The Nation Newspaper

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  • Certificate of return: Appeal Court orders prompt hearing of Okorocha’s suit

    Move by Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha to have the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issue him a certificate of return for Imo West senatorial seat has got a boost with the Court of Appeal, Abuja ordering prompt hearing of the suit he (Okorocha) filed to that effect before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The Court of Appeal has also struck out two motions filed by Senator Osita Izunaso; one for leave to appeal an interlocutory decision of the trial court, and the other, for an order staying proceedings at the Federal High Court pending the determination of the appeal.

    The Court of Appeal struck out both motions after lawyer to Izunaso, Edidem Ani applied to withdraw them on realising that they were defective.

    Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, on May 22, 2019, adjourned further proceedings in the case filed by Okorocha to await the Court of Appeal’s decision in the motion for stay of proceedings filed by Izunaso.

    By the latest decision of the Court of Appeal, contained in its ruling of May 27, 2017, a copy of which The Nation sighted on May 28, 2019, the coast is now clear for Justice Abang to resume proceedings in the case by Okorocha.

    In the ruling by a three-man panel, led by Justice Stephen Adah, the court said: “since there is no opposition to the request for the withdrawal of the motion for stay filed on 17/5/2019, it is hereby struck out, having been withdrawn.

    “Under Rule 10(c) of the Practice Direction of this court 2013, this court is mandated to order accelerated hearing of the case at the lower court.

    “But, since we have been informed that the lower court has been hearing the case day to day, there is no need to order a fresh accelerated hearing.

    “The day-to-day hearing, as it is presently done by the lower court, is commendable and it should continue. That is the order of this court.”

    Other members of court’s three-man panel that gave the ruling are Justices Emmanuel Agim and Mohammed Idris.

    Izunaso is, by his appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Abuja to hear Okorocha’s suit.

    He is also querying the competence of the decision by Justice Abang, granting the request by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be made a defendant in the suit.

    Read Also: Politics, threats as Ambode, Okorocha, Amosun leave

    Before adjourning proceedings on May 22, 2019, Justice Abang had threatened to send Izunaso to prison for committing contempt of court by including the judge as a party to be served with the processes he filed at the Court of Appeal.

    Justice Abang noted in, a ruling, that Izunaso’s decision to include his name as a party to be served a court process filed at the Court of Appeal was scandalous and embarrassing and showed that he (Izunaso) had no respect for the court.

    The judge said: “The motion filed at the Court of Appeal, where my name is recorded is before me, tagged as ‘Exhibit C,’ attached to the third defendant’s (Izunaso’s) affidavit of facts.

    “The third defendant is also before me so I have jurisdiction over him summarily. As if that was not sufficient, he deposed to an affidavit that the motion was duly served on me.

    “This is only to ridicule the court and lower the esteem of the judge in the eye of the public as if the judge is a party in the matter.

    “This shows the level of disregard Sen. Izunaso has for the court, which is established by the Constitution.”
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  • Ganduje declares free education for physically challenged persons

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has declared free education at all levels for physically challenged persons and all other vulnerable groups across the state.

    Ganduje, in his acceptance speech shortly after being sworn in by the Chief Judge of Kano state, Justice Nuruddeen Sagir Umar, alongside his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, also promised free and compulsory basic education for all school age children in Kano.

    According to him, tertiary education for Kano indigenes will also be highly subsidised, adding his government will consolidate on the achievements so far recorded on healthcare delivery.

    Ganduje said his second term will record complete overhaul of the state water board with the establishment of a new company known as Kano State Small Town Water Supply Agency to carter for the water needs of communities in the rural areas.

    The Governor, who was obviously elated for support he enjoyed from the people, also promised to boost agriculture in the state, with major concern on raising the stakes of small scale farmers.

    Ganduje reiterated his administration’s policy of zero tolerance to corruption, adding his second term will ensure re-invigoration of the state anti-corruption agency for better performance.

    Read Also;  Emir of Kano Sanusi absent at Ganduje’s inauguration

    He also promised to run an all-inclusive government irrespective of party affiliation, pointing out the era of politicking is over, just as he urged everybody to join hands to build a better Kano.

    Ganduje further stated that the era of election is over, pointing out that he has forgiven all that offended him while calling on all and sundry to join hands and develop Kano.

    Ganduje also promised never to disappoint Kano people in the second mandate given to him.

    He said the government is going to look critically on the prevalence of cancer disease consuming human lives and had resolved to construct a N3.4bn Centre for the victims at the Muhammad Buhari Specialists Hospital in Giginyu.

  • Let’s use democracy to entrench peace, development – Saraki

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to use democracy to institutionalise peace and genuine development in the country.

    Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, congratulated Nigerians on the country’s attainment of 20 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    He described the commemoration of 20 years of democracy as ”a thing of joy in view of the many positive developments the country had witnessed since May 29, 1999.”

    He advised Nigerians to fully take ownership of democracy and its institutions and use them to “entrench peace, welfare and improved standard of living for all our people.”

    According him, democracy is about the people and the people should use democracy to achieve social justice, equity, inclusiveness and economic self-reliance.

    Read Also: Children Nigeria’s most important treasure, says Saraki

    While urging the followers to hold their leaders accountable and ensure they always act in the best interest of the people and country, he called on the people to be good followers and be law-abiding at all times.

    ”We should avoid conflicts and blood-letting as no country can develop in the midst of chaos.

    ”We should all steer clear of issues, comments and situations that emphasise our fault lines,” he said.

    He called on all newly-elected leaders who were to be sworn-in to work for the development of the country and the continuous preservation of the nation’s democracy.

    According to him, the benefits of a constitutional democracy far outweigh the challenges that have confronted the country since the return of democracy.

    ”It is a thing of absolute joy and national pride that we are today celebrating two decades of sustained democratic governance in the country.

    ”It is my hope that every Nigerian will look back at how far we have come in the last 20 years and resolve to continue to preserve our democracy – not minding the observed lapses in the operation of the system.

    ”We should continue to strive to preserve the present form of democratic governance because democracy still remains the best system of government,” he said.

    Saraki said that everyone ”has a duty to translate this dream into measurable realities in terms of the security and welfare of the people as well as the socio-economic and political advancement of the country.”

    ”I believe that all our newly sworn-in leaders are fully abreast of the present realities and therefore would spare no effort in working to turn the country around for the better,” he said.

  • Police, IPOB exchange words over sit-at-home order

    The battle for supremacy has continued to rage in Anambra state between the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ) and security agencies following the declaration of May 30 as sit -at -home by the former.

    While IPOB has continued to issue threats of accomplishing its mission on Thursday in all the Southeast states, including Anambra, the police in the state said it would treat members of IPOB as miscreants.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra state, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the command with its sister agencies were not blinking an eye over threats by those he described as hoodlums, adding “let’s wait and see “.

    The police command reminded the group that it was banned and would continue to be banned, describing them as illegal.

    Haruna said residents should not panic as the command would make sure nobody harasses and intimidates them.

    According to him: “Let me make it clear to them that the command is battle ready for any person or group that would want to cause confusion in Anambra State that is adjudged the best in Nigeria in terms of security.

    Read Also: IPOB Sit-at-Home Order: Police promise to arrest, prosecute miscreants who enforce order

    “Again, the command will not fold its arms and allow miscreants free access to cause mayhem here, anyone or group that intends to do so, will face the full weight of the law.”

    But IPOB, in a statement on Wednesday in Awka through its media and Publicity secretary, Emma Powerful vowed no form of arrest, abductions and intimidation would force them to back out of the protest.

    According to IPOB: “Some call it rally, some say it’s a protest but we hardcores call it IPOB evangelism.

    “Across the length and breadth of Biafra land, from Asaba to Abakaliki, from Enugu to Onitsha, Owerri to Aba to Igweocha, these chosen breed of fearless warriors will make sure our people are protected.

    “This is a clear demonstration to all oppressors, collaborators and traitors alike that no amount of intimidation, abductions, arrests, killings and concocted lies will stop this IPOB.

    “May 30th is a Holy Day and Biafraland will be on lockdown.”

  • Obasanjo, Jonathan absent at Buhari’s inauguration

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were absent at the Eagle Square, Abuja, where President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo took oath of office for their second term in office.

    No reason has been given for their absence.

    Read Also: Nigerians troop out as Buhari takes oath

    Ibrahim Muhammad, acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has administered the oath of office on Buhari and Osinbajo.

    Details shortly…

  • ‘I mistakenly cheated on my wife with her kid sister’

    “My wife suddenly just fired my driver and gate man without informing me about it, I came home and she told me that they insulted her.

    “Fast forward to one year later, I mistakenly cheated with her kid sister and she found out, I begged and begged my soul out, the only thing that I did not give her was my life but she kept saying she was fine when I knew she was not.

    “So recently, I called her into the room and went on my knees, as usual, to beg and beg again. I was even crying.

    “All she did was laugh so loud, I felt it was getting to her and she was losing her mind then I held her hands and hugged her so tight, do you know what she told me as I hugged her, she said that , Baby do you know why I fired our former gateman and driver, I nodded my head and she said, it was because I Slept with them .

    Read Also: Help! another lady has moved into my matrimonial home

    “I pushed her away then she smiled and walked away.

    “This morning she told me it was a joke and she has forgiven me.

    “I am really worried, did she really do that? If she did then I think we are done.

    “Do you think I should investigate further or just let sleeping dogs sleep?

    “This has been hunting me I don’t have peace.”

     

    You can also share your story with us @info@thenationonlineng.net

  • Masari takes second term oath, prays for victims of Banditry in Katsina

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State and his deputy Manir Yakubu were on Wednesday in Katsina about 11.15am sworn in for the second and final term in office by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, at the newly constructed ‘’Peoples Square ‘’ in front of the government house Katsina

    The event which had already been marked low keyed as a mark of respect for slain victims of banditry in Batsari and other frontline Local government Areas of the state, also had in attendance the two prominent Monarchs in the state: the Emirs of Katsina, Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, as well as the heads of scurrility agencies and federal parastatals in the state

    Masari while describing the current security siege in the state as unacceptable, called for immediate action by concerned security agencies and prayers for the victims

    He said ‘’ let me seize this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt condolences to victims of the recent terrorist attacks at Batsari and Kankara Local Government Areas where over 39 people lost their lives with more than 200 injured’’.

    Read Also: Nigerians troop out as Buhari takes oath

    ‘’This is an unacceptable tragedy for which I call for a Special Prayer here and now in memory and respect of our fallen citizens of Batsari, Kankara, Safana, Jibia, Dandume, Sabuwa, Faskari and Danmusa Local Government Areas’’.

    Masari assured the citizens of the state that his second term tagged ‘’Restoration agenda 2’’, will be carried out with utmost sincerity, fear of God and judicious utilization of all available resources, human and material, to restore Katsina State to its lost glory .

    He said ’’The journey we embarked upon since May 29th, 2015 was indeed remarkable. It was a journey of struggles and hopes; a journey of expectations and challenges; and a journey which in many ways clearly indicated the difficulties of governing a State like Katsina whose bureaucratic and social infrastructures have almost collapsed under the weight of decades of neglect; and whose dependence on allocation from the Federation account for its survival was legendary’’.

    He further maintained that Key sectors his second term administration includes: good governance, education, health, water resources, and agriculture.

    He expressed satisfaction with the progress his administration had recorded in terms of restoring trust in government; mobilizing the citizenry to take active interest in the management of their affairs and reinvigorating the civil service to become the vehicle for the overall development of the state

    He assured that his government will continue to support security personnel and security operations in Katsina State, despite the meagre resources available by providing operational vehicles, office and residential accommodation, security equipment for operation, monthly personnel allowances and so many others, which said his administration has been doing since 2015

  • Nigerians troop out as Buhari takes oath

    Though it was planned as low key, the oath taking of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office was witnessed by a large crowd.

    Not even the heavy security measures put in place was enough to discourage people who thronged the millennium park to watch the live telecast of the proceedings.

    At the millennium park, the crowd cheered on as the president took the oath of office with high expectations.

    Those who could, came into the park to watch while many stayed outside the park and listening to the commentaries from the big television stationed at the park. The holiday may have also limited the turn out as the venue of the event is mainly an office area otherwise known as three arm zone.

    There were six dedicated car parks for dignitaries and all accredited guests who graced the event.

    The parks are: Millennium Tower car park, Old Parade Ground Area 10 Garki, Millennium Car Park, Eagle Square car park is for Dignitaries with Gold Cards, Supreme Court Car Park is for the evening event, and Court of Appeal Car Park.

    At each of the dedicated car parks, accredited buses were provided for dignitaries to take them to the Eagle Square, venue of the event.

    These were part of the security measures put in place to ensure smooth ceremony.

    Read Also: Photos: Tinubu, Yakubu Gowon, others at Eagle square Abuja

    Most of the dignitaries from International community and political party members and supporters were on ground to cheer the president as he took parade of guard.

    Buhari who wore white babariga and cap to match rode on motorcade as he rode round the Eagle Square acknowledging cheers from the crowd and waving in return with all smile.

    The outgoing President of the Senate Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were among the dignitaries at the occasion.

    Former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were notable absentees at the event
    However, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon was present.

    Also in attendance is the party big wigs, APC national Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and the party national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Also in the stand was former APC chair, Bisi Akande and other members of the current party executives.

  • Bagudu sworn-in for 2nd term in office

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and his Deputy, Alhaji Samaila Yombe were on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi sworn -in for second term in office by Grand Khadi, Mukhtar Jega.

    Bagudu, in his inaugural speech, assured the people of the state that the state would soon join oil producing states in the country.

    “We have partnered with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and we have started ethanol programme in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area and other local government areas will soon join,” he said.

    He explained that the fuel would not be crude oil but oil made thought scientific methods.

    Bagudu said his administration in the last four years recorded huge success in health, education, electricity, infrastructure and agriculture.

    “To buttress our recorded success, UNICEF, recently, reported that our immunization coverage has improved from as low as 18 percent to well over 74 percent.

    “Just three days ago, the Institute of Charted Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) reported that the state is ranked number four after Kaduna, Jigawa and FCT in terms of adequacy of disclosure and due processes in the conduct of public expenditure,” he said.

    “In the area of infrastructure, all the 21 local government areas had been touched with one infrastructure or the other.

    “We have constructed over 410 kilometers of new roads and rehabilitated about 500 kilometers of existing roads.

    Read Also; Okowa, deputy take oath of office

    “On education, the performances of our children have improved in WAEC and JAMB; as we have recruited 2,000 teachers to further support our effort of transforming the education sector.

    “On electricity, we have achieved 24 hours basis power availability across the state while in agriculture, our name has gone viral in the country courtesy of Anchored Borrowers programme.

    “We have achieved success in a number of commodities and rice companies are now springing up and we will achieve more,” he said.

    The governor thanked the people of the state for another mandate to serve them and all those who worked together with them in the last four years.

  • Okowa, deputy take oath of office

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, took their oath of allegiance to serve the state for another four-year term on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Okowa and Otuaro won their ticket on the platform of the PDP.

    Their oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Delta, Justice Marshall Umukoro, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    Okowa signed the oath at about 10.43 a.m., while his deputy signed earlier at about 10.28 a.m.

    Read Also: Makinde takes oath of office as police harass journalists

    They pledged to abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to deliver equitable development to the people of Delta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was an interdenominational service with prayers for God to direct and give the governor and his deputy wisdom to lead the people.

    The colourful ceremony was witnessed by many prominent citizens of the state, including James Ibori, a former governor of the state.