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Category: Politics

  • Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Removal

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 20, 2024(NAN)The Kano State Government has directed the Commissioner of Police to eject the 15th Emir of  Kano, Aminu Bayero, from the Nasarawa Palace where he currently resides.

    Governor Abba Yusuf gave the directive via the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi.

    Dederi, while conveying the directive at a news conference on Thursday in Kano, explained that the government had finalised plans for a general renovation of the palace.

    According to him, the state government has concluded plans for immediate demolition and reconstruction of its dilapidated wall.

    Dederi acknowledged the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and viewed same as upholding the rule of law.

    “The ruling of the court has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to, by the Governor on May 2024.

    “This part of the judgement is very fundamental to the entire matter. Further implication of the ruling is that all actions taken by the government before the emergence of the interim order of the Court, are equally validated.

    “This means that abolishing the five emirates created in 2019 is validated and the deposition of the five emirs is also sustained by the Federal High Court.

    “By implication, this means that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano. The judge also granted our application for the stay of proceedings until the Court of Appeal deals with the appeal on jurisdiction.

    “Happily, the signing of the law and the reinstatement of Sanusi II were done on 23 May, 2024 before the emergence of the Interim Order, which was served on us on 27 May, 2024.

    “Following this ruling, Kano State Government has directed the State Commissioner of Police to eject the deposed Emir of the eight metropolitan local governments from the government property where he is ‘trespassing’.

    “The government will commence general renovation of the property with immediate effect,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Federal High Court, while ruling on the substantive suit, validated the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, and also nullified all actions taken by Gov. Yusuf after the passage of the law.

    NAN reports that the State House of Assembly, on May 23, dissolved the four Emirate Councils created out of the Kano Emirate by Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov Yusuf’s predecessor, in 2019.

    NAN also reports that Gov Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir deposed in March 2020, as the new Emir of Kano.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/OJI/ETS

    ==========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Gov. Fubara says Rivers peaceful, not under siege

    Peaceful
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 20, 2024(NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has dispelled fears in some quarters that the state was under siege, saying that Rivers is peaceful.
    Fubara made the statement on Thursday during an inspection tour of the 14.6km Omodu-Eberi Road project in Omuma Local Government Area.
    The governor said that Rivers people were enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, and that it was wrong to say that the state was in a crisis situation.
    “Rivers people are living peacefully in their various communities; projects are ongoing without challenges.
    “The negative narrative about the state being in crisis is misguided, unpatriotic and mischievous
    “It is important for people to know that governance is ongoing, movement of people is unhindered, social and economic activities are going on smoothly.
    “If there is any problem anywhere, I know that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, it’s not from us,” he said.
    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented policies, and to enthrone sustainable development in the state.
    “We shall continue to create the enabling environment for investments, we are here to make the state attractive to investors,” he said.
    Fubara said that the Omodu-Eberi Road project was delayed because of the government’s decision increase the length.
    “It was an eight kilometre long road, but we decided to increase it to 14.6km in order to link up with Abia,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Rep mourns Bankole, ex-Lagos APC official

    Late ex Lagos APC Welfare Officer

     

    Late Bankole will be solely missed— Rep. Raji
    Condolence
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Wale Raji , representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ,has expressed sadness over the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole, a former Welfare Officer of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Lagos.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that Bankole ,who recently celebrated her 60th birthday,died while performing the 2024 Hajj in Mecca,Saudi Arabia.

    Raji, in a statement in Lagos on Thursday ,said that the late politician was  a prominent  indigene of Epe and a resourceful member of Wale Raji Think Tank .

    “Alhaja Ramota was a committed, dedicated, and hard working party stalwart ,who stopped at nothing to get results on every task assigned to her.

    “Her death is going to be sorely missed in the political and community circle where she was serving and impacting.

    “We pray God grant her family and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss and grant her eternal rest.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Anambra Assembly confirms 21 LG transition committee chairmen

     

     

    Confirmation

    By Chimezie Anaso

    Awka, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Mr Romanus Ibekwe and 20 others, including a woman, as new transition committee chairmen.

     

    The transition committees are to manage the administration of local government areas for three months in the first instance.

     

    The lawmakers confirmed all the nominees at a  plenary session on Thursday after the nominees were screened by the relevant committees of the assembly.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo sent their names to the House of Assembly for consideration on Wednesday.

     

    The only woman among the chairmen is Amaka Obi,  for Idemili South LGA.

    Mr Chukwuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, who presented the nominees, said that all them met the requirements.

    He requested that the assembly should approve their nomination.

    Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, subjected the request to members of the assembly, who unanimously voted for the approval  adoption.

     

    Udeze said that the exercise was in  fulfillment of Section 208 of the Local Government Law of 1999 as amended.

     

    The speaker also announced the names of councillors who would work with the Chairmen in their various LGAs.

     

    Councillors nominated for Ezi-Anam Ward and Ukpor Ward 5 in  Anambra West and Nnewi South, respectively,  were stepped down based on petitions against them.

     

    Meanwhile, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) has expressed concern at the constitution of  the transition committees.

     Mr Chris Azor, the Coordinator of ACSONET, who reacted to the nomination and confirmation of the committees, said that the civil society desired to see democracy at the grassroots.

     

     “We feel worried about the development. 

     

    “However, we feel the governor may have nominated the transition committee  members in order to avoid a vacuum.

     

    “We implore the governor to make this the last transition to a guaranteed democracy at that level, as enshrined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

     

    Anambra State Gov.  Chukwuma Soludo had, in a letter dated May 17, sacked the former transition chairmen and directed them  to handover affairs of  local governments to the heads of local government administration.

     

    The nomination came as a surprise to some people who expected that Soludo would conduct local government elections soon since he sent a bill for re-establishment of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission  to the assembly in May. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APC/IGO 

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • Okun-Ajah community urges minister to keep promise on Lagos-Calabar alignment

    Protest
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Okun-Ajah community in Lagos State has appealed to the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, to keep to his promise on the implementation of gazetted Lagos-Calabar Coastal alignment.

    The Okun-Ajah community made the appeal during a peaceful protest in Lagos on Thursday in which they asked for the implementation of the original Lagos-Calabar Coastal alignment.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the community lawyer, Mr Bolanle Olugbani, begged the President Bola Tinubu not to allow anybody to tamper with the original coastal road alignment.

    The protesters carried various placards with inscriptions “Mr Umahi, Keep to your words”, “Property owners along the gazetted coastal alignment should bear the consequences, do not encourage impunity”, “Illegal construction on the original coastal road should not be encouraged,” among others.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the counsel begged the government not to deviate from the original alignment the minister had agreed to follow.

    He said: “I am here to support the protest with regards to the coastal road alignment which we are hearing from reliable sources is about to be tampered with, after almost 30 years.

    “The coastal road alignment was passed into law by the Lagos State government in collaboration with the Federal Government almost 30 years ago. The alignment designated a particular corridor for the future which is now the present coastal road.

    “People who bought land in the Lekki axis, particularly the Okun-Ajah, Mokun, Akinlade and its environs, were advised to do their due diligence to avoid buying land in an area that is already committed for the coastal road.

    “Many people didn’t comply, they bought properties at a humongous amount, built estates and invested heavily only for the Federal Government to decide to begin the coastal road 26 years after.

    “So, those who do not conform with the original alignment deliberately bought lands in areas already designated for Coastal road,” he pointed out.

    Olugbani said the community also had equal rights and they had conformed with the original coastal road alignment by not infringing on the committed and designated coastal road corridor.

    He pleaded with the government not to change the gazetted alignment.

    The counsel urged the president not to allow the people who had conformed with the gazetted coastal alignment to be made victims.

    Responding, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, appreciated the protesters for not taking laws into their hands and opting for a peaceful protest

    “You have come as peaceful protesters to come and bare out your minds to the government and this government is a listening government.

    “The honourable minister has demonstrated in a number of occasions that he listens. I am sure as you are doing this, the information is going to get to him.

    “I have already informed him that people are complaining about the alignment and he asked me to let you come last Sunday but I couldn’t because it was on Sallah day. So he promised to come back in a week’s time.

    “I believe the minister does not look down on people. He listens. It is just that it is impossible to please everybody,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/IKU

    ========
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Anniversary: Lawmaker empowers 60 constituents with N30m in Kaduna

    Anniversary: Lawmaker empowers 60 constituents with N30m in Kaduna
    Achievements
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 20, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Dan Amos (PDP/Kaduna), has empowered 60 of his constituents with N30 million as part of gestures to mark his one year in office.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries are expected to use the monies as seed funds to grow their small-scale businesses.
    Amos, who represents Jema’a and Sanga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, assured his constituents of more effective representation.
    He also revealed his achievements in his first year to include the award of scholarship to 200 students in tertiary institutions and the construction of a fully-equipped vocational and technical secondary school.
    Others include the distribution of 1400 bags of fertilizer, grinding and sewing machines as well as the drilling of 80 boreholes and rehabilitation of existing ones across the constituency.
    On infrastructure, Amos said he had embarked on the repair of roads, construction of a stadium in Sanga Local Government Area, provision of electricity and solar-powered lights.
    Amos expressed gratitude to God and the people of the constituency for giving him the opportunity to serve and promised to not let them down.
    In a message, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, represented by Mr Martins Galadima, commended the lawmaker for performing creditably in his first year in office.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the state, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, had applauded Amos for exceeding all expectations and encouraged him to sustain the tempo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMEN/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • 2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders

    2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders
    APC
    By Leonard Okachie
    Igbere(Abia), June 20, 2024(NAN) The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, has appealed to the party leaders to work in unity to win other Senatorial zones and the governorship seat in 2027.
    Ononogbu made the appeal on Thursday during a “unification” party meeting held at Camp Neya, Igbere, home of Abia-North Sen. Orji Kalu.
    He said: “We are going to work together as a starting point because I am a builder, not a spoiler.
    “When I became chairman, I was told that there were different groups but I made sure I identified with all of them.
    “We should gradually create a template that will make us work together until Congress comes, then everyone can make their choices and we would have achieved that unity.
    “If we work together, we can take over Abia-Central and Abia-South and if we get it right we can win any election.
     “These quarrels have not gotten us anywhere, we have to come together so we don’t lose again.”
    Ononogbu described Kalu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, as a “priceless asset” to the party.
    He  highlighted the indelible impacts of the former Abia governor in moving the party forward.
    The chairman explained that Kalu’s influence had ensured that the party remained a force to reckon with in the state.
    He  specifically narrated the comforting fatherly role Kalu played when he made up his mind to resign his chairmanship position due to  infractions within the party.
    Former state chairman of the party,  Chief Donatus Nwankpa declared that the APC was no longer factionalised in Abia.
    Nwankpa, who currently serves as the National Welfare Secretary of the ruling party,  urged  Ononogbu to reach out to all stakeholders of the party.
    He  also commended Kalu’s representation at the Senate, saying “Sen.Orji Uzor Kalu is the most performing Senator.
    “He is a grassroots and charismatic Senator.”
    In his remark, Kalu said that henceforth, loyalists of different stakeholders were to participate in any political meeting he summoned.
    Kalu also enjoined all stakeholders to obey the directives of Ononogbu.
    He said: “Nobody should disobey what the chairman has said; when you get to various wards, make sure you hold meetings.
    “Whenever you call for meetings, ensure that all the factions attend and make sure you invite the party chairman.
    “You have heard from the party chairman and the National Welfare Officer, you must seek peace.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, hosted by Kalu, had in attendance local government and ward executives, including loyalists of the party’s 2023 Governorship candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Foundation pledges technical support, training for Plateau electoral body

    Foundation pledges technical support, training for Plateau electoral body

    Support

    By Peter Amine

    Jos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), has pledged to give technical support and training to the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), to enhance the credibility of elections.

    IFES Country Director, Mr Seray Jah, made the disclosure on Thursday in Jos, when he led a team on a visit to the Chairman and members of staff of PLASIEC.

    Jah said that apart from the PLASIEC, the foundation was also providing similar support to five other State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), one per geopolitical zone.

    The country director stated that the goal of IFES was to support the institutions through technology, technical assistance, capacity building, and training, as well as the promotion of gender equity and inclusion.

    According to him, the approach aims to ensure that the commissons conduct more widely accepted elections, ultimately achieving near perfection.

    “We are supporting the SIECs through the funding of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) from the UK.

    “It is very important for a nation to build strong local government elections because they are closer to the people.

    “Having been involved in this process for a while, we, along with our donors and ourselves as IFES, want to see more credibility in the elections, more trust by the voters, and more proactive engagement by stakeholders with the commission.

    “We also want to see more political willingness by the governments that oversee the SIECs. Achieving these goals would enhance not only the elections but also local development.

    “If people trust the elected officials, they are more likely to believe in them, which could lead to better governance,” he stated.

    Jah further explained that before selecting the SIECs, the foundation conducted a political economy analysis to determine which states would form the best partnerships with them, and those that would demonstrate willingness.

    The country director stated that they analysed all the states in the country and narrowed it down to Plateau, Kaduna, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, and one more.

    PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Planji Cishak, said that the foremost intention of the commission was to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the citizens of Plateau.

    Cishak said PLASIEC’s goal was to ensure that Plateau citizens’ voices were heard and their votes counted in the choice of leaders at the grassroots.

    He stated that in pursuit of the commission’s mission to uphold democratic ideals in Plateau, PLASIEC intended to forge a robust partnership with media practitioners, political parties, security agencies, and development partners.

    The chairman emphasised that the IFES, YIAGA Africa, civil society organisations, and all critical stakeholders were crucial to the success of their assignment.

    He lauded IFES for picking PLASIEC for its support in the north-central geopolitical zone of the country.

    Cishak said the PLASIEC leadership would identify and address challenges, implement innovative solutions, and maintain an open-door policy to rebuild trust and restore hope in the electoral process among Plateau citizens.

    “Together, let’s raise the bar and ensure that PLASIEC sets a standard of integrity and fairness that serves as a beacon for others,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========

    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Rivers Crisis: Group urges NASS to amend LG laws

    Crisis

    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Civil Society Organisation, the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts, has urged the National Assembly to holistically amend the laws governing local government administration in the country.
    The group’s Convener, Chief Sunnie Chukumele, said at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the amendment would streamline issues surrounding local government administration.
    “This call is as a result of the ongoing crisis over local government councils tenure elongation in the Rivers.
    “The crisis may throw the state into anarchy if left unchecked. So, something has to be done quickly,” he said.
    Chukumele also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wade into the situation in the state to avoid a total breakdown of law and order.
    The convener called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure thorough investigation on the crisis with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators.
    He urged the judiciary to be upright in deciding matters concerning the crisis that were currently before the courts.
    “As the last hope of the common man, the uprightness of the judiciary on the matters before the courts will help to enthrone lasting peace,” he said.
    Chukumele said that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara acted rightly by appointing caretaker committees following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 council leaderships.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/FON/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh

  • Ojelabi mourns ex-Lagos APC Welfare Officer

    Late ex Lagos APC Welfare Officer

     

    Ojelabi mourns ex-APC Welfare Officer, Alhaja Ramota Bankole

    Death

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC Chairman in Lagos State, has expressed sadness over the death Alhaja  Ramota Bankole,a former Welfare Secretary of the party in the state .

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that Bankole died in Mecca,  Saudi Arabia after performing the  2024 Hajj.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) the APC Chairman described Bankole’s death as devastating and unfortunate.

    Ojelabi said that the late politician was a very resourceful and dependable party member,  who implemented all tasks given to her diligently and satisfactorily.

    “On behalf of the entire members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, we condole with the Bankole Family on the demise of Alhaja Ramota, the former Welfare Officer of our party here in Lagos.

    “We pray that the Lord will give the family, the APC as a whole and all the loved ones she left behind the fortitude to be bear the loss, ” the APC boss said.

    Ojelabi said the memories of late Bankole would linger on because of her great contributions to the party at the state and at the grassroots level.

    The party chieftain prayed that the Almighty Allah would grant her Al-Janat Firdaus. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji