Category: Politics

NNPP Youth leader dismisses EFCC’s investigation against Kwankwaso

Dismissal

By Abdul Hassan

Kaduna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Auwal Musa, has described the EFCC investigation on the former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, as a political witch-hunt.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna that the action was instigated by some political rivals to tarnish Kwankwaso’s image.

“ I challenge EFCC to come out with facts on the allegations, otherwise, we consider it as an attempt to witch-hunt and victimise him,’’ he said.

 The leader further argued that there was no justification for EFCC to commence investigation of Kwankwaso from 2015 to 2023 as a former Governor and leader of NNPP.

“ Why did the EFCC wait this long to investigate him , nine years after leaving office and also why investigate party affairs,’’ Musa asked.

According to him, investigating an ‘honest and hardworking’ person like Kwankwaso will only amount to a waste of time.

“Go to Kano and see what he did as a governor, check his records as a  Defence Minister, and a Senator,’’ he said.

Musa urged EFCC to disregard any petition written against Kwankwaso by any politician or any associate.

On NNPP crises, the youth leader said the party had resolved all its internal crises including the power tussle among its officers at the local, state and national levels.

“ We have recently conducted elections into various offices in 13 states of the country successfully,’’ he said.

He added that the party had also made changes in its logo and structurally designed a method of campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

“ It is our hope that the NNPP will give a surprise outing and will win national and state seats in the coming elections.

“ Nigerian youths are ready to make serious changes in the national political scene.

”We’ll take over government and salvage this country from maladministration,’’ he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AH/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

It’ll be difficult for APC to win Edo, Ondo — PDP

PDP

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will be  difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said this while inaugurating the PDP National Campaign Councils for Edo and Ondo governorship elections, on Thursday in Abuja.

Damagum said that the manner in which the candidates emerged in the two states was an indication that the party would be victorious in the elections.

He expressed the party’s confidence to win Edo and Ondo elections, saying it would not allow itself to be robbed of victory in any of the states.

Damagum said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had already laid a foundation for the success of the party in the state election.

“We will not sit down and allow anybody to search, grab, and steal. We will be battle ready for any thief that rears his head to steal our fortune.

“We have done so well in Edo State. We thank the governor. We are very proud of him. Our records in that state speak volumes.

“So, to those that think they will take Edo, I want to tell them that it is going to be very difficult for them because we are in a democratic dispensation,” he said.

Damagum said that Ondo was already for PDP to win, and advised the people of the state to see the forthcoming election as another opportunity for them to change things to work for them.

“I know it is our high handedness that made us to miss that state. But I am sure most of you people from Ondo have seen the situation on ground.

“You are now more committed and resolved. You have a brand new candidate, who is so much endowed with wisdom. If I can say, his emergence has a hand of God in it,” he said.

Damagum tasked the two campaign councils to face the daunting challenge ahead, be fearless and work for the victory of the party.

“You have to open your eyes, shine your eyes. They will come with all sorts of antics, but this time around, we are ready for them. We will match them,” he said.

Damagum pledged that the party would give them the needed support to carry out their assignments in the two states.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edo council, with 148 members, is chaired by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, with Governors Sherrif Oborevwori of Delta and Kefas Agbu of Taraba as deputy chairmen.

Also, the Ondo Campaign Council with 177 members is chaired by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, with his counterparts – Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau as deputy chairmen.

Speaking on behalf of the campaign councils, Gov. Fintiri assured PDP of the members’ commitment to the assignment.

He said that the PDP had brighter chances in both states.

“We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage on Obaseki’s performance.

“We have low hanging political fruits in the two states. We should go with all seriousness.

“PDP has bright chances in the two states. Edo has registered over 2,000 since new registration started,” Fintiri said.

PDP Chieftain in Edo, Chief Tom Ikimi, also expressed confidence that PDP would win Edo, following the performance of Obaseki.

Ikimi said that Obaseki had distinguished himself as one of the best governors in the country.

“He is the first governor to be bold enough to step forward to make a basic salary of N70,000 to every worker,” he said.

Ikimi added that PDP candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, had the capacity to turn the state around.

On his part, former National Chairman, South-West of PDP, Dr Eddy Olafeso,  expressed confidence that the story from Ondo would be that of success and victory.

Olafeso said that the party leaders and stakeholders were united behind the PDP candidate in the state, Agboola Ajayi.

He said all that was needed at the moment was the total support of the party leaders and elective members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/FON/SOA

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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

Ohaji/Egbema youths protest against alleged attempt to manipulate LG polls

Protest
By Peter Okolie
Owerri, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Hundreds of youths from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, on Thursday, stormed the state’s Government House, Owerri, to demand a transparent, fair and credible chairmanship election in the area.

The protesters kicked against any attempt by anybody in the area to subvert the popular wish of the electorate in the upcoming poll and vowed to resist it.

They alleged that there was a plot to manipulate the outcome of the chairmanship poll in favour of a particular candidate.

They accused a former Minister of State for Education from the area, Mr Goodluck Opiah, of being the mastermind of the plot.

The leader of the protesting youths, Mr Lucky Onyiri, told newsmen that “the people of Awarra Court Area are sick of Opiah’s undue interference in our activities”.

Onyiri claimed that Opiah was conniving with the current Sole Administrator of the LGA, Chief Princewill Onyeaju, “to impose an unpopular candidate on the people”.

According to him, the good people of Awarra Court Area  are carrying out this mass protest because we know that the former minister wants to control the area due to its rich oil and gas deposits.

“Opiah tried to manipulate the chairmanship election, which was earlier zoned to Awarra Court Area by Chief Charles Orie and other stakeholders of Ohaji/Egbema, including Prof. Vitalis Nwulu.

“He manipulated the newly appointed sole administrator to appoint new President Generals without proper consultation because he wants to control the oil and gas business in Ohaji/Egbema.

“Our protest is a strong warning to the leaders to stay away from trying to manipulate the process and instigating crisis in Ohaji/Egbema in the face of severe insecurity,” Onyiri said.

He appealed to Gov. Hope Uzodinma to sack the sole administrator and also stop Opiah and Onyeaju from unduly interfering in the election.

The protesters carried placards  with different inscriptions, such as “The people’s Gov. should remove onyeaju as Sole Administrator of Ohaji Egbema LGA.”

Others read, “Abacheke in Ohaji Egbema is on fire because of Opiah”.

“Opiah should steer clear of Ohaji Egbema,” and “Opiah should go and make peace in his community, Abacheke,” among others.

Receiving the protesters at the Government House, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Nnamdi Anyaehie, assured them that the State Government would respond positively to their demands.

In a reaction, Opiah described the allegation by the protesters as “mischief”.

He said, “As a member of the All Progressives Congress, zoning of party offices is a party affair.”

He further said that since 1999, elective positions in the area had usually been shared between Ohaji and Egbema districts.

According to him, when an Ohaji man occupies the House of Assembly, the Egbama man occupies the LGA.

“So, if it is zoned to Ohaji, the three zones in Ohaji will have to decide and if it is zoned to Egbema, the three zones in Egbema will equally have to decide where the candidate emerges from.

“There is no issue of marginalisation because at one point or the other, each of the three zones in Ohaji and Egbema has always produced one person or the other for elective positions.

“This is democracy, where nobody lords his opinion over the other person.

“There is no high handedness, no imposition and there is no cause for alarm,” the erstwhile minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Imo Government recently fixed September 21 for the LG polls. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OPC/Oditah
Edited by Sam Oditah

Akpabio urges lawmakers to focus on Nigerians’ welfare

Welfare
By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to remain focused on issues relating to  the welfare of Nigerians in their legislative decisions and actions.

Akpabio made the call on Thursday at plenary, while welcoming lawmakers back from the Sallah break.

“Distinguished senators, I implore you to remain focused on the welfare of the people in your actions and decisions.

“Let us never forget that we are here to serve the Nigerian people, to uplift the lives of the less fortunate, and to create an environment where every citizen can thrive and fulfill their potential.

“Our success will not be measured by the power we hold or the positions we occupy, but by the impact we make in the lives of those we represent,” he said.

Akpabio said that the 10th Senate’s commitment to poverty alleviation went beyond mere duty, adding that it was an obligation the lawmakers held dearly.

He said that the senate members must continue to work tirelessly, to ensure that all policies were designed to provide sustenance for every Nigerian.

The senate president urged the lawmakers to steadfastly support the executive in the efforts to renew the hopes of fellow Nigerians.

He said that the 10th Senate, in the last one year passed 25 human interest bills.

“In the past legislative year, a year filled with significant events, we left an indelible mark on the pages of history with groundbreaking legislation that ignited the Nigerian spirit.

“We successfully passed twenty-five bills, diligently fulfilled our oversight responsibilities; fostered inter-parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy; and intervened in matters close to the hearts of our fellow countrymen.

“With remarkable efficiency, we swiftly approved the 2024 appropriation bill in record time, setting the stage for the timely implementation of the budget.

“We championed the South-East Development Bill and the Northern Development Bill.

“Bridging the gap between our glorious past and our inspiring future, we dug into our history and restored the treasurable old National Anthem in the National Anthem Bill,” Akpabio said.

He said that the senate also stood firm in protecting the children and future generations, by passing the Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers Bill.

According to him, the 10th Senate prioritised the welfare of Nigerian judges by approving the bill to increase their salaries.

He said that naturally, the senate also took legislative actions that not only reshaped the socio-political landscape, but would reverberate through the corridors of time, benefiting the future generations.

Akpabio said that the student loan scheme, a flagship bill that exemplified compassion and patriotism stood as a testament to dedication of lawmakers.

According to him, it is the plan of the National Assembly to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility in close proximity for lawmakers, the Assembly staff, and their esteemed guests.

“This initiative aims to provide functional and effective healthcare for all,” the Senate President said.

He said that the National Assembly had completed and commissioned the National Assembly Library, and fostered inter-parliamentary friendship groups within the region and beyond.

“By promoting our democracy abroad, we not only increased our global presence but also paved the way for Foreign Direct Investment in vital projects within our beloved nation,” Akpabio said.

He said that the 10th Assembly had traversed many obstacles since inauguration, and that there were still many challenges ahead.

According to him, Nigeria is grappling with pressing issues that demand immediate attention, and the Senate could not turn blind eye to the burning problems that afflict nation.

“Insecurity, the need for economic growth and diversification; the fight against corruption; and the pursuit of social justice are just a few of the pivotal issues that require our patriotic commitment and collective determination.

“We must rise above partisan interests and prioritise the common good.

“Our mandate is not solely to legislate, but to be the voice of the people; representing their hopes and dreams; and working tirelessly to create a Nigeria that is fair; prosperous, and inclusive.

“Let us be the beacon of hope and progress that our people yearn for,” he said.

Akpabio expressed his deepest gratitude to the lawmakers for their unflinching dedication to effective representation and unyielding patriotism.

He said that in the face of challenges and responsibilities, the lawmakers had remained steadfast in their mission to serve the Nigerian people.

“You have been the voice of the voiceless, the champions of the marginalised, and the guardians of our shared aspirations.

“Your tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice, progress, and the common good have not gone unnoticed.

“You have exemplified the true essence of patriotism, placing the needs of our beloved nation above all else,” the State President said. (NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

KC/FON/SH

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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

Reps extend 2023 budget implementation timeline to December

Budget
By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday considered and passed two bills,  extending  implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act until December.

President Bola Tinubu had presented the bills via a letter read on the floor of the house by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills are titled: “The 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and The 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024.

Following its first reading, the Minority Leader of the house, Rep. Kingsley Chinda during  debate on the general principles of the bill, expressed reservations about the propriety of accelerating  passage of the bills.

He stated that such might not be in the best interest of the country, suggesting that provisions of the bills should be harmonised and included in the anticipated supplementary appropriation Act 2024.

In response, the house resolved to enter an executive session to deliberate further on the matter.

The session saw extensive discussions, with members from both sides of the divided contributing their perspectives and suggestions.

Following these deliberations, the house, dissolved into the Committee of Supply to debate the various clauses in the money bills, all of which were carried.

Subsequently, the house reverted to plenary where the bills were read for the third time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ODF/CHOM/SH
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

jet

By Naomi Sharang

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Senate, on Thursday, said  there was no request from the Presidency to approve the purchase of a Presidential aircraft.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during  plenary, dismissed speculations that the Upper Chamber was debating  approval of a Presidential aircraft in the 2024 supplementary budget.

Opeyemi said:  “Senate is aware of  insinuations that the its President, Godswill Akpabio ,either had at one time, indicated that we had a request for  purchase of a new plane to  be approved for President Tinubu.

“And that President of the Senate had indicated that regardless of what Nigerians were going through, that it will be approved.

“As we sit here, a section of the social media had also been circulating that we had gone into an executive session to discuss about the presidential request for a new plane and how we are going to approve it.

“Let me alert Nigerians that there is the presence of a fifth columnist and some other propagandists who are doing everything possible to destabilise this country and also destabilise the parliament.

“I say for the record, as the Leader of this Senate, that there is no request before this us  as of yet.”

The Senate Leader added that there had not been a basis for the Red Chamber to debate whether to approve a Presidential aircraft or not.

“It has never been discussed either on the floor of this Senate or among individual senators or at the executive session.

“There is no such request. If the request comes, it is not about the  President of the Senate alone.

“It is for 469 elected representatives of the Nigerian people to discuss and take a position. 360 in the House of Representatives, 109 in the senate.”he said.

Reacting ,Akpabiosaid: “When you hear stories such as the death of the Vice President of Malawi as a result of a  defective plane and  then you hear stories such as the death of the President of Iran, as a result of defective helicopter, we should never dream and allow such to be our portion, it will  not be.

“The Senate is responsible, the National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country.

“Those speculating know very well that something like that may come in future, and if it is a necessity, the Senate will look into it. But ,there is nothing like that before us now,” Akpabio said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NNL/CHOM/BHB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

Suspension
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of Oyo State House Of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, on Thursday, said that no lawmaker would be suspended over allegation of working against the leadership of the assembly.

Ogundoyin stated this on Thursday while addressing the House at the plenary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that tension had been brewing in the assembly over alleged plan to suspend 11 members by the speaker.

NAN also reports that all the 11 lawmakers, who are first-timers in the assembly, consist of seven from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and four from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The affected legislators were said to have previously reported the speaker to Gov. Seyi Makinde through a petition written under the aegis of Unity Forum.

The petition dwelled on allegations of sidelining them by the speaker in the affairs of the assembly and management of Eid-el Kabir gifts from the governor, among others.

However, Ogundoyin, while speaking at the plenary on Thursday, said that suspending any member would only create a vacuum that would make the electorate and the constituents to suffer.

He stressed the need for the lawmakers to prioritise the needs of their constituents above their own personal interests.

“It has come to my attention that we have concluded plans to suspend the so-called erring members of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly. I want to assure you that this is not true.

“We were elected to serve our constituents, and we must prioritise their needs above our personal interests.

“Suspending any member will only create a vacuum that will make the electorate to suffer and we cannot allow that to happen,” he said.

Ogundoyin said that the false news and rumors being peddled in the last few days by some members under whatever guise or group were capable of creating unnecessary tension and causing avoidable conflicts.

“I stand before you today to address the events of the past week or so, which have been marked by unnecessary tension and division.

“Some members have chosen to portray themselves as unity or dissident group and, in doing so, have created a seemingly toxic atmosphere in this house.

“Their actions have put us in bad light and have presented the so-called aggrieved members as being out of touch with the priorities of our constituents.

“Let me remind you all that we have come to this house to do is to serve and represent our people, not to pursue personal interests or agenda.

“We have a sacred responsibility to work together for the betterment of Oyo state and its citizens. We must not allow petty squabbles and selfish ambitions to derail us from our noble mission,” he said.

The speaker urged the lawmakers to avoid sponsoring false news and casting aspersions on the leadership of the assembly.

“We must work together and avoid bickering and unfounded rumours.

“This house will not be distracted from its constitutional responsibilities and duties,” he said.

The speaker, who described the media as a powerful tool, either for good or bad, said that members of the assembly should not to use it to spread falsehood or fuel division.

“Instead, let us use it to inform, educate and enlighten our constituents on the good work that we are doing.

“We need to focus on the task at hand and work in unison to deliver on our promises to the people of Oyo state.

“We cannot allow personal interests to derail us from our duties. It is not business as usual, and we must rise above petty politics to serve our constituents with integrity and dedication.

“Let us put our constituents first and work together to build a better Oyo state for all,” he said.

Ogundoyin appealed to his colleagues to be mindful of the sensitivity of their words and actions.

“We must be aware of the impact our statements can have on our colleagues, on our constituents and on the stability of this house.

“We must work together, even in the face of disagreement, in order to achieve greater things.

“Let me say here that no member or members will be victimised or deprived of their rights and entitlements as duly elected members of this honourable assembly,” he said.

The speaker also called for harmony and collaboration between the legislature and other arms of government.

“Let us avoid issues that could pitch the executive against the legislature and be wary of the antics of external influences whose major aim is to cause disunity and distabilise the house,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SEY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Heated debate erupts in House of Reps over Tinubu’s budget request

Budget
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday engaged in a heated debate over President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the implementation period of the N21.83 trillion capital component of the 2023 budget.

Also debated was the extension of the N2.17trillion 2023 supplementary budget to Dec. 2024.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas had during the plenary read a letter by the President after which the executive bills requesting the extension were introduced.

The Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, moved for the second reading of the bills.

However, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, raised concern on the request for extension of the two budgets.

Chinda said that it would be morally wrong for the country to be running three to four budgets concurrently.

He said that the 2024 budget is currently being implemented while the executive is still requesting for the extension of the 2023 main and supplementary budgets at the same time.

According to him, rather than extension, important projects in the supplementary budget should be moved to the 2024 budget.

Rep. Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano) in his contribution supported the position of the minority leader, saying that it would be morally wrong to have three budgets running at the same time.

The Speaker, however, appealed to members to support the extension of the budget implementation.

He said most of the items on the supplementary budget were security related issues.

In spite of his plea, majority of the lawmakers appeared not comfortable with the request for extension of the budgets as they kept on shouting “No, no.”

Following the disagreement, Abbas asked that the House should go into an executive session for members to iron out issues before resuming consideration of the bills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ODF/CEO/SH

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Sadiya Hamza