Tinubu Mourns As Ex Nigerian President Loses Sister

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, over the death of his sister, Hajiya Salamatu Asabe. Tinubu’s message to the General on Monday on the passing of his younger sister was contained in a statement. According to the statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale: “It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Hajiya Salamatu Asabe, the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).  “President Tinubu condoles with General Abubakar, the family, and all those who mourn this painful loss. “The President prays that her family is comforted by her legacy and the beautiful memories she left behind.” Ngelale quoted President Tinubu as having said: “General, please accept my sympathy and condolences.  “My prayers are with you at this time of mourning.  “May Almighty Allah grant Hajiya Asabe Aljannah firdaus.”

President Tinubu’s Minister, Dele Alake Speaks On Contesting Governorship Election

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, says he has no interest in contesting to become the governor of Ekiti state. In a statement on Monday, Segun Tomori, the minister’s media aide, said Alake has nothing to do with the campaign posters circulating on social media, describing them as fake. He said Alake is committed to his current national assignment as a minister. Tomori added that Alake supports the current administration of Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti. The minister, an indigene of Ekiti, served as a commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos from 1999 to 2007. “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake has been drawn to a poster that is circulating on social media and across WhatsApp groups where he is positioned as a gubernatorial aspirant in Ekiti State with the inscription ‘Take it Back’,” the statement reads. “The general public is hereby informed that Dr Alake has no interest in running for the governorship election in Ekiti State, either now or in the future.  “The poster in circulation does not have his approval as he does not know the people behind it. It is fake and should be discarded. “It is unconscionable that the Honourable Minister who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State.  “The Honourable Minister is a busy man, working tirelessly on how to make the solid minerals sector a major revenue earner for the country and for the sector to create thousands of high-paying jobs for Nigerians.”

Impeached Ogun Speaker docked over Alleged N2.5bn fraud

The impeached Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, was on Monday docked in a Federal High Court sitting in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. The former Speaker was docked alongside two other officers of the state Assembly, Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji. Oluomo and the duo were dragged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged misappropriation of N2.5 billion. Oluomo allegedly committed the fraud while serving as the Speaker of the Assembly in 2022. Aside from the N2.5 billion fraud case, 18 out of 26 lawmakers signed for his impeachment over allegations bordering on high-handedness, gross misconduct, arrogance, poor leadership style, lack of focus and transparency, and pitching members against themselves. This former Speaker has, however, vowed to fight back as he told journalists that he had instituted a legal battle against the members of the Assembly. On Monday, shortly after the trio entered the dock, the court discovered that the counsel to the EFCC was absent. The Judge, Justice O.O Okeke, however, adjourned the case to 29th February and 1st of March.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Binani’s Suit Challenging Fintiri’s Victory

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru, popularly called Binani, against the governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri. The tribunal and Court of Appeal had dismissed Binani’s petition challenging the victory of Finitiri in the governorship election held last year. The five-member panel led by John Okoro adjourned the matter for judgment after listening to the arguments of the parties involved in the matter. The main contention of Binani, through her counsel, Akin Olujimi, at the day’s proceeding, is that the controversial declaration by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, was lawful. Monday’s decision came months after the Court of Appeal affirmed the victory of Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor of Adamawa State and dismissed Binani’s challenge as lacking in merit. It also awarded the cost of N500,000 in favour of Fintiri and the PDP against Binani. That judgment aligned with the verdict of the tribunal on October 28, which dismissed Binani’s petition for failing to prove her allegations of over-voting by not tendering documents to prove her case faulting the outcome of the election. Before the legal tussle, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Fintiri as the winner of a dramatic governorship poll. Fintiri polled 9,337 votes besting Senator ‘Binani’ who scored 6,513 votes. But in a controversial move, Ari, while collation was going on, prematurely declared Binani as the winner of the election. This was contrary to the provisions of Section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which gives only the returning officer the right to declare election results for governorship polls. Immediately after the announcement, INEC declared the pronouncement as of no effect. It thereafter suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election in Adamawa and invited the REC, Returning Officer, and all officials involved to report to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. Later on, police authorities arrested Ari, confirming that the INEC REC was in their custody. He is still in court facing charges.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Exit ECOWAS

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, nations that were recently brought under military dictatorships have unilaterally withdrawn their membership of the Economic commission of West african States (ECOWAS). The military regimes of these countries jointly released a statement on Sunday, characterizing their departure as a “sovereign decision” that will be promptly executed. The move follows a series of coups in the region, with Niger experiencing a coup in July 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. ECOWAS responded by suspending all three nations and imposing severe sanctions, intensifying the already strained relations. The military regimes argue that ECOWAS’ measures hinder their ability to address pressing issues, leading to this decisive withdrawal. The exit is seen as a bold assertion of sovereignty by these countries aiming to tackle their challenges independently. However, concerns arise about potential disruptions to regional cooperation and integration, given ECOWAS’ pivotal role in fostering economic collaboration, regional security, and political stability. The departure of these nations may undermine these efforts, causing fragmentation in regional initiatives. The Sahel region, grappling with persistent jihadist violence, faces heightened security risks due to the absence of a unified regional approach. Moreover, the withdrawal may impact the international standing of these countries, limiting their access to diplomatic relations and foreign investments facilitated by ECOWAS. This decision has garnered international attention, sparking debates among experts and analysts. The uncertainty surrounding its consequences will be closely monitored in the coming months, as the withdrawal signifies a pivotal moment in the region’s political dynamics. The potential impact on regional stability, security, and development remains a subject of intense scrutiny.

Kidnappers Release Abducted Lagos PDP Chairman 

The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Aivoji, who some yet-to-be-identified gunmen abducted along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has been released. The  Lagos State PDP Chairman had spent four days in captivity after he was abducted last Thursday. News of his release was disclosed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Amode, in a short statement issued around 1.15 am on Monday. Amode said, “Lagos State PDP Chairman released by the kidnappers. “Hon Philip Olabode Aivoji, the Lagos State PDP Chairman, is free at last after four days in the kidnappers’ den. “We use this opportunity to appreciate your prayers, most importantly because God’s mercies was visible all the way. “Thank you all for your concerns and prayers.” Recall that Aivoji and some other party chieftains were abducted at the Ogere area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday while returning from the party’s Stakeholders’ Zonal Caucus meeting convened by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and held in Ibadan, the state capital.

Fubara Appoints Ehie As Chief Of Staff, Names Special Advisers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointments of a Chief of Staff and Special Advisers. Former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has been appointed as Chief of Staff, Government House. During the political crisis in the state, Ehie resigned from his position as the member representing Ahoada East State Constituency 2 and as Speaker of a faction of the State House of Assembly. Meanwhile, the Special Advisers appointed include Solomon Abel Eke, Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Deeyah Bariene, Darlington Orji and Prince Obi Ohia. In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, it was announced that: “The newly appointed Chief of Staff and Special Advisers, alongside one guest each, are expected to be seated at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Monday, 29th January, 2024 at 10:30 am, for the swearing-in ceremony by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State at 11:00am.”

Senate President Dispels False Narratives, Emphasizes Time Management and Colleague Respect

In a swift response to a recent information circulating on some media platforms about Senator Godswill Akpabio being a habitual late-comer, his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has countered the narative, saying it was not correct. According to him, contrary to media speculations, Akpabio places a premium on time, aligning with Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy that “Time is money.” He stated that Sen. Akpabio’s “accomplishments in both private and public life are attributable to his commitment to effective time management.” “As Senate President, Akpabio holds profound respect for his colleagues and the Nigerian public. Recognizing his role as one among equals, he avoids undermining the status of distinguished senators by ensuring punctuality in Plenary sessions”. The release clarifies that the disruptions or lateness to schedules are prioritized but not compromised. Emergency issues and motions of national importance often require urgent attention before Plenary, a responsibility Akpabio diligently fulfills, contributing to occasional delays. On the claims of habitual lateness dating back to his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor, the release emphasizes Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to punctuality and dispels any suggestion that lateness impacts the Senate’s efficiency. The release finally urged the mischief makers to refrain from perpetuating falsehoods about Akpabio’s punctuality and allow him to focus on his dedication to serving the nation and humanity without unwarranted distractions.

BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

Many were reportedly killed when soldiers and gunmen clashed in two villages of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday morning. The clash occurred after Governor Caleb Mutfwang relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the area. Mutfwang had said following improvement of security, the curfew should be from 8am to 4pm. Sources said that about 30 gunmen were killed while some soldiers sustained injuries during the clash at Satguru and Tyop villages. A security operative, said, “The incident occurred between 7 to 7:30 am when the gunmen came in their numbers and started attacking some communities along Gindri road. In no time, the soldiers were alerted and immediately responded. “About 30 of the gunmen were killed while more than 50 of them were arrested with guns and ammunition. Four soldiers were equally injured.” Another source in the area who also pleaded for anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that people were still in fear. Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the area, is yet to respond to the inquiries.

Lagos PDP Chairman Kidnapped 

The Lagos State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Philip Aivoji, has been abducted. He was abducted along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around 6 p.m on Thursday, according to sources. The state publicity secretary of the party, Hon. Hakeem Amode, confirmed the abduction. He called on security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure his release. Amode stated that the chairman was returning from a stakeholders’ meeting in Oyo State convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke. He said, “It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning. “The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace. “Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown. “We implore the governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers. We firmly believe that, with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals, and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”