimental Dinner organised in his honour by the Armed Forces at the newly commissioned Nigerian Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro in Abuja.

He was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Salihi Magashi; the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and Service chiefs.

The President said he could not wait to exit office in four days as the pressures of the last lap of activities were taking a toll on him.

President Buhari, who unusually arrived late to the event, apologised.

He said he had been under immense pressure catching up with the array of events lined out for the transition, coupled with wrapping up official duties of his office.

He had inaugurated the new Nigerian Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama District of the FCT, before virtually inaugurating six other projects across the country.

He also presided over another extraordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting from midday till late Tuesday, before heading out for the Regimental Dinner.

“Please, I will like to digress a bit from the prepared speech. I apologise most sincerely for keeping you waiting for about at least half an hour.

“Actually, I can hardly cope with the pressure and I’m desperately looking forward to the next six days,” he told the gathering made up of the top brass of the Armed Forces.

Regimental Dinner is a ceremony to send off an exiting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces by the military hierarchy. 

President Buhari will step down on Monday, giving way to President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The President urged the military and other security and intelligence agencies not to relent in their efforts to secure all parts of the country.

He expressed appreciation to members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifice.

Paying tribute to “their unwavering loyalty, hard work, dedication and selfless service to our beloved nation”, the President stressed that until insecurity is surmounted, nobody should relax.

He said: “Consequently, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the other security agencies must always remain resolute in the face of the country’s security challenges. 

“In this vein, our administration, though winding down soon, will never relent in providing the needed support to the military, to enable them to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

“Let me now thank the chief host, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies at this event, for your dedicated service to the nation. 

“I commend you and thank our esteemed guests for coming to this historic occasion.

“Let me now pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be in vain. 

“May the Almighty God continue to grant them eternal rest,” the President said.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu; Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele; and members of the National Assembly

An aircraft for Nigeria Air will arrive in the country tomorrow ahead of the commencement of operations, Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has said.

Sirika stated that the aircraft would be unveiled in Nigeria’s colours in fulfillment of the promise made by the outgoing Muhammadu Buhari administration to float a national carrier.

He, however, noted that the only incomplete item was the aerotropolis, which is the airport city that is about 60 percent complete.

The minister, who spoke on a television programme yesterday, had at an aviation stakeholder’s forum in March said that Nigeria Air would commence full operations before May 29.

But the carrier is yet to be issued an Air Operators Certificate  (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA)  20 months after the Federal Government announced  Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred bidder for the project.

Ethiopian Airlines is to have 49 percent stake in the airline and three Nigerian investors like MRS and Skypower Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), 46 percent . The remaining five percent was reserved for the Federal Government.

Read Also : Enugu Airport to be ready by April 2020 – Hadi Sirika

Sirika explained that the share capital of about $300 million was to be provided by Ethiopian Airlines, which would launch Nigeria Air to its full size of 30 aircraft.

The minister added that the airline would take off with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration very suitable for shuttle services between Abuja and Lagos.

The umbrella body of local carriers – Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)—is,  however, challenging the selection of Ethiopian Airlines as the core investor / technical partner for the project.

The AON is faulting the 15 years tax moratorium to be granted the new carrier insisting that such preferential treatment will push competitors out of business.

A suit challenging the airline’s take-off is yet to be determined at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

 Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima yesterday explained why the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsed a Christian, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as Senate President.

He said religious tolerance, stability, cohesion and unity of Nigeria were considered before the former Akwa Ibom State governor was tipped as the next National Assembly Chairman.

Apparently echoing the party’s position, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said any plot to frustrate the decision will fail.

Lagos Central APC Senator-elect Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sani and other groups also hailed the APC’s decision to nominate Akpabio, who they described as an experienced and competent candidate.

Shettima, who endorsed Akpabio for Senate President and Barau Jibrin for the Deputy Senate President addressed over 70 senators-elect, who are members of the Ali Ndume-led Stability Group rooting for their emergence at his campaign office in Abuja.

He said Akpabio’s choice was the best decision made by the party leadership and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, in the interest of a stable polity.

Shettima said: “Politics shouldn’t be a means of disuniting our people. It should rather be a means of uniting us. The President-elect and the Vice-President-elect are both Muslims.

“It is in the interest of the stability and unity of this country that the next position be given to the Christian faith. If not, it would further validate the alleged islamisation agenda of the APC-led administration.

“It would be perceived as a gratuitous insult on our Christian brothers and sisters who stuck out their necks to support us.

“That was why I was quite pleased with the choice of the party leadership that my uncommon brother and leader in the person of Senator Godswill Akpabio should be the number three citizen of this country.”

He added: “The stability of this nation is much more important than whatever political considerations we may think of.

“We need to have a stable and united nation before we can talk about politics and positions. This is what our leader could do to unite this country in the current circumstances.”

Shettima said Akpabio “has the exposure, competence and experience to occupy the office of the Senate President in the 10th Senate; ditto Senator Jibrin, who has been endorsed as his deputy. Apart from the need for religious balancing, competence and experience also came into play in our choices.”

The vice president-elect also spoke on the ambition of Senator Abdulaziz Yari for the position.

He said: “Senator Abdulaziz Yari, is my brother and friend. We became governors together in 2011-2019 on the same political platform, but the nation is superior to other personal considerations.

“I am quite happy with what I see here today.  It is a reflection of those who crave for the stability and unity of this country in a bi-partisan manner.”

Shettima thanked Rivers State Governors Nyesom Wike and his Ebonyi State counterpart, David Umahi for their contributions and support for the party.

He said: “The Governor-General of the Southsouth is a man of honour and integrity. Whatever you see is what you get as far as Wike is concerned.

“These are people that have contributed immensely to the stability of this country. Umahi is the best performing governor in the Southeast. He’s a man of honour and integrity. He wanted to contest for the Senate Leadership but he had to drop it in reverence to the party’s decison.”

Shettima promised to get in touch with APC senators-elect, who are yet to come on board with the choices of the party.

He added: “I have seen the names of those who are yet to join us. Be rest assured that we will positively engage them and make them see reasons why they have to come on board.

“My Principal, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a veteran politician. He knows how to go about bringing them into the fold before the inauguration of the National Assembly.”

Akpabio, on behalf of the Solidarity Group, congratulated the vice president-elect on his election, describing his choice as the right step in the right direction.

He said: “Your choice is putting a square peg in a square hole.”

He also thanked the vice president-elect for hosting the group in his campaign office.

The former Senate Minority Leader, informed Shettima that members of the Group were drawn from all political parties who have decided to come together to produce the leadership for the 10th Senate in order to stabilise Nigeria, not on the basis of political party, religion or tribe but on the basis of conviction based on integrity.

He said the Stability Group believes that the success of the Tinubu-Shettima administration would be the success of Nigeria.

Akpabio stressed: “We know very well that once somebody crosses the door into the Red Chambers, you are no longer a senator of a political party but a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Stability Group members are going to work with the incoming administration to evaluate the policies and ensure the stability of the country.

“We are not here because the party zoned the position to the most ranked Senator from the South South, Senator Godswll Akpabio. We came together to ensure national cohesion and the stability of the polity and to ensure that NIGERIA moves forward in the right direction.”

Why a Christian from SouthSouth, by senator-elect

Eshinlokun-Sanni hailed the APC leadership for its sensitivity and wisdom to balance the Muslim/Muslim ticket of the executive arm.

The outgoing Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly spoke during an award presentation to him in his office.

Eshinlokun-Sanni said the APC leadership should also consider the three Senate presidential aspirants based on their contributions to the electoral success of the party in the last election.

He said: “For the 10th Assembly, I believe the party should play a prominent role. There are so many factors that must be considered.

“He or she must come from the South and must be a Christian, so that the noise about Muslim/Muslim ticket can be nipped in the bud.

“As we speak, there are three senators that are qualified for the Senate President seat – Senators Godswill Akpabio, Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunazo.

“So, we have to consider the aspirants based on the contributions of each region to the electoral success of the party in the last election,” he said.

The senator-elect who said the Northcentral has a right to complain, adding that there were other positions that they could take.

He said the government and the party would have to find some positions to give them since it was not rocket science.

Niger Delta group hails Tinubu

The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) hailed Tinubu over his endorsement of Akpabio.

In a release by the NDYM Acting National President, Amutadi Uba Tega, and National Secretary, Ediagbonya Joshua Osamuiyi, the group said Akpabio is most qualified for the position.

It added: “We make bold to say that Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio is a fit and proper person to lead the 10th senate and properly guide the National Assembly to the actualisation of the ‘Renewed Hope’ of the Tinubu led administration upon her inauguration.

“He understands the workings of the legislature since he had a direct relationship with it as a commissioner in the state executive council for 6 years, as an Executive Governor for 8 years, as a senator of the Federal Republic for 4 years and as a Minister of government for about 3 years.

“As an executive governor, he was an achiever par excellence, earning the sobriquet as the uncommon governor. His landmark achievement as a governor are too numerous to mention”, the group said.

‘Uzodimma not against Akpabio’

Uzodimma said he was not part of the plot to scuttle the APC’s decision on Akpabio.

The governor described himself as a loyal party man to the core.

He spoke through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba.

In a statement in Owerri, Emelumba said: “At no time did Uzodimma contemplate working against the choice of APC and the President-elect, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership of the 10th Senate.

“As a loyal party man, the governor will stand firmly behind the choice of any person or persons chosen by the APC and the President-elect  to lead the 10th Senate, and will in fact work  assiduously for their emergence.”

Emelumba said that “the governor as a loyal party man would never work against the choices of the party, talkless of supporting another candidate,” adding: “Since Uzodimma joined politics over forty (40) years ago, his reputation and integrity as a loyal party man has remained unassailable.”

Group urges governors to rally senators-elect

All Progressives Congress (APC) Team Godswill Obot Akpabio (GOA) urged all governors and governors-elect to support Akpabio and Jibrin.

The group in a statement in Abuja also appealed to senators-elect to vote for the Akpabio/Jibrin ticket as announced by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

The statement signed by the national co-ordinator of the group, Michael Agbor, and Secretary, Orusoso Donpedro, said the candidacy of  Akpabio and Jibrin will foster the development, progress, stability and unity of the country in the next dispensation.

‘Let democracy prevail’

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) urged President-elect Tinubu to allow the democratic process to prevail when members of the 10th National Assembly elect their principal officers.

It said Tinubu should recall the incredible promises he made to the North during his electioneering campaign at the Arewa House talk show organised by the Northern leaders and elders.

DWI National Coordinator Dr. Sunusi Umar, made this know in Abuja, during a press briefing.

He said no one expected the President-elect to give to the North what it does not deserve.

Group to APC: don’t bow to pressure

A group, Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, called on the ruling APC not to bow to pressure from those who are against the candidacy of the “best man for the job”.

Its Convener, Okon Mkpafit, described Akpabio as the best choice.

He said: “We the kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio under Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, unequivocally declare our unalloyed support for the zoning of the Senate Presidency to Southsouth and throw our weight behind Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“We recall that the last time the position came to our zone was in 1979, which was the Second Republic, which saw the emergence of Senator Joseph Wayas.

“We plead with all the senators-elect to join hands to ensure that our zone produces the next Senate President.”

Group backs APC, Tinubu

Another group, Amalgamated APC Support Group (AASG) urged APC senators-elect to demonstrate their loyalty to the party.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja, AASG’s Deputy Director, Hajia Mariyam Danjaki said that while it is true that the constitution confers the right on every eligible citizen to aspire to any position, loyalty to the party should be paramount.

She enjoined those jostling for positions in the senate under the banner of the party to toe the line as disciplined and loyal members.

“In our position as an arm of the party, we must identify with the interest and position of our party and the president-elect, on the choice of who emerges as the next president of the Senate and other principal officers in the next Assembly.

“We believe that the party and our incoming president have made the right choice in their preference for the exalted positions.”

Gunmen have killed three police officers and injured one at Oshiri Divisional Command, located in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday barely 28 hours after gunmen attacked a checkpoint in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi.

Four police officers have been killed by hoodlums in the State in 48 hours and three others were seriously injured during the attacks.

Police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the attack in a statement.

She said: “Operatives of the command on stop and search duty at Oshiri Division were attacked by armed hoodlums. Sadly, three policemen lost their lives; one was injured and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Read Also : Gunmen abduct two Yola pastors

“Tactical teams were immediately drafted to the area to go after the hoodlums. Consequently, two of the hoodlums were neutralised, and others escaped with bullet wounds.”

According to the statement, items recovered from the hoodlums include a Lexus ES-350 model, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine with seven rounds of ammunition.

Others are: an SMG rifle and magazine with rounds of ammunition, a pack of hard drugs (SK), charms, juju drums, and chakra musical instruments for shrines.

The spokesperson appealed to the public to report anyone with bullet wounds or a suspicious character to apprehend those still at large.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and his Deputy openly clashed during plenary on Wednesday over the announcement by the Speaker that the Order Paper for Thursday be made lighter to allow members attend the official Commissioning of the permanent site of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS).

Before adjourning the plenary, the Speaker announced the NILDS permanent site along Airport Road will be commissioned by 3.00pm on Thursday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He asked the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that the order paper was not clouded with the day’s business so that the House can adjourn early enough for the event.

But Deputy Speaker Idris Wase said the primary business of the House was lawmaking and other official businesses, adding that the commissioning of NILDS headquarters was not enough to adjourn the House.

Wase said members willing to attend the commission could do so while the business of the House is not disrupted.

Read Also: 9th National Assembly: Gbajabiamila’s record of excellence

But the Speaker said: “DS, maybe the importance of NILDS is not clear to you like it is to some of us. We are not adjourning the House for members to attend the commissioning. I said the order paper should be made lighter because I will attend the commissioning.

But Wase fired back saying “Mr. Speaker, the House is not about I, but us”.

Gbajabiamila who first ignored his Deputy, made another announcement before returning to address him saying “DS, I have been in this House long enough to know that this is the first time in the history of this House that a Deputy Speaker will openly oppose what the Speaker says.”

Turning to the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Gbajabiamila said: “make the order paper light for tomorrow. This House will adjourn at 2.00pm” while members present at plenary chorused Carried 

The endorsement of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the 10th House has created a sharp division between the Speaker and his Deputy.

Wase is said to have avoided attending the usual leadership meeting held before plenary everyday, while also shunning the Speaker’s procession to the Chamber.

He had openly accused the Speaker of backing Tajudeen for the Speakership position.