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Tag: Nigerian news

  • PDP Senate caucus urges probe into raid of Umahi’s home

    The Senate caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has deplored what it described as the Gestapo- style raid on the Abuja private residence of the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, allegedly by the police.

    In a statement Friday by the Senate Minority Leader, Eyinnaya Abaribe, the caucus charged the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to order an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.

    The caucus urged the police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the raid, with a view to unmasking those behind the the action.

    The body of opposition senators described the raid as not only a direct attack on democracy but also an affront on the fundamental rights of a Nigerian citizen.

    Senator Abaribe said the probe has become necessary against the backdrop of the mystery surrounding the early morning raid and the subsequent denials by the police authorities of being responsible for the raid.

    The Senate Minority Leader further stated that he was at a loss as to why the police seemed to be foot-dragging in raising a probe panel on the incident, more so when the police blamed thugs for the invasion.

    Abaribe said, “Let’s assume it was hired thugs that invaded the residence of a sitting governor of a state. Whose duty is it to apprehend the brigands? Or do raids by thugs not constitute a crime?

    Read Also: Dickson, PDP begin post-primary reconciliation

    “The police must come clear and the only way to do that is to carry out a thorough investigation and apprehend the culprits. We are in a democracy and people should not be made to live in fear as though we are in a lawless society.

    “If a sitting governor could be subjected to such harrowing experience, then you can imagine what will happen to the man on the street”.

    The Senator urged the Presidency to step in by railing in some security agencies that he said are increasingly becoming boisterous in abridging citizens’ rights at every turn.

    He added that the raid on Umahi’s residence and the other invasions similar were a source of embarrassment to the image of the country and also cast an ominous sign on the country’s democracy.

    “Whatever be the case, the PDP Senate Caucus can only subscribe to relevant institutions of state to always follow due process and in accordance with the rule of law in the pursuit of state actions. But resorting to illegality with regard to the instant case shall never be condoned”, Abaribe added.

  • Tribunal dismisses petitions against Wamakko, others in Sokoto

    The Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Sokoto State on Friday dismissed the petition filed by Alhaji Ahmad Maccido challenging the election of Senator Aliyu Wamakko of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Maccido contested on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the last election for Sokoto Central Senatorial District and was defeated by Wamakko.

    Unsatisfied with the outcome of the election, the petitioner approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of APC’s Wamakko.

    He alleged that the election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the electoral law.

    In his judgment, Justice Peter Akhihiero, held that the petitioner was unable to discharge the burden of proof with satisfactory evidence.

    Akhihiero held that the burden relies on the petitioner as the tribunal lacks powers to scrutinise documents which were not analyzed by the witnesses.

    Read Also; Police confirm abduction of Sokoto lawmaker

    The judge also upheld the preliminary objections raised by Wamakko that the petition was filed outside the 21 days stipulated period.

    Dr. Hassan Liman (SAN), represented Senator Wamakko while Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi served as Maccido’s Counsel.

    The tribunal also dismissed the petition filed by Aminu Shagari of PDP challenging the election of Abubakar Yabo of APC for lacking in merit.

    Shagari, son of former Preseident Shehu Shagari and immediate past house member contested the 2019 election for Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP.

  • 100 days not a realistic measurement of achievements – Sani Bello

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the 100 days in the tenure of any administration is not a realistic measurement of its achievements.

    The Governor, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Matane said that the 100 days should be a pointer to policy direction of the administration.

    The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane disclosed this in his office to mark the 100 days in office of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

    “100 days in the tenure of any administration is not a realistic measurement of its achievements, rather a pointer to policy direction of the administration.”

    He said that the government has continued to guarantee the peace and security of the people in the state regardless of their backgrounds.

    The SSG stated that the state government is currently assessing the situation of things as well as realigning the priority areas in delivering its campaign promises to the people of Niger State.

    Read Also; Nigeria needs patriotic leaders to halt slide, says Secondus

    Matane appealed to the people of the state to continue to support the laudable programmes and policies of government which are geared towards the betterment of the socio-economic development of the State.

    He added that the state government has come up with novel policies and programmes that will challenge the people to be active participants in the governance process.

    Matane then reaffirmed government’s continued commitment to the total transformation of key sectors of the economy in the state for the attainment of strategic development aspirations, especially its restoration agenda.

    The SSG explained that the present administration in the state would not relent its efforts in the promotion of good governance and responsible leadership for the betterment of the people and development of the State.

  • Nigeria needs patriotic leaders to halt slide, says Secondus

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has said that Nigeria is in dire need of patriotic leaders at all levels to stabilise the polity.

    Secondus said there was an urgent need to halt the slide into anarchy, stressing that the country is bleeding from all sides.

    The party chairman spoke in Abuja on Friday while presenting certificates of return to the PDP governorship candidate for Bayelsa State, Senator Diri Douye and his Kogi State counterpart, Mr Musa Wada.

    Stating that fear of the unknown has gripped many Nigerians, Secondus added that Nigerians are in desperate need of leaders that could lift them out of the woods.

    “Everyone in this country today is living in fear of either hunger or insecurity and the situation calls for all hands to be on deck”, the chairman said.

    Secondus warned that the country should pay attention to the alarm raised by the World Bank, stating that the nation’s economy was heading for insolvency unless urgent steps are taken to address the situation.

    The PDP chair charged the party’s governorship candidates in the two states to see their victory as an invitation to serve and not to lord it over their people.

    He urged the candidates to see their victory as a no-victor-no-vanquished situation and to strive to bring all PDP families together ahead of the elections.

    Read Also: Secondus to Nigerians: take your case to Allah

    The party chair said, “Not yet time for celebration, bring your people together and get to work immediately as time is of essence.

    “A totally reformed PDP does not believe in winner take all moreover the work ahead requires all hands to pull together in the two states to achieve the inevitable victory.

    “The transparency that greeted your primaries is a continuation of our vow to have internal democracy working in our party which was demonstrated to the World last October at the Presidential primaries when PDP conducted the freest and fairest ever Presidential primaries in the nation’s political history”.

  • Taraba governorship tribunal adjourns for judgment

    The Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Friday adjourned for judgment in the petition challenging the election of Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the second term.

    The petition was filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election held on March 9, 2019, Abubakar Danladi.

    On Friday, after lawyers to parties in the case adopted their final written addresses and made final submissions, tribunal Chairman, Justice M.O Adewara said judgment is reserved.

    Justice Adewara noted that the life span of the petition will terminate on September 24, 2019, the tribunal should be able to deliver its judgment before then.

    “We adjourn this petition to a date to communicated to parties,” the judge said.

    Earlier, lawyers to the respondents – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP and Ishaku – Sunday Ameh (SAN), Solomon Akuma (SAN) and Kanu Agabi (SAN) adopted their final written addresses and urged the court to dismiss the petition.

    Ameh (for INEC) after adopting his final address, prayed te court to uphold the election as announced by INEC.

    He said: “We urge the tribunal to dismiss the petition and uphold the 1st respondent declaration and return of the 3rd respondent (Ishaku) as the winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Taraba State, same, having been done in substantial compliance with Electoral Act and the Constitution.”

    Akuma (for PDP) after adopting is final address, made a brief submission, in which he faulted the petitioners’ written address, which he argued, was filed out of time.

    He also faulted the petitioners claim of over-voting, arguing that they failed to prove the allegation as required.
    Akuma noted that, rather than prove their claim by results at the polling unit level, the petitioners chose to rely on collated results as contained in the card readers.

    Read Also: APC will win Bayelsa governorship election, says Timi Frank

    He said: “Over voting is a polling unit infraction, which must be proved at polling unit level. Everything must be done at the polling unit level.”

    Agabi (for Ishaku) equally prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition on the grounds that the reliefs sought by the petitioners could not be granted.

    He argued that it was wrong for the petitioners to, on one hand, argue that the election was marred by non-compliance and corrupt practices and on the other hand, prayed that they be declared winners on grounds of majority of lawful votes.

    Agabi said “The grounds of majority of lawful votes, claimed by the petitioners cannot avail them, because they have abandoned the petition.

    He said: “You cannot claim both grounds together. You cannot claim majority votes and also claim substantial non-compliance and corrupt practices. You cannot plea majority of lawful votes and also plead corrupt practices.”
    Agabi also argued that the petition was no longer a valid one because the first petitioner, had been disqualified by a court order.

    “There is no doubt that the first petitioner (Danladi) was disqualified by a court of law. The court made an order forbidding him holding himself out as a candidate. The court forbade his party from fielding him as its candidate.

    The court also restrained INEC from recognising him as a candidate of the second petitioner (APC),”Agabi said.

    He noted that Danladi’s lawyer had disclosed before the tribunal that the Supreme Court upheld the judgment of the High Court, which disqualified Danladi as a candidate for the election.

    Responding, Hassan Liman (SAN), who represented the second petitioner, prayed the tribunal to uphold the petition and declared his clients the winners of the election.

    Liman faulted arguments by Akuma and Agabi, arguing that the petitioners’ reliefs were presented in the alternative.

    He said “If we succeed on the first leg, that we be returned as winners, there would be no need to go to the alternative prayer. If the court did not grant the first leg of our reliefs, it can proceed to grant the alternative, which is to nullify the election.”

    On Agabi’s argument that the first petitioner had been disqualified, Liman contended that either a party or its candidate can contest the outcome of an election.

    “The petitioners ave proved their case on the basis of the scores that were presented. On the face of the result presented, the APC scored 362735, while the PDP scored 520433.

    *On the strength of the evidence presented, it is glaring that over-voting was established. If the court nullifies the votes affected by over-voting, the outcome will leave APC as the winner with APC having 341553 and PDP with 322321.”

    Liman urged the tribunal to allow the petition by entering judgment for the petitioners.

  • Chelsea FC teams up with 1xBet

    Chelsea Football Club today introduces 1xBet as their official Betting Partner for the next three seasons.

    Founded in 2007, 1xBet is one of the leading online betting companies in Asia, Africa and Europe, with markets available on more than 1,000 daily events, including football, tennis and rugby.

    The relationship with Chelsea will provide 1xBet with greater visibility worldwide, and particularly in the UK, as the betting company seeks to increase market share.

    Chris Townsend OBE, Chelsea Commercial Director, said: ‘‘We are excited to welcome 1xBet to Chelsea Football Club as our new global betting partner. 1xBet are one of the most rapidly developing companies in the betting industry and we look forward to supporting them in their endeavour to increase brand awareness within the UK and around the world.’

    Alex Sommers, spokesman of 1xBet, added: ‘It’s a big honour for us to become a partner of such a great football club as Chelsea. We guarantee that Chelsea fans will see a variety of interesting and engaging activities from the partnership over the next three years. And of course, we will fly our blue flag as high as possible!’

    To celebrate the launch of the partnership, 1xBet will be running a ‘Guess the Score’ competition throughout the 2019/20 season. UK-based fans who correctly predict the outcome of Chelsea’s Premier League games, using a specially dedicated competition page on chelseafc.com, will be entered into a draw to win tickets to Chelsea matches, signed club merchandise and Stamford Bridge Megastore vouchers.

     

    https://1xbet.ng

     

     

  • Liverpool FC kicks off new partnership with 1XBET

    Liverpool FC has teamed up with international gaming and technology company, 1XBET, in a new multi-year partnership.

    The relationship will see 1xBet become the Official Global Betting Partner of Liverpool Football Club, enabling supporters to take advantage of exclusive offers and sporting entertainment.

    It will use the partnership with the club to increase brand awareness within its key global markets through stadium branding at Anfield and branding on Liverpool FC’s digital platforms, along with access to first-team players and club legends, to provide fans with additional ways to interact and engage with the world of football.

    One of the most rapidly developing companies in the betting industry, 1xBet boasts the largest number of markets in pre-match and live betting odds, alongside online games such as live casino tables and virtual slot machines.

    Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer, Liverpool FC, said: “We are delighted to welcome 1XBET as our newest partner. I am sure that their games and special offers will appeal to our fans around the world and we look forward to starting the 2019/2020 season with them on board.”

    Alex Sommers, 1xBet spokesman, said: “Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most iconic football clubs with a wealth of history and a huge global fanbase. We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the club to meet our goal of bringing fans closer to the sporting action through our innovative products and supercharged betting experience.

    “We’re very proud of the relationship we have with Liverpool Football Club and we’re keen to work closely with fans around the world to bring them exciting entertainment opportunities and unique offers in the upcoming season.”

    Founded in 2007, the company has been quickly expanding in various regions around the world such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America and has already acquired many prestigious sporting partnerships.

    Liverpool Football Club

    • Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most historic and famous football clubs, having won 18 League Titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six European Cups, three UEFA Cups, three European Super Cups and 15 Charity Shields.
    • As a socially responsible Club, Liverpool FC is proud of its heritage and plays a proactive role in its communities through its official charity, Liverpool FC Foundation, which aims to create life changing opportunities for children and young people in Merseyside and beyond, and the Red Neighbours programme, which creates events and experiences specifically aimed at improving the lives of those living in and around the Anfield area (L4, L5 and L6).
    • Liverpool FC is a global brand and works with leading edge commercial partners around the world providing unparalleled commercial opportunities.

     

    1xBet

    • Founded in 2007, 1xBet is one of the fastest growing betting brands worldwide and winner of the 2018 “Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation” SBC Award. It has a sportsbook that includes over 1,000 events daily, as well as more than 250 payment solutions globally and customer support in over 30 languages. 1xBet is well poised for further expansion as a result of its many successful white label solutions and unique betting products. The company is a partner of top clubs and competitions that share like-minded principles.

     

    https://1xbet.ng

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FC BARCELONA ADDS 1XBET AS A NEW GLOBAL PARTNER

    FC Barcelona and 1xBet have signed a new sponsorship deal whereby the online betting company will become a new Global Partner of the Club for the next five seasons, through to 30 June 2024.

    The agreement, which comes into effect on July 1, forms part of the Club’s global expansion strategy, and also relates to its mission to source the best possible partners in different categories to help it to maintain its leading position not just on the field of play but also in terms of sports sponsorship and marketing.

    As a result of this agreement, FC Barcelona and 1xBet will be working together in different activations from a wide range of assets, including access the players to create promotional material and marketing campaigns.

    1xBet is a leading international gaming and technology company with more than 12 years of experience in the field, and offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The company has sponsorship deals in place with major rights holders including Serie A, Tottenham Hotspur and LaLiga Media Partner, to name a few.

    Statement by Josep Pont, member of the FC Barcelona board and head of its Commercial Area 

    “We are convinced that this deal with 1xBet will help us to continue to grow both on and off the field. This deal consolidates our global expansion strategy and we are sure that it will help us to connect with new sports fans all around the world”.

    Statement by Alex Sommers, spokesman of 1xBet

    “We are very pleased to reach an agreement with one of the best clubs in the world. We are certain that 1xBet has something to offer to all FC Barcelona fans. We expect that the cooperation of two world-class brands will be lucrative for both parties. Barcelona’s slogan is “More than a club” and we hope that over the next 5 years, the fans will come to realize that 1xBet is more than a bookmaker”.

    About 1xBet

    1xBet is a leading international gaming and technology company with more than 12 years of experience in the field. It is one of the most rapidly developing companies in the betting industry, with offices in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, employing over 5,000 professionals.

    1xBet boasts the largest number of markets in pre-match and live odds while also delivering a vibrant portfolio of online slots, live casino and table games, offering players the widest choice of entertainment. A digital first business, 1xBet accepts more than 250 payment solutions from all over the world and offers around the clock customer support in 30 languages.

     

    https://1xbet.ng/

  • APC will win Bayelsa governorship election, says Timi Frank

    A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has predicted victory for the APC in the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa state.

    Reacting to the outcome of the party primaries in the state, the Bayelsa born politician and political analyst insisted that the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will lose election because the party “choose to field a weak candidate.”

    While congratulating the candidate of the APC in Bayelsa state, David Lyon, ahead of the elections, Frank said the APC candidate was better placed to win the elections in view of the fact that the PDP has curiously chosen to field a weak candidate against the APC’s flag-bearer.

    He said “APC will win the forth-coming governorship election in Bayelsa State seeing the weak candidate (Governor Seriake) Dickson and the PDP have chosen as their flag-bearer.

    “It is not my wish for the APC to win the forth coming Bayelsan governorship election in November as I am not a member of the APC neither am I a supporter of the party. But from the look of things, the choice made by Dickson and the PDP is not inspiring. Actually, it’s disappointing.

    $I want to remind those that are surprised that this was the same position I took against my former party, the APC in 2015, when the former governor and now the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva was nominated. He lost the election.

    Read Also; ‘APC primaries mockery of democracy’

    “History is about to repeat itself albeit in PDP because it is making the same mistake that the APC made in 2015. Therefore, the handpicked PDP’s candidate will lose the forth coming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “To prove my point, it could be recalled there was neither excitement nor jubilation from Bayelsans after the ‘arrangee’ primaries that produced the PDP’s candidate. The adhoc congress already programmed him to win; Bayelsans and PDP know that there was no congress in Bayelsa as it was programmed in a way to favour him. PDP will regret its action as it will son boomerang against them.

    “Bayelsans had looked forward to a formidable candidate in the person of Chief Timi Alaibe but some powerful forces from the PDP’s NWC and Governor Dickson traded Timi Alaibe for a weak candidate for selfish reasons to enable the APC to take over the governorship of Bayelsa State.

    “I am pained to see that Bayelsans will have no choice than to vote for APC which has a better candidate. Bayelsans should hold Dickson and PDP’s NWC responsible for the imminent APC’s victory in the state.

    “I would have loved the PDP’s candidate to win as he is from my constituency. But it is not feasible as this is a man that lost his local government during the last election.”

    He commended and congratulated Timi Alaibe for his statesmanship, adding that Alaibe has shown to be “a true leader but for those that collaborated and stole the happiness and joy of Bayelsans by manipulating the primaries, should beg for God’s forgiveness otherwise posterity will judge them for making Bayelsans go through such pain.”

    Frank urged Alaibe’s supporters to remain calm, believing that a direction of whom to vote at the November 16th governorship election will soon be revealed.

    “The PDP knows very well that the APC is desperate to win any of the South-south states, yet they decided to field a weak candidate, thereby giving APC the victory through the back-door. The result of the election will serve as a lesson for PDP to learn to present a stronger candidate the next time.

    “Instead of PDP to prepare to win more states, they are going to lose more if they continue this way due to selfish reasons. I know that truth is bitter but I will always stand by the truth,” he said.

  • We’ll spring surprise in Kogi, says APGA

    National Chairman the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye has said that the party will spring a surprise in Kogi state with the emergence of Sheikh Jibril as its flag bearer.

    He said this at the presentation of certificate of return to Sheikh Jibril at the party Secretariat in Abuja.

    Jibril won the primary with 15,215 delegate votes winning Chief Sani Teidi 14,997 votes in the election supervised by the APGA returning officer Barrister Steve Nwoga.

    According to Oye, APGA remains the only party with a clean bill of health to offer the people of Kogi good leadership as evident in Anambra state stressing that the disconnect between the population and the All Progressives Congress led government in the state is an opportunity for APGA to win the election.

    Oye said APGA is gradually gaining national spread by the decision of the people and not out of any form of inducement but on the popularity of the candidates and party, this he expects to play out in Kogi.

    “Winning election in Kogi is doable the reason is this the people are disenchanted with the current administration in Kogi state as the Governor performed woefully and APGA is ready to take over the Governorship of that State.

    “I have always said that PDP is expiring APC is explicating APGA is the only political party with a clean bill of health.

    “We won election all over Nigeria. We won three seats in the Benue State House of Assembly, we reclaim the Governorship seat in Anambra State, three members in the House of Assembly in Abia State; one House of representatives member from Abia, one from Taraba, five councillors in Niger State and two from Kaduna State.

    “We are going to follow our manifesto which is a functional and pragmatic one. In Anambra State things are working well, in fact, we will reenact the template if development in Anambra State in Kogi State,” Oye stated.

    Kogi state chairman of APGA, Abdulazeez Alikola congratulated Jibril and called on Teidi to accept the outcome of the primary and support the party’s choice.

    Sheikh in his response called on all party members to join hands to remove the incumbent as the task as ahead is challenge that required focused attention of all.

    He said come November 16, APGA would be the party chosen to steer the ship of Kogi State.