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Hate speech: Arrest Bishop Kukah, Arewa youths appeal to FG
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has appealed to the Federal government to arrest Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah after his statement on Christmas day.
The group in a statement on Monday, December 28 described Kukah’s Christmas message as unguarded and open incitement to military coup and insurrection against the democratically elected government.
It also stated that his statement is treasonable felony against the Nigerian state.
READ ALSO: Buhari saved Nigeria from imminent coup–Kukah
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the group condemned “Kukah’s use of nepotism as weapon of calumny against government and people of Nigeria.”
AYCF also called on Federal Government to place the Bishop on special watch list for this open attempt to “set the South against the North in order to destabilize our country and further complicate matters.”
Shettima took exception to what his group described as “Kukah’s latest role in devil’s advocacy, as the North struggles to restore peace and enduring security in the region and indeed Nigeria.
“Such a reckless statement by Kukah betrays something much more sinister against both the North and the nation as a whole because Nigeria is at a stage that it requires responsible advice for attaining peace and stability, not deliberate attempt to mischievously compound our problems.
“If Kukah wants to play politics, he should not do so in the pulpit and he should keep the Bishop’s office aside and chose any Nigerian political party platform to contest for President in 2023 and stop all the pretences,” the statement said.
The group then reminded the cleric of the rough road tread by democracy heroes to rid the nation of military dictatorship at a time when he was nowhere in sight.
“We will not allow opportunists who did make any contribution to scuttle the democracy achieved through our sweat and toil and the sacrifice of our liberty,” Shettima concluded.
December 28, 2020
I can’t score APC, ‘excellent’ in this administration —Gov Sule
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has stated that he can’t score the current administration ”excellent” on areas that concern insecurity.
The governor, who is a member of the President’s ruling All Progressives Congress, stated this on a television interview on Sunday night.
He said the ‘Nigeria is about to become a failed state’ statement was not new in democratic Nigeria as the previous government of former President Goodluck Jonathan was also criticised in the same regard.
READ ALSO: APC Sokoto Chapter Inaugurates State, LGAs Caretaker Executives
Recall that the Financial Times of London described Nigeria as a country going backwards economically and plagued with terrorism, illiteracy, poverty, banditry, and kidnapping and risks becoming a failed state if things don’t take a drastic turn.
The UK-based newspaper also said the recent abduction and subsequent rescue of over 300 schoolboys in Kankara, Katsina State, revived memories of the 276 Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Borno State in 2014.
But in his reaction last night, Sule said the Financial Times of London and others claiming Nigeria was about to be a failed state lacked knowledge of how the Buhari regime is tackling insecurity in the country.
He said, “I do not give our administration, the APC, ‘excellent’, in the area of protecting lives and property of the people. I do not give APC ‘very good’. If you look at it very carefully, we have a lot to do in the area of security. There is no ambiguity about that. But are we improving in tackling the insecurity challenge? Yes.”
“My concern is people who think nothing is being done, people saying, ‘We are a failed state’. These are statements being made by people who probably don’t mean well for Nigeria and don’t understand what the government is doing and how the government is trying.
“If the (Kankara) children were still in the hands of those who kidnapped them, they will not even say Nigeria is almost a failed state, they will call us a failed state but now that they have been released, that is why we are getting a little bit of credit that we are about to be a failed state.
“The ‘Failed State’ statement has come up many times in the international media, not just for this administration but for the previous administration when Abuja was being burnt and when three states were under emergency. But now no state is under emergency,” Sule said.
December 28, 2020
Reps speaks on apology notice to Buhari after failed invitation
The House of Representatives has reacted to the reports that they apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari or anybody in the Presidency for inviting him to address Nigerians on the growing insecurity in the country.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, issued the denial in a statement on Monday, December 28, titled ‘Clarification on Apology to the Presidency.’
Recall that the House had withdrawn its invitation to the President and that those who sponsored the motion calling for Buhari’s invitation had apologised to him.
Kalu, however, faulted the claims in the report.
The statement read, “It has come to the knowledge of the House that few sections of the media reported that the House apologized to the Presidency over the resolution of the House which arose from the motion sponsored by members from Borno State, requesting for the invitation of the President to brief the nation on the state of insecurity in the country.
READ ALSO: APC Sokoto Chapter Inaugurates State, LGAs Caretaker Executives
“The President or the Presidency, as the case may be, never sought for an apology from the House of Representatives for carrying out her constitutional responsibility to the Nigerian electorate.
”Where then did the media get the report that the House as an institution apologise to anyone? Media professionals are advised to uphold the ethics of their profession.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the House never apologised to anyone for exercising her constitutional mandate and the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila will not do anything to desecrate or destroy the critical institution of democracy – the Legislature.
”We strongly believe that President Muhammadu Buhari subscribes to this democratic ethos and ideals as well.”
December 28, 2020
APC Sokoto Chapter Inaugurates State, LGAs Caretaker Executives
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The All Progressives Congress ( APC), Sokoto State Chapter, on Sunday, inaugurated the State Caretaker Executive Committee and the Caretaker Chairmen for the 23 Local Governments.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Wamakko,Bashir Rabe Mani made this statement available to newsmen in Sokoto.
Speaking at the historic event, the Leader of the Party in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, felicitated with the new Caretaker leaders.
Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District, also said that, their reappointment on caretaker basis was sequel to their track records of unblemished leadership.
He said that, Nigerians were aware that, the people of the state have remained supportive to the APC.
Wamakko also assured of sustained efforts towards ensuring that , the party grows from strength to strength, at all levels .
He again appreciated the continuous support of the cross section of the people of the state to APC,saying , ” I am once again thanking clerics, traders , traditional rulers , women and youths groups, in this direction .”
Also speaking , the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, lauded the leadership of the party in the state, for providing efficient and credible leadership.
Dingyadi also commended Wamakko for his commitment and selfless service to the people of the state and the APC.
He said,” without him, without his support and encouragement, we would not have recorded the tremendous achievements we have made.
” We will remain resolute and firm, and will never despair, in Sha Allahu, APC will clinch the Governorship position in 2023.”
The Minister also maintained that, APC remains the party to beat in the country, just as it is the greatest party.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Police Trust Fund and APC Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2019 General Elections, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, said that, there was no any party in the state, but, the APC.
Aliyu further stated that, the members of the party in the state have remained comfortable and there was no despairment in the party.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida said that, it has remained united and intact.
He explained that, the party in the state had passed a vote of confidence in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, for his dogged and sustained efforts, to better the lives of Nigerians.
Achida averred that, President Muhammadu Buhari has being diligently executing various projects, in spite of daunting difficulties.
He also commended the Mai Mala Buni-led National Caretaker leadership, for its giant strides.
The event was attended by the members of the National and State Assemblies elected under the platform of the party .
It was also attended by former Deputy Governor,Alhaji Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, who is also the National Commissioner,National Population Commission, representing Sokoto State, as well as Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Tafida, National Commissioner, Federal Character Commission.
Others were Ambassadors Abubakar Shehu Wurno and Sahabi Isa Gada, as well as a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Musa Bashar Rahamaniya, among several other top dignitaries.
December 28, 2020
Governor Lalong Signs 2021 Budget/Anti-Kidnapping, Land Grabbing & Cultism Bill
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday night signed into law the 2021 Appropriation Bill of N147.53 billion naira passed by the State House of Assembly.
This consists of N90.19 billion as recurrent and N57.34 billion as capital expenditures.
The Governor while signing the bill into law said the 2021 budget will focus on areas that will stimulate economic growth and recovery particularly as the year begins under a second wave of COVID-19 which has affected the economy adversely.
He said “With the successful passage of the 2021 budget within record time, we shall now settle down to implement the budget vigorously. As we face the second wave of COVID-19, we shall continue to appeal to our people to observe all protocols so that we do not have any reason to lock down again and further hurt the economy”.
Lalong said the Government will in the 2021 fiscal year support businesses that will hopefully grow and in turn pay taxes especially now that the State has signed into law the new tax law for development.
The Governor also signed into law the anti-kidnapping, anti-land grabbing, cultism and other anti-violence related matters bill also passed by the House of Assembly.
He said the law is long overdue because of the increase in kidnapping, land grabbing and other violent crimes within the State.
The Governor said “as a responsible Government, we cannot fold our arms to see people being terrorized by criminals who are clearly out to cause mayhem. This new law will deal with anyone caught in the act and I urge security agencies to be on their toes and ensure that culprits are apprehended and made to face the law”.
He called communities to rise up to the challenge by identifying and fishing criminals within their domains and passing relevant information to security agencies to act.
The law provides death sentence for those convicted for kidnapping while those found guilty for cultism shall be jailed for a minimum of 7 years. Others involved in meteng out violence on anyone risk spending up to 10 years in jail upon conviction.
While wishing the citizens of the State a merry Christmas, the Governor again appealed for adherence to COVID-19 protocols saying his experience in the past one week confirms the reality of the pandemic.
He recognised the patriotism, sactifice and diligence of front line medical personnel who continue to risk their lives in fighting the pandemic, asking them not to be deterred in saving lives.
December 25, 2020
Court to deliver judgment Dec.29 in PDP’s suit against Ize-Iyamu
The Federal High Court Abuja, has fixed Dec. 29 to deliver judgment in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The PDP in the suit, is seeking the disqualification of Ize-Iyamu from the Sept. 19 governorship election in Edo.
The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed fixed the date on Wednesday, following the adoption and argument of written addresses for and against the suit by counsel representing parties.
The PDP, joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ize-Iyamu as defendants in the suit.
READ ALSO: FG reveals biggest challenge of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Nigeria
The court, on the last adjourned date held that ruling in all objections and motions regarding the suit would be delivered during judgment.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to Ize-Iyamu, Mr Roland Otaru, (SAN), informed the court of an application seeking to invite one Hillary Otsu, deponent of the affidavit in support of the PDP’s originating summons.
Counsel to Obaseki, Mr Ken Mozia, (SAN), however, raised an objection to the request on the grounds that the earlier order of the court had foreclosed the hearing of any further application.
For his part, Mozia maintained that Ize-Iyamu was not validly nominated as the candidate of the APC in the September election and ought to be disqualified.
Arguing on behalf of INEC, Mrs Wendy Kuku urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.
Similarly, counsel to the APC, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the suit was tantamount to “Mr A taking panadol for Mr B’s headache’’.
Ize Iyamu’s counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN) also prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it had become academic since the primaries had already been conducted and Obaseki did not participate in the primaries.
“The plaintiff is simply a meddlesome interloper in another party’s primary election,’’ Otaru submitted.Justice Mohammed, after listening to arguments from counsel, fixed Dec.29 for judgment noting that the life span of the suit, by law, would terminate on Dec. 30.PDP in the suit, is praying the court for an order disqualifying Ize-iyamu from contesting in the Sept. 19 governorship poll on the grounds that he was not validly nominated by his party, the APC.In the suit filed on July 3, Obaseki claimed that Ize-iyamu was not a product of a valid primary election and should not be allowed to participate in the election.
Although the suit was initially instituted in the Benin division of the Federal High Court, it was transferred to the Abuja division due to the annual vacation of the court.
It was however, not heard during the court’s vacation following an objection raised by the APC and Ize-Iyamu.Meanwhile, hearing in a suit filed by the APC against Obaseki, accusing him of forging the academic certificate he submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the governorship election, continues on Dec.24.
December 23, 2020
2023 election is going to be a ‘do-or-die’ affair in Kano -Kwankwaso
The ruling APC in Kano State on Tuesday replied former governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over his remark that 2023 election is going to be a ‘do-or-die’ affair in Kano as his PDP will not accept another inconclusive election.
The state’s caretaker party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, after inaugurating the APC caretaker committees to run the affairs of the party in the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, told Mr Kwankwaso to let his children be at the front in actualising his campaign slogan in 2023
Mr Kwankwaso warned the APC not to take the PDP for granted ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state.
In 2019, the PDP was leading in the governorship election in Kano before it was declared inconclusive by the electoral commission, INEC.
A supplementary election held in disputed areas was controversially won by the APC thereby securing a second term for Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor of Kano State
Mr Kwankwaso had while addressing a packed audience mostly made up of his Kwankwasiyya followers who hailed him as he spoke, said the PDP and his supporters will not allow a repeat of what happened in the 2019 election again.
The video of the statement was later posted on Facebook on Kwankwasiyya Reporters, a page mainly dedicated for propagating his political speeches and events, as well as criticise the APC-led administration in the state.
In the video, Mr Kwankwaso, speaking in Hausa language, said: “now they are power-drunk because they are enjoying the seat of power, they are not thinking of leaving power because for them 2023 is indefinite.
“In their thinking, all these sins they are committing, they will collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 and security officials and other leaders to repeat the inconclusive election they orchestrated in Kano in 2019 and then we leave them.
December 23, 2020
How Igbos can actualise 2023 presidency- Sen Pius Anyim
By Nneka Nwogwugwu, Abuja
The Former Senate President and Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has revealed some strategies the Igbos can adopt to actualize 2023 presidency.
Anyim revealed this while giving a lecture on the topic “Identifying the Political Interest of the Igbos of the South-East Geo-Political Zone in Nigeria and Strategies for its actualisation’’ at Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.
He said that presently, the political interest of the Igbos of the South-East geo-political zone is to attain the Presidency of Nigeria in 2023.
Speaking at the summit organized by the World Igbo Summit Group and the GUU Igbo Renaissance Centre of the University from 18th – 19^th December, 2020, Anyim said that the Igbos of the South-East geo-political zone is in continuous search of a system, a polity that guarantees and secures social, political and economic interest based on equality of citizenship, equity and justice.
He said, ‘’I have heard many ask, “What is the interest of the Igbos of the South-East geo-political zone?’’
‘’Some others will rhetorically ask, “Is it secession or the Presidency?” more recently, restructuring has featured most prominently in the basket.
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‘’Given the intellectual endowment and versatility of the average Igbo man; his interests are diverse per time. Some have even posited that the Igbos should limit their interest to commercial and entrepreneurial concern (areas of famed comparative advantage).
‘’I make bold to say that no matter the natural endowment of the Igbo man, it does not remove from the fact that man is a political animal.
‘’It is also important to note that the concept of nationality and citizenship has elevated the desire of any man to belong to a national entity where he enjoys full rights of citizenship. It is essential to understand that the implication of citizenship to any man is the benefits that flow from it, i.e. right to vote and to be voted for, equality before the law, protection of fundamental rights etc. These rights can be summarised as social, political and economic rights.
‘’The benefits of these rights to the citizens are the central pillars underpinning modern society and democracy. The denial of these rights or lack of protection when demanded is the bane of every political agitations which may find expression through various responses and approaches.
‘’It is my opinion I make bold to say that the Igbos of the South-East geo-political zone can find this in Nigeria. The journey to building an equitable society is usually challenging and rough, but many nations have arrived safely from this journey. It is, therefore, my position that those who posit restructuring have a point but should work harder to secure national consensus to make it possible. Also those who advocate for President of Nigeria of South-East extraction should diligently and boldly pursue it for the time has come, and the time is now. ‘’
The former senator described Igbos as one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa and comprised of about thirty-two million people, i.e. about 18% of the Nigerian population, located in Southeastern Nigeria with a total land area of about 41,000 km².
According to him, ‘’Their land mass stretches from the low-lying riverbank of the Niger river comprising of the Aniomas of Delta State through to the Ikweres of River State, cutting the fringes of Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States to the Igbo heartland of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and my own very Ebonyi State.
‘’On the Northern flank, the Igbo nation, shares affinity with a number of other communities e.g. Umezekaoha of Benue State and Eke Avurugo community in Kogi State. ‘’
He noted that the ethnic demography is not the same as political geographic boundaries, and what belongs to the South-East geo-political zone cannot be claimed by any Igbo man outside the South-East geo-political zone.
He explained that the strategies for Igbo presidency actualization should be considered under three critical questions:
-Is President of South-East extraction a right?
-Is President of South-East extraction an entitlement?
– Should President of Nigeria of South-East extraction be a gift?
He said, ‘’Under the Constitution of Nigeria, every adult of 40 years of age is qualified to be elected to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
‘’Accordingly, there is nothing under the law that disqualifies any Igbo man from aspiring to be President; the challenge is capacity to meet the mandatory requirement of the highest number of votes and spread.
The other angle to this perspective is whether zoning the Presidency to the South-East geo-political zone is a right? Legally, the answer is no, but morally there is a merit in such demand.
‘’This expectation, canvases that the federal character principle has assumed a legal backing. Just as the rotation of the Presidency is not captured in the constitution neither is the geo-political zoning arrangement.
Still, the fact of the reality of the application of the zonal structure in our national equilibrium has assumed universal moral force that can no longer be ignored nor dispensed with. For such critical national office as the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to be rotated among the zones can only breed discontent and disharmony.’’
Anyim further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make it a prerequisite for political parties to have explicit provisions on rotation of the Presidency in their constitutions before registration.
He also noted that the producing a president from the Southeast extraction is not an entitlement neither is it a gift handed to the Igbos.
‘’ I must make bold to say that it is not an entitlement. This is so because, even if it is zoned, it will still be subject to electioneering processes, as it is still the outcome of the process of election that will make one a President.
‘’The right to vote and whom to vote for is a free choice. Electioneering involves mobilisation for votes, campaigning for support and each candidate making an effort to gain the confidence of the electorates nationwide. It must be clear that zoning cannot take away the right of voters to vote freely for candidates of their choice.
‘’Accordingly, actualising the quest for a Nigerian President of the South-East extraction cannot be by agitation but by persuasion; not by coercion, but by coalition-building and cooperation; not by alienation, but by alliance.
‘’Therefore, I recommend that the various segments of the Igbos of the South-East geo-political zone; the professionals, politicians, activists, business class, youths, students, etc. should constructively and creatively engage their counterparts from other parts of the country. This engagement will engender confidence and create opportunity for making the necessary compromises to secure their support and votes.
‘’Let me again make bold to say that it cannot be a gift. The concept of equal citizenship means that the nation, its resources and leadership belong to all Nigerians.
‘’I recommend that in our engagement with other zones and peoples, our tone must reflect negotiation, not antagonism. It must be one of friendship and not disdain or disrespect. It must show our willingness to enter into an enduring and lasting relationship for long term interest of all the parties.’’
December 23, 2020
2023 is right time for Ndigbo to occupy seat of Presidency –South-East politicians
South-East politicians have declared that the next presidential election in 2023 is the right time for the Igbos to occupy the seat of presidency.
The politicians made this known during the 6th world Igbo summit held at the Gregory University Uturu, Abia state.
The Summit which held from 18th – 19^th December, 2020 with the theme ‘’Enduring Future for Ndigbo: Expectations and Challenges’’, was aimed at reawakening the Igbo consciousness and ensuring that Ndigbo become more organized and cohesive, making their voices and demands for restructuring Nigeria and networking for Presidency of Igbo extraction, loudest.
Among the dignitaries that attended the summit include: Former Chief of General Staff/Vice President of Nigeria, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe Rtd, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
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Others include General (Sen) Ike Nwachukwu, Prof, Joe Irukwu, Prof George Obiozor, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike, Professor Greg Ibe, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, Dr Okey Ikechukwu, and so many other Igbo great intellectuals, professionals, businessmen, civil society activists, gender advocates and other experts of Igbo extraction residing in different parts of the world.
In a communique released after the meeting, the politicians resolved to continuously seek for a system or polity that guarantees and secures social, political and economic interest of the Igbos in Nigeria, based on equality of citizenship, equity and justice.
The communique stated, ‘’We shall diligently and boldly work hard to convince other Nigerians to support Igbo’s quest to become the President of Nigeria as 2023 is the right time for Ndigbo to occupy the seat of the Presidency of Nigeria.
‘’The summit therefore urges Igbo politicians to ensure that their respective political parties produce candidates of igbo estraction as presidential candidate of their respective political parties
‘’We call Igbo legislators in the National Assembly to seek collaboration with members from other zones to amend the Electoral Act to accommodate a provision that compels INEC to ensure rotation clause in parties constitution, as a requirement for registration, while all our sons and daughters in any political party strive to ensure “rotation of Presidency” Clause in their party constitution.
‘’The Summit urges Ndigbo to remain politically active and conscious to ensure that the about 26 million registered voting strength of Ndigbo all over Nigeria are effectively mobilized, through regular voter education to strengthen the capacity of the zone to negotiate and ultimately win the Presidency.
‘’Ndigbo know that they can only realize their aspiration through persuasion of other Nigerians and are therefore ready and are engaging other Nigerians and people, and are not antagonistic and abusive as some people are wrongly asserting
‘’The summit reaffirmed the urgent need for restructuring of Nigeria to allow for growth and development in line with resolutions of the 2014 National Conference and the Awka declaration of Ndigbo on restructuring of Nigeria
‘’The Summit acknowledged the fact that Ndigbo have substantial investments and is doing business in various parts of the country, we call on the Federal Government to ensure the security of lives and property of all Nigeria, particularly Ndigbo, as they are usually the main target of hoodlums in times of crisis.
‘’The Summit expresses their appreciation to the Chancellor and Management of Gregory University for being a wonderful host and for their commitment to the re-engineering of Igbo growth and development through her Igbo Renaissance Center.’’
December 23, 2020
Ondo PDP suspends five party members
The Ondo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has suspended five chieftains of the party.
Those suspended are Oyedele Ibini, Lad Ojomo, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Rasheed Elegbeleye and Ebenezer Alabi.
They were suspended indefinitely from the party for anti-party activities and gross misconduct
According to a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei., they stand suspended until the outcome of the report of the State Disciplinary Committee.
In another development, the State Working Committee has dissolved the State Elders Committee in accordance with the provisions of our constitution (2017 as Amended)
December 23, 2020