Category: Politics

Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), extends warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr in 2024.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant, Yusuf Dingyadi, Damagun urges Muslims to embrace the lessons of Ramadan, focusing on virtues, empathy, and solidarity. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing prayers for the growth and stability of the nation.

Damagun urges the Muslim community to actively discourage criminal activities and social vices while advocating for responsible parenting to nurture children and wards.

Highlighting the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, devotion, and compassion, Damagun emphasizes the need for sustained worship and devotion beyond the holy month. He calls for unity, reconciliation, and support among Nigerians to foster trust, respect, and progress.

The PDP leader underscores the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in building a peaceful and united Nigeria, urging Nigerians to move beyond political differences for the greater good.

Damagun extends the PDP’s congratulations to the Muslim community and expresses solidarity in prayer for divine intervention against suffering and poor leadership. He emphasizes the collective responsibility of Nigerians to stand together against insecurity challenges, particularly banditry, and other threats to national security.

House minority leaders representing opposition parties have denounced the recent demand by 60 lawmakers for the resignation of the Peoples Democratic Party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, citing alleged anti-party activities. The dissenting representatives, organized under the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers, threatened to defect from the PDP unless Damagum steps down and a new acting chairman from the North Central region is appointed. In response, minority leaders Kingsley Chinda, Ali Madaki, Ali Isah, and George Ozodinobi issued a statement disavowing the coalition and its demands, asserting that it lacks recognition within the parliament. They clarified that the coalition’s stance does not reflect the consensus of the minority parties. The absence of Chinda, a perceived ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, from the briefing signals ongoing rifts within the party.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced the appointment of a 38-year-old engineer, Omobayo Godwin, as the new deputy governor, with his inauguration imminent.

This decision follows the recent impeachment of the former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, by the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday.

The impeachment panel investigating the former deputy governor found him guilty of divulging confidential information belonging to the state government.

Further details will be provided as the situation unfolds.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has taken swift action by suspending the Commissioner for Commerce, Aminu Kanta, following allegations of misappropriation of funds designated for the Ramadan Iftar feeding program in the Babura Local Government Area.

The suspension, effective immediately, was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, in Dutse, the state capital. Commissioner Kanta will remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigative committee established by the governor to probe the allegations.

Governor Namadi’s decision reflects his commitment to transparent financial management and addressing any misuse of public funds, as stated in the announcement.

The State Executive Council had previously approved the release of N2.8 billion for the Ramadan Iftar feeding program, which aimed to provide meals across all 27 local government areas of the state. With 600 designated feeding centers established, each catering to at least 300 people daily throughout the Ramadan period, the program sought to ensure widespread assistance to those in need.

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT , Minister, Barr .Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,l has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome the current turmoil.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday when the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, visited him in Abuja.

He said, “I believe by the special grace of God, Nigeria would come out from the turmoil that we are in.”

“The signs are clear; we have no regret; and we have no doubt that victory shall be ours.”

The minister thanked the Church for praying for Nigerians and the government of President Bola Tinubu to actualize his vision and dreams in the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.

He noted that nobody could govern without the backing of God, stressing that it was important for every leader to know this.

“That is why Tinubu has never failed to ask religious leaders to continue to pray for his administration and for the growth of Nigeria.”

“Prayer is key. We can do all we think, but without God nothing can be achieved, and so his victory; his hope is anchored on God,” the minister said.

Wike assured the Methodist Church that the FCT Administration would consider their request for land to build offices and a media centre.

Earlier, Rev.Aba explained that the land, if allocated, would be used for the development of a liaison office and a benefiting media centre to enhance evangelism and other social amenities.

He said that a similar request was submitted to the Administration in 2023 but was not granted.

He pledged the Church’s commitment for continued prayers to support the Tinubu-led government to succeed.

“This is because, his success is our success, and his success is the joy of all Nigerians.”

“In actualizing his ‘renewed hope’ agenda, I pray for economic renaissance for our dear country and terming the evil of insecurity in the land.”

“I affirm that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Methodist Prelate said.
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has initiated two judicial commissions of inquiry to probe cases of alleged misappropriation of public assets, political violence, and missing persons spanning from 2015 to 2023.

During the inauguration of the commissions on Thursday, Governor Yusuf assured that anyone found guilty would be held accountable, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

The former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who served from 2015 to 2023, is under scrutiny as the commissions aim to uncover any wrongdoing during his tenure.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf stressed the importance of investigating political violence, particularly cases of political killings, to prevent future occurrences and uphold democracy.

The first commission, chaired by Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, will focus on cases of political violence and missing persons, with a mandate to identify perpetrators and sponsors and ensure they face justice. It will also analyze the root causes of violence associated with elections from 2015 to 2023.

The second commission, headed by Justice Faruk Lawan, will investigate allegations of misappropriation of public properties and assets during the previous administration, both within and outside the state.

Governor Yusuf clarified that the initiative is not politically motivated but a response to the mandate of the people of Kano. He urged the commissions to maintain integrity and deliver justice for the state within three months.

The governor’s decision to launch these commissions aligns with his earlier commitment to address corruption and ensure accountability in governance. However, controversies have arisen over the demolition of buildings allegedly constructed on public property before the investigations, leading to public outcry and legal challenges against the government’s actions.

By Milcah Tanimu

The Edo State House of Assembly has officially leveled accusations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, citing impeachable offenses including the leakage of confidential government information and perjury. These allegations were presented during the inaugural session of a seven-member panel tasked with investigating Shaibu’s actions.

Led by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, the panel was established by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, in response to impeachment proceedings initiated by the Assembly on March 5. The proceedings were prompted by a petition alleging serious breaches by the Deputy Governor, including the disclosure of state secrets and perjury.

The rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly regarding Shaibu’s intentions to run in the upcoming Edo governorship race, is believed to be the underlying cause of the impeachment move.

Joe Ohaifa, the Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, outlined the accusations against Shaibu, highlighting his affidavit in support of a lawsuit in Abuja where he allegedly revealed details from State Executive Council meetings, contravening the Oath of Secrecy outlined in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.

The panel adjourned until Thursday to allow Shaibu the opportunity to present his defense.

In a related development, Shaibu’s legal counsel, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), withdrew from the hearing after the panel rejected his request to suspend proceedings until the conclusion of a Federal High Court case in Abuja scheduled for April 8. This case seeks an interlocutory injunction to halt the impeachment process.

Awoyale argued that Section 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution, which ostensibly prohibits court intervention in impeachment processes, should not preclude the court’s order. However, the panel, siding with Ohaifa, decided to proceed with the impeachment investigation.

Following the panel’s decision, Awoyale announced that Shaibu would no longer participate in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judicial process scheduled for early April. He clarified that Shaibu’s withdrawal did not waive his right to defense but underscored the need to adhere to the upcoming court session.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sent a clear message to critics of his decision to honor the presidential peace pact, assuring them of surprising actions in response to perceived weaknesses.

In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara addressed recent media comments regarding the implementation of the peace initiative, maintaining a stance of maturity and wisdom.

Governor Fubara emphasized that his acceptance of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and the ensuing agreement was a strategic political move rather than a demonstration of vulnerability, emphasizing his respect for Tinubu.

Highlighting the nature of his administration’s support, Fubara welcomed members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, describing their solidarity rally as indicative of widespread backing.

Regarding ongoing developments, Governor Fubara assured the people of Rivers State of his commitment to just governance and fair treatment, promising to uphold the welfare of local government workers, including the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage and the reinstatement of promotions.

In conclusion, Governor Fubara urged continued support and understanding from the populace, reaffirming his dedication to principled leadership and the betterment of Rivers State.

Aisha Ahmed Kaita, the Women’s Leader for the North West Zone of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has tendered her resignation from her position.

During a press briefing held in Kano on Tuesday, Aisha announced her voluntary resignation while affirming her continued membership within the party.

She cited the exclusion of her supporters from key appointments within the NNPP-led government in Kano as the primary reason for her decision.

Aisha stated, “I have informed Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, about my intention to step down from my role as the North West Zonal Women Leader. Although he inquired about the reasons behind my action, I clarified that I remain committed to the party but felt compelled to relinquish my zonal position.”

She reiterated her unwavering allegiance to Senator Kwankwaso, highlighting her longstanding support for him across various political platforms, including the APC, PDP, and NNPP.

Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has officially announced his intention to vie for the governorship seat in Ondo State under the banner of the ruling party.

His declaration comes just days ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for April 20, 2024, with a crowded field of 15 party stalwarts aspiring to clinch the ticket.

Kekemeke, who contested for the gubernatorial position in the 2020 election but lost the party’s ticket to the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, believes he is better prepared now than ever before to lead the state towards socio-economic prosperity and peace.

Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Akure, Kekemeke emphasized that his decision to run for governorship stems from a deep conviction that he can steer Ondo State to greater heights.

He asserted, “Today, more than ever, our dear state is in dire need of experienced leadership. Ondo State needs a leadership that understands the philosophy of the present Federal Government and its Renewed Hope programme for effective partnership and collaboration.”

Highlighting his vision for the state, Kekemeke emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful and prosperous environment where citizens can thrive. He also stressed the significance of leveraging information science and technology to boost government revenue and foster wealth creation.

Kekemeke concluded his address by offering himself as a tested and prepared candidate, citing his track record of service to the state as evidence of his commitment to its welfare.

Among the aspirants vying for the APC ticket are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, former House of Representatives member Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin, former Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Health Prof. Francis Faduyile, and former governorship aspirant Chief Olusola Oke.

Others include former chairman of the Ondo State Oil-producing Areas Development Commission Mr. Gbenga Edema, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South, and Brig. Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye (retd.).