Category: Politics

Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Youth Wing has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s actions following the recent suspension of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, while condemning unnecessary media trials of the issue by Nigerians.

The Youth group while rallying support for the embattled minister also commended President Tinubu for setting up a presidential panel to investigate the veracity of the allegations rather than axing the former Cross River State Health Commissioner.

National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Youth Wing, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu made known the group’s stance at a press conference Sunday in Abuja.

Okpalaezeukwu called on Nigerians to give the suspended minister the benefit of doubt until investigations into her complicity in the alleged financial impropriety have been proved, while describing media trials of the issue as “unfair and unfortunate”.

The group had these to say: “we wish to rally support for the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, by calling on Nigerians to allow her fair hearing and give her the benefit of the doubt until a series of investigations into her involvement in the N583m alleged financial wrongdoing have proved her to be complicit.

“Judging by the actions of some persons in the media, it is obvious that there is too much media trial around Dr Edu, which those who wanted her out of favour with the Federal Government are spinning to her disadvantage.

“Media trial is unfair. An allegation has been levelled against her and President Bola Tinubu in his wisdom has suspended her to allow for transparent and unimpeded investigation. The best thing to do in the circumstance is to allow the investigation to conclude instead of crucifying her as if she had been found to be guilty.

“There is the need to find what the problem really was about the memo she put up to the Accountant General of the Federation, although the Accountant General had said that she did not honour the payment.

“If that was correct and we also give her (Accountant General) the benefit of the doubt that she would not have lied, then the subject of investigation of the N583 million could as well pale down to the propriety of routing the memo, and perhaps the request for the sum to be paid into a personal account of a Project Accountant.

“That would only be a matter of administrative infelicity and not financial heists since the Accountant General had confirmed that she did not honour the payment.

We are of the view that Nigerians should hold their peace during the pendency of the series of investigations, which we believe would either prove or disprove wrongdoing.

“As a young, vibrant and brilliant woman, Dr Edu had from the outset of her ministerial stewardship warmed her way into its heart as a result of her demonstrable commitment and zeal in applying herself to her assignment.

“If it is confirmed in the long run that she had committed some administrative infractions and not necessarily monetary diversion, we shall very well urge President Bola Tinubu to review her suspension and allow her to continue as a member of his cabinet.

“Betta was entrusted with a Ministry as huge as the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation and everyone can attest to the fact that she remains one of the best in the Tinubu led Government, we must be conscious not to throw away the baby with the bathwater,” Okpalaezeukwu warned

Ahead of the upcoming Supreme Court judgement following the gubernatorial election, Nigerian clerics across religious divides have united in prayer for the victory of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State at the Supreme Court.

The three day interfaith prayer features Pastors, Imams, Bishops, prophets and other religious leaders from different denominations and sects, with the sole intention of ensuring the victory of the Governor who has made giant transformative strides in Nassarawa State.

Addressing journalists at the national ecumenical centre, Abuja, venue of the solemn but intense prayers, the Convener of the the Interfaith Prayers session, Hon. Danjuma Usman Tanze revealed that the decision was hinged on the numerous achievements of the Governor in his first tenure and need to secure his victory for more legacy projects.

According to him, “it’s about time we put behind us the needless legal tussles that have persisted. We are fervent in prayers for God to restore the victory of a good man who has governed Nassarawa State with the fear of God and integrity.

“It is God who has put him in office and it is our firm conviction that God will perfect his victory at the Supreme Court to allow him continue discharging his duties and delivering dividends of good governance to the good people of Nassarawa State.

In his separate remark, Prophet Amos Akwashiki of the Lord’s Brethren Prophetic Ministry insisted that, “he has prayed and God has already confirmed Governor Sule’s Victory and in the spiritual realm and there’s nothing any human being can do about it. God who started it has concluded it in praise”

On his part, Imam Hussain Ali offered supplications to Allah, quoting the Sunnah in thanksgiving to Allah for choosing a righteous man as the Governor of Nassarawa State, adding that, “leadership comes from Allah and it is Him who chooses his servants to lead the people. Allah will therefore not allow mere mortals to temper with his divine will and purpose for the Governor and the State”.

The event which started yesterday, the 12th of January 2024 with a Jummat prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja will end tomorrow, the 14th of January, 2024 with a Thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. Political heavyweights in Nassarawa State and beyond as well as political supporters, youth leaders, members of the civil society, journalists and trade union members are amongst the participants at the prayer parley.

Express confidence that he would revamp business in Plateau

E-vision Concepts LTD has congratulated Plateau State Governor Bar Caleb Mutfwang over his victory at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had affirmed Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the valid winner of the Governorship election held in the state that held in March 2023 on Friday .

In a congratulatory message made available to newsmen in Jos and signed by Dominic Ayogu the Chief Executive Officer of the firm
said Mutfwang’s victory was “truly deserved.”

The firm said with the legal distractions now over, he has implicit faith in the Governor’s “capacity and ability to help build and steer Plateau to higher heights .

The statement reads that ” On behalf of the entire Evision team, ” We extend our warmest congratulations to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on his well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court .”

Acknowledging the challenges encountered during the legal battle, the firm commended Governor Mutfwang for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, saying he has demonstrated his dedication to the Plateau Project, and they am confident that his administration will work for the betterment and integration of Plateau State
”
We are truly excited to have a leader of your caliber at the helm of Plateau , as we believe it signifies a leap forward for every well-meaning organization seeking to thrive under your visionary leadership.

At Evision, we specialise in meaningful and strategic events, focusing on the development and enhancement of our local community.

We acknowledge and appreciate your successful policies that have paved the way for progress in our state.

The firm also solemnly pledge to join hands with Governor Caleb Mutfwang in attracting the much-needed dividends of democracy to the state .

According to them ” Your dedication to the betterment of Plateau State aligns seamlessly with our values, and we look forward to contributing to the continued development through our expertise in event and entertainment.”

” In support of sports and community engagement, we are proud to say that last Year November, we organized an experiential cycling marathon as a prelude to our grand vision. ”

” This year, in 2024, we aspire to host a marathon competition on the Plateau, as we are determined to boost sports and put the state on the global stage .”

The firm further added that “His Excellency Your support is pivotal to the success of such initiatives, and we assure you of our unwavering commitment to collaborate with your government in staging events that foster an amiable environment on the Plateau.”

” Together, we can create a legacy of progress and unity that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

” We look forward to a future marked by shared achievements and collective growth under your esteemed leadership ” they further added .

Senator Nora Daduut on Saturday congratulated Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his deputy NGO Josephine Piyo over their victory at the Supreme Court .

It could be recalled that the Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the election of Governor Mutfwang as the governor of Plateau State.

According to Sen. Nora Daduut This victory is for the whole State because it opens the way for proper focus on our people’s interests as one Plateau.

It is God’s judgment and design and so we must close ranks and support the Governor in order to reap the fruits of Democracy.”

The statement further reads that ” It is therefore with satisfaction that I join millions of our people and friends of the state to felicitate with you for this emphatic and decisive victory.”

“My sincere hope is that the end of all litigation will pave the way for the unencumbered governance of the state and strengthen your hand to deliver democratic dividends to our people.”

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Governor Caleb Mutfwang over his victory at the Supreme Court, saying the final decision of the apex court provides the opportunity for him and all politicians to work for a united, prosperous and inclusive Plateau. Lalong said the long legal hurdles leading to the decision of the Supreme Court is part of the democratic process that should be cherished irrespective of the outcome as it has afforded all players the opportunity to ventilate and seek redress through courts as provided under the law. He said the verdict of the Supreme Court means an end to litigation and time for governance which the Governor should now utilise to concentrate and deliver to the people of Plateau State. The Judiciary according to him has done its duty according to the constitution and democratic practice which is binding on all parties that submitted themselves to it. The former Minister of Labour and Employment urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace all sections of the State in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to the people. Similarly, Senator Lalong has commended the Candidate of the APC Dr Nentawe Yilwatda for his doggedness, maturity and resilience in the political journey that saw him going all the way to the highest court in the land. He said the performance of the APC Candidate and the exemplary conduct of members of the party who fought doggedly within the confines of democratic tenets shows their capacity to continue to put the interest of the people above personal ambitions. Lalong urged the APC family not to be deterred but remain focused on building the party for continues service to the people. The former Governor used the opportunity to appeal to all citizens to close ranks and shun all divisive rhetoric because the interest of Plateau remains paramount. Meanwhile, Senator Lalong has appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support to the APC family in Plateau State and the nation at large as well as commitment to the growth of democracy in the Nigeria. He said as leaders with lofty democratic credentials, they continue to give leadership to not only their political party elected officials, but also guarantee a level playing field for all political actors and their supporters to work towards building a greater Nigeria. Dr. Makut Simon Macham Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District. 12th January 2024

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,
APC leader in the state has again re-emphasized the state government’s determination to provide more developmental projects for the benefit of the state.

Senator Wamakko was speaking at his Gawon Nama residence Sokoto, shortly after returning from Abuja for an official engagement.

The Senator’s spokesman, Bashar Abubakar Mc also said Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko reaffirmed that, in Sokoto, even the opposition members have testified that, there are a lot of positive developmental changes being provided by the Ahmed Aliyu led-administration.

The senator described the remarkable achievements recorded by the Governor with Allah’s help.

Senator Wamakko restated that, the people of the state will continue to reap the dividend of democracy for the development of all.

He called on them to continue to show understanding for the administration will encourage it to execute more meaningful development in the state.

Up sound Hausa Only.

The former Governor also solicited more prayers for the administration to excel.

Mallam Bashir Gidan Kanawa offered a special prayer for the continued Allah’s help and guidance all the time.

The senator was received at the airport by many well-wishers and APC supporters in the state.

By JABIRU A HASSAN, Kano.

An active member of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) Alhaji Mustapha Zakari Dawanau disclosed that the affirmation of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the governor of Kano state has indicated that Nigeria’s democracy is improving and becoming more trusted

He stated this in an interview with journalists in Kano, shortly after the supreme Court affirmed Abba Kabir as the duly elected governor of the state, adding that Nigerians have agreed that the judiciary is now steadfast and more reliable to democratic process.

Mustapha Zakari Dawanau lamented that ” With the present development in the judiciary system, democracy would continue to benefit the citizens because better judgement is now actualized when the people’s mandates are being given in courts”. He emphasized.

In conclusion, the party chieftain called on the good people of Kano state to supports the Abba Kabir’s government in order to benefit more from the devidend of democracy at both rural and urban settlements and congratulates the governor on his recent victory at the supreme court.

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

The recent Supreme Court Verdict to governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has proven that there would be a better democratic practice in the state with full peaceful coexistence that would transform in Kano state.

This was expressed by some residents that had a series of chats with our correspondent shortly after the supreme court judgement that affirmed the election of the governor under the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) Friday.

Alhaji Usman Dan Gwari, a current affairs commentator and business expert disclosed that Nigerian judiciary would continue to be respected because they creates an avenue to better democratic practice and from what the supreme court has done, kano would also continue to remained peaceful.

Similarly, Alhaji Mustapha Dawanau from Dawakin Tofa local government area lamented that the recent kano verdict have solved all the problems and uncertainty in the state and assured that Abba Kabir Yusuf will deliver his campaign promises because he is a real democrat.

In her remarks, Hajiya Usaina Aliyu from Fagge local government area called on the governor to embrace all and work selflessly towards the development of Kano state especially at present when the supreme court affirmed his election victory.

As as the time of filing this report, NNPP supporters were seen jubilating at both kano metropolis and at the rural areas to celebrate the affirmation of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the authentic qovernor of the state.

Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, congratulated governors whose election victories were affirmed by the Supreme Court, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), and Abba Yusuff (Kano).

In a statement from his media office, Atiku expressed readiness to lead a coalition of opposition parties against the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing the need for a united front to counteract any drift toward a one-party system. He highlighted the APC’s impact on democracy, stating, “If we don’t come together to challenge what the ruling party is trying to create, our democracy will suffer for it.”

Atiku, who recently proposed a merger of opposition parties, saw the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory for democracy. He congratulated governors of PDP and New Nigeria Peoples Party, urging them to view the verdict as an opportunity to strengthen good governance. With the election phase concluded, Atiku affirmed the PDP’s commitment to its role as the major opposition party in the country.