APC Chieftain Accuses El-rufai of Fueling Insecurity In Northern Nigeria
Yekini Nabena, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has leveled serious allegations against Nasir El-rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna state, claiming he’s behind the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun newspaper, Nabena pointed fingers directly at El-rufai, accusing him of exacerbating the security challenges plaguing the region. Nabena minced no words, stating, “He is among the people that caused problems for the APC and not only APC but also Nigeria. It is people like him that caused all the problems of insecurity we have in the northern part of the country.” He further hinted at El-rufai’s purported political ambitions, suggesting that the former governor’s discontent over not securing certain positions within the APC hierarchy might be a driving factor behind his actions. “I am waiting for the day he will leave the APC. I will remind him a lot of what he did in Kaduna, what he did in the country, what he did in the party and what he did during our party primaries,” Nabena stated firmly. As tensions rise within the party, Nabena vowed to pursue El-rufai should he formally resign from the APC, promising to expose his alleged misdeeds and confront him in the political arena. El-rufai has yet to respond to these damning accusations.
LP crisis: I didn’t promise to build new party – Peter Obi on ignoring national convention
The 2023 Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has said he promised to rebuild Nigeria and not to build a new party. Obi made the remark while disclosing why he ignored the LP’s National convention in Anambra State. Addressing Nigerians on X Space hosted by Parallel Facts on Friday, Peter Obi said he ignored the convention because the party leadership under Julius Abure failed to conduct wide consultation with key stakeholders of the party before embarking on the said convention. He stressed the need for the right thing to be done to salvage the party, adding that he is more passionate about building a new Nigeria than building a new Labour Party. “We promised to build Nigeria, we did not promise to build a New Labour Party,” Obi said. He also threw his weight behind the call for a structure for the ‘Obidient’ movement. “It is the standard practice around the world where movements form themselves into blocs and are part of the political process,” he added. Two factional groups respectively led by Julius Abure and Apapa Lamidi have been claiming supremacy. Also, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is against Abure’s leadership of the party However, Abure was reelected during the controversial national convention organized in Anambra State.
Why I Can’t Do Giveaways – Dele Momodu
Ovation magazine Publisher, Otunba Dele Momodu, has clarified his current inability to engage in giveaways due to overwhelming project commitments demanding his full attention. Expressing sincere apologies to those seeking support, Momodu emphasized his focus on ongoing projects requiring absolute discipline and concentration. He extended prayers for divine assistance in aiding those genuinely in need. Acknowledging the difficulty in declining requests, Momodu assured that his silence on some matters stemmed from respect rather than disdain, citing his modest income and cautious approach to avoid overextension. Momodu wrote: “SINCERE APOLOGIES… It has become necessary for me to offer apologies to those who have asked me for one support or the other in recent time for my inability to help. “God is my witness, I’m currently overwhelmed by my own projects that require absolute discipline and focus. “I pray that God will help me to be able to bless those who genuinely need help. “If I have not picked your call, it is because I feel too pained to say NO to you. “It is a sign of my respect for you, and not of disdain. “I’m a man of modest income and I always try not to overstretch my luck. “I wish for your kind understanding at this difficult moment….”
Six Labour Party Lawmakers Defect To PDP
Six members of the Labour Party at the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The lawmakers had attempted to defect last Sunday in an elaborate party at the Okpara Square but the event came to an abrupt end. Party supporters were asked to leave Okpara Square, the proposed venue of the event. However, on Thursday during plenary at the state House of Assembly complex, the lawmakers made their defection known in a letter read by the speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu. According to the speaker, the defecting members include Mr. Ejike Nwa Nsukka, (Igbo-Eze North 1); Mr. Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North); Ms. Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural); Mr. Pius Onyeka Ezugwu (Nsukka West); Mr. Williams T. Amuka (Igbo-Etiti East) and Mr. Osita Eze (Oji River). The speaker said that their defection was a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the national level and across all the state chapters.” He continued: “Regrettably, the party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people. “The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate”. They cited the cases of the Abure and Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer as some of the divisions within the party.
Sen Ningi’s Suspension: Falana Issues 7 days’ Ultimatum
Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has written to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, seeking reversal of Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension within seven days. The Senate has suspended Sen. Ningi on the floor of the Senate for three months, over the allegation he brought that the National Assembly passed two versions of the 2024 budget. The constitutional lawyer said that the senate, by its actions, violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. According to him, their action breached section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act. Reacting, the law firm of Falana & Falana, had in the letter dated March 25th, signed by its principal, noted that Ningi’s trial before the lawmakers on March 14, was contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018, and violated their client’s fundamental right to a fair hearing. In the letter titled “Request to lift the suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi” Falana posited that the Senate President faulted by not drawing the attention of the lawmakers to a recent decision of the court which held that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator. He, therefore, demanded that Ningi’s suspension be lifted within 7 days, failing which the matter will be taken to court for the reinstatement as well as a report to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for treating the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal with disdain. The letter reads in full; We are Solicitors to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) on whose behalf we write this letter. On March 9, 2024, our client granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 Appropriation Act. He expressed his views on the budget in exercise of his fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Dissatisfied with the interview, you caused our client to be put on trial before the Senate on March 14, 2024, contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018. Even though it was alleged that you were indicted by our client in the interview, you presided over the proceedings of the Senate. It is on record that you were the accuser, the prosecutor and the Judge in your own case in utter violation of the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 At the end of the trial, you pronounced our client guilty and declared “That the Senate do suspend Senator Abdul Nigin (Bauchi North) for three (3) months and he should forfeit all his entitlements and be disallowed from the precincts of the National Assembly Complex during the period of the suspension. He should also apologise to the Senate in writing. Thereafter, the Senate can consider his remorse and recall him;” Apart from violating our client’s fundamental right to fair hearing, the Senate violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. This is a breach of section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on
Six Nigerian Governors Get New Appointments
Six Nigerian governors have been appointed as zonal coordinators for the All Progressives Congress. The six governors were officially inaugurated by Ganduje at the APC national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. They are Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe). After their oath-taking ceremony, the APC national chairman announced that the governors have the mandate to initiate periodic interfaces with other members of the Progressive Governor’s Forum within their zones and the leadership of the party. According to the former Kano governor, Sanwo-Olu will coordinate the party’s activities for the South-west zone while Uzodimma takes charge of the South-East. Otu will be in charge of South-South while the trio of AbdulRazaq, Sani and Buni coordinate the affairs of North-Central, North-West and North-East regions. He said, “We are here to mobilise the demand of the people and to form an agenda for the party and the government. We also need to disseminate information on what the government is doing down to the people. “To do that, we have narrowed down our activities to geopolitical zones. So, in all this, there must be a governor that will oversee, motivate, and encourage all within that zone. That is the only way that we can move forward quickly. “Therefore, we need you (newly inaugurated coordinators) to mobilise other governors of the zones to effectively and physically participate in party activities within and outside the zone. Also, consult with the governors on issues that will further enhance the progress and unity of the party and assist the APC on resource mobilisation in the zones.”
Tinubu Appoints Tony Elumelu, Dangote
Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote are among those that have been appointed by Bola Tinubu into the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and the creation of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET). According to a statement from the presidency, the development is a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation. Tinubu would serve as chairman of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), while Vice President Kashim Shettima would serve as Vice Chairman. The council comprises distinguished leaders and key government officials, including: (1) President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Chairman of the PECC (2) Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Vice-Chairman of the PECC / NEC Chairman (3) President of the Nigerian Senate (4) Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (5) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (6) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (7) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (8) Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development (9) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (10) Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (11) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (12) Minister of Labour and Employment (13) Minister of Marine and Blue Economy (14) Minister of Power (15) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (16) Minister of State, Gas (17) Minister of Transportation (18) Minister of Works The PECC will also comprise key members of the organized private sector, with the following members joining for a period not exceeding one (1) year, subject to the President’s directive: (1) Alhaji Aliko Dangote (2) Mr. Tony Elumelu (3) Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu (4) Ms. Amina Maina (5) Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir (6) Mrs. Funke Okpeke (7) Dr. Doyin Salami (8) Mr. Patrick Okigbo (9) Mr. Kola Adesina (10) Mr. Segun Agbaje (11) Mr. Chidi Ajaere (12) Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu (13) Mr. Rasheed Sarumi
INEC to Publish Particulars of Candidates for Edo Guber
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will be publishing the personal particulars of candidates vying for the Edo State Governorship Election, following the closure of the deadline for political parties to submit their nomination forms. Seventeen (17) political parties successfully submitted their candidates’ nomination forms for the Edo State Governorship Election before the deadline of 6:00 PM on March 24, 2024, when the dedicated portal ceased operations. This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. In accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the personal details of the Governorship candidates and their running mates will be made public on Saturday, March 30, 2024, exactly one week after the submission deadline. Copies of Form EC9, along with all academic credentials and other relevant documents submitted by each candidate, will be prominently displayed at the State Headquarters and the 18 Local Government offices across Edo State. The commission emphasized the importance of thorough scrutiny by Nigerians, stating that any individual who participated in their party primaries and has reasonable grounds to suspect false information provided by a candidate can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court, as outlined in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022. The Edo State Governorship Election is slated to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the president of the Republic of Senegal, wishing him success as he takes on the important job of leading the good people of Senegal. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, March 27. Part of the statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his congratulations to Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal. “President Tinubu notes that President-elect Faye comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on this important job of leading the good people of Senegal. “The President also congratulates His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for overseeing an election that has been widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent. “President Tinubu states that the success of the presidential election in Senegal and the successful conduct of the general election in Liberia a few months ago have affirmed his long-held conviction that the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa and will only grow stronger as it is watered by good governance, justice, and fairness to all.”
Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu
In what seems like a shocking appeal similar to that of Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, says bandits terrorising the country ought to be given promising future. The ex-minister also implores the Tinubu-led administration to negotiate with the bandits, stressing that they are able-bodied men who should be retained by the federal government. The former minister stated this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results. “If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future. Let us retain them. Many of them are very intelligent, many of them are able-bodied,” Shittu said. The ex-minister said the millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria are a “production factory for banditry” in the country. This is coming when controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had urged the federal government to negotiate with bandits. Recall that popular controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi had warned President Tinubu against toeing the path of former President Muhammadu Buhari who refused to negotiate with bandits, while urging the president to hire him in negotiating with bandits.