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Category: Politics

  • Nov Guber: Gov. Bello Warns Perpetrators of Political Violence to Desist or Face the Law

    Nov Guber: Gov. Bello Warns Perpetrators of Political Violence to Desist or Face the Law

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, issued a stern warning on Saturday in Anyigba, cautioning those responsible for political violence in the state to cease their actions or be prepared to face the consequences of the law.

    Governor Bello delivered this warning during the final stages of the APC governorship campaign in the eastern senatorial district. He stated that anyone who engages in violence or commits a crime will face the full force of the government’s legal action.

    He emphasized that the government’s security agencies are fully capable and vigilant, collecting records of those responsible for violent acts. He assured the audience that the authorities would go after these individuals and ensure they face the full consequences of the law.

    Governor Bello urged voters in the area to return to their respective polling stations and homes to campaign for Usman Ododo, the APC candidate.

    He commended the national chairman of the Party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, expressing his belief in their policies, principles, and philosophies.

    “We are in the process of selecting another governor. With the grace of God, Ahmed Usman Ododo and Joe Salifu will continue from where I would stop.”

    Governor Bello highlighted the progress that has been made during his tenure, noting the state’s transformation from division along ethnic, religious, and other fault lines. He stressed the administration’s commitment to fairness, equity, and justice, emphasizing competence over mediocrity and sectionalism.

    He also shared a road improvement project and announced plans to employ someone from the community to maintain the drainage system, underscoring the importance of competence in public service.

    The Governor advised the Igala people to prioritize the collective interest of Igala, which he defined as development, prosperity, safety, and economic advancement.

  • Kogi Election: Ododo Appeals for Massive Votes from Kogi East in November

    Kogi Election: Ododo Appeals for Massive Votes from Kogi East in November

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Alhaji Usman Ododo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the upcoming November 11 election in Kogi state, urged the people of the eastern senatorial district in the state to vote for him in large numbers. Alhaji Ododo made this appeal at the joint rally of the All Progressive Congress held at Anyigba primary school in Dekina local government of the state over the weekend.

    He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their belief in Kogi’s development agenda, peace, and the protection of lives and property in the state. He encouraged the people to vote for him en masse, emphasizing that a vote for APC is a vote for development, progress, and unity in the state.

    Alhaji Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu as the Minister of Steel Development and assured that, with a local as the Managing Director, Ajaokuta Steel Company would be revitalized.

    The chairman of Kogi state APC’s governorship campaign organization, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, stated, “We are here today to promote a Kogi agenda, an agenda that represents the interests of the entire Kogi state.” He pointed out that the APC represents a Kogi agenda, which Alhaji Usman Ododo envisions building on the legacy of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

    Audu emphasized the government’s commitment to creating numerous job opportunities through an agricultural revolution and expanding capacity to produce various agricultural products across Kogi State, particularly in Kogi East. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s interest in the future and success of Kogi State through the development of Ajaokuta Steel and providing extensive employment opportunities.

    He emphasized the need to prevent a hostile government from taking over Kogi State, referring to the opposition parties, and stressed the importance of continuing and consolidating the good work of Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello by voting massively for Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

  • Sokoto Government Acknowledges UNICEF Support

    Sokoto Government Acknowledges UNICEF Support

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    The Sokoto State government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing unwavering support to UNICEF and other development partners working within the state.

    Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir expressed this dedication while receiving Mrs. Maryam Sa’id, the outgoing UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, during her farewell visit at Villa One in Sokoto.

    The Deputy Governor’s media aide, Garba Muhammad, further stated that Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir emphasized that this commitment aims to facilitate the activities of these organizations, ultimately contributing to the progress and development of the state. He expressed his deep appreciation for UNICEF’s significant efforts in assisting the state.

  • Governor Eno Commends Ibom Air on Maiden Flight to Ghana

    Governor Eno Commends Ibom Air on Maiden Flight to Ghana

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno has commended the management and staff of Ibom Air for their historic maiden flight to Accra, Ghana, stating that this achievement marks the beginning of route expansion into the West African sub-region by the Nigerian flagship airline.

    In a message released on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, over the weekend in Uyo, Eno expressed his deep appreciation for the award-winning airline.

    “Your inaugural commercial flight to Accra, Ghana, signifies the commencement of the airline’s growth and expansion into new frontiers.

    “In just a little over four years since you initiated commercial operations, you have redefined industry standards and professionalism, earning recognition through numerous aviation awards.

    “Akwa Ibom people, and indeed all Nigerians, take pride in your accomplishments. This event is a celebration of the vision set forth by my esteemed predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, which we are determined to uphold and expand upon through our ARISE Agenda, particularly in the realms of tourism and enhancing the ease of doing business in our beloved state,” the governor stated.

    It’s worth noting that the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline initiated regional flight operations from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, last Tuesday.

    This strategic expansion aligns with the airline’s vision to become a world-class African regional airline, offering passengers an industry-leading travel experience characterized by schedule reliability, on-time departures, and exceptional service.

    The flight, which took off from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria, at 7:45 am on Tuesday, received a warm welcome at Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, at 7:45 am local time.

  • NTA DG endorse Comrade Ladi Bala’s re-election 

    NTA DG endorse Comrade Ladi Bala’s re-election 

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
    The Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA,Mr Salihu Dembos has endorsed the second term bid of the incumbent President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala to ensure consolidation on her laudable achievements in the past three years.
    Mr Dembos gave this endorsement in his office during a courtesy visit by Leaders of NAWOJ in Abuja.
    The DG commended the tremendous achievements of Comrade Bala led NAWOJ and stressed the need for continuity to complete ongoing projects for the benefit of women journalists and the society at large.
    “Charity they say begins at home and on behalf of the management and all of us here in NTA, l congratulate you for the laudable achievements, having seen the much you have done within this short period, one is encouraged and so we in NTA are in total support for your second term bid in office.”
    “Continuity and actualization of the building project is key and do able, so as a unionist l am aware of what it takes to organize such events and l pledge the support both financially and otherwise to see that the delegate conference is successful, we pray that at the end of the conference you will be back here to be presented as the new President of NAWOJ for the second term, God’s willing and congratulations in advance” the DG said.
    Earlier, the leader of the team and Former President of NAWOJ, Comrade Evelyn Onyilo who highlighted some of the achievements of Ladi’s administration, solicited support from NTA towards actualization of her re-election.
    “We were here last three years at about this time,to mobilize supported to go to Minna and bring NAWOJ Presidency to NTA, and we did, so we are here again Sir.”
    “We never had a National Secretariat for 34 years of NAWOJ’s existence, Ladi gave us a national Secretariat, we never had a land before, behold, Ladi gave us one, she has also gone round the whole of Nigeria building capacity of female journalists.”
    “I also want to place on record that Ladi worked from where l stopped 20 years ago, Ladi came and built on it in giving NAWOJ a dual status of a professional body and NGO. “
    ” I felt she is on a mission to transform NAWOJ and that is why we are solidly behind her. “
    We started here the last time, we won, we are here again, and assuring you we will win again but we need your support Sir, she added.
    On her part, the incumbent NAWOJ President , Comrade Ladi Bala who was overwhelmed with Joy over the immeasurable support from NTA, pledged her commitment to consolidate on her achievements to take NAWOJ to greater heights if given a second term.
    “My team has not disappointed the management of NTA, we came last time with four major campaign promises of capacity building of female journalists, giving visibility to NAWOJ, getting office space and also Land for NAWOJ.”
    “To the glory of God, my DG, we have surpassed these four campaign promises and have transformed the narratives of NAWOJ, now Nawojians are calling on us to consolidate, this our land you must build for us, we don’t want stories, and that was what encouraged me to pick the form, she added.
    The triennial national delegate conference of NAWOJ is slated to hold from November 24-26 in the Federal Capital Territory.
  • Tinubu Appoints Shaakaa Chira as Auditor-General of the Federation

    Tinubu Appoints Shaakaa Chira as Auditor-General of the Federation

     

    In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has officially designated Mr. Shaakaa Chira as the new Auditor-General of the Federation. This appointment, recommended by the Federal Civil Service Commission, follows the authority vested in the President by Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution (Amended).

    According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Mr. Chira was selected as the most qualified candidate after a rigorous screening process conducted by the Federal Civil Service Commission. He also achieved the highest score in the examination among all eligible candidates for the position.

    The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu Appoints New Auditor-General of the Federation,’ highlighted the President’s expectations that Mr. Chira will uphold the confidence placed in him and meet the high expectations of Nigerians regarding the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

    This appointment comes after a 15-month period following the arraignment of the previous Auditor-General, Ahmed Idris, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on allegations of an N80 billion fraud. In May 2022, Mr. Idris was arrested in Kano after he failed to respond to the commission’s invitations for questioning. Subsequently, he was indefinitely suspended “without pay” by then Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

  • “Six Challenges Women Face in Nigerian Politics”

    “Six Challenges Women Face in Nigerian Politics”

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    The road to gender parity in Nigerian politics is riddled with obstacles, with several factors significantly disadvantaging women candidates. Here are six key challenges women face in the Nigerian political landscape:

    1. **Cultural Norms and Gender Stereotypes:** Deep-rooted cultural norms portray men as natural leaders, making it challenging for women to be perceived as viable political candidates due to societal biases.

    2. **Lack of Female Representation in Government:** Historically, women have been underrepresented in Nigerian government. The current representation of women in the National Assembly stands at a mere 6.5%, hindering their ability to gain the necessary experience and visibility for successful electoral campaigns.

    3. **Violence and Intimidation:** Women politicians often endure gender-based abuse and discrimination. Instances of verbal abuse, questioning qualifications, and threats of violence are prevalent, discouraging many potential candidates.

    4. **Financial Constraints:** Nigerian politics demands significant financial resources. Women typically have limited access to funds, making it difficult to cover campaign costs, such as posters, billboards, and rallies, leading some aspiring female politicians to abandon their campaigns due to financial constraints.

    5. **Party Structures:** Political parties, often led by men, may hesitate to support female candidates. Although policies supporting female candidacy have been implemented, challenges remain in fully embracing and trusting women within party structures.

    6. **Media Coverage Disparities:** Female candidates frequently face unequal media coverage compared to their male counterparts. Limited visibility in the media diminishes their ability to effectively communicate their messages to voters, impacting their popularity within and outside their parties.

    Addressing these challenges is crucial for creating an inclusive political environment that empowers women to participate fully and effectively in Nigerian politics.**

  • Supreme Court to Hear Atiku’s Appeal Against President Tinubu on Monday

    Supreme Court to Hear Atiku’s Appeal Against President Tinubu on Monday

    By Daniel Edu

    October 20, 2023
    Supreme Court

    The legal battle to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s election victory will resume at the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court has scheduled a hearing for the election petition appeal filed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who was the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the February election.

    In a notice issued to the concerned parties on Thursday, Supreme Court Registrar Zainab Garba announced that the proceedings for Atiku’s appeal would take place before the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja on October 23. The notice stated, “Take notice that the above appeal/motion will be listed for hearing before the Supreme Court of Nigeria sitting at Abuja on Monday, October 23, 2023.”

    Dr. Festus Akande, the Supreme Court Director of Information, also confirmed that Atiku’s election appeal was scheduled for Monday.

    This notification coincided with the House of Representatives expressing concerns about the workload at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court currently has 11 justices, which falls short of the 21 justices required by Section 230(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to appoint new justices to the Supreme Court to ensure efficient justice delivery in the country. The resolution stemmed from a motion of urgent public importance put forward by Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

    The motion, titled “Urgent need for the Federal Government to appoint new justices to the Supreme Court to ensure expeditious and effective justice delivery in the country,” highlighted the importance of a full complement of justices for the Supreme Court to function effectively.

    Atiku, who finished second in the election, initially challenged the results at the presidential election tribunal, seeking to nullify the victory of President Tinubu, declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, the tribunal dismissed Atiku’s petition, upholding President Tinubu’s electoral win.

    Dissatisfied with this outcome, Atiku and his running mate, Peter Obi, appealed the decision to the Supreme Court. Atiku’s appeal, consisting of 35 grounds, questioned various aspects of the tribunal’s ruling, including electronic transmission of results and President Tinubu’s qualification for the election.

    In addition to the appeal, Atiku also sought permission from the Supreme Court to introduce President Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University as “fresh and additional evidence” to support his challenge. Atiku had raised concerns about the authenticity of the President’s academic credentials submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    President Tinubu’s legal team confirmed their readiness to appear at the Supreme Court for the hearing of the appeals, emphasizing that the Supreme Court does not hold pre-hearing sessions for appeals. They also expressed their commitment to presenting all necessary documents on behalf of their client.

    The Nigerian Bar Association and the Supreme Court have both supported the House of Representatives’ call for the appointment of additional Supreme Court justices. The Supreme Court Director of Information, Dr. Akande, highlighted the court’s urgent need for more justices to reach its full complement of 21 seats. Legal experts have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of promptly addressing the shortage of justices to maintain the court’s effectiveness and prevent overworking the current justices.

  • Kebbi PDP to Challenge Tribunal Decision at the Court of Appeal

    Kebbi PDP to Challenge Tribunal Decision at the Court of Appeal

    In Kebbi State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which upheld Nasiru Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor of the state. The PDP has announced its intention to seek legal redress at the Court of Appeal.

    Speaking to journalists shortly after the tribunal’s judgment in Birnin Kebbi, the petitioners and their counsels expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the tribunal arrived at its decision on October 5, which favored the APC candidates, Governor Nasiru Idris and Deputy Abubakar Umar.

    Barrister Nura Bello, one of the petitioner’s counsels, expressed dismay at the tribunal’s decision despite the evidence and documents presented.

    “Considering the evidence presented before the tribunal by the petitioners, anyone interested in justice was surprised and alarmed by the manner in which the judgment was delivered. The tribunal dismissed the petition, despite substantial evidence and documents, including the allegations of forged INEC forms,” Bello said.

    He noted that the tribunal relied on a previous judgment related to subpoena witnesses and their statements on oath, which the petitioners argued was incorrect based on Supreme Court precedent. As a result of their dissatisfaction with the judgment, the petitioners have instructed their legal team to appeal.

    Bello defended the decision to appeal, asserting that it is a constitutional right. He stated, “The right to appeal is a constitutional right, and the appellants want to exercise that right. We believe it is essential to test the law in the Court of Appeal to further develop our electoral jurisprudence.”

    The PDP’s decision to challenge the tribunal’s ruling at the Court of Appeal comes despite calls from the APC-led government in Kebbi State for the petitioners to accept the judgment in good faith.

  • Dawakin Tofa local government organised Town Hall Meeting On 2024 Open Budget Policy.

    Dawakin Tofa local government organised Town Hall Meeting On 2024 Open Budget Policy.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    A colourful Town hall meeting has been organised  by Dawakin Tofa local government council, where the general public, associations, groups and other relevant stakeholders participated on the 2024 open budget policy for the inclusion of citizens inputs towards annual yearly budgeting.

    Our correspondent who witnessed the meeting which  was held at Dawakin Tofa local education authority’s conference hall, reviewed how Dawakin Tofa local government council remained the best in terms of  excellent budget implementation there by executing so many meaningful projects in every sector and in accordance with the demands of their electorates.

    Those who spoke at the occasion includes the representative of the commissioner for local government, representative of the executive chairman of the council, Director personnel management (DPM), representative of the District head and a representative of the non Governmental associations where they commended the council chairman Honourable Ado Tambai Kwa for his transparency and utilization of the council’s resources in executing meaningful projects across the 11 wards of the local government.

    Other activities presented at the occasion include presentation of achievements so far recorded and presentation of scholarship  payments to three institutions that accommodate the students sponsored by the local council.

    Speaking to Daybreak News shortly after the occasion, the executive chairman of Dawakin Tofa local government council Honourable Ado Tambai Kwa reassured that his administration would continue to supports education, health care services, security and economic progress, where he thanked the members of his  legislative and executive  councils and the people of Dawakin Tofa local government area for their support they usually rendered to him.

    Most of the people that had a chats with our correspondent disclosed that  the executive chairman of Dawakin Tofa local government council deserves commendation, praise and respect for his efforts to bringing rapid  development across the local government without bias.

    Town hall meeting