Category: Politics

Justice Peter Lifu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued an injunction preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing its national chairman, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum, from his position.
The court’s decision came after a motion presented by M. O. Onyilokwu, counsel to the plaintiff/applicant.
Justice Lifu stated, “The defendants/respondents are hereby temporarily restrained from appointing, selecting, or nominating any individual to replace Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum as the national chairman or acting national chairman of the 1st defendant/respondent pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, scheduled for May 4, 2024.

“The defendants/respondents, their agents, privies, or proxies are also temporarily restrained from recognizing any person other than Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum as the acting national chairman of the 1st defendant/respondent or giving effect to any document purportedly signed by the national chairman or acting national chairman of the 1st defendant without the name and signature of Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in Court in this suit.

“The applicants are directed to provide a fresh undertaking to pay damages to the respondents (to be assessed by the court) if it is determined that this order should not have been granted or if the court was misled into granting the same.”
The court issued the order in an ex-parte motion filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina and Alhaji Zanna Gaddama, in a case marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024.

The respondents in the motion, filed on May 2, 2024, include the PDP, National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the motion, the plaintiff sought “an interim injunction restraining the 1st to 4th defendants/respondents, their agents, privies from appointing, selecting, or nominating any person to replace Damagum as national chairman or acting national chairman of the 1st defendant/respondent pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“An interim injunction restraining the 5th defendant/respondent, its agents, officers, or privies from according recognition to any person other than Ambassador Umar Illiya Damaguma as acting national chairman of the 1st defendant/respondent or giving effect to any document purportedly signed by the national chairman or acting national chairman of the 1st defendant/respondent without the name and signature of Ambassador Umar Illiyan Damagum as the acting national chairman pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The affidavit supporting the application, an affidavit of extreme urgency, and that of non-multiplicity of action, accompanying the ex-parte application were all sworn by Ambassador Umar El-Gasha Maina.

By Milcah Tanimu

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has initiated a probe into financial transactions, including loans and contracts, conducted by the Kaduna State Government during the tenure of former Governor Nasir el-Rufai from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.

Led by Chairman Henry Danjuma, the ad hoc committee has summoned several former commissioners who served in El-Rufai’s administration for interrogation. Notable individuals summoned include former Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Thomas Gyang; former Commissioner for Education, Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani; former Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Manzo Daniel Maigari; former Commissioner for Administrator of Zaria Metropolitan Authority, Balarabe Aliyu; former Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Engr Mohammed Lawal Magaji; and Administrator of Kafanchan Metropolitan Authority, Phoebe Yayi Sukai.

In a statement to journalists, Danjuma emphasized the committee’s dedication to its duties, stating, “Since the committee’s inauguration, we have been diligently carrying out our duties.” The committee aims to gather crucial testimonies to inform its conclusions and deliver a comprehensive report.

The probe was initiated following concerns raised by the current Governor, Uba Sani, regarding fiscal challenges attributed to debts incurred during El-Rufai’s tenure.

Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the Osun State chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has revealed plans by a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration in the state.

Expressing concerns over what they perceive as the government’s disconnect with the populace, Odeyemi stated that it is essential for these parties to unite and address the perceived shortcomings of Governor Adeleke’s administration.

In a press release issued in Osogbo, the state capital, Odeyemi emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to rescue the state from what they described as the “underperformance” of Governor Adeleke.

Citing the alleged lack of substantial achievements despite nearly two years in office, the coalition expressed disappointment with the administration’s progress.

The release highlighted the governor’s purported inability to fulfill electoral promises and questioned his understanding of the intricacies of governance in Osun State.

The coalition vowed to mobilize and collaborate with like-minded political parties to present a formidable challenge to the PDP administration in the 2026 elections. They expressed confidence in their ability to work collectively towards this goal and promised a strong coalition to effect change in the state’s leadership.

‘Igala Kingdom’s cohort with EFCC will surely fail…’

Tinubu urged to swiftly protect Bello.

Based on the ongoing hounding, harassment, media blackmail and trial including using state apparatchik to malign, intimidate and take out the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, we are compelled to issue the following terse statement to put all the scenarios in proper perspective for Nigerians to know the succinct truth:

1. As members of Humanity Africa (HM), we have watched with utter sadness and serious concern, the news going round on the plot to take out the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in a grand conspiracy between a section of the Igala Elders, Social Democratic Party (SDP) leadership and some forces controlling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The story, credited to an active member of the opposition from the Igala axis of the state, could have been ignored as the ranting of some desperate political fortune-seekers and drowning men. But for the visibility of the person in series of threats against Yahaya Bello campaign of calumny, including the sponsored protest staged recently in front of EFCC headquarters in Abuja aimed at giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it, which was also targeted at giving a “guilty-as-charged” verdict against an innocent person. This should not happen until the accused person is supposedly proven guilty by a competent court of law. We condemn in its entirety the lackluster shenanigans of the EFCC – in tandem with the Igala Elders and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) leadership to “kill” Yahaya Bello at whatever cost. That informs our reason for calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the embattled former governor.

2. The said rogue agent, working in collaboration with others, has appeared as a politician and in another breath, heads a pseudo-NGO in thick plot and in support of the persecution agenda against Yahaya Bello.

3. But for the twist in the antics employed by the politicians, so-called elders and another partisan lawyer, cooking up blatant lies, clandestine plots and mischief disguised as anti-corruption narratives (but clearly a sectarian agenda and ethnic motive to take Yahaya Bello out of circulation at all cost and by all means because of his Ebira ethnic stock). This, we understand, is also aimed at wiping the Ebiras out of future political struggles, calculations, permutations and state matters and is, indeed, condemnable by discerning Nigerians.

4. Haba! The utter rubbish, unfounded and contradictory statements credited to the EFCC Chairman, during his desperate media conference are a sad reminder and narrative of how dispassionate the Commission has been operating under the present and past leadership. The selective nature of the handling of the Bello’s case has eroded the passion and commitment of the Nigerian people in the fight against graft in order to settle political and sectarian scores.

5. It is on record, that Yahaya Bello has consistently paid school fees for his children over the years. But some characters in the EFCC hobnobbing with others pursuing ethnic and primordial agenda and sentiments twisted logic on its head just to give Bello a bad name in order to hang him, claimed he only paid the school fees at the twilight of his administration leaving the Kogi State Government House.

6. The mere involvement of ethnic champions in the contrived narrative against Yahaya Bello by EFCC, with all the complexities and cleavages associated with governance, shows the Commission’s desperation and clannish attitude in acting out a script at the behest and inducement of tribal jingoists still nursing an injury of electoral defeat suffered by them during both the Presidential and Governorship elections held in the state last year. They should hide their heads in shame and move on and take their defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.

7. Every reasonable person knows the antecedents of the people fighting Bello and the interest they are still serving. They are either suffering from amnesia or surely taking Nigerians for fools. It’s either of these postulations that can only explain their naked hatred for Bello’s political dexterity, sagacity and the magnitude of bitterness and anger they have deployed against him for his refusal to allow them hijack the treasury of Kogi State as well as refusal to grant them unfitted access to the political empire. In fact, they are working to make President Tinubu the fall guy after they finish dealing with all the people that mobilized and voted for him into office, not minding the fact that 2027 is just by the corner and Yahaya Bello is still a factor in Kogi politics and national landscape. We ask the state apparatchik to thread carefully in this matter and let reason override the emotions of hounding a reliable party man and stakeholder whose only offence is in overwhelmingly winning the presidential elections for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in spite of what transpired before, during and after the elections. We ask that we should all ‘MOVE’.

8. The issue of the EFCC’s arbitrariness and selective persecution of suspects has been settled a long time ago. It is a fact that everyone, except dishonest minds, knows the present Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume during his tenure as Governor of Benue State, and how he went to court and secured an order against the EFCC then. After his exit, till date, the Commission has never harassed, but has rather allowed the judicial process to take its course and take care of itself. So many other cases abound in our history, as encapsulated by both Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa and Chief Mike Ezekhome (SAN) amongst so many other distinguished legal luminaries who have spoken against the Gestapo-like handling of the allegations against Yahaya Bello and similar cases based on previous rulings in courts of competent jurisdiction.

9. If the people haunting Bello are sincere with themselves, they should recuse themselves from any form of subjudicial act and brigandage against him and allow the courts to decide his case devoid of interference in any manner whatsoever. It doesn’t seem likely that Bello is going to have justice in the hands of these fifth columnists who are hell-bent on achieving illegality, and people deficient in fairness, objectivity and the rule of law.

10. It is on record, that the same EFCC, in a similar undemocratic manner and clear breach of the fundamental rights of late Hon. Morris Ebekwe (then incumbent of the House of Representatives), was arrested for advanced fee fraud and was incarcerated for a very long period of time in a purely bailable offence. He was left in detention without trial until his eventual death under very suspicious circumstances. The then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was blamed for the death of the man and, as such, we do not want such to happen to our youthful presidential hopeful and a shinning light of the Ebiras.

11. Nigerians are genuinely concerned and troubled with the revelation coming from a section of the Igala Elders Forum of Kogi State. There are more to it than meets the eye; hypocrisy and fraternization between the Commission, the infamous Igala group and some SDP leaders including compromised or vested interest personalities, are working based on ethnic induced agenda to give Yahaya Bello the exact type of evil treatment applied to late Hon. Ebekwe in EFCC custody. There is even an increasing tone of desperation by some clowns urging Bello to submit to people working round the clock to deny him justice. These same characters would turn round to push the blame game against President Bola Tinubu by the time they finish with Bello, during his expected incarceration.

12. It is the candid opinions of many Nigerians that the war against corruption under Magu, Bawa and present Olukayode is tainted, derailed and tailored towards serving another interest different from the one of Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu. They are also having reservation on the powers being used by the Commission against state governors and their appointees without the needed requisite complaints or indictment from the constitutionally created State Houses of Assembly, as enshrined in our laws. The appropriate thing for the EFCC is to concentrate on the thousands of cases related to treasury banditry at their federal jurisdiction. Of particular interest to us is the case of the failed Jos-to-Maiduguri rail-line project awarded in the year 2012. The sum of more than N23 billion US dollars was paid to shadowy contractors with nothing to show on ground to justify the expense. There are so many abandoned cases related to corruption and abuse of office, including others directly linked to operatives of the Commission that exited from the service after they became wealthy. This aspect is for another day.

13. We have agreed that some people are pretending to be fighting corruption, shedding crocodile tears seeking to earn the confidence of President Tinubu. Our candid advice is that such persons must desist from such devilish acts and not seek to do so by taking sides or sympathizing with ethnic motivated cases. Some politicians who have something to hide or seeking to settle scores, are behind these uncanny ways of ambushing President Tinubu’s government. We therefore, implore the President, as the unbiased personality we know, as father of all, to protect Yahaya Bello against the people trying to give him the Ebekwe treatment. We all know that over the years, President Tinubu has fought against arbitrariness and high handedness of the EFCC under the Obasanjo-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era and stood by several politically-exposed persons maltreated with similar suffocating tactics akin to this Bello matter persecuted by the EFCC and their running dogs during the said era of locusts. The President himself was a victim of frame-up and phantom charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in which he came out victorious because he was unjustly being persecuted based on rhetorics. The same can be seen today also and we must tread carefully and not allow emotions becloud our judgement.

14. After all, by our laws, offenders are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, by a competent court of jurisdiction after being tried and evidences against such persons weighed before exacting punishment and sentences.

Signed:

COMRADE WALE ADEGOKE
Convener, Humanity Africa (HM)

COMRADE ISMAIL IBRAHIM BAKORI
Secretary, Humanity Africa (HM)

The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s Adhoc Committee, tasked with probing financial transactions during the tenure of former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has summoned and interrogated former commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, and other relevant stakeholders.

Established to scrutinize the state’s financial dealings, loans, contractual obligations, and other pertinent matters from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, the committee is conducting comprehensive investigations into the el-Rufai administration.

Speaking to journalists after closed-door sessions with former aides of el-Rufai on Monday night, Hon. Henry Magaji Danjuma, the committee’s chairman and the Deputy Speaker of the House, stated: “We found it necessary to interview them to gather testimonies that will aid us in reaching a fair conclusion and presenting a justified report.”

Hon. Danjuma emphasized that the proceedings were open to all invited individuals and that participants were sworn in to ensure honesty and transparency.

He expressed satisfaction with the honesty and transparency displayed during the discussions between the committee and the stakeholders.

Former speakers of the 8th and 9th sessions of the State Assembly, Hon. Aminu Shagali and Hon. Yusuf Zailani, respectively, were also invited by the committee last week.

Among the former commissioners who appeared before the legislative committee were Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani (Public Works and Infrastructure), Dr. Manzo Daniel Maigari (Agriculture), Balarabe Aliyu (Zaria Metropolitan Authority), Samuel Aruwan (Budget and Planning, Internal Security and Home Affairs), and others.

Additionally, the former managing director of Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Engr. Mohammed Lawal Magaji, also testified before the committee.

Chairman Danjuma affirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with plans to invite more stakeholders for questioning.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State convened at the Osun State Government House over the weekend to strategize on bolstering the party’s unity in preparation for the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for next year.

Among the notable figures present were the state governor, Ademola Adeleke; former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Olu Alabi; Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; Hon. Bamidele Salam; state chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi; Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe; Hon. Adewale Egbedun; Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye; Mallam Olawale Rasheed; Alhaji Rasaki Oyelami; and the state party secretary, Prince Bola Ajao.

Following extensive discussions, a communique was issued, emphasizing the need to reconcile past grievances, particularly stemming from the 2022 gubernatorial primary, and to foster unity within the Osun State PDP. It was agreed that the party would stand united under the leadership of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

Key resolutions included the establishment of an Elders Forum, which will convene quarterly to address pertinent issues, and the organization of a Stakeholders meeting at the State party Secretariat immediately after the installation of the Asiwaju of Edeland. This meeting aims to inform stakeholders about the state of the party in Osun State and address relevant matters.

Furthermore, it was reaffirmed that the welfare and well-being of party members and the people of Osun State remain a top priority for Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

The Kano state Chapter Chairman of the All Farmers Association Of Nigeria (AFAN), ABDULRASHID MAGAJI RIMIN GADO has reiterated that his association is promoting agriculture despites so many challenges affecting the sector. He made the disclosure in an interview with our correspondent JABIRU A HASSAN. Excerpts:

DB: You are the Kano state chapter chairman of the All Farmers Association Of Nigeria popularly known as (AFAN), what success stories can you share under your leadership?.

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: First of all, let me thank the Almighty Allah for interacting with this famous Newspaper that we always refer to, whenever we need accurate stories of what is really happening in the globe. And I am happy to inform you that we have done a lot to improving economic progress under our dynamic association, AFAN.

Time will not allow me to bring out all what we have achieved but i am certain that our leadership has brought so many development to Agriculture and the team work amongst the farmers across Kano state with optimum results, and I am of the opinion that our mode of leadership has brought progress without bias.

DB: AFAN has been experiencing leadership tussles at both national and states levels, for quite a long time, is this not a big threat to the association?

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: Leadership tussle is a great challenge in especially non-governmental organisations, and it is a tradition that many associations are having a leadership tussles may be due to lack of mutual understanding among the members, but in every faction there is a duly elected executives that are fully recognised by all concerned.

In our own leadership, we are doing well despite the said leadership issues because we represents real farmers thatvis why such leadership tussle does not affects our success stories like what I have said earlier.

DB: But how can such associations tackle leadership tussles which retarded their achievements?

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: From my own understanding, the issue of leadership tussle is based on how the election was done, and how the factional leaders are making efforts to seize the association may be with backing from some government officials that are having an interests in the association’s programmes.

But such problems are often controlled when the members of the associations remained committed towards achieving what they need despites some internal crisis.

DB: Kano state is one of the states affected by the leadership tussle, where a factional leadership pushed to work with the former administration, while you keep leading the association with the full backing from the national headquarters, how did you manage with this factional issues?.

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: This is a very important question. And from what had happened at those times, AFAN under our management resolved to join hands with Kano state farmers and promotes profitable farming at both dry and rainfall seasons. That is why we remained more respected by our genuine members and I am certain that farmers benefited greatly from our side as the duly elected leaders.

DB: in your own opinion, how can the issue of leadership tussle be kicked out of AFAN at both states and national levels?.

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: although in every association there are some tussle about leadership, but i advise that all members of any association should unite, acts with one voice and clear away all differences that fueled the leadership crisis so as to ensure that that particular association is one and united avenue. There are some associations that are non-governmental but they are working uniformly without leadership tussles.

DB: Don’t you think that governments often influenced many leadership crisis for its own interests?

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: In this respect, and with due respect i am appealing to all governments tiers to avoid putting interests in all non-governmental associations for peace and unity to reign, and I advise that whoever wins an election which is free and fair, should have a full backing from the governments if real progress is expected.

DB: Some of the AFAN members alleged that all states chapters chairmen and the national executives have overstayed on the throne, what can you say about this assumption?

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: This is as a result of so many reasons but we are trying our best to see that AFAN is upgraded, updated and have leadership that would be respected, trusted and able to unite the members in order to promotes agriculture with minimal or no lost. I am therefore calling on all the association’s stakeholders to join hands and salvage our beloved association so as to become more steadfast in the promotion of economy through agriculture.

DB: What is your message to the farmers of Kano state and other relevant stakeholders that are directly related to AFAN?

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: I thank the members of our great association that are always according me excellent cooperation since I was duly elected as AFAN chairman. And i am sure that many farmers have benefited from our programmes and leadership.

Secondly, i commended the federal ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for being very serious on agricultural development. And finally, i thanked the Kano state government for facilitating agriculture in so many ways which I am certain that in the near future, Kano would become more successful in mass food production.

DB: Thank you for having a time to have an interactive session with New Nigerian Newspaper.

ABDULRASHID MAGAJI: I wish this company more progress and we have fully recognised Daybreak Newspaper for its neutrality in its reportings.

Citizens of Pankshin North constituency of Plateau state on Monday lauded their lawmaker Hon Gabriel Dewan for providing them with quality legislation since he was elected as their representative.

Our correspondent reports that Dewan is the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Speaking to newsmen in Pankshin on Monday one of his constituents Naguzuk Nalang, from Ballang community described the leadership style of Speaker Dewan as a factor stabilizing the 10th Plateau assembly and the state in general.

” We the people of Pankshin North are grateful to our Lawmaker who is also the Speaker of the state assembly for embarking on people-oriented projects.”

In her words ” As a mother, I am throwing my weight behind the member representing Pankshin North Hon Dewan at the House of Assembly, because he has remained committed to his electioneering promises. ”

” The cordial relationship between several arms of governance being witnessed in the state is for the advancement of Plateau aimed at attracting more dividends of democracy to the people.”

Another citizen of Pankshin North Mr Najin Yilji Rotdunme, from Chigwong village said I must commended the member representing them in the House of assembly Hon Gabriel Dewan due to his efforts of providing developmental projects to his constituency.

The current Plateau assembly is accountable, focused, progressive and a united House

Nenrot Rotshang, from Wokkos district said Speaker Dewan is running an open-door policy in the state assembly.

She said that the state legislature under Speaker Dewan is working closely with the executive to facilitate the speedy actualisation of dividends of democracy to the people.

Speaker Dewan is putting the interest of the state and his constituents, far above any other considerations and this is an exhibition of statesmanship.

Nenrot added that the change being witnessed by the House of Assembly was for the advancement of the state aimed at attracting more dividends of democracy to the people.

Several others citizens who also spoke with our correspondent expressed their satisfaction with the way Hon. Dewan acts towards addressing the challenges in their locality.

In a dramatic development, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, has suspended three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers.

Among the suspended lawmakers is Donald Okogbe, representing PDP, Akoko-Edo II, known to be an ally of impeached deputy governor Philip Shaibu. Okogbe notably abstained from signing the petition that led to Shaibu’s impeachment.

The other two suspended lawmakers are Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing APC, Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright, representing PDP, Orhionnwon II.

Agbebaku accused the trio of orchestrating disruptive actions, including bringing native doctors to the House to perform rituals on May 1 at 1 am.

The suspended lawmakers contested their suspension, leading to a tense and rowdy session where they argued against the Speaker’s authority to unilaterally suspend members without a vote.

Amidst the chaos, the Speaker adjourned the plenary abruptly, leaving unresolved tensions within the House.