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  • Protests trail Adamawa PDP council primaries

    Complaints of imposition of candidates and other infractions on Monday marked the conduct of the chairmanship and councillorship primaries of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of local council elections scheduled for the 21 LGAs of the state in November this year.

    Violence was alleged in some areas, with one Mahmud Othman, an aspirant from Maiha LGA in the northern zone of the state, saying that in most of the local government areas in the zone, “the primaries to elect local government chairmanship and councillorship candidates were greeted with gun shots,” sending people to all directions.

    He reiterated that similar problems were recorded in the other four local government areas that make up the senatorial zone: Madagali, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South, “because of imposition of government favoured candidates and the disqualification of the people’s preferred ones.”

    A party member in Ganye Local Government Area, Michael Gwangwaso, alleged a free for all in the area over imposition of aspirants.

    He said, “They wanted to cheat us. The party primary was not conducted in a transparent manner. They wanted to impose their unpopular candidates on us.”

    In Numan LGA, members of Concerned Citizens of Numan Town, a PDP sub-group, protested against ‘wrongful disqualification’ of some aspirants by the party’s screening committee.

    Read Also; I will stay in PDP to seek justice, says Alaibe

    The group members who took their protest to the state capital, Yola, addressed a press conference, accusing the party’s screening committee of showing favouratism. Their spokesman, Mr Vidiyabo Pagiel, who read the text of the briefing, said, “Why are some councillorship candidates cleared by the committee despite the allegations raised against them that they are still civil servants on government payroll.”

    Attempts to get comments from PDP officials largely failed as they would not respond to phone calls nor were they available in their offices.

    The Secretary of the party, Abdullahi Prambe, however later said on phone that he was in Abuja. He offered that stakeholders of the party who had issues over the primaries could table such issues with the appeal committee constituted for that purpose.

    The situation in the PDP is a marked contrast from what applied in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which was on Monday afternoon celebrating peaceful primaries as it released names of 18 candidates for the November chairmanship election, leaving out three LGAs from where results had not arrived Yola when the party held a press briefing.

  • JUST IN: Tribunal sacks Benue Assembly deputy speaker

    The National/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State has nullified the election of Chris Adaji of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the 2019 Ohimini State Constituency election.

    Chairman of the Tribunal Justice R. O. Odudu, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the margin with which Adaji led Musa Alechenu Ohimini of All Progressives Congress (APC) is less than the number of votes cancelled.

    According to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration, Adaji led with 397 votes and the Tribunal finds the margin is less than the 1, 056 votes cancelled in the two polling units of Igbanomaje and Odega.

    According to the decision of the court, INEC ought not to have made final declaration without ordering for a rerun in the affected polling units other than declare an inconclusive poll.

    Justice Odudu held that the declaration and return of Adaji without a rerun in Otega and Ogadagba ward is invalid by reason of non-substantial compliance with Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

    Read Also: I will stay in PDP to seek justice, says Alaibe

    The court therefore, issued an order for withdrawer of certificate of return issued to Adaji and an order directing INEC to conduct rerun election in the two polling units where elections were cancelled within 90 days.

    Vincent Tortsugh, who appeared for the petitioners, described the decision of the Tribunal as “reasonable,” adding that “we didn’t expect anything other than this.”

    The APC candidate, Musa Ohimini Alechenu described the decision as a testimony of the wishes of the people.

    He said by the decision, the judiciary has reaffirmed that it remains the hope of the people.

    “I want to appreciate the Tribunal for the good job done. Let me appreciate the people of Ohimini for standing behind me during the period of the legal struggle,” Alechenu said while insisting that he will win the rerun ballot.

    Adaji’s counsel, Ken Ikonne said he will consult his client before taking any further decision.

  • Defections loom as Bayelsa PDP plots to retain running mate

    Mass defection looms in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, following a plot by the party to retain Senator Lawrence Erwujakpor as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Senator Douye Diri.

    The nomination of Eweujakpor, who hails from Dickson’s Sagbama Local Government Area, has kept the PDP on edge ahead of the November 16 governorship election with many party members kicking against it.

    Governor Seriake Dickson lived up to his promise to convene stakeholders meeting to review the controversies surrounding the running mate and explore possibility of substituting Ewrujakpor’s name before the September 23 deadline of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for candidate substitution.

    Party members were, however, in dilemma that despite holding the meeting, the stakeholders made no public statement on the running mate crisis.

    Besides, it was observed that many key PDP stakeholders failed to attend the meeting, which appointed Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei as Director-General of the Senator Douye Diri Governorship Campaign Organization.

    Dr. Ayawei, who is Chairman of the Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Board, was a frontline aspirant of the PDP in the last gubernatorial primaries which produced Senator DIri as the party’s candidate for the November 16 election in the state.

    A statement by the State Secretary of the PDP, Chief Godspower Keku, said that Dr. Ayawei’s appointment was part of the key resolutions of a meeting of the Gubernatorial Campaign Advisory Council of the State Chapter of the PDP.

    Though the stakeholders maintained sealed lips on Diri’s running mate, it was gathered that the governorship candidate briefed the stakeholders on the issue.

    Read Also:  Shekarau, others in fresh trouble over N950m PDP fund

    A party stakeholder said Diri was under intense pressure of some powerful forces to insist on Ewrujakpor adding that while addressing the stakeholders, the candidate said there was no need to substitute his running mate.

    The source, who spoke in confidence said: “Most of the party members are waiting for the decision to be made public. If the party leadership fails to make it public and the name remains till the expiration of September 23 deadline, there will be mass exodus in the PDP.

    “The only way to save the party is to move the running mate to Bayelsa East. We need their votes in the election. People are not happy at the development and they have communicated their grievances. We are asking the governor and other party leaders to save the PDP”.

    Following the emergence of Diri as the candidate, some party leaders abandoned the PDP with their supporters and aligned with the APC.

    A member of the House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, Target Sekiibo recently moved to the APC with his supporters.

    Also, Gabriel Jonah, the younger brother to the state’s Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), led thousands of his supporters in Nembe Local Government under a political movement, the Otita Force, to the APC.

    Similarly, a grassroots mobiliser and Dickson’s Special Adviser on Urban Crime Management, Abednego Don-Evarada dumped the party in Ogbia with his supporters to the APC.

    Following the running mate crisis, Dickson sacked his aide, Hellen Bob, who had reportedly pitched tent with the APC.

    The source added: “Many people are warming up to leave the party but they are waiting for last decision of the party leadership on this running mate palaver. Some PDP lawmakers have traveled to Abuja to meet with the leadership of the APC and negotiate their ways out of the PDP. We are still begging the party leadership to listen to the voices of its members and resolve this issue”.

  • UPDATED: Shekarau, others in fresh trouble over N950m PDP fund

    The Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Monday, struck out the no-case submission filed by the former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, challenging his alleged N950 million money laundering trial.

    The EFCC, arraigned Shekarau on May 24, 2018, alongside former Foreign Affairs Minister, , Aminu Wali and one Mansur Ahmad on six counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950 million.

    Delivering his ruling, Justice Lewis Allagoa, held that the EFCC has made out a prima facie case against the defendants, warranting that they must defend themselves.

    “I have considered evidence by the prosecution against the defendants, it is sufficient that they have case to answer and defend themselves,” he said.

    Allagoa adjourned the case until Nov.18 and Nov. 19, for defence to open its case.

    Earlier, Counsel to Shekarau and two others, Mr Dauda Abdulrahman, and Mr Abdul Adamu, on July 9 filed a no-case submission.

    Adamu said EFCC failed to present a prima facie case to warrant the defendants entering defence and urged the court to discharge his clients.

    Read Also: Shekarau brings rare virtues to the Senate

    Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Johnson Ojogbane, had earlier told the court that the defendants, between March 26 and March 27, 2015, conspired among themselves and received the said amount without going through financial institutions.

    He said that the money was issued to the defendants by the Peoples Democratic Party and former petroleum minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act and Section 15(1) of money laundering Act.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    NAN reports that the defendants were earlier granted bail in the sum of N100 million each with two reliable sureties in like sum and during the course of trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and closed its case on May 8.

  • 10 youths to win N10m grant as FG kick-starts 59th Independence activities

    The Federal Government Monday started activities to mark Nigeria’s 59th Independence Day Celebration.

    Nigeria got her independence from Britain on 1st October, 1960.

    Speaking during the 59th Independence Day Celebration press briefing at the Radio House, Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, thanked God for preserving the nation to witness its 59th anniversary.

    Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Gabriel Aduda, said efforts have been made to keep the nation one over the years despite its diverse challenges.

    He recognized the fact that the country ought to be far ahead where it is today.

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, he said, is doing its best to leave long lasting legacies in the country.

    He said that 10 youths will have the opportunity to win N1 million each during the youth Concert scheduled for Monday 30th of September, 2019.

    He said “First, we give thanks to God Almighty for preserving our lives to witness this Celebration. We pay tribute to our founding fathers who exhibited patriotism and spirit of nationalism during the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence.

    “The struggle for Nigeria’s independence was not an easy one. It was a a result of intellectual prowess, patriotic zeal, as well as love of country that enabled our forebears to succeed in their struggle.

    “Nigeria’s leaders since then have made varied contributions to building our nation state. Above all, efforts have been made to ensure that the country remains united despite diverse challenges which are not unexpected in a multicultural society such as ours.

    “Independence Day for us is a joyous occasion, but also a sobering one because we are beset with a lot of developmental challenges looking at how far we have come. Ideally we should be far ahead of where we are right now as a people, but never the less President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not sitting on its oars, but working to ensure better livelihoods for the Nigerian People.

    “It is the avowed determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to bequeath to the Nation a long-lasting legacy of improved infrastructural facilities and a better economy across the length and breadth of the country.” he stated

    He said that there will be Juma’at Prayer & Special Lecture on Friday 27/09/19 at the National Mosque, Abuja.

    Interdenominational Christian Service, he said, comes up on Sunday 29/09/19 at the National Christian Center, Abuja.

    On Monday 30/09/19, he said there will be National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit (NYEES2) Independence Edition at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

    On the same day, he said there will be Youth Concert Independence Edition CD at the Millennium Park.

    On Tuesday 01/10/19, he said there will be Independence Media Broadcast by the President by 7am.

    He disclosed that there will also be Presidential Change of Guards and Public Lecture/Gala Night at the State House in the evening of the same day.

  • Olojo: Ooni begins 7-day seclusion to pray for resuscitation of economy

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has proceeded on a seven-day annual seclusion as this year edition of Olojo festival begins in Ile Ife, Osun State.

    On Sunday evening before ceremonies for seclusion began, the foremost African traditional ruler and the Arole Oodua addressed journalists, where he expressed joy to formally begin the Olojo festival.

    He said he was on a very high spirit to go into seclusion to meet with “God Almighty who owns the Day through fasting and prayers.

    He said he would pray for the resuscitation of the country’s economy while in seclusion.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who is the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up an excellent Economic Advisory Council led by Prof. Doyin Salami, warning stakeholders especially those within the presidency to resist attempts to sabotage the council’s efforts in the interest of Nigerians, especially the poor masses.

    While explaining the significance of the seven day seclusion, the Ooni revealed that the God answers prayers during the period, noting that all he prayed for during last year’s seclusion, particularly for peaceful state and general elections were granted by God.

    He said: “I am going into seclusion now just to pray for the presidency that they should provide an enabling environment for the newly economic council to do their job. It is very important. In fact, we have to do it in any way we have to do it because Nigerian economy needs to be resuscitated in a rapid manner for the betterment of our country. I am so much familiar with the pedigrees of all the members and Am so sure they will deliver only if given free hands to work.

    “As a spiritual head of the Yoruba race, I must continue to pray for the country and the government. I must also intercede for the people to support the government and for the government to work for the people. The president has to listen to this wonderful team. Every recommendation must be followed to the later because these are experts carefully selected from all parts of Nigeria. Failure to listen to them might even draw us back.

    “There is problem in Nigeria, we cannot continue to deceive ourselves because if we do so, we are only postponing the evil day. It is important that we do a rapid economic transformation. We are very thankful for having a corrupt-free President and whoever that would not allow him to listen to the council will have God Almighty to contend with.”

    “This time around as the Arole Oduduwa, I am focusing more on how Nigerian economy will be completely turned over. If you look around, you will see unemployed youths everywhere this is the time to pay attention to these kegs of gunpowder that we are all seated upon. To me, I am very excited that the best decision ever made by this current government of Buhari administration is to bring in experts for the economic council because I know that our economic fortunes will change for good.”

  • Edo to invest N2.1bn Azura Power Proceeds in Benin Industrial Park

    The anchor investor in the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park would soon be moving into the facility, as the Edo State Government has finalised plans to invest the N2.1 billion that will accrue from its divestment of 50 per cent of its equity in the Edo-Azura Power Project, into the park.

    In a statement, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the N2.1bn would go a long way in building the needed infrastructure for the park to come on stream.

    According to him, “The state government is going to divest 50 per cent of its equity in Edo Azura Power project. We will be investing the proceeds into the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park project as we prepare to have the Anchor investor settle down to business.

    “The state government will be providing the needed infrastructure for the project, including access roads and other needed structures to ensure the smooth take-off of the facility.

    Read Also; Obaseki reassures on kidnapping, other crimes

    “We disclosed earlier that we have an anchor investor for the park. With the funds we now have, we have all that is needed to effectively kick-off. Nothing is going to be left to chance. As is characteristic of the governor, this is a masterstroke as we now have funds to begin the project. We expect other investors to cash-in on opportunities in the new industrial corridor.”

    He noted that the N2.1bn would be instrumental in ensuring that the state government meets its obligations to investors, by deploying the fund in constructing the access roads, clearing the environment as well as other physical structures to drive investment.

    He added that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Enterprise and Industrial Park is being conducted by the Federal Ministry of Environment, which would pave the way for the anchor investor to move into the facility.

  • El-Rufai enrols son in public primary school

    Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State on Monday enrolled his six-year-old child, Abubakar into primary one in Capital School Malali, Kaduna, a public school, in fulfillment of a promise he made in 2017.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that El-Rufa’i had in a state broadcast in December 2017, promised to enroll his child in a public school when he turns six years.

    “The move is part of reforms to revamp public schools in the state to make them more competitive.

    “We are determined to fix public education and raise their standards so that private education will become only a luxury.

    “As we make progress, we will require our senior officials to enroll their children in public schools.

    “And I will by personal example ensure that my son that will be six years of age in 2019 will be enrolled in a public school in Kaduna State, by God’s grace,” El-Rufa’i had said.

    Briefing newsmen shortly after he enrolled the child, El-Rufa’i explained that it was a commitment that had been fulfilled.

    “I made that commitment because I believe that it is only when all political leaders have their children in public schools that we will pay due attention to quality of public education.

    “I went to a public school like this. In fact, the school I went to is not as good as this one, but here I am, because of the quality teaching I got.

    “My intention is to ensure that all our public schools offer quality education, and so we are encouraging all our senior public servants to send their children to public schools.

    “Once the public schools are improved to a point they are nearly as good or even better than private schools, no one will waste his money taking his child to private school,” he said.

    Ummi El-Rufa’i, the mother of the child said: “l am glad that we are able to send a strong message to our leaders and the elites, that we need to start making things work from within our homes.

    “By the time we start attending public hospitals and send our children to public schools, the system will get better. This is a very huge step,” she said.

    On his part, the little child said: “I am sad that I will miss my old school, my friends and my teachers. But I have to help my father keep his promise” .

  • BREAKING: Abia begins grilling of Commissioner- nominees

    The leadership of the Abia State House of Assembly has begun the screening of 24 commissioner- nominees submitted to it for confirmation by Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

    The screening started at about 12noon.

    So far, three former members of the State House of Assembly Kalu Uduma, Paul Chijioke and Theophilous Ugbaja were asked to take a bow in line with legislative privileges enjoyed by lawmakers.

    Details shortly…

  • Abducted SAN Onyemenam regains freedom

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chike Onyemenam, who was kidnapped a week ago along Benin/Asaba highway has been released by his abductors after paying the sum of N7.5 million ransom.

    Onyemenam was kidnapped, Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, at Utulu junction along Benin- Asaba expressway Issele-Azagba near the Delta State capital.

    A family source who confirmed his abduction on Monday, had also confirmed that the SAN has been released after the family has paid N7.5 at the weekend.

    Read Also: Kidnapping: Army dismisses three soldiers in Borno

    The hoodlums were said to have earlier asked for N15million, before the ransom was reduced N7.5m after the family had pleaded with the abductors.

    The source said, “We give glory to God that he was not hurt by his abductors, as he came out a little bit strong.

    When contacted, State Police Command who claimed not to be aware of the kidnap also could confirm release of the lawyer.