TheNewsGuru

Tag: election

  • Just In: At last, peace in LP as Court lifts suspension of Abure as chairman

    Just In: At last, peace in LP as Court lifts suspension of Abure as chairman

    A State High Court sitting in Edo on Friday dismissed the notice of suspension issued against the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, by some party members at the ward level.

    The judge, Justice Emmanuel Aihamoje, on Friday, threw out the case for lacking merit.

    This was contained in a statement, issued in Abuja on Friday, by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, who also confirmed that the action was filed by Abure and the executives of LP Ward 3 in Esan North East of Edo State.

    In his judgement, which lasted for nearly two hours, Aihamoje judged that the party ward executive in Uromi in ward 3 lacked the power under the Labour Party Constitution, particularly Act 13 & 17 and the Electoral Act 2022, as amended to remove the national chairman of the party.

    The judge in Suit No: HUC/21/2023 therefore went ahead to impose perpetual injunction against Lamidi Apapa and his faction from removing or suspending Abure as the national chairman until a new national convention of the party is convened.

    Aihamoje further stated that the purported wards 3 executive who suspended the national chairman of the party acted outside the powers vested on it by the Labour Party Constitution.

    Reacting to the ruling, LP Ward 3 Chairman, Thompson Ehiguese, told journalists at the court premises that the judgement has put an end to impostors who are masquerading as members of the labour party in the ward.

    He said, “These charlatans claiming to be members of our party are from Edo North and members of APC. I want to use this medium to congratulate the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement that stood firmly with Comrade Julius Abure while the sponsored crisis in our great party lasted.

    “The judgement is explicitly clear that Barrister Julius Abure remains the national Chairman until the party convention holds next year. Nothing can change our collective resolve to reclaim Nigerian masses’ mandate freely given to Mr Peter Obi and the party in the last presidential election.

    On his part, Edo State Labour Party Chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, affirmed that Labour party has been vindicated, adding that the court has confirmed Apapa and his faction are ‘tragic power seekers.’

    “Apapa, who before then was a deputy national chairman and a custodian of the constitution of the party, knew that the act of those who came to Abuja to announce the suspension of the national chairman was not doing so legally, since the action was an aberration to the provisions of the party’s constitution, instead, he ran to the court, seeking ex-parte motion to restrain the national chairman.

    “Today they have been basically told that the charade can no longer be entertained by the court”, he said.

    When contacted, the spokesman for Lamidi Apapa-led faction, Abayomi Arabambi, disclosed that he was planning to address a press conference to address the ruling.

    As of the time of filing the report, nothing has been heard from him.

  • Speakership Race: CUPPS Spokesman, Member-Elect hails Wike’s endorsement of Abass, Kalu

    Speakership Race: CUPPS Spokesman, Member-Elect hails Wike’s endorsement of Abass, Kalu

     

    …declares Abbas, Kalu inches away from victory

     

    The Spokesperson of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), and member-elect representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has expressed delight over the endorsement of leading Speakership, Deputy Speakership hopefuls and All Progressive Congress consensus candidates, Hon. Abass Tajudeen and Hon. Benjamin Kalu by River state Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    Ugochinyere who’s the communication adviser for Tajudeen Abass, Ben Kalu (TBK) group, was among the many members-elect who accompanied the duo to visit the Governor on Friday, in Rivers state.

    In a statement he personally signed, Ikenga who also recently with the support of 62 others declared their endorsement of the duo, described the visit as “a victory consolidation.”

    According to him, the other aspirants are wasting their time campaigning, because Abass and Kalu are “seconds away of emerging victorious.”

    Citing his earlier statement where he backed the duo’s ambition, he again appealed to the aggrieved aspirants to stepdown for Abass and Kalu.

    He said: “I and my other colleagues supporting APC’s anointed candidates, are again urging members-elect of the ruling and opposition parties to join hands and support Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu. Just like I disclosed few days ago, this visit to Governor Wike, and more which will follow in the coming days, is a testament that we are ready for Nigerians to know that the TBK Group is fully in support of Abass and Kalu for Speaker, Deputy Speaker of the incoming tenth National Assembly.

    “We thank Governor Wike for supporting this great duo. I took time to analyze the background of Hon Abbas and Hon. Kalu, and they both have similarities, their track record shows men with focus, believe in hard work, competent and humble,” the member-elect said.

  • Just In: Wike throws weight behind Abbas, Kalu

    Just In: Wike throws weight behind Abbas, Kalu

    …vows 2015 won’t rear its ugly head again

    The Speaker and Deputy Speakership campaign of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Friday received a major boost as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike declared total support for their candidacies as presiding officers of the incoming 10th House of Representatives.

    Wike, who declared the support for the APC’s preferred candidates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, said he would work assiduously to make sure that the duo emerge victorious.

    Speaking when the Abbas/Kalu Campaign Team visited him under the leadership of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Wike said all the 13 members-elect from Rivers State with the exception of one, are with Abbas and Kalu 100 percent.

    Wike also said that the 2015 scenario where members that went against their party emerged as leaders of the National Assembly would not repeat itself.

    “I want to say here that I am with you fully. You know I do my things in the open. When Chinda told me that you’re coming here, I said there was no need because I am with you fully. All our members are with you, except one, who is doing something else.

    “2015 won’t repeat itself. Let me tell you, I’ll leave office on Monday, and once I leave, we’ll start the campaign fully.

    “I urge all of you to support Abbas. Don’t support him in the day and do something else in the night. You should support him fully,” Wike said.

    Details later….

  • Few days to handover, fire guts Gov Ganduje’s personal house

    Few days to handover, fire guts Gov Ganduje’s personal house

    Few days to handover fire has gutted personal residence of the outgoing Governor of Kano state, Dr Abdulahi Ganduje at Miyangu Street in Nassarawa GRA Kano.

    The State Fire Service confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday, saying the outbreaks occurred on Monday night.

    The Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, explained that the fire was already under control by the time firefighters got to the residence.

    It was gathered that the fire started at a place where Ganduje rears cows adding that many of the animals died in the inferno, with other multi-million-naira property razed down.

    A source said the cause of the fire was not immediately known but it started during the course of metal welding in the house as work was still ongoing to make the place a befitting residence for Kano State’s outgoing governor.

  • Ahead inauguration, Obi calls on Nigerians to take back their country

    Ahead inauguration, Obi calls on Nigerians to take back their country

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has again asked Nigerians to take back their country ahead of the inauguration of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

    On Thursday, the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari conferred National Honour of Grand Commander of Order of Federal Republic (GCFR) on Tinubu amidst cheers from his team of supporters.

    In his tweet, Peter Obi said; “I have consistently called on Nigerians to take back their country because only Nigerians can save Nigeria.

    “This is the only nation that we have, and it is ours to build and develop.

    “When I rejected the dual citizenship of other countries years back, I was conscious that Nigeria as the only country that I have will need my full attention and commitment in the years to come”.

  • Just In: Rivers Gov, Wike dissolves cabinet

    Just In: Rivers Gov, Wike dissolves cabinet

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has dissolved the state executive council.

    Wike announced the dissolution after a special executive meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday evening.

    Earlier, the commissioners took turns to eulogise the governor for his landmark achievements in the state.

  • Four days to vacate office, Buhari approves fresh appointments

    Four days to vacate office, Buhari approves fresh appointments

    Barely four days before hand over, President Muhammadu Buhari has announced fresh appointments.

    On Thursday, President Buhari approved the appointment of Garzali Abubakar as the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, a presidential spokesperson said.

    “The president also approved the appointment of the following as Chairman and members of the Board of the organisation,” Garba Shehu wrote.

    Those appointed include Aduke Hussain as Chairman, Hussaini Mohammed (North Central Representative), Mohammed Umar (North West Representative), Abdulsalam Ahmed (North East Representative), Stella Uzokwe (South East Representative), Stephen Ikata (South-South Representative) and Olufunlayo Oluwole Faloye (South West Representative).

    The latest appointments are the latest in a series of actions taken by the outgoing president a few days before his exit; actions criticised by observers.

    “They are supposed to allow the new government to make its plans. They can propose to the new government and tell them this should be the best for the state. If the new government deems it fit, it can look into it as part of its major priorities and implement it for the benefit of the state. I believe this is what the president should have done – to advise the incoming government,” Jamilu Abdussalam, a senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science at Ummaru Musa Yar’adu’a University, Katsina, said of the last-minute appointments and actions taken by the outgoing government.

  • I laid foundation for free, fair election, says Buhari

    I laid foundation for free, fair election, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he was leaving behind the foundation of free and fair election that has produced the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Buhari stated this Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Biography of the mother of Emir of Kano and Emir of Bichi, titled “Maryam Ado Bayero: A Woman of Royal Virtue”.

    The book chronicles the life and times of Hajiya Maryam Ado Bayero, Mai Babban Daki, mother of two First Class Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Alhaji Aminu and Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero.

    Buhari who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, described late Maryam as an extraordinary mother full of compassion and love for all who came her way.

    His words: “Mr President finishing his eight years term in office strong and well, leaving behind many legacies, which include the foundation of free and fair election that has produced the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    “It has also produced the legacy of achievements in the area of diversification of our economy, reforms of the petroleum industry and infrastructure. Few days ago, we saw him commission the second Niger Bridge, major parts of Kano-Abuja expressway as well as several roads and bridges. And, of course, he is finishing strong and well in pushing back the enemies of Nigeria through insurgency and other form of criminalities.”

    Buhari further described the late Maryam as the embodiment of tradition and modernity, a thorough-bred royal who lived a life of a trailblazer, compassionate, human, generous and warm.

    He added: “As a professor of political science and a student of history myself, I am yet to stumble on a more interesting personality such as my late elder sister, who in her life time had the good fortune of being the granddaughter of an emir, the 7th Emir of Ilorin; daughter of another emir (8th Emir of Ilorin) and wife to an outstanding revered Emir of Kano, late Ado Bayero and mother of two Emirs (Bichi and Kano). This should have entered the Guinness Book of Records. By virtue of this great piece of history by Ambassador Sani Hajo (author), we have captured and immortalised her life and works for future generation to rely on as a compass.”

    Also, the Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the decision by the government of Kano state to immortalize the late Mai Babban Daki by supporting the book project was informed by its desire to inspire younger generations, particularly girls, to learn the lessons of life from a distinguished mother.

    He said documenting the life of a distinguished mother was a service to history, knowledge and development, adding that “every part of her life is but a mirror for the present and future generations.

    According to him, late Nana Maryam Ado Bayero has been recognized for her humility, generosity and unassuming, and despite her position, she lived a simple life worthy of emulation.

    “The idea behind the book is in itself unique. It started as a discussion between the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and myself during the period of mourning of her departure, when he briefed me about her royal pedigree from the eminent scholar and leader, Sheikh Salihu al Alimi, the founder of modern Ilorin, through many emirs.

    “The state government will also support the establishment of a foundation to continue with the good work she had been doing when she was alive which included the building of a Friday Mosque, an islamiyya school as well as sponsoring an annual Maulud at the Kano Emir’s Palace and Qur’anic Recitation Competitions. Therefore, as a step forward, proceeds from today’s launch will be directed to that foundation.”

    Commenting on the life and time of the late Maryam, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who described her as her mother, urged Nigerians women to train up their children properly for them to bring glory to their mothers.

    He said: “Our late mother is a virtuous woman and I am proud to identify with her. I will urge Nigerian women to train their children so that one day they will bring glory to them.”

  • Speakership: Northern youths advise G-7 aspirants to support Abbas/Kalu ticket

    Speakership: Northern youths advise G-7 aspirants to support Abbas/Kalu ticket

    The Northern Youth Forum for Good Governance (NYFGG), has called on aggrieved aspirants for the position of Speaker of the 10th Assembly, also known as G-7 to drop their individual ambition and support the candidacy of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

    The Forum made the call on Thursday at a Media briefing in conjunction with other Civil society groups from the region.

    Tagged: “An Appeal to G7 Consensus Speakership Group and members-elect on the need to support Hon Tajudeen Abass for the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly,” the Forum said the call became necessary given the discontent that greeted the nomination of Hon. Abbas and Ben Kalu by the leadership of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) on May 8, 2023.

    The statement reads: “As stakeholders in the Nigerian project for democracy and good governance, we are constrained to lend our voice to the debate on the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives.

    “We are aware of the discontent that has greeted the nomination of Hon Tajudeen Abbass by the APC as the candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the strong opposition put forward by the eminent G7 group in the House of Representatives.

    “While it is within their rights to express displeasure over the choice of Hon Tajudeen Abass, they must understand that it’s only a united house that can stand; hence the need for all parties should support the candidature of Hon Tajudeen Abbas.”

    The Forum contended that “As stakeholders of the party, it is incumbent that the G7 members act on the decision of the party in a bid to ensure that members of the opposition party do not undermine the APC.”

    “The Northern Forum for Good Governance is also using this medium to reach out to members elect to support Hon Tajudeen Abass in his ambition. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most experienced hands in the House of Representatives.

    “His contributions on the floor have been noteworthy, and his leadership of various committees under his purview has also been top-notch. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a bridge-builder who understands the strategic importance of the House of Representatives in the country’s socioeconomic development.

    “Given that Hon Tajudeen Abass has the endorsement of the President-Elect, we wish to use this medium to appeal to the G7 and other members-elect to see the reason behind the choice of Hon Tajudeen Abass.

    “The APC must stay united at the risk of allowing some dramatic outcomes during the elections of principal officers in the House of Representatives. The decision to endorse Hon Tajudeen Abbass is in the party’s best interest and not the fact that he is the most suitable candidate for the Speaker of the House of Representatives position,” the group added.

    The Forum argued further that “Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a loyal party man whose penchant for teamwork is tremendous. He has been known for carrying everyone along, and we believe this much he will do if supported to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

    “We also wish to use this medium to encourage Hon Tajudeen Abass to reach out to the G7 and other members-elect to pacify them to work in the party’s interest. They must admit that the task ahead of the incoming administration requires all hands to be on deck.

    “The country’s challenges are enormous, and the incoming administration’s mantra is renewed hope. This can only happen if the party stays united and pursues a common goal.

    “The G7 are respected members of the APC whose contribution to the growth and development of the party cannot be overemphasized. But again, the position of Speaker is meant for one person, and the party has a say in those elected as principal officers in the National Assembly.

    “The Northern Forum for Good Governance urges the G7 and other members-elect to focus on the strength and capacity of Hon Tajudeen Abass rather than the fact that the party nominated him. In so doing, the G7 and other members would come to appreciate the party’s decision.

    “There is the risk of giving the incoming administration a tough time settling down for the business at hand at this critical point of our existence. We are convinced that the G7 and other members elect are interested in the progress of the party and, as such, the need to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

    “The G7, as stakeholders of the party in the House of Representatives, are encouraged to act as comrades in the spirit of unity and see to the emergence of Hon. Tajudeen Abass as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “The Northern Youth Forum for Good Governance appreciates and commends the G7 and other members-elect. We trust they will act in good faith and see Hon Tajudeen Abass as one of them.”

  • Losing election not the end, Ortom Urges members to keep faith in PDP

    Losing election not the end, Ortom Urges members to keep faith in PDP

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has encouraged members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the state to keep faith with the party, saying that losing election is not the end of the road.

    Ortom gave the encouragement Wednesday, while addressing the last expanded stakeholders meeting held at government house Makurdi.

    Ortom said he decided to put together the meeting as an avenue to appreciate party men and women as well as Benue people for the opportunity to serve at various times in different capacities as state secretary of the PDP, it’s Vice Chairman in the state, national auditor and minister of the Federal Republic, describing the experience as wonderful.

    “The people stood with me especially when the state was under siege and the evil perpetrated during my reign as governor by the federal government in active connivance with some other sons of the state who were out to work against the state for crumbs”Ortom said,adding that the rejection of  our forefathers not to be enslaved has today given the Tiv,Idoma and Igede an identity as a people.

    He lamented that apart from being in opposition,as governor,he has personally being in crisis with government at the centre for his stand against injustice, expressing joy that the overwhelming support enjoyed from his people has given him courage and equally made him believe that he actually came,saw and conquered.

    The governor who said experience has thought him that life is about today, yesterday and tomorrow, expressed optimism that at the end of his administration doubting Thomas’s would compare his achievements with the other previous ones to be in a better position to draw conclusion for historical purposes.

    He said the APC led federal government has taken the country from top to bottom with challenges of insecurity,high level poverty and degrading social conditions of Nigerians and encouraged the people not lose faith or panic but continuously trust in God as the only one to provide solution to the present predicament, expressing optimism that God will help the people to survive.

    Ortom assured PDP members in the state that he would always be available for the PDP even after May 29 and would equally continue to stand for equity, fairness and justice even outside government.

    separately, Chief David Amo zone A,Mike Mku zone B and Christian Abba for zone C all said their meeting with the outgoing governor had strengthened the party and it’s members, expressing optimism that the party will bounced back with it’s members learning from their past mistakes to come out stronger.