Category: Politics

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has clarified that its only governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, has not been suspended. During a press conference at NNPP national headquarters in Abuja, acting national chairman Dr. Ahmed Ajuji stated that Governor Yusuf remains a respected member of the party and continues to lead with distinction.

Ajuji dismissed recent claims by what he referred to as “expelled political comedians” regarding Governor Yusuf’s suspension. He emphasized that the governor’s achievements in Kano State are a source of pride for the party and that there is no reason to suspend him.

The chairman criticized the individuals who announced Yusuf’s suspension, accusing them of attempting to discredit the governor and disrupt the NNPP’s work. He highlighted previous unsuccessful attempts to challenge Yusuf’s election and party nomination in court.

Ajuji reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fostering sustainable democracy in Nigeria and praised Governor Yusuf’s leadership in Kano State as an example of good governance. He concluded by stating that the NNPP remains united and focused on building a better Nigeria.

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has survived attempts to oust him from his position.

As the party’s National Executive Committee meeting approached, discussions centered around whether Damagum should remain in his role or be replaced.

Damagum, who was previously the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), stepped in as acting National Chairman following the court-ordered suspension of the party’s former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

The court’s decision was based on a request from a PDP member, Terhide Utaan, prompted by a prior vote of no confidence from Ayu’s ward executives in Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

Recently, 60 members of the House of Representatives called for Damagum’s removal and pushed for a substantive chairman from the North Central region.

However, shortly after this announcement, members of the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced themselves from the group, dismissing it as an unrecognized entity within the parliament.

The PDP caucus meeting in the House of Representatives on Tuesday ended in discord, with lawmakers divided on whether to keep Damagum in office.

The pre-NEC meeting aimed to endorse Damagum with a vote of confidence by lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, but this plan faced obstacles and did not proceed as intended.

The PDP National Working Committee had previously expressed full support for Damagum.

After its caucus meeting on Wednesday, the North Central Zone of the party unanimously decided that the zone should nominate the next national chairman of the party following Ayu’s removal.

Speaking to reporters after the National Caucus meeting in the early hours of Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that Damagum would continue serving as acting national chairman until the next NEC meeting after today’s session.

The PDP National Caucus, which convenes before the NEC meeting and sets the tone for major decisions, endorsed Damagum’s continued role to allow for broader consultations.

Ologunagba noted that the caucus discussed the forthcoming local government, ward, and state congresses, as well as the reconstitution of the party’s disciplinary and reconciliation committees.

Additionally, the caucus extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee and discussed various methods of fundraising for the party.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary emphasized the party’s dedication to creating a cohesive organization embraced by all Nigerians.

Regarding Damagum, Ologunagba said, “The caucus did not deliberate on this matter because of the complexities regarding leadership at this time. Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. Umar Damagum will remain acting national chairman until the subsequent NEC meeting after today’s session.”

He stated that the party prioritizes unity and aims to navigate these issues without causing division.

Ologunagba added that the National Caucus instructed the NWC to review the list of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee and to find a political solution to resolve all related issues.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has urged the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to take the path of decency and submit himself for investigation.

Bello is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.

Over the past 24 hours, there has been a back-and-forth between the two parties regarding the attempt to arrest the former governor for a court appearance scheduled for Thursday.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the AGF emphasized that the EFCC is legally empowered to invite any Nigerian for questioning. He criticized the actions of the current Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, who used his immunity to block Bello’s arrest on Wednesday, calling it “disquieting.” He added that avoiding the law can only tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally.

Fagbemi reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no Nigerian’s rights are violated.

In his statement, the AGF expressed concern about the challenges faced by the EFCC in carrying out its statutory duties, stressing the importance of public officials cooperating with the commission.

“Avoiding the law does not resolve the issues at hand but only worsens them,” Fagbemi noted. He also stated that he supports the proper functioning of state institutions and urged anyone invited by the EFCC or any other agency to comply with such invitations.

Fagbemi concluded by encouraging those summoned by the EFCC to follow the path of decency and cooperate with the investigation to avoid bringing shame upon the country.

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo visited former Governor Yahaya Bello’s Abuja residence on Wednesday amidst an ongoing security operation surrounding the home.

Ododo arrived around 2:30 pm accompanied by several security personnel and youth supporters protesting against the siege on the former governor’s residence.

Our correspondent observed a significant presence of armed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives, police, Department of State Security agents, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Bello’s private security team.

Photos obtained by our correspondent showed armed EFCC personnel stationed outside Bello’s home on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The specific reason for the EFCC’s presence at Bello’s home could not be confirmed independently as the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to requests for comment.

However, in March 2024, the EFCC filed an amended charge against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu in a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N84 billion money laundering.

Bello’s media office released a statement condemning the EFCC’s actions and urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

According to the statement, the EFCC’s presence at Bello’s residence violates a High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, injunction granted on February 9, 2024. The order barred the commission and its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello pending the resolution of a fundamental rights enforcement case.

By Milcah Tanimu

The Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims of intending to suspend former governor Nasir El-Rufai amidst rumors of anti-party actions.

Reports had circulated indicating that El-Rufai faced suspension from the ruling party due to alleged infractions against party directives. However, Salisu Wusono, the spokesperson for APC in Kaduna, dismissed these speculations, asserting that there is no such plan by the party leadership.

Wusono unequivocally stated, “Nothing like this!” in response to inquiries from TheCable.

El-Rufai’s recent interactions, including being seen with suspended senator Abdul Ningi and visiting the Social Democratic Party (SDP) headquarters in Abuja, sparked debates and speculations regarding his political intentions. However, SDP’s national chair, Shehu Gabam, downplayed the significance of El-Rufai’s visit, citing a longstanding relationship between them and emphasizing that political visits should not be overinterpreted.

El-Rufai, a key figure in the formation of APC before the 2015 elections, now faces scrutiny as the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiates a probe into “multi-million dollar loans” acquired during his tenure as governor.

The ward executives from Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area in Kano State, where All Progressives Congress National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje was recently suspended, will visit the party’s national secretariat on Wednesday to show solidarity with Ganduje. The visit is set to take place at 11:00 a.m.

This development follows the suspension of Ganduje from the party by Halliru Gwanzo, the legal adviser of the ward, who cited bribery allegations against Ganduje as the reason for the decision. Gwanzo also mentioned the bribery charges filed against Ganduje by the Kano State government and his upcoming arraignment on Thursday.

However, the Kano state leadership of the APC overturned the suspension of Ganduje, instead suspending Gwanzo and other involved ward leaders for six months.

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has suspended Hassan Umar, the representative of Birnin Kebbi North Constituency, due to alleged unguarded utterances.

The suspension was announced in a statement released on Monday by the Clerk of the House, Suleiman Shamaki. According to the statement, Umar’s suspension was a result of his controversial statements and his role in instigating some members against the house’s leadership.

The statement noted, “Following an Executive Session held on Friday, April 12, 2024, the House unanimously resolved to suspend Hassan Umar due to his unguarded utterances.”

Additionally, the lawmaker was accused of causing disharmony between the executive and legislative branches within the House.

In a related incident in October 2019, Shafiu Abubakar, a council chairmanship aspirant from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, was suspended by the All Progressives Congress over unlawful statements. Umaru Bakatara, the Chairman of Zouro Ward in Birnin Kebbi, announced the suspension at a press briefing, citing disrespectful remarks made by Abubakar on Vision FM Radio.

Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone C on Monday conferred the Plateau state Governor Bar Caleb Mutfwang with the title of the grand patron of all Nigerian Students.

The body decorated Governor Mutfwang with the title during the inauguration of it’s newly elected Zonal Executives in Jos the Plateau state capital .

Our correspondent reports that the Student body also presented the Icon of Hope For Future Generation Merit Award to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly RT Hon Gabriel Dewan ,as well as the NANs merit award to Hon Ephraim Usman the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs as the ICON of Youths Emancipator .

The National Students body said the confirmation of the award on Governor Mutfwang was in recognition of the extraordinary work Mutfwang has done to improve the live of the Youths and Students in Plateau State.

They lauded Governor Mutfwang’s efforts at revamping education in Plateau State .

Comrade Lucky Emonefe the President of NANS, who spoke at the occasion said Governor Celeb Mutfwang is doing excellently well in governance .

He said that the recognition was also “for Governor Mutfwang’s exemplary leadership qualities and administration’s remarkable, sterling and matchless achievements in youth inclusion and as the Best Youth-friendly Governor in Nigeria”.

The body said Governor Mutfwang has set the legacy of bringing young and credible youths to centre politics to showcase their capabilities and potentials.

In their words ” We celebrate His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang and say this is an honour well deserved and we look forward to more years of distinguished leadership and excellence.”

Recieving the award Governor Mutfwang’ who was represented by the Commissioner of Youths and Sports in the state Hon Bashir Lawandi Datti flanked by the Special Advisor on Youths Affairs Comrade Hitler Pwajok thanked NANS Zone C for honouring him .

The NANS president while speaking during the Inauguration of the new EXCO expressed deepest gratitude to all those who had tirelessly worked to make the event a reality.

” Let me use this opportunity to appreciate Muhammed Badaru, The Honourable Minister of Defence for his continued partnership with the Students Community, and also for his rapid response to the rescue of the recently kidnapped Students, We are proud to have a proactive Minister and hope that the collaboration we’ve enjoyed will continue. ”

They added that none of these endeavors would be possible without the unwavering support of our leader Comrade Prince Miaphen and other Important stakeholders.

“We are grateful for the trust you have placed in us and pledge to remain transparent, accountable, and committed to collaborative excellence. ”

They added that “Your belief in our vision continues to inspire us and strengthens our resolve to achieve the extraordinary.”

” This inauguration signifies a new chapter, a fresh beginning, and a symbolic representation of our unyielding commitment to our vision and mission. “