Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Plateau LG Election: APC Challenges  Results

    Plateau LG Election: APC Challenges Results

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has formally rejected the results from the local government elections, describing the process as flawed and indicating intentions to seek legal recourse. 

    During a press conference in Jos, APC chairman Rufus Bature expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with how the election was conducted, specifically pointing to issues with the distribution and management of voting materials.

    Bature claimed that ballot papers were insufficient in many polling units, particularly those perceived to favor the APC, which received only a fraction of the necessary supplies. 

    He also noted that some areas did not receive any results sheets at all, despite numerous complaints to the electoral officers.

    In addition to the issues with election materials, Bature highlighted that faulty voting machines often malfunctioned early in the process, hampering the voting experience. 

    He alleged that this was a strategy to manipulate the election results and disenfranchise voters.

     There were also reports of irregularities, including ballot stuffing in areas dominated by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with some regions reportedly not holding elections at all.

    Bature urged party supporters to remain patient and assured them that the APC would take all necessary steps to reclaim its electoral mandates.

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  • Minimum Wage: Aiyedatiwa announces N73k

    Minimum Wage: Aiyedatiwa announces N73k

    The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced the implementation of N73, 000 minimum wage for workers, stressing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the State.

    The Governor made the announcement during the flag off of the Ondo central senatorial district leg of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo City on Saturday ahead of the November 16 election in the State.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said despite the fact that the federal government approved N70, 000 as the new minimum wage, Ondo will go a step further by paying N73, 000 to its workers.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa addressed the large crowd of supporters, urging them to convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

    He stated, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.“

    Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024.

    I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

    The Governor highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past 10 months, stating, “During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor.

    In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.

    We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

    The governor reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing security, the health sector, education, and youth empowerment.

    He noted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, a trend known as the “Japa” syndrome.

    To address this, he mentioned that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

    Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the State APC Chairman, also addressed the crowd, urging them to vote for the party to maintain its power.

    He emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state and reminded party members of the importance of safeguarding their voter cards, which are essential for ensuring the party’s continued leadership.

    Hon. Abiola Makinde, the House of Representatives member for Ondo East/West federal constituency, who is the campaign’s Director-General, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa as a proven and reliable leader who emerged through a transparent primary process.

    He encouraged supporters to return to their local communities and mobilize voters for the Governor, stressing the need for a strong turnout in the coming election.

    In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s significant accomplishments, including timely salary payments, road construction and rehabilitation and funding for WAEC fees for public schools.

    Former APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, called on party members to return to their respective units to secure votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa, adding that grassroots mobilization is crucial for the party’s success and urging every member to be fully committed to achieving victory on November 16.

    Hon. Kolade Akinjo, a former House of Representatives member for Ilaje Ese-Odo Federal Constituency and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant, hinged his decision to join APC on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style and development strides.

    The senatorial district campaign continues on Monday at Ikare Akoko for Ondo North Senatorial District.

  • On protracted overseas stay: Tinubu can go anywere he desires – Presidency

    On protracted overseas stay: Tinubu can go anywere he desires – Presidency

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent travels from the UK to France have sparked public reactions, especially given Nigeria’s current economic situation.

    After spending nine days in London, Tinubu is now heading to France for undisclosed engagements.

    Many Nigerians have voiced concerns on social media about his continued absence from the country.

    Responding to the criticism, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reacted that Tinubu has the right to travel for personal reasons and official business, as his two-week leave allows him the freedom to move as he chooses.

    Onanuga in a post in his X handle wrote: “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks.

    He is not restricted to the UK.“It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires.“He is still observing his leave.”

  • Improved Human Capital Development: Vice President Shettima Advocates for Quality Education, Healthcare

    Improved Human Capital Development: Vice President Shettima Advocates for Quality Education, Healthcare

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that every child must have access to quality education, equitable healthcare must be the norm, and our workforce must be equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

    He made this statement on Saturday ehile launching the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategy Document and Gender Transformative Human Capital Development Policy Framework at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Lafia.

    Senator Shettima emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes and healthcare access in Nasarawa State.

    He pointed out the alarming rates of out-of-school children and the high maternal and infant mortality rates, stating that Nasarawa Sate cannot afford to overlook these pressing issues.

    “The future of our nation depends on the quality of education and healthcare we provide today.

    We must work together to ensure that our children are not left behind,” he asserted.

    The VeePee called for a collaborative effort among government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society to implement effective solutions.

    The Vice President also highlighted the importance of equipping the workforce with relevant skills, noting that education should align with the demands of the modern economy.

    He urged the state government to focus on vocational training and skill development to enhance employability and reduce unemployment among the youth.

    Shettima commended Nasarawa State for its commitment to the HCD programme, emphasizing that successful implementation requires adequate budgetary allocations, particularly in education.

    He noted that Nasarawa’s allocation of over 15% of its budget to education exceeds international benchmarks, showcasing a significant step toward achieving these goals.

    As the state moves forward with its Human Capital Development initiatives, Shettima reiterated the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable progress.

    “Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed and every citizen has access to the services they need,” he concluded.

  • PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    The ongoing internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed Yayari Ahmed as the new Acting National Chairman. 

    This comes after the suspension of Umar Damagum from the same position.

    Yayari Ahmed, who previously served as the party’s Treasurer, now assumes leadership in an effort to navigate the party through its crisis.

     The decision aligns with provisions outlined in the PDP’s constitution.

    A statement urges all members to stay united during this critical period as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.

  • Tinubu Departs UK for France

    Tinubu Departs UK for France

    While Nigerians battle excruciating hardship caused by government economic policies, President Bola Tinubu, after spending nine days in London, proceeds to Paris, France. 

    Tinubu initially traveled to London for a two-week break, as stated by his media team, marking his first official leave since taking office in May 2023. 

    The vacation was described as a period for both rest and reflection on his administration’s economic strategies.

    A close associate, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who visited the President in London, announced they would be traveling together to France.

     Although the specific purpose of this trip is yet to be disclosed, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the engagement in France.

     It remains uncertain if the President informed the National Assembly about his vacation, as required by the constitution.

  • Mele Kyari’s Daughter Passes Away at 25

    Mele Kyari’s Daughter Passes Away at 25

    Fatima Kyari, the 25-year-old daughter of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari is dead.

    She passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. 

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, joined other mourners at the Annur Mosque in Abuja to offer prayers during the funeral. 

    He also extended his condolences to the Kyari family, recognizing the deep pain of losing a daughter at such a young age.

    Fatima’s passing has drawn sympathy from across the country as many share in the family’s grief.

  • Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices

    Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices

    Says Nigerians suffering, bad advisers sabotaging govt

    The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has raised the alarm, saying certain fifth columnists working hard to sabotage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Ndume said the astronomical increase in the prices of fuel, food, essential goods and services is becoming unaffordable to average Nigerians and the poor that form the majority

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Ndume said the bad elements are trying hard to pitch the people against the administration of President Tinubu by pushing for harsh reforms and bad policies instead of controlling inflation and exchange rate that are making life unbearable for Nigerians.

    The ranking senator said those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at nothing in inflicting pains on Nigerians through the “so-called reforms until things get out of hand and the blame will be on President Tinubu.”

    While advising the administration of President Tinubu, Ndume said many families can barely meet up with daily demands in their houses as a result of the hyperinflation caused by incessant increase in the price of essential goods and services.

    Ndume said: “I personally believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him wrong advise.

    “I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch the people against his administration. The hardship these people are inflicting on Nigerians is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I know what I’m talking about. People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry.

    “In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore. The untold hardship of these frequent increases in the prices is unimaginable. Farmers can not even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation.

    “Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again. People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that?

    “I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country. That’s why I’m begging him to do something before it is too late. It is not good to test the patience of Nigerians, and that’s exactly what these bad advisers are doing.

    “As soon as the President returns to Nigeria, I urge him to look into these issues and address them urgently. The purchasing power of Nigerians is too poor, and they can’t afford the things that are being pushed on them every day by enemies of state.”

  • Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election expresses concerns about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Mr. hinges his concern about impeachment as the most probable outcome of the ongoing political crisis in the state. 

    Cole’s warnings come after a recent Court of Appeal ruling upheld a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the 2024 budget presentation and approval for Rivers State.

    According to Cole, this ruling places Fubara in a precarious position that threatens the stability of his administration. 

    He pointed out that by having to present the budget again, the Assembly led by Amaewhule is recognized as the legitimate body, increasing the likelihood of impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

    Cole highlighted the political fragmentation in Rivers, where the governor belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Assembly is predominantly APC, and local government structures are led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APP). 

    This situation has created a complex political landscape that is adversely affecting governance and development in the region.

    He criticized the ongoing political battles, stating that the residents of Rivers are the real victims of this conflict, with essential developments stalled. 

    Cole argued that if the interests of the people were prioritized, the state would not be facing such turmoil. 

    The ongoing disputes among political factions have overshadowed the needs of ordinary citizens, leaving many without the benefits of governance.

  • Senate Confirms Usman as NAHCON Chairman

    Senate Confirms Usman as NAHCON Chairman

    The Senate has approved Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new executive chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    The decision came during the Senate’s session on October 10, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination.

    President Tinubu initially nominated Usman on August 19 and requested Senate confirmation through an official letter.

    The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger North, reviewed the nomination.

    Professor Usman’s background includes leadership at the Kano State Pilgrim’s Board, where he managed the largest state pilgrim quota in Nigeria.

    After a thorough screening by the committee, the Senate agreed to the appointment through a voice vote, overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.