APC Speaks On Plan To Suspend El-Rufai

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna says there is no plan to suspend Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state. There were reports that el-Rufai would soon be suspended for alleged anti-party activities. In a text message to TheCable on Tuesday night, Salisu Wusono, spokesperson of APC in Kaduna, said there is no such plan. “Nothing like this!,” Wusono said. El-Rufai was recently seen with Abdul Ningi, the senator suspended for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by about N3 trillion. El-Rufai also visited the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. These visits elicited debates on social media, amid insinuations that the former governor is plotting a political move. Shehu Gabam, national chair of the SDP, had said political meanings should not be read into the SDP visit because he has known el-Rufai for quite some time. “My relationship with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai predates 1999. I knew him long before then, and we have been close,” he had said. “Coming to the SDP secretariat, I don’t know why it is so special that people misinterpret or interpret how it suits them. There are a lot of politicians of the APC that have visited me, other parties have visited me. “Do not forget that not too long ago, Al Mustapha came to my office and people were speculating that he is decamping to SDP. “Will you be surprised if President Bola Tinubu visits SDP? He knows me and I know him.”

Naira Abuse Charge: Cubana Chief Priest pleads not guilty ….granted 10m bail

A businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira. Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts bordering on abuse of naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Cubana Chief Priest was said to have also committed the offences while dancing during a social event. He was said to have tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying the same for two hours.

NCAA suspends three private jet operators for operating commercial flights

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the permit of three private jet operators for engaging in commercial flights. This was according to a Riot Act on the NCAA’s website on Tuesday, signed by the Acting Director General, Captain Chris Najomo. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on Monday warned private jet operators unlicensed to operate commercial services that their activities were causing the Federal Government a huge loss of revenue. The minister issued the warning in an interview on Channels TV programme, Newsnight, on Monday. Keyamo said, “Almost all these private jets are operating commercially resulting in a huge loss of revenue for the Federal Government because the licence to fly a private aircraft privately and the one to fly it commercially is so much. “When it is commercial, the money paid to the Federal Government is so much. So, people now take licences from us to say I have just bought a private jet and I want to be using it for my business or to fly my friends and family, and we give them at a very low fee. “However, the moment they are given, they carry passengers all over Nigeria doing six or eight flights a day. This is a notice to them on camera, I am coming for them because the president has given us a marching order, and we are not going to allow it. “First, in terms of passengers’ safety, the regulation is low. Second, it is economic sabotage and I won’t allow that to happen. People who are my friends or the president’s friends, we will come down on them and, perhaps, ground all their planes. We will come very hard on them. In a matter of days or weeks, we are going to come down on them because we have to raise revenue for the Federal Government, ensure that the laws are kept and ensure the safety of Nigerians.” However, expediting action on the warning issued, the acting DG of NCAA in a Riot Act on Tuesday, suspended three jet operators found guilty of engaging in commercial flights. The acting DG disclosed that despite several warnings, these jet operators continued to engage in commercial flight operations, hence their suspension. The message read, “Back in 2023, the use of private jets for commercial purposes had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who issued marching orders for the cessation of such acts. “Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non-commercial flights, PNCF, against engaging in the carriage of passenger-cargo or mail for hire and reward. “The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria. As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 91.14 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.” Najomo noted that suspending the jet operators for flouting several warnings was in line with the Authority’s zero tolerance for violation of regulations. He continued, “In line with our zero tolerance for violation of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators. To further sanitise the general aviation sector, I have directed that a re-evaluation of all holders of PNCF be carried out on or before the 19th of April 2024 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.” The statement further directed that all holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights should submit relevant documents to the Authority within 72 hours. It added, “All PNCF holders will be required to submit relevant documents to the authority within the next 72 hours. “This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilize aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations. “It must be emphasised that only aircraft listed in the operation”.

NEC Meeting: PDP Reps meet amid party crisis

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, House of Representatives caucus, are currently meeting at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. This is happening hours ahead of a media parley slated for Tuesday (today) by 60 lawmakers loyal to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Last week, 60 opposition lawmakers led by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, demanded the resignation of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for alleged incompetence and anti-party activities. Barely 24 hours after the Ugochinyere-led group addressed the media, the House minority caucus led by its chairman, Kingsley Chinda, disowned the group, labelling it an unknown body to the parliament. Although the details of the ongoing meeting were sketchy at press time, it may not be unconnected with the National Executive Committee meeting of the party slated for Thursday at the PDP headquarters, where issues ranging from anti-party activities of prominent members as well as the status of Damagum will be up for deliberation. A lawmaker attending the meeting said that issues concerning the nation are slated for discussion. He noted that details of the meeting will be made public later in the day. “It is a regular meeting of the caucus to appraise the security situation of the country,” he said. Both Chinda and Ugochinyere are attending the meeting.

President Tinubu Declares April 7 as National Police Day

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s police force. President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional mindset and ethos within the police force, stating, “My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.” Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s decision to designate the first week of April as Police Week, with April 7 marking the culmination as National Police Day. President Tinubu underscored the importance of honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, stating, “Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.” The President’s remarks also highlighted key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the police force, including investments in training, capacity-building, and upgrading equipment and technology. He assured, “These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement.” In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and urged for the removal of any misconduct within the force, stating, “As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected.” The declaration of National Police Day and the broader reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration signify a pivotal step towards modernizing and professionalizing Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, promoting accountability, and enhancing public trust in the police force.

Naira Abuse: EFCC Files 3-Count Charge Against Cubana Chief Priest

Nigerian socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The Imo State born celebrity barman will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He is expected to take his plea before a trial judge tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17. The allegations against him read: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal, on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.” “That you, Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.” “That you, Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.” Cubana Chief Priest’s trial is coming few days after the anti-graft agency also secured the conviction of a controversial cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was sentenced to 6 months in prison without the option of fine, for mutilation and abuse of the Naira.

Buhari’s Ex-aide Reacts To Ganduje’s Suspension 

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has reacted to the suspension of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Ganduje was suspended by his ward in DawakinTofa local government area of Kano State over alleged corruption. Speaking to journalists, the legal adviser of the ward, Haladu Gwanjo, said the former Kano Governor is alleged to have committed gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his administration in Kano. Reacting in a post via his X handle, Ahmad said if the suspension of Ganduje was conducted in accordance with due process, then he is no longer a party member. The former presidential aide added that constitutionally, Ganduje cannot serve as the national chairman since he has been suspended. Ahmad stated that the current situation is similar to the tactics used during Senator Adams Oshiohmole’s tenure. He wrote: “If the widely reported suspension of the national chairman of our great party was conducted in accordance with due process, then he is no longer a party member, and constitutionally, he cannot serve as the national chairman since he is not a registered member of the party. “This situation has a resemblance to the tactics used during Senator Adams Oshiohmole’s tenure. There must have been maneuvers happening behind the scenes.”

BREAKING: Kano APC sanctions ward leaders over Ganduje’s suspension

The Kano State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken action against Ganduje Ward Leaders who suspended the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State Chairman of the APC, announced the sanction during a press briefing in Kano on Monday. He stated that the Ganduje Ward leaders have been suspended for six months due to their involvement in anti-party activities. Abbas explained that the State Working Committee made the decision based on the resolution of the party’s Dawakin Tofa Local Government Committee, which also recommended the suspension. “We have evidence of meetings between the State Government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman, and the state working committee has agreed to sanction them for six months and they stand suspended,” Abbas stated. Earlier on Monday, the Ganduje Ward leaders in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area had announced the suspension of Dr Ganduje, alleging corruption during his tenure as Governor. The ward’s legal adviser, Haladu Gwanjo, cited gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds, particularly referencing the “dollar video” scandal. However, the State Working Committee declared the suspension invalid, null, and void, asserting that it cannot stand.

Why APC suspended Ganduje 

The Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa local government area in Kano State has taken the step of suspending Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was conveyed by the ward’s legal adviser, Halliru Gwanzo, during a press briefing in Kano on Monday.  The suspension comes in response to bribery allegations leveled against Ganduje by the Kano State Government. “We decided to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party due to the seriousness of the allegations against him,” Gwanzo stated. He said the suspension subsists until he clears himself from the allegations.

Alleged terrorism, kidnapping: Judge threatens to strike out trial of Imo monarch killers …As AGF shuns court

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Monday threatened to strike out terrorism charges brought against four defendants who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze-Obowo autonomous community in Imo state, Eze Basil Njoku. The threat by Justice Nyako followed the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN in court to lead the prosecution of the defendants. Although the four defendants were billed for arraignment by 9.am, the judge was forced to shift it till 12noon due to the non-appearance of the AGF or his representatives in court. The four defendants are Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke. The three counts earlier slammed against them have been increased to five in the amended charges. By 12noon, when the arraignment was to hold, neither the AGF not his representative still appeared in court without any information or communication to the court. The situation prompted the judge to invite lawyers to the defendants into her chambers where an adjournment of April 30th was fixed. Although lead counsel to the defendants, Solomon Akume SAN had applied for dismissal of he terrorism charges against the defendants, Justice Nyako opted to give the the AGF another chance to lead a diligent prosecution The judge however held that in the event of the AGF or his representatives not appearing in court on the adjourned date, the court may have no option than to strike out the charges against the defendants for want of diligent prosecution. At the March 20 last adjourned date, the AGF represented by David Kaswe a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice had taken over the prosecution of the defendants from the Inspector General of Police IGP who intially initated the trial of defendants Kaswe had told the judge that the AGF invoked section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and section 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to assume trial of the defendants The AGF’s office at the last adjourned date told the court that the IGP had been directed to make the case file available to his office. However at today’s proceedings, neither the AGF nor David Kwase and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Simon Lough who was prosecuting the trial for the Inspector General of Police was in court, despite been served with hearing notice. Meanwhile Justice Nyako has ordered that fresh hearing notice for April 30th arraignment of the four defendants be served on the AGF. Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022.. The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022. The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act. Part of the charge read “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act. “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe Emeka Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku Knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004. “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.