Category: Politics

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has on Thursday approved the 2024-2026 Sokoto state Medium Term Expenditure Framework presented before the State House of Assembly by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.

The governor while submitting the 2024-2026 Sokoto State MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper for consideration has Macro Economic Projection and Analysis to guide revenue and expenditure.

House leader, Alhaji Bello Idris from Gwadbawa north requested the lawmakers to consider the governor’s request in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Law of Sokoto State 2019.

He said the expenditure framework and fiscal strategy outline projections for effective implementation is based on developmental governor’s priorities of nine points agenda

The Lawmaker also moved a resolution for the approval of the state MTEF 2024-2026, with flexibility for any necessary amendments arising from the projections.

The house, in a majority voice vote presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, after resolving at the committee of the whole, considered and approved the MTEF, allowing for any necessary amendments.

Meanwhile, the assembly temporarily suspended its standing orders, allowing members to convene on Friday for the governor’s proposed 2024 budget presentation, overriding the usual Monday and Friday committee meeting days.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Benue State Chapter, has debunked the allegation that there is sharp division between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the party’s leadership over selection of Local Government Caretaker Committees.

It could be recalled that, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, had forwarded names of the Caretaker Committees from twenty one Local Government Areas to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Findings by Day Break indicated that, this development didn’t go down well with the leadership of the party, which felt shortchanged during the selection process, hence the need for series of meetings to resolve the fracas.

While reacting to the allegation, the state Chairman of the APC, Mr Austin Agada, who debunked the allegation in an interview with Journalists shortly after a closed-door-meeting at the Party’s Secretariat in Makurdi, explained however that party is about interest, adding that when such interest comes, people are bound to agree and disagree.

His words: ” There is no division in the party. The party is bounded together as one entity, so there is no division in the party but of course, there could be interest and that is what makes party politics a better one, that’s why we are talking about interest”, he said.

Continuing, Mr Agada, posited that ” what matters is the supremacy of our party, the togetherness of our party. It is the interest that you are looking at it as sharp division, but certainly the party will be okay at the end of the day. That’s why we are holding series of meetings and discussions are going on.”

The Chairman who cleared the air why Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas could not make the list of Caretaker Committees sent to the State House of Assembly by the Governor, pointed out that, due diligence is being carried out to ensure that the right people are chosen from the right places.

“May be due diligence is being carried out to ensure that the right people are chosen from the right places, though the issue of interest could be part of those factors, but certainly it has to be twenty three Local Governments.”

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

The committee set up by the Sokoto state government to assess the level of damage caused by the fire outbreak at Zanga-Zanga mechanic site and NG Multi-Trade Company kantin Daji area Sokoto on the 19th of November commenced its assignment.

The five-man committee headed by Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada has on Saturday visited both sites to see the level of damage on the scene as directed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

On arrival at Zanga-zanga mechanic site, the committee was briefed by one of the victims Alh. Shi’itu Abubakar who lost most of his property in the inferno.

The General Manager, Alu Ya Gode Television who doubles as Senator Wamakko’s spokesman said Shi’itu explained to the committee that, on that unfortunate day, several items including, motorcycles under repair, on sale, and some shops where materials are sold were all gutted by a fire outbreak.

At NG Multi-Trade Company the committee was received by the Managing Director of the Company Alh. Nasiru Aliyu Ghani Mainiyyo.

He explained to the Committee that, the fire started at the eastern wall which was attached to the motorcycle Mechanic Site where the fire was said to have started.

Alh. Nasir said there are two warehouses full of goods in the company and all were razed down by the inferno.

Chairman of the Committee Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada, while commiserating with the victims, explained that they were sent by the state governor to see things for themselves with a view of advising the government on the possible way of assisting them.

He added that the government cannot pay back all that was lost but at least a succor will be brought to them as part of the commitment by the government to reduce hardship for the victims.

Ambassador Gada, further said the committee would sit and verify the list of the victims submitted to them and come back for a thorough verification to ensure no victim is left out for justice and fairness to all.

The chairman was accompanied on the assessment visit by members in the persons of Alh. Haruna S/Adiya, Mallam Bello Kofa, Mamman Zanga-zanga, and secretary of the committee Lawal Sada.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi state, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet on Wednesday
assured all parties and litigants that the commission is committed to granting unimpeded access to all materials needed to prosecute their petitions.

Dr. Hale Longpet who gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed and made available to Journalists in Lokoja expressed worry over the barricading of entrances to offices by a mob.

The REC informed the public that the State Headquarters in Lokoja was on Wednesday morning besieged by a mob that barricaded all entrances to the office and prevented access to staff to carry out routine duties.

The statement further explained that the siege also prevented attorneys representing political parties involved in the recent off-cycle governorship election from inspecting documents/materials used in the election.

“It took the intervention of the Nigerian Army to calm the situation down at the State Headquarters. The security agencies have assured us that they will maintain normalcy on our premises.”

“We assure all parties and litigants that the Kogi State office is committed to granting unimpeded access to all materials needed to prosecute their petitions.”

Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Kogi State governorship candidate, announced that he would not contest the election outcome at the tribunal, expressing a lack of confidence in the perceived independence of the judiciary, which he claimed has become an extension of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC candidate, Usman Ododo, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the November 11 governorship election.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Sequel to a court order served on INEC to allow Forensic Assessment
of materials, Barister Faith Kotso, the head of the legal department in the commission was alleged delaying the process, making it difficult for them to access the materials for examination.

In a press release made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday
by Isaiah Davies Ijele, the Director of New Media Muri/Sam Campaign Council/SDP called  on Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), to take immediate action and hold Barister Faith Kotso accountable in order to protect our democracy.

“Recall that, a court order was served to INEC on Monday, and our team of forensic experts has been in Lokoja ready to commence their work.”

“Yesterday, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, our forensic experts visited the INEC office to initiate their work, but Barister Faith Kotso once again hindered their progress. She demanded that the work should commence today, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 9am.”

“This morning, upon arrival at the INEC office, Barister Faith Kotso claimed that she was unable to send the notice to other stakeholders and required today to communicate to them.”

According to the court order, the 48-hour timeline expired yesterday, November 28, 2023, and INEC has yet to fully comply.

“We question whether Barister Faith Kotso considers herself above the court order or if she has been influenced by the Bello Led administration to disrupt a peaceful democratic process that is already under threat.”

“Furthermore, we have received reports that political thugs affiliated with Governor Bello have taken control of the roads leading to the INEC office pretending to be SDP supporters, effectively preventing anyone, including INEC staff in Lokoja, from accessing the premises.”

“We urgently call upon Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the National Security Adviser to intervene and rescue Kogi State from the clutches of Governor Bello, his political thugs, and associates.”

“Mr. President, this is not the democracy that you fought for and were exiled for. You have been granted the privilege to restore the democratic values you so passionately yearned for. We implore you to rescue Kogi State from Governor Bello’s political irresponsibility.”

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

In a press release made available for journalists in Lokoja by the  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onogwi Mohammed said Bello conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her instrumental support in mobilizing women and other crucial stakeholders to vote for Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo during the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

He expressed confidence that Ododo, after his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would bring pride to Kogi women, the party, and the people of the state.

In response, the First Lady congratulated Ododo, highlighting that his victory showcased the people of Kogi State’s desire for continuity and consolidation. She urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.

Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his assurance to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, affirmed his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people. He expressed gratitude for her support, emphasizing the pivotal role that women would play in his administration. Areas of focus include poverty reduction, primary healthcare delivery, and addressing infant and maternal health concerns in the state.

Ododo, who received his certificate of return on November 18 from the Independent National Electoral Commission, embarked on a series of ‘thank you’ visits to stakeholders who significantly contributed to the success of his election.

On November 12, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Ahmed Usman Ododo the winner of the November 11 governorship election, securing the highest number of lawful votes at 446,237, surpassing other candidates.

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its dissatisfaction with the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming Governor Abdullahi Sule as the rightful winner of the 2023 governorship election in the state. The party, after a peaceful protest in Lafia, the state capital, called on the Supreme Court to thoroughly review the appeal court’s decision.

Earlier, the state election petitions tribunal had, on October 2, nullified Governor Sule’s victory and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner. However, the appellate court overturned this decision, asserting that the tribunal had erred in re-computing votes and declaring the PDP candidate as the winner.

Stella Oboshi, the PDP women leader in the state, expressed concern over what she deemed a departure from democratic principles in the judgment. She urged the Supreme Court to scrutinize the decision, emphasizing the need to uphold justice and fairness. Oboshi highlighted instances of irregularities, citing discrepancies in accredited voters and recorded votes in certain wards.

She stated, “It is the responsibility of our judiciary to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and merit in all its judgments. In this particular case, the lack of a thorough investigation into the glaring irregularities is an affront to these principles. It undermines the trust of the people in our justice system.”

Oboshi also condemned the alleged brutalization of women supporters during Monday’s protest and called on security agencies to refrain from such actions. The PDP emphasized its commitment to peaceful demonstrations in its pursuit of justice.

The Ondo State House of Assembly escalates tensions, demanding Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s resignation as instructed in resolutions from President Bola Tinubu’s meeting. The Assembly, emphasizing compliance, warns stakeholders against violating these resolutions. Speaker Olamide Oladiji discloses the directive for Aiyedatiwa to submit an undated resignation letter, with appointed monitors overseeing adherence. Despite heavy security presence during the plenary session, 51 members for local government areas are approved. Aiyedatiwa’s response is awaited, but a political associate hints at dissatisfaction, citing a deviation from the Friday meeting resolution. The complex situation heightens uncertainty.

In a recent development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has removed Bauchi State House of Assembly’s Deputy Speaker, Jamilu Barade, and mandated a rerun in specific polling units. This decision follows the court’s earlier removal of the assembly’s Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, raising questions about the integrity of the 2023 elections in the state. The court overturned the Bauchi State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal’s decision, directing a rerun due to alleged overvoting in certain polling units. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is poised to comply with the court’s orders within the stipulated 90 days.