Bauchi Governor Reacts To Ningi’s Suspension

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared that the state government is behind Senator Abdul Ningi, the lawmaker who was handed a three-month suspension after his comment on N3.7 trillion not being traceable in the 2024 budget. Ningi, representing Bauchi Central senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, was suspended by the Senate, on Tuesday. The Senator had subsequently resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF). On the floor of the Senate, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), had said the Red Chamber had inaugurated a template for the speedy consideration and passage of the 2024 Money Bill as he initiated the motion on breach of privilege by the Bauchi senator. Senator Adeola had come under orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 to move a motion of privilege and issue of national importance against Ningi over his interview with the BBC Hausa. Following Adeola’s motion on breach of privilege, a member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, first moved the motion for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months over allegations of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly. But, some of the senators moved for the amendment of the suspension for three months for the embattled federal lawmaker, which the senate ratified. Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Bauchi, on Wednesday, Mohammed said, “yesterday I was very sad the Senate suspended one of our best from Bauchi for saying the truth, for standing up to be the beacon of the truth.” Mohammed, who is also the chairman PDP Governors’ Forum, said, “Equally I don’t know what we will do but we will discuss privately to see what we can do to support him because I support whatever he is doing and that is our best position especially if what he saying is the truth”.

Atiku Disowns Aide Daniel Bwala, Clarifies Relationship 

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has clarified the relationship between himself and a lawyer cum politician, Daniel Bwala. According to Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media office, Bwala is a former spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation and not his former aide. The statement noted that “it is important that the media and the general public take corrective note of defining Mr. Daniel Bwala as an aide to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar.” It added that Bwala served as a spokesperson to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization in the 2023 election, and after the election, the need for a campaign spokesperson was terminated, and Bwala has also moved on. The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, therefore, urged the public/media to stop defining Bwala as an ex-aide of Atiku Abubakar, but recognize him by his current vocation and alliance. “Bwala offered his services and support to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization as a spokesperson – and it was a position he held during the last presidential campaign. “Subsequently, and after the election, the need for a campaign spokesperson has terminated, and Bwala has moved on with his career. “This, therefore, serves as notice to the media and the interested public to desist from defining Bwala as an ex-aide of Atiku Abubakar. “We duly urge the public to henceforth recognize, introduce, and define Daniel Bwala by his current vocation and alliance,” the statement noted. The clarification by Atiku comes amidst the recent fraternization and declaration of support by Bwala for the administration of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Details Of PDP BoT Meeting In Abuja Emerge

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating insecurity and the continuous depreciation of the Naira. The call came after a meeting at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, where Adolphus Wabara, the newly appointed Chairman, expressed deep concerns about economic hardship, high costs of essential commodities, and alarming food scarcity.  Wabara emphasized the BoT’s distress over the worsening insecurity, corruption, falling Naira value, high fuel prices, and unemployment.  He stated “The BoT is alarmed by the worsening insecurity in the country as evident in the rising cases of mass killings, banditry, kidnap for ransom, and acts of terrorism by assailants who are emboldened by the manifest laidback attitude of the APC administration to issues of security, especially in the last nine months. “The BoT is appalled by the monumental corruption and unbridled treasury-looting in the APC administration especially the looting of billions of Naira meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians. “The BoT is seriously worried over the fall of the Naira to an abysmal N1,500 to the Dollar, incessant increase in the pump price of fuel which now sells for over N700 per liter with long queues in various parts of the country. “These have attendant negative consequences as evident in the nearly 30% inflation rate, 41% unemployment rate, and alarming 46% poverty rate where up to 130 million citizens have sunk deeper into multi-dimensional poverty in the last nine months. “The BoT is disturbed that the catastrophic economic and security situation in the country has left Nigerians hopeless, despondent, angry and constitutes a present and immediate threat to the survival of the country as hardworking young Nigerians, professionals in critical fields as well as major multinational companies are now leaving our nation in droves. “The BoT is distressed that there are no concrete and coherent policies, measures, and steps by the APC administration to address these existential threats which have put the country in a precarious situation. “The BoT calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to know that the situation in the country has become unbearable. Mr. President should immediately address the issues of corruption in his administration, worsening insecurity in the country, continuous fall in the value of the Naira, high fuel price, unbearable food scarcity, and unemployment in the country.”

INEC Receives Primaries Schedule from Political Parties for Edo State Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified by sixteen political parties of their intention to participate in the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Edo State. With the primaries scheduled for conduct between 1st and 24th February 2024, parties are gearing up for a crucial phase in the electoral process. The schedule (dates and modes) of primaries proposed by the political parties has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information. In line with the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to inform INEC at least 21 days prior to their planned primary dates. The recent deadline for notification expired on 4th February 2024, prompting INEC to assess the parties’ readiness. It is stipulated under Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022 that the primaries must be conducted within the boundaries of Edo State. This geographical specificity aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. In anticipation of the primaries, INEC is set to deploy monitoring teams to oversee the proceedings. The Commission emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to electoral guidelines, cautioning against any disruptions or irregularities. Political parties are urged to avoid last-minute changes, including postponements, venue alterations, or manipulation of delegate lists. Additionally, INEC warns against the submission of candidate names that did not emerge from valid primary elections, as well as the occurrence of contentious primary processes that may lead to legal challenges. To enhance transparency, the schedule outlining the dates and modes of primaries proposed by the political parties has been made publicly available through INEC’s official website and social media channels.

Suit seeking to compel PDP to hold NEC meeting adjourned till March 4…Grants order of substituted service

By Vivian Michael Abuja The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, adjourned till March 4, the case seeking an order directing the Ogun State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership to hold the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the purpose of presenting the activities of the party from the date of the last NEC meeting held on September 8, 2022. The suit filed by a former governorship candidate of the party, Otumba Segun Sowunmi, has the PDP, its National Chairman, Umar Illiya Damagun, National Secretary, Sen Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary, Capt Umar Nature, National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel, National treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Yayari, Youth leader, Mohammed Suleimane Kadade and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 8th defendants. At the resumed trial, Thursday, counsel to the plaintiff, Anderson Asemota told the court that he could not serve the 2nd to 7th defendants in the matter with the processes of the court because all efforts to serve them proved abortive, but had served the 1st and 8th defendants (the PDP and INEC) with the court processes. He said, he has filed a motion seeking to serve the court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants through substituted means. The trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon granted the plaintiff’s request for an order of substituted service of court processes on the 2nd to 7th defendants and adjourned the matter till March 21 for hearing. Sowunmi is praying the court for an order, directing the 1st to 7th defendants to call a NEC meeting of the PDP for the purpose of presenting the proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures for selecting party candidates for elective offices to the members of the NEC. He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd to 8th defendants by themselves or their servants, agents or privies from functioning or continue to function or discharge the functions of their offices until they call for or cause to be called and held meeting of the PDP’s NEC in total fidelity and obeisance of the party’s constitution. The plaintiff wants the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of Article 31(2)(d), 4 and 5 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), he, as spokesman of the party during the last election is obligated and/or entitled to file the suit to give effect to the aims and objectives of the PDP and to ensure that the provisions of Article 7 of the PDP constitution are observed and respected by members and national officers. “A declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of NEC of the PDP, the meeting of the NEC of the PDP at which the 1st to 7th defendants shall be present quarterly financial reports or income and expenditure of the party to the members of the NEC. “A declaration that, under and by virtue and the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call for or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of the one-third of members of the NEC of the PDP at which the defendants shall present quarterly reports containing the activities of the PDP to the members of the NEC”. He also wants the court to declare that the defendants are under obligation to call for PDP NEC meeting to present proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures of selecting party candidates for elective offices to the NEC members. “A declaration that, having failed, refused and/or neglected to call for meeting and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of the NEC of PDP in which the 8th defendant (INEC) ought to have been invited, the 1st to 7th defendants are in the breach and/or violation of the constitution of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022”. In an affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiff averred that the last NEC meeting of the party was last convened by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorcha Ayu on September 8, 2022. The NEC, he said is saddled with the responsibility of fixing and approving the date of the party’s national convention, which is the highest decision making organ of the party and that all efforts to get the defendants to call for NEC meeting proved abortive as the, “defendants have woefully failed, refused and/or neglected to response to my entreaties viva voce and repeated demand for a NEC meeting as well as the letter written by my solicitors in that regard. “That, it is in the interest of justice to grant the claims or reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the originating summons as the defendants will not be prejudiced”, he said

PDP Gets New Women Leader

Amina Arong has emerged National  Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Her appointment is coming after the death of the former leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe  Stella died on October 29, 2023. National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba described Arong as a prominent women mobilizer.  He expressed confidence that she would bring on board her intellectual capacity as well as experience as a women leader. Arong is from Cross River. She holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting. “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new national women leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great Party”, the statement added.

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.”

2024: PDP Unveils Timetable For Edo Guber Election 

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled the much-anticipated timetable for the Edo State 2024 gubernatorial election.  This schedule, released after a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, outlines the key activities preceding the election. Key highlights from the timetable include: Aspirants eyeing the governorship seat can obtain nomination forms for N21 million, with a 50 percent discount available for youths aged between 25 and 30; Registration of both existing and new members is set between November 16 and December 7, while the crucial party congress, determining the governorship candidate, is scheduled for February 22, 2024; December 14 marks the deadline for the submission of ward registers to the Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation; Stakeholders’ consultative meetings with the National Working Group will be held from December 19 to 20; Expression of interest and ad-hoc forms will be available for purchase from January 10 to 16, with January 17 as the final date for their submission; The screening of governorship aspirants by the National Working Committee is set for January 18, 2024; Sales of nomination forms for completed expression of interest submissions will take place from January 19 to 25, with January 27 as the deadline for their submission. The governorship primary is scheduled for February 22, while February 24 is earmarked for appeals related to the primary process.

Bayelsa Guber: Security Agents Aiding PDP, Sylva Alleges

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and security agents of harassing his supporters. Sylva spoke on Saturday after he cast his vote at Ward 4, Unit 4 in the Brass Local Government Area of the South-South state.The APC candidate fingered security agents “especially the Army”, alleging that they are “playing on the side of the PDP”. Sylva said violence has been recorded in Yenagoa, the state capital, alleging that an APC member was shot.He wondered why large polling units where he is popular were being targeted.“There is a lot of violence from the PDP trying to molest our voters with security (agents),” Sylva said. In fact, in some cases, it is believed by our people that we are running election, not against PDP, but against security (agents) but we are containing it.” The APC candidate, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying “There is a lot of improvement on the part of INEC but there is still room for improvement.” Sylva was first Bayelsa governor from May 2007 to April 2008 and later between May 2008 and January 2012. He was also the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023. In Saturday’s poll, Sylva is challenging Bayelsa State Governor and PDP candidate, Duoye Diri, who is seeking re-election. The election has been described by many analysts as a two-horse race.Meanwhile, Diri accused Sylva of being behind electoral violence recorded in the Nembe-Bassambiri area of the state on Saturday.

Agbebaku emerges Speaker of Edo 8th Assembly

Mr Blessing Agbebaku (PDP-Owan West), on Friday emerged as Speaker of the 8th Edo House of Assembly. Agbebaku was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past Speaker, Marcus Onobun He was elected by the lawmakers shortly after a letter of proclamation of the assembly by Governor Godwin Obaseki was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Yahaya Omogbai, in Benin. Mrs Maria Edekor (PDP-Esan North East II) was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House. The 24 members-elect were also inaugurated into the 8th assembly. Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Agbebaku promised a unified Assembly that would move the state to greater heights through effective legislation. He thanked God for his protection and guidance throughout the electoral process and for his emergency as the speaker. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for giving him the privilege and for believing in his capacity and competence to serve as speaker. “Choosing me to lead this assembly is a great honour and privilege bestowed upon me with a sense of responsibility and acceptance. “I will not take this position for granted. I will carry everyone along irrespective of their political affiliations. “I commend the 7th assembly for setting the template in legislative activities which has placed the assembly on the right track. “I assure all that we will put Edo people first as we perform our oversight functions and make the state great again,” he said. Agbebaku finally thanked Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for leading the party in the right direction.