Embattled Betta Edu Denied Access To Tinubu
The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been denied access to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to TVC, the suspended minister was not allowed to meet with the President a few minutes after her suspension from office was announced by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. In a video, Edu left the State House immediately she was denied access to the president and was driven away in a Black SUV. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the minister to its headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja over an alleged N585m scandal. An impeccable EFCC source, who confirmed the development to Daily Trust, revealed that the anti-graft agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier recommended the suspension of the Minister to the President to pave the way for proper investigation. The invitation came less than an hour after President Bola Tinubu announced Edu’s suspension from office and ordered the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. The president also directed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and directed her to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. Tinubu also tasked a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.
Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue
Controversy has surrounded the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the event, which was meant to select a candidate for the February 4 by-election for the State House of Assembly. The need for the by-election arose after Dr. Yamar Ortese, representing the Guma 1 state constituency, was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services. During a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia claimed the primary was disrupted by threats and hijacked by individuals who were not from the Guma Local Government Area and should not have participated in the election. The APC’s state spokesperson, Morgan Ihomun, countered that the governor cannot suspend a process that the party already conducted in an orderly manner. Governor Alia, accompanied by state security chiefs, also mentioned that the primary was planned for Saturday but was overshadowed by threats from irate youths. The governor said, “Security of state remains paramount to us. Today (Saturday), the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this posed insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the irate youth. “Party stakeholders felt disenchanted. I would not want any semblance of insecurity in the state. I suspend the delegate primary. Sad enough the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who do not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry. Party faithful must help keep the peace in the state. “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. I know that the national working committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.” Meanwhile, Morgan insisted that the primary election had been held and a candidate emerged to fly the party ticket during the forthcoming by-election. He said, “The question we should be asking is that, does the governor have the power to suspend the primary election?”
APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency
By Doris Israel Ijeoma The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential bid. Atiku through his spokesperson, Daniel Bwala confirmed that he will contest for presidency again after being defeated by Bola Tinubu in 2023. Atiku has contested the presidency six times before, failing in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. Despite his repeated losses, Bwala described him as “the president we never had,” citing his experience and understanding of the private sector. Reacting to the development, the APC promised Atiku a “heavy defeat” in 2027. The party’s director of publicity, Bala Ibrahim said; “Our party, which is the All Progressive Congress, thrashed Atiku not once, not twice. Even when we thought he had the energy and little credibility to make him viable to Nigerians, we defeated him completely. “How can someone who is just trying to regain his balance be a threat to the APC come 2027? That is unthinkable; Atiku can never be a threat to the APC. He wasn’t a threat when he had little value. How can he be a threat when he is already valueless? It’s a dream that will not come to pass.’’ Ibrahim advised Atiku to quit politics, suggesting he was being misled by his advisors. Labour Party, while reacting said that Nigerians are tired of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and others from the “old stock.” Spokesman for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko said: “Anybody who wants to show ambition and start building at the moment, it is the person’s fundamental rights. But, we believe that we have the interest of people at heart. And the people are tilting towards us, especially the Nigerian youths. They are tired of the old stock “So even if anybody coming from the old stock still wants to run for election, we wish him all the best. But it could have been better for them to support a younger generation like Peter Obi in the form of uniting this country so that we can move forward collectively. That will have made more sense and more appreciative to the Nigerian people at the moment.”
Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria
The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria. The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024. The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother. Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023. His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies
The ex spokesperson to former President Shehu Shagari, Charles Amedu Igoh, has reportedly passed away. His death was announced in a statement by his son, John Ada Igoh, on Thursday. Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers. He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. Charles Amedu Igoh was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. The statement by John Igoh reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God that we regret to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr Charles Amedu Igoh,which sad event occurred on Saturday the 23rd of December, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old. “Mr Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president His Excellency the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers. “He also worked with the Nigerian Breweries in the Public Relations department. He had a stint at the National Sports Commission in the mid-70s before being appointed as the Public Relations Manager of Volkswagen Nigeria. “He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. He was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. He served in that capacity in the first term of that administration. and then farming. He was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1990. “He became a deacon in his church, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), where he served the Lord. “He is survived by children, grandchildren, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”
Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson
Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign council, Daniel Bwala has revealed that the former vice president will contest again at the 2027 presidential election. Bwala revealed this information on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels TV. He said that the former vice president is the president the nation never had. He further revealed that Atiku understands the private sector, adding that the country’s economy can only come alive if its led by the private sector. When asked if Atiku would contest again in 2027, Bwala said, “Sure he will run, he has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy and he is the president we never had. “If i am going to be honest with you if there is any politicians who understand the private sector very well it is Atiku Abubakar and this our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector led economy.” He also said there is a need for the opposition political parties to form a solid coalition to stop President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 election. “Without a coalition of political parties, Tinubu is going to spend the next eight years. That one is for sure. “The truth of the matter is that there will be a coalition of political parties that will be very strong. This is a fact that I know. The coalition that is coming will swallow some of the elements that are creating the problems in the various political parties.”
Ex President Buhari Under Attack Over Joke On Fuel Price Hike
Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has come under fire over the joke he made regarding the increase in fuel price. Ever since fuel subsidy was removed by his successor, Bola Tinubu, there has been a surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which has led to subsequent economic hardship. During an event on Sunday evening in Duara, Buhari’s hometown, the ex Nigeria leader said he is glad that Tinubu increased the price of fuel. “I’m glad Tinubu increased the price of fuel, because it reduced the number of people who visit me at home”, he joked. Reacting to the joke, popular social-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, slammed Buhari for being insensitive, saying he lacks empathy and emotional intelligence. “If selfish and self centered were people they would both be Buhari,” she wrote on X. “Zero empathy. Zero emotional intelligence. “There were people laughing at this cruelty to the people. “If they can afford what about those who can’t and their lives are in difficulties?”
Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Yuletide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following the yuletide break spent in Lagos State. Recall that Tinubu had on December 21st departed Abuja for Lagos to celebrate the Christmas and New Year break. This was his first Christmas as president since he was sworn in on May 29. Addressing the nation in his New Year broadcast on January 1, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the frustrations of millions of Nigerians grappling with the soaring cost of living, high inflation exceeding 28%, and a troubling under-employment rate. “From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day,” the president empathized, recognizing the challenges faced by citizens striving to support their families. Emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity, President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to yield to the tough times, stating, “The time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.” The president’s message encouraged citizens to maintain faith in the promise of Nigeria despite current socio-economic difficulties, fostering hope for a brighter future.
New Year: Gombe Governor Pardons 39 Prisoners
In a move marking the New Year, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has extended clemency to 39 inmates serving sentences across correctional facilities within the state. In a statewide broadcast on Monday, the governor emphasized the significance of this gesture in providing these individuals with an opportunity to reform and re-enter society as better citizens. Highlighting the decision’s basis on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Yahaya revealed that 26 inmates would receive unconditional pardons, while the sentences of the remaining 13 have been commuted to shorter durations. Governor Yahaya expressed hope that those benefiting from this clemency would seize the chance to start anew and contribute positively to society. This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and offering a second chance to individuals seeking to turn their lives around.
President Bola Tinubu Signs N28.7 Trillion 2024 Budget into Law
President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking the commencement of Nigeria’s fiscal year. The budget, totaling N28.7 trillion, was approved by the National Assembly and signed by Tinubu upon his return from a week-long holiday in Lagos. This budget surpasses the initial proposal by N1.2 trillion, as outlined by the President during his presentation to the joint session of the National Assembly in November 2023. President Tinubu highlighted a deficit of N9.18 trillion for the fiscal year, lower than the previous year’s deficit of N13.78 trillion, amounting to 6.11% of the GDP. The deficit is set to be financed through various channels, including new borrowings totaling N7.83 trillion, N298.49 billion from Privatisation Proceeds, and a drawdown of N1.05 trillion from multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects. President Tinubu stressed the importance of adhering to the January-December implementation cycle, aiming for the swift enactment of the Appropriation Act by January 1, 2024. The Senate’s recent adjustment to the budget increased it by N1.2 trillion, elevating the total expenditure to N28.7 trillion. The breakdown, as outlined in the report by the Appropriation Committee led by Senator Solomon Adeola, indicates allocations for statutory transfers, recurrent expenditure, capital expenditure, and a GDP growth projection of 3.88 per cent.