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.”

Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide

Sunusi Bature Dawakin, director-general of media and publicity in the office of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state, says his principal has not been contacted by Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over joining the APC.  Dawakin said this in reaction to comments credited to Ganduje who said he had asked the Kano governor to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC. “We are appealing to those who want to join APC to come,” the APC national chair had said. “In particular, we are inviting the Governor of Kano and his NNPP to join APC.” Speaking on the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Dawakin said they only learnt of the invitation via social media. The director-general said as a former governor and former deputy governor, Ganduje knows the right channels to get to his principal. “We learned about the invitation on social media, but Dr Ganduje, as a former Governor and former deputy governor, knows more than any other person how to send a message to an incumbent governor, appropriately,” he said. Dawakin said Yusuf is yet to take any position on whether he would join the ruling party or not. President Bola Tinubu is reportedly working to reconcile Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano. Kwankwaso and Yusuf defected to the NNPP before the 2023 polls where they both pursued presidential and governorship bids respectively. While the former governor was not successful with his presidential bid, Yusuf was declared winner of the gubernatorial election which has now been affirmed by the supreme court.

$500,000 bribe: Supreme Court affirms Farouk Lawan’s five-year sentence

The Supreme Court has affirmed the five-year jail term handed to a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan by the Court of Appeal. Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting $500,000 bribe from businessman, Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-member panel affirmed the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld Lawan’s sentencing to five years in respect of only count three on the three-count charge on which he was tried at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In the lead judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro but read on Friday by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the apex count found that Lawan’s appeal was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.

Action Alliance: Appeal Court affirms Kenneth Udeze as authentic Nat’l Chair

The Action Alliance (AA) prolonged National Chairmanship tussle has been put to rest today as the court of Appeal Abuja division has affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze As the authentic National Chairman of the party. The three man panel of justices presided over by Hon. Justice H.A. Barka dismissed the Appeal filed by one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in Appeal number:CA/ABJ/CV/955/2022 challenging the judgement of the FCT High Court in suit number:FCT/HC/CV/174/2022 delivered on 28th day of March,2022 by Hon.Justice Eleojo Enenche hich had earlier Affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze As the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) and validated the 14th, March,2021 National Convention of the party. The Appeal court also awarded the cost of N4 million against Adekunle Rufai omoaje in favor of Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze and other three Respondents. In the judgement a three-man panel of justices presided over by Justice. H.A. Barka affirmed Chief (Barr) Kenneth Udeze as the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA)in Appeal number:CA/ABJ/CV/526/2022 Between one CHIEF UZEWURU NWACHUKWU Vs KENNETH UDEZE AND 2ORS. The parties in this appeal submitted themselves to the Court of Appeal where all issues regarding the position of the National Chairmanship of AA was resolved in favor of Barr Udeze The spokesman of the party, Rev. Dennis Ubani, shortly after the judgement was delivered said, “With the two Court of Appeal judgements affirming Barr Udeze as the authentic National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) ,it is now finally put to rest the party prolong legal tustle on the National Chairmanship. “We express our profound gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary, that indeed it is the last hope for a common man. “We thank our party legal team led by Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) former Attorney General and minister of justice for a deligent procecution of the matters . “We thank all the party faithfuls across Nigeria and beyond for their prayers and we urge you to have faith and always support Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led National Executives of the Action Alliance (AA).”

Ondo Assembly Confirms Adelami As Deputy Governor

Ondo State house of Assembly has screened and confirmed Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Adelami was confirmed as the Deputy Governor at a plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji. His confirmation was sequel to the submission and consideration of a report by the house selection committee Chaired by the Speaker. It would be recalled that the House of Assembly yesterday received a letter of his nomination from the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The house had earlier conducted screening exercise for the nominee at the assembly complex. The Clerk of the House, Barr. Jaiyeola Benjamin read the letter sent to the House by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the consideration of the nominees for the vacant position of a Deputy Governor. While submitting the report, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan recommended the confirmation of the appointment of the nominees whom he affirmed have been properly screened. Akinruntan said the nominee responded to all questions raised by the Committee in a very eloquent and explicit order, noting that he has a clear understanding of the position, adding that he possess the required academic qualifications, physically, mentally and emotionally stable and fit to accomplish the task. The report also stated that he possess the required experience, Charisma and the much needed exposure to function effectively. The Majority leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi moved the motion for the report to be considered and the nominees be confirmed and was seconded by Felix Afe representing Akoko North West 2. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji who ruled for the confirmation congratulated the Deputy Governor designate , urging him to put in his best and pledged the house support to the executive for the people to enjoy more democracy dividend. In his acceptance speech, Adelami who hails from Owo appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding him worthy of the position pledging not to betray his emotion and confidence reposed in him. He also appreciated the lawmakers for the efforts they have put in place during the screening and confirmation noting that promoting understanding between arms of government will be his priority. Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami mni, a retired Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly promised to do everything at his disposal to function effectively, pledging not to disappoint the people of Ondo State .

Guber Appeals: Supreme Court Affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu elections

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Thursday, affirmed the elections of Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, Kefas Agbu of Taraba and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state. The five-man panel of justices of the Apex court, had in separate judgments, unanimously dismissed the different appeals for lacking in merit. RIVERS Recall that the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, had on November 28, 2023, affirmed the election of Fubara as the governor of Rivers State. The court had dismissed the petition filed by Fubara of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). TARABA In the case of Taraba state, the appeal was filed by Prof. Yahaya Sani of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for grossly lacking in merit. Prof. Sani had prayed the apex court to set aside the victory of Governor Kefas Agbu, in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. He had alleged non compliance with the Electoral Act, irregularities and other malpractices, but the appellate court dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit. SOKOTO Similarly, the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Ahmad Aliyu as governor of Sokoto state. Aliyu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the governorship election with 453,661 votes to defeat Sai’du Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 404,632 votes. But Umar alleged that the governor and his deputy Idris Gobir, forged the certificates they presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The petitioners also alleged electoral fraud during the poll. The tribunal in its judgment said the petitioners were unable to prove the six grounds contained in their petition.