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Tag: Nigerian politics

  • INEC to Release Details of Ondo Gubernatorial Candidates Ahead of Election

    INEC to Release Details of Ondo Gubernatorial Candidates Ahead of Election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to disclose the personal particulars of candidates and their running mates contending in the Ondo State governorship election. The release is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024.

    Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, affirmed that the publication of candidates’ personal details is a consequential step following the conclusion of party primaries.

    Olumekun clarified that seventeen political parties had adhered to the deadline by successfully submitting their candidates’ nomination forms for the Ondo State gubernatorial race before May 20, 2024. Notably, the dedicated portal for submissions automatically closed at 6:00 pm on the specified date.

    This forthcoming action is in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, delineated as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

    INEC will prominently display copies of Form EC9, alongside all academic credentials and other pertinent documents submitted by each candidate. These displays will be accessible at the INEC state headquarters in Akure and the 18 local government offices across the state.

    Olumekun urged Nigerians to meticulously examine the documents provided. He clarified that any aspirant who participated in their party primaries and harbors reasonable suspicions regarding the accuracy of information provided by a candidate or running mate, has the prerogative to challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court. This recourse is stipulated in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

  • Nigerian Senate Debates Reverting to Old National Anthem

    Nigerian Senate Debates Reverting to Old National Anthem

    Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the APC Ekiti Central, introduced the National Anthem Bill 2024 (SB. 461), advocating for the restoration of Nigeria’s original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was first adopted at the nation’s independence in 1960.

    Senator Bamidele passionately extolled the historical and ideological significance of the erstwhile anthem, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s collective identity and fostering unity among its citizens. With a nostalgic tone, he invoked memories of a bygone era when the anthem served as a symbol of patriotism, instilling pride and solidarity in Nigerians.

    Amidst the turbulence of contemporary times, Senator Bamidele argued that it is imperative for the nation to utilize all available means to cultivate unity and patriotism. He asserted that reinstating the former anthem would signify a resurgence of national pride and inspire citizens to work towards a more cohesive and prosperous Nigeria.

    In a poignant gesture, Senator Bamidele recited the verses of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” in their entirety, underscoring its themes of brotherhood, justice, and prosperity. He urged his esteemed colleagues to rally behind the bill, highlighting its alignment with the administration’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate national values and consciousness.

    However, amidst the fervent support for the old anthem, dissenting voices arose, cautioning against the abandonment of the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was adopted in 1978. These senators acknowledged the historical significance of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” but emphasized the importance of considering the contemporary symbolism embodied in the existing anthem.

    Following extensive debate, the Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Federal Character for further review, with a mandate to report back within four weeks.

  • Kano Assembly dethrones five emirs

    Kano Assembly dethrones five emirs

    The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (repeal bill) 2024 on Thursday.

    This was sequel to deliberations on the floor of the house during plenary on Thursday.

    The law, which was passed after scaling 3rd reading, had abolished the establishment of five emirate councils in the state.

    The new bill would revert the state’s highest ranking traditional institution to its former structure of one emir as all the offices established under the previous law had been dissolved.

    The bill had also provided that all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions.

    The bill, titled Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa.

    Recall that the former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, on December 5, 2019, assented to the law that created five new emirates in the state.

    The governor assented to an amendment to the law on 14 October, 2020 and signed another amendment on 11 April, 2023.

  • Why I Will Keep Contesting For Presidency – Atiku

    Why I Will Keep Contesting For Presidency – Atiku

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said he will keep contesting for the Nigerian presidency as long as he is hale and hearty.

    The former Vice President is 77 years old and will be 81 in three years, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    The PDP chieftain ran for the country’s number one office six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions in 2007, 2019, and 2023.

    Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA) in Abuja, Atiku said he will continue to contest for the presidency because of his love for the country.

    The former vice president said he is consoled by the fact that former United States President Abraham Lincoln did not win the presidential vote on the first time of asking.

    He said: “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.

    “Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.”

  • Tinubu announces new appointments

    Tinubu announces new appointments

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Chukwuemeka Woke as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA.

    Similarly, Mr Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr Adedeji Ashiru, as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA.

    Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mr Ngelale said that Woke is an engineer, environmental specialist and a politician.

    He said that the appointee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, and had served under the Environmental, Safety, and Operations Departments of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

    The Presidential spokesman said Woke was Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, for many years.

    Mr Ngelale said that Ashiru holds a Doctorate degree in Engineering from the Common Wealth University, UK, and has led a consortium of blue-chip companies, in addition to earning many stripes in his professional endeavour.

    “The President expects the new Chief Executive Officers to deploy their competencies to these critical agencies for sustainable gains and turnaround, while maintaining utmost transparency in their operations.”

  • Abba Kyari Granted Bail After 27 Months In Prison 

    Abba Kyari Granted Bail After 27 Months In Prison 

    Abba Kyari has been granted bail following 27 months of being held in detention.

    An Abuja Federal High Court has approved a two-week bail for DCP Abba Kyari, the former commander of the Force Intelligence Response Team, following his 27-month detention.

    Kyari is anticipated to complete the funeral ceremonies for his late mother, Yachilla Kyari.

    The court has scheduled Friday, May 31st, as the date to decide on his bail application in the ongoing trial involving drug-related charges brought forth by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. This legal matter stems from his arrest over two years ago on February 14, 2022.

    The mother passed away on the morning of Sunday, May 5, 2024. She is survived by 10 children, consisting of five boys and five girls. Among them is Abba, who is the eldest son.

  • May 29: Tinubu orders low-key celebration of first anniversary

    May 29: Tinubu orders low-key celebration of first anniversary

    The Nigerian government is going to hold a “low-key” official ceremony to mark the one year in office of President Bola Tinubu, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

    Mr Idris stated this on Wednesday at the ministerial press briefing series held at the Radio House in Abuja.

    It is not clear if the government intends to hold the ceremony on 12 June, the day officially recognised as Democracy Day.

    Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration was being held on May 29 before President Buhari changed it to 12 June in commemoration of the 12 June 1993, presidential election annulled by the military government.

    Election data showed Moshood Abiola won the polls but he was never formally declared winner and was not sworn into office by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida.

  • Ex President Jonathan Sends Warning To Wike, Fubara As Rivers Crisis Thickens 

    Ex President Jonathan Sends Warning To Wike, Fubara As Rivers Crisis Thickens 

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has intervened in the escalating political tensions in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike to prioritize collaboration for the state’s progress. 

    Jonathan made the plea during the commencement of the N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road construction, stressing the need for unity and cooperation among state leaders.

    Speaking at the project inauguration, Jonathan expressed concern over the heightened political tensions in Rivers State, noting that such discord hinders the state’s growth and development. 

    He urged Governor Fubara and Minister Wike to work together to alleviate the political climate and focus on advancing the welfare of Rivers’ residents.

    “The political tension in Rivers State is becoming too much. If Rivers state is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta and by extension the country will be destabilized,” Jonathan declared.

    The former president, however, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development projects in Rivers State. 

    He said the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road construction signifies a tangible step towards enhancing infrastructure and connectivity within the state.

  • Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    By Daniel Okejeme

    Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has stated that the rift between the Rivers State Executive and its Legislative counterpart is becoming worrisome, and the actions of the chief executive officer is akin to anarchy.

    The group through it’s Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, said it cannot allow a threat to the hard-earned democracy to thrive in Nigeria where we operate a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stipulating the supremacy and predominance of the law should be practiced to the later.

    The group said that they are talking about a purported assembly where 3 persons parade themselves as law makers for an entire state contradicting clearly the provisions of section 96(1) as amendment which defines one-third (1/3) as what constitutes a quorum.

    They maintained that if for any reason the Assembly cannot form quorum, the Assembly shall adjourn, adding that it is never the intendant of those who crafted the 1999 Constitution that only 3 lawmakers shall be enacting laws for the people.

    Furthermore, the group faulted the legislative sitting inside the government house as not consistent with the principles of Separation of Power.

    They, therefore, urge the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations that
    chief executive is spending Rivers State funds outside the realm of appropriation thoroughly and take appropriate actions to safeguard the interests of the citizens.

    Also, they call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court for issuing an ex-parte order contradicting section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    They insisted that the order made by Justice C.N. Wali amounts to Forum Shopping, Abuse of Court Process and tantamount to self-help.

    According to them, Wali’s action violated a subsisting Judgement made by Justice J.K. Omotosho stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is the Assembly that is recognized by law and certified by the Court.

    They call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and leaders of the Bar and the Bench to join in defending the rule of law, upholding democratic tenets and principles, and safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed rights.

    “We will take all necessary steps to oppose these desecrations of our courts and the noble profession of law. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and the rights of the people in Rivers State are protected.”

  • I may support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

    I may support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

    The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has hinted at the possibility of supporting his Labour Party counterpart in the last election, Peter Obi in 2027.

    The former Vice President, who is currently on a merger talk with stakeholders of some opposition political parties, said he will not hesitate to support Obi in the next election if the party picks the former Anambra governor.

    According to The Sun, Atiku gave the hint in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

    Obi and Atiku recently met behind closed doors, sparking speculations about a merger of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Confirming the move by opposition parties to align in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2027 election, Atiku said, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.

    Atiku said if the new “party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.

    “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

    “As long as it is the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party”.