Tinubu Appoints Imam, Agbasi As Chairman, MD Of FERMA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Governing Board and Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). A statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said this was for a renewable term of four years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007 The board members are: Chairman of FERMA Board — Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam Managing Director of FERMA — Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi Member (NARTO) — Yusuf Lawal Othman Member (FMW) — Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh Member (FRSC) — ACM Shehu Mohammed Member (Finance) — Babatunde Daramola-Oniru Member (South-South) — Hon. Preye Oseke Member (South-West) — Hon. Oye Ojobe Member (South-East) — Dr Kenneth Ugbala Member (North-Central) — Sen. Timothy Adudu Member (North-East) — Engr. Abubakar Bappa Member (North-West) — Aminu Adamu Papa The president urged the new appointees to continue to uphold effective and efficient service delivery in the agency. He said that the agency was set to play a central role in the sustainable health of growth-enabling infrastructure nationwide.

Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP, Defects To APC

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP Anambra) on Thursday defected from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ubah said this in a letter read by President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio at plenary. He said that he decided to join the APC because of some irreconcilable differences in the YPP. “I am writing to formally notify and inform you that due to irreconcilable differences, I have resolved to move from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “As a dedicated politician and a representative of the people, I believe that this move has become exigent owing to the growing need and call from my constituents to align myself with a political party that best reflects my values and aspirations. “After careful consideration and due consultations with my family, constituents, political associates and critical stakeholders and after a thorough evaluation of the political landscape in Nigeria. “I have come to the realisation and conclusion that the All Progressives Congress is better suited to champion the ideals and principles that I hold dear,” he said. Ubah said that the APC’s commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress were part of reasons for his defection. “I have been the national leader of the YPP for several years and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences it availed me. “However, as our nation faces numerous challenges which have trickled down to my constituency, it is crucial for me to align myself with a party that has the capacity to address these issues effectively for the betterment of my constituents and constituency. “I am particularly impressed by the “Renewed Hope” initiative of President Bola Tinubu and I found it needful to join the train so as to initiate my Senatorial District into the laudable vision,’’ he said. Ubah said he looked forward to working collaboratively with colleagues in the APC to bring about positive change in Nigeria. “While thanking you Mr President for your usual and kind cooperation, please accept the assurances of my distinguished regards,” Ubah said. Senate thereafter adjourned plenary until October 17, following the death of Rep. Abdulkadir Danbuga (APC-Sokoto State).

BBC Report Claims Tinubu’s Certificate Is Authentic

In a report released by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday, it has been revealed that there is no proof that President Bola Tinubu forged his academic record at Chicago State University (CSU). This revelation comes in the midst of controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic credentials. Recently, Chicago State University had released and deposited Tinubu’s certificate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as requested by a US court in the context of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. While President Tinubu and his aides have consistently maintained the authenticity of his CSU certificate, Atiku’s camp had alleged that the certificate was falsified. However, the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team’s investigation has not found any conclusive evidence of forgery. The BBC report stated that they contacted CSU for clarification, and the university expressed confidence in the veracity and integrity of their records concerning Tinubu’s attendance and graduation. The report further highlights that there are three different versions of CSU certificates associated with Tinubu, including the original 1979 certificate, a second diploma submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and another replacement diploma from the early 2000s, which was never collected by Tinubu. Contrary to some allegations on social media, the BBC found that the phrase “with honours” does appear on Mr. Tinubu’s diploma from the early 2000s, which CSU authenticated during their investigation. CSU’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, affirmed that changes in the diploma template over the years might explain differences in appearance. He also attested to the authenticity of Tinubu’s diploma during his deposition. The BBC report concluded that CSU’s documents and Mr. Westberg’s statements confirm that President Tinubu graduated from CSU with honours, dispelling some of the doubts raised regarding his academic credentials.

Akpabio Discloses Health Status Of Ministerial Nominee Who Collapsed

*As Senate Confirms Nominees Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has provided an update on the condition of Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the ministerial nominee who fainted during Wednesday’s screening session. Abass had slumped while answering questions after presenting his profile to the lawmakers.  This sudden incident prompted the Senate to go into a closed session as medical personnel rushed to the chamber to assist the nominee. After a few minutes of tense moments, Abbas was successfully revived and taken out of the Senate Chamber via an ambulance. Akpabio explained that Balarabe Abbas Lawal attributed his collapse to exhaustion, as he had been working tirelessly for several days leading up to the screening.  Despite his condition, the nominee was determined to proceed with the screening, insisting that he was fit to do so. In related news, the Nigerian Senate has confirmed three more ministerial nominees nominated by President Bola Tinubu.  The newly confirmed nominees include Balarabe Abbas Lawal from Kaduna State, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim from Kwara State, and Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State. These confirmations followed their successful screening, which was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. President Tinubu had submitted their names to the Senate for approval, and their confirmation comes just a day after his request was received by the National Assembly.

I’ll Appeal Tribunal Judgement Sacking Me, Says Gov Sule

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state says he will appeal the judgement of the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal that invalidated his victory in the March 18 election on Monday. He acknowledged the tribunal’s decision as a temporary setback and expressed a commitment to learn from it and come back stronger. Governor Sule maintained that he remains in office until the Supreme Court decides otherwise, citing his legal right to appeal. He urged his supporters to remain calm and discouraged them from engaging in street protests or responding to opposition, especially on social media. The tribunal’s split judgment annulled Governor Sule’s election as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner. Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, the tribunal’s chairman, read the majority judgment in favor of David Ombugadu. Justice Chiemelie Onaga, another panel member, supported the lead judgment. Justice Ibrahim Mashi delivered the dissenting judgment, dismissing the petition filed by the PDP candidate and upholding Governor Sule’s declaration by the INEC.

Senate President’s Wife Has No Office In National Assembly -Eyiboh

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, has debunked reports that an office was created for the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, in the National Assembly. Eyiboh, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the story showed that it was essentially designed to malign and disparage the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. “A story of 20 paragraphs on the creation of an imaginary office for the wife of the Senate President uses three paragraphs on the unfounded issue. “And the remaining 17 paragraphs were used for recitation of unrelated fables and other innuendo. “For emphasis to the unguarded who may be prone to the fake news merchandise, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has no office in the National Assembly and there is no intention towards that. “Her only relationship with the National Assembly is that her husband is the President of the Senate and by virtue of that, as with his predecessors, she is president of the Senators’ Wives Association of Nigeria,” Eyiboh said. 

Court Halts Ondo Assembly Impeachment Move Against Dep Gov Aiyedatiwa

A Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, halted the impeachment process against the Ondo State House of Assembly Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit before it. Justice Emeka Nwite also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval. The ruling was following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to Aiyedatiwa,  Kayode Adewusi. Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application. “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said. The embattled deputy governor had, in a motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services. Others are Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively. In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs. The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo state. Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs adjourned the matter until October 9 for a hearing. Aiyedatiwa had, also in another suit marked: AK/348/2023 asked the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday.

Yahaya Bello Sacks Special Adviser, Anthony Ogah

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday announced the sack of his Special Adviser (SA) on Stakeholders Relations, Mr Anthony Ogah. The sack is contained in a statement issued in Lokoja by Mrs Folashade Arike-Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi. The government said that the sack takes effect from Sunday. ”Gov. Bello has issued a directive for the immediate dismissal of Ogah, who served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Stakeholders Relations. “The termination of Ogah as the special adviser to the governor is effective from September 24. “Governor Bello extends his best wishes to Ogah in his future endeavours,” the state government said. No reason was given for Ogah’s dismissal. He was instructed to “promptly hand over his identity card and any other government property or documents in his possession to the Permanent Secretary, Administration, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the state.” 

Kano Guber: Tribunal Sacks Gov Yusuf, Declares APC’s Gawuna Winner

*Judges Deliver Judgement Via Zoom  The Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18 election. Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While Nasir Gawuna, his APC counterpart congratulated him, the party proceeded to court. On Wednesday, the three-man panel ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return which INEC presented to Governor Yusuf and directed that a certificate of return be issued to Gawuna. The court deducted 165,663 votes from Gov Yusuf total as invalid votes, stating that the ballot papers (165,663) were not stamped or signed and therefore declared invalid.  Meanwhile, the Tribunal Judges were not physically in court. Journalists, lawyers, party members and many others were denied access into the court. Reports had it that the Secretariat had said there would be no live broadcast of the judgment and that the few journalists admitted into the court would not make use of smartphones or cameras. Top security officials had earlier said that they did not know the whereabouts of the judges and that it was possible that the proceeding would be virtual. When the proceedings commenced before 10, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, Chairman of the three-member panel, spoke via Zoom. It was unclear why the judges were not in court, but there have been allegations and counter allegations against the panel. It was reported that the former Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, had asked the judges to choose between their lives and their work while delivering the judgement. “People voted for us and some people are attempting to do injustice. We want to tell the judges that we will not accept this. Any judge that is willing to deprive us of our rights will regret it. Whatever will happen, we won’t care…,” he had said during a protest organised by members of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state. His comment had triggered backlash, leading to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sacking him.

Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Against Akpabio

The Senate has media refuted reports that some Senators are planning to impeach President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday. “Our attention has just been drawn to a syndicated satanic verse in a section of the media of purported and illusory plots of leadership change in the Senate. “The Nigerian Senate is one united and fraternal family and this imaginative composition is in the realm of the fake and fallacious story of 100 million per legislator. “It is apt to note that the10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has carried out its legislative and constitutional duties diligently. “Within a span of less than 60 Legislative days, the Senate has passed life enhancing bills and motions,” he said. He added: “It has screened and confirmed Service Chiefs and Ministers, among others, apart from very essential oversight functions. “We urge the fifth columnists, who operate undoubtedly outside the Senate, desperate to cause disharmony through media stunts and thus clipping the wings of Nigeria’s democracy, to take caution. “The Senate should be allowed fresh air to settle down for its national assignments, so that the Nigerian project can move forward.” He urged the media to be discerning not to be used as hand tool by the retailers of fake and bad news.