NewStats: 3,261,357 , 8,173,773 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 11:35 PM 5n3m4m

Niger’s military says it will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for treason, hours after a group of senior Islamic scholars said the country’s coup leaders are open to diplomacy to resolve their standoff with West Africa’s regional bloc

ECOWAS has learnt with stupefaction, attempts to bring charges of high treason against H.E. Mohamed BAZOUM, President of the Republic of Niger.

ECOWAS condemns this move as it represents yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means.

President BAZOUM remains the democratically-elected President of the Republic of Niger recognized by ECOWAS and the international community.

ECOWAS condemns his illegal detention and calls for his immediate release and reinstatement.

SOURCE

Previous Thread:
https://nairaland.unblockandhide.com/7802480/niger-military-prosecute-mohamed-bazoum#125096170

There is a secret web of plans to ”do in” the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, his colleague in Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, and some labour leaders, Daily Times gathered at the weekend.

The plans are reportedly being hatched in the nation’s security agencies.

The development came as NLC accused Federal Government (FG) of insensitivity over the fuel price issue, insisting that Motor Spirit (PMS), more popularly known as petrol, can be sold for as low as N150 a litre to Nigerians, with Executive will and true patriotic fervour.

NLC President, Ajaero, who spoke in a separate interview with Daily Times, explained that should FG adopt labour’s views on the fuel crisis, it will see petrol price plummet.

Daily Times was told that some elements in the FG felt ”highly embarrassed” by the labour leaders’ refusal, despite threats, to back down from organizing the Wednesday, August 2 nationwide protest against fuel subsidy removal and rising fuel prices without any palliatives –which turned out successful as many suffering Nigerians warmly embraced and freely participated in the industrial action.

Sources said the particular officials were livid seeing media photographs of labour leaders in handshake with President Bola Tinubu in the evening of the protest, following presidential intervention in the industrial action.

The labour leaders had been invited by the President for talks over the former’s demands for executive action to end the harsh socio-economic consequences of the fuel price hike on the masses -demands which were partially secured as Tinubu announced, among others, that Port Harcourt refineries would recommence operation in December while the FG/Labour Committee on Negotiations on Subsidy Removal palliatives will begin sitting soon.

Perceived as a victory for labour, the subsequent withdrawal of the bid by the FG to get the National Industrial Court (NIC) to commit the labour leaders to a correctional facility for allegedly disobeying an order of the court not to protest or strike, was interpreted by these elements as ”one step too far and one concession too many for labour.”

Daily Times further gathered that subsequently a group moved in to hatch a plot to use the security agencies to hound the NLC and TUC leaders.

The group allegedly sees the rising public profile of the labour leaders as a possible future hindrance to ”other economic actions the istration will unleash on Nigerians and so seeks to intimidate, cage or even imprison them to pave the way for smooth execution of the alleged anti-people, anti-poor policies.”

Asked what form the plot was taking, the sources stated that, among others, fresh charges were allegedly being framed to ”rope them in, but it is not just court matter alone as they are fashioning a cocktail of sledgehammers that would cripple the nation’s labour movement.”

”Their cold calculation is that if labour leaders are allowed free rein as seen presently, even the many tax policies in the works to fill government coffers, will not work. They say labour leaders ask too many questions and wonder why they weren’t so active during the Buhari years. So, the option is to put them away to enable government policies ‘breathe’,” the sources said.

Telephone calls put through to the spokespersons of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Department of State Service (DSS), Assistant Commissioner of Police (A) Olumuyiwa Adejobi and Dr. Peter Afunnaya, respectively were not returned as at the time of this report.

https://dailytimesng.com/fuel-subsidy-protest-security-watch-on-nlc-tuc-leaders/

Bosun Tijani is a Minister-designate.

"The committee approved your application as Visiting Adjunct Professor: Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, with effect from 1 September 2023 for a period of 3 years until 31 August 2026."

https://twitter.com/bosuntijani/status/1689765129657655299?t=xQRGdmbBxqIP9SzoNTAzCQ&s=19

But the three-man of the tribunal led by Justice I.P. Chima held that Yerima was not qualified having forged his primary school certificate.

According to the tribunal, the case of the petitioner, Hafizu Kawu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging Yerima emergence succeeded having proven a case of forgery against the NNPP candidate.

The tribunal therefore held that the NNPP had no candidate in the election and all the votes that were cast for Yerima were wasted votes.

It thereafter directed INEC to withdraw the certificate of return earlier issued to Yerima.

The tribunal had held that Yerima’s defence that he had made a change of name in 2022 did not hold water having been using three (Umar Mukhtar Zakari) names on his International ports since 2009 while his primary school certificate still bears Umar Mukhtar.

https://dailytrust.com/breaking-tribunal-sacks-kano-nnpp-rep/


APC's Hafiz Kawu

On Monday Feb 27, NNPP's Yerima was declared winner with 26,273 votes to APC's Kawu with 15931 votes.

The National and State House of Assembly elections petition tribunal, in Kano on Thursday nullified the election of member representing Tarauni Federal Constituency at the house of representatives Muktar Yerima.

Yerima was declared winner of the February 18th 2023 election under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hafizu Kawu.

The former member of the House of Representatives, Kawu petitioned the tribunal, challenging the legitimacy of Yerima’s victory on the basis of a fake certificate.

Delivering the judgement on Thursday, the three- Justices upheld Kawu’s petition and nullified the sitting NNPP member’s election.

https://guardian.ng/breakingnews/kano-tribunal-sacks-nnpp-house-reps-member-over-certificate-forgery/?utm_term=Autofeed&echobox=twitter_post&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1691675965

Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate, Frodd, on Thursday night, contemplated exiting the reality show voluntarily to go back to his newly-married wife.

He said he never attempted the loneliness he is experiencing on the show.

Frodd, while chatting with Whitemoney from his bed, lamented in Igbo dialect that his genitals are shrinking.

He said: “Oh God! I’m sleeping alone. I need to collect a voluntary exit from this house. I did not anticipate all these things…”

"G*d, my genitals are shrinking... White (WhiteMoney), my genitals is like that of a child, like a 2 year old. Wetin dey happen sef? I no be like bobo again sha"

DAILY POST recalls that Frodd and his fiancée, Pharmacist Chioma, got married in February this year.

The couple announced that they are expecting their first child together days before the reality show kicked off.

He had said during the introduction that he was on the show for his wife, adding that he has the permission of his spouse to be on the show till the final day.

https://dailypost.ng/2023/08/04/bbnaija-all-stars-i-miss-my-wife-need-voluntary-exit-from-biggies-house-frodd/

August 3, 2023

Press Statement

PDP Mocks APC Over Appointment of Ganduje as National Chairman
…Says APC is Party of Thieves, Treasury Looters

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lambasts the All Progressives Congress (APC) for choosing the ethically challenged former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as its National Chairman.

The choice of Dr. Ganduje by the APC as its National Chairman, in spite of the stinking corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain, further confirms that the APC is a cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters.

By appointing Ganduje, notoriously referred to as “Gandola” by Nigerians over the infamous video of him barefacedly stuffing his gown with US Dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid Party of embezzlers and charlatans.

It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders.

The PDP invites Nigerians to note that only last month, a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) confirmed that the content of the 2017 “Gandollar” viral video was not doctored.

It speaks volume of the APC under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of the APC National Chairman.

Such can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC which, according to the former Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, is replete with “political bandits”.

In any case, the PDP describes the assertion by the embattled APC National Chairman that he will “hit the ground running” to ensure the victory of his fizzling Party and disillusioned in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa as a pathetic day-dreaming.

The PDP reminds Ganduje of how he was humiliated by Nigerians and failed woefully as Co-Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for the July 2022 Osun State Governorship election, which was overwhelmingly won by the PDP. Indeed, a worse crushing defeat awaits Ganduje and his Party, the APC, in the November 11, 2023 Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States.

Moreover, the mortifying trouncing of the APC in Kano State under his watch as Governor in the 2023 general elections shows that Ganduje has no political value and cannot earn any victory in any electoral contest in the country.

If Ganduje is desirous to “hit the ground running” as he asserted, he should run to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution for cases of alleged bribery and corruption hanging around his neck.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02RwTwHAXwYCmgxC4TwdaL8uPx2aWuzQfz8zB7hoCb5fxTh7JdDrepRzQAF2E4YQkRl&id=100050658511735&mibextid=Nif5oz
L

APC National Legal Adviser, Ahmed El-Marzuk, resigns.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, elected former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the party.

The party’s NEC also elected former Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, as National Secretary.

The two party officials were elected today at the 12th NEC meeting of the party held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, chieftains of the party in the National Assembly, amongst others were present were present at the NEC meeting.

Addressing the 12th NEC of the party, the President said the APC has won the elections and it is now time to deliver the promises of good governance to the Nigerian people.

The President insisted that the 2023 elections was the best election in Nigeria’s history.

Visibly absent at the NEC meeting were ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The first National Chairman of the party, Bisi Akande, was however, present.

The NEC meeting followed Wednesday’s session of the APC national caucus.

Mid-July, two of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) resigned. Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore resigned as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/08/03/breaking-apc-elects-ganduje-national-chairman-basiru-as-secretary/?fbclid=IwAR1O1WQdOMM8C8Hr5AghmLItryEcXAP5nm4hsbCJtMJBomVbFNwRSC0VqUc

You have spoken loudly and it resonated - NLC

PRESS RELEASE

Trade Unon Congress,

2ND OF AUGUST, 2023

YOU HAVE SPOKEN LOUDLY NIGERIANS: IT RESONATED AND RESOUNDED

We want to appreciate the massive solidarity and of the Nigerian people who thronged the various venues around the country in their numbers despite intimidations and blackmails by agents of government and forces of retrogression to discourage them from ing the nationwide protest which was called to ventilate citizens outrage at the anti-poor and anti-peoples' policies of the government.

Our hats are doffed at your determination and commitment to saving ourselves and indeed the nation from those whose only interest is to foist continuous deprivation and suffering on Nigerians.

The message you have sent today is a strong demonstration of our collective resolve as patriots and owners of the sovereign will to demand that those who occupies the corridors of power must listen to us. You have sent a very strong, loud and clear signal to those occupying the various government houses be it at the federal or state that the people remain the sovereign and the barometer for measuring that resides with the trade union movement who have continued to be the bastion of that collective will.

The NLC and TUC also appreciates the timely intervention of the leadership of the National Assembly for their pledge to resolving the issues raised by the Nigerian people and for their deep understanding of the need for Government to provide quick wins as succor with short timelines to ameliorate the consequences of the hike in the price of Motor Spirit (PMS) on the citizenry.
It is also important that we inform Nigerians that we have just received a Court summons purporting to charge us with contempt of Court. We urge all Nigerians to be vigilant because it appears that the days of long knives are here with us again. The leadership remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of the interests and welfare of the Nigerian people and nothing whatsoever can take our eyes away from this focus nor shake this belief. Having demonstrated our collective resolve through the strong signal we sent today across Nigeria, we urge vigilance on the part of all workers and masses to protect our nation and our decisions while we await the response of the Government through the National Assembly as was assured by their representatives during the protest.

To further show our collective resolve, All Nigerian workers will resume at the Courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the Court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of trade unions. The Airports, the Seaports, the Hospitals, Schools; all public and private sector workers will all appear in Court across the nation in response to the Contempt charges.

Once again, we look forward to the continuing of all Nigerians and workers around the country as we continue in this struggle for freedom from the clutches of oppression and impoverishment. We must remain unwavering and together refusing to allow them divide us so that collectively, we will build a nation where, no one will be considered too small to be left behind.

It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session.

The engagement was fruitful that immense mileage was gotten with regards to the issues that bogged down the work of the Presidential Committee on Subsidy removal and necessitated the protest viz;

1. He committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders

2. He let out a certainty that the Portharcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year.

3. He pledged to ensure that Agreement is reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately.

4. He promised to unveil a workable roap to the CNG alternative next week.

On the strength of the President's pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to allow for full implementation.

Once again, we thank Nigerians while we wait for the Government to fulfill its own part of the understanding as agreed with His Excellency; the President.

Comrade Joe Ajaero President NLC
2
Comrade Festus Osifo President TUC

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid026ecB1bdnZ4PoWyDPcNXKckVCMQ8mKWinajKLvhikwwZJsGqgVY5LkhaxHH9ekJY4l&id=100066495703182&mibextid=Nif5oz

Another drama unfolded at the Senate during the ongoing ministerial screening on Tuesday, August 2, 2023, after Dele Alake was asked to recite the national anthem.

Having presented his resume to the lawmakers, the Senate minority leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwon asked Alake to recite the second stanza of the national anthem.

The request caused an uproar in the hallowed chamber as some of them rejected the question directed at Alake.

The Senate majority leader, Opeyemi Bamidele was among the lawmakers who vehemently shut down the request by Mwadkwon.

While lawmakers bickered over the question, Bamidele raised a point of order that the nominee should not respond to the question.

Quoting order 52 sub-section 4, Bamidele said, “A senator must confine his observation to the subject under discussion and may not introduce irrelevant matter.”

He argued that the minority brought politics into the screening exercise "by asking Alake to recite any of the stanzas of the national anthem."

He, therefore, urged the Senate to reject Mwadkwon’s question, saying it is irrelevant to the provision of order 52 sub-section 4.

In of Bamidele’s submission, the Senate President, Godswill Akapbio also considered Mwakwon’s question to be out of line, saying every adult Nigerian is expected to know the national anthem.

Mwadkwon had earlier asked Alake a question relating to his role during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Alake was Director of Strategic Communication in the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council.

While asking the question, some of his colleagues shouted him down saying the question was partisan.

https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/senator-asks-dele-alake-to-recite-national-anthem-ministerial-screening/wk22dzh?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pulsenigeria247-profile

On social media regulation:

Dele Alake: "The first thing I'll do about social media is strengthen the laws and application of those regulations, and I'll anything that comes from the Senate to promote that course of action."

https://twitter.com/PulseNigeria247/status/1686737093513338880?t=xe_45CaMKvh1CNhs_ifVzA&s=19

Ministerial Screening: Senator Reminds Dele Alake He Called Some Nigerians ‘Wild Dogs’

The Minority leader also asked Alake why he made the following statements in April this year:

"Anyone who has dared express any view critical of or opposed to that of Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, is immediately set upon by the unwieldy column of wild dogs who have labelled themselves ’Obidients’ and constitute a lawless mob baying for blood on social media!"

However, it was cut short by the Senate President:

"Politics is over, we are here for serious business."

https://thewhistler.ng/ministerial-screening-senator-reminds-dele-alake-he-called-some-nigerians-wild-dogs/

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted the claim of President Bola Tinubu that N1 trillion has been saved since his government ceased payment of fuel subsidy.

In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, the president revealed that a total of N1 trillion had been saved since subsidy payment was stopped.

Speaking during the ongoing nationwide protest of orgaised labour, Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the committee that the FG set up to negotiate with Labour revealed that not a single kobo had been saved.

Ajaero spoke when he alongside Festus Osifo of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), led protesters to the national assembly complex on Wednesday.

“Mr President talked about N1trillion saved. The committee where we meet, they told us that no one kobo has been saved so far. Therefore, we have not agreed on what to pay anywhere,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/08/not-a-single-kobo-saved-nlc-refutes-tinubus-n1trn-claim-on-subsidy-removal/

The senate will on Wednesday receive new ministerial list from President Bola Tinubu.

The list is expected to be submitted to the senate chamber on Wednesday morning.

The senate president, Godswill Akpabio, after receiving the list will read out the names of the new batch of ministerial nominees at the plenary today.

The Senate had on Monday begun the screening of of the 28 ministerial nominees earlier submitted by the President.

https://www.blueprint.ng/breaking-senate-awaits-new-ministerial-list-from-tinubu/

The presidential election petitions tribunal has reserved judgment on the petition filed by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

Obi who came third in the election and his party had filed a t petition in March challenging the outcome of the February 25 poll and asked the court to nullify the victory of Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In their final written address dated July 20, the petitioners insisted that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were not qualified to contest the poll.

https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-tribunal-adjourns-judgment-in-obi-lp-petition/amp

..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jujvxww5v3c

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

FG READY TO PROVIDE BUSES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS, REMOVES RESTRICTIONS ON STUDENTS' LOANS

In furtherance of his desire to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on students of higher institutions of learning, President Bola Tinubu has approved provision of buses to the students' bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

The desire of the President is to see that students can access their campuses without much difficulty as a result of higher transportation costs.

The provision of the buses will also remove the burden of additional cost of daily commuting on parents and guardians.

In line with his promise to ensure no Nigerian student abandons his or her educational pursuits as a result of lack of money and economic circumstances of their parents, President Tinubu has also approved the removal of all restrictions on the students' loan to make it available to any student or household that may desire it.

Similarly, President Tinubu has directed the authorities in all Federal Institutions of higher learning to avoid arbitrary increase in sundry fees payable and where possible defer further increase so that parents and students don't face too many difficulties.

While it is important to reiterate that President Tinubu has directed release of over 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains to families in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is working to ensure that vulnerable students can also benefit from conditional cash transfers and food distribution.

The Federal Government salutes the courage, wisdom and partnership of Nigerian Students as our country navigates this challenging time.

President Tinubu will continue to prioritise education and the needs of the students, improve welfare of teaching and non-academic staff and invest in infrastructure to make our institutions of higher learning become more globally competitive.

Dele Alake

Special Adviser to the President

Special Duties, Communications & Strategy

July 31, 2023

The CEO of OPay Nigeria, Olu Akanmu, has announced his resignation from the company after two years of assuming the position.

This is coming amid an ongoing celebration of the company’s 5th anniversary in Nigeria. Akanmu, who announced his exit from the company via a Twitter post on Monday morning did not state any reason but centered his message on the need to do more to get more Nigerians financially included.

While thanking stakeholders that had ed him at OPay, Akanmu specifically challenged the fintech community in Nigeria to deepen financial inclusion.

According to him, collaborations, public-private partnerships, and more deliberate coordination at the digital public infrastructure ecosystem layers would be critical to ensure the fintechs succeed in doing the next heavy lifting to extend the digital financial rail to the next 20 million.

His message
Starting with gratitude to all who had ed him while he was the CEO of OPay, Akanmu said:

“My Gratitude to all my colleagues at Opay for the good work we did together in deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria, ensuring that fewer and fewer number of our people are left behind in partaking out of the opportunities of the digital financial system.

“Many thanks also to all our ecosystem partners and enablers who complimented us, without which we would not have been able to deliver on the lofty mission of OPay which is to “deepen financial inclusion through technology.

“Yet there is still so much to be done collectively by us as all to ensure that no one is left behind by the modern digital financial system.

“The lesson of the cashless or limited Cash period earlier in the year is that millions are not yet included despite the progress we have made collectively as an ecosystem.

“For the Nigeria Fintech community, the imperative of ensuring that we serve not only the banked and underserved, but also the completely excluded which still represents at least 45% of our people should be our collective and greater patriotic mission, complementing the historic efforts of traditional players.

“Collaborations, public-private partnerships, and more deliberate coordination at the digital public infrastructure (#dpi) ecosystem layers would be critical to ensure we succeed in doing the next heavy lifting to extend the digital financial rail to the next 20 million.”

Akanmu, a veteran industry professional and former executive director at FCMB, ed the Nigerian division of the Chinese-backed fintech in November 2021.

Under his watch, Opay saw impressive growth during Nigeria’s cash crunch, thanks to its distribution strategies and infrastructure.

OPay Nigeria, which last unveiled a new logo to mark its 5th anniversary as it rebranded, said the change not only symbolized its significant growth and impact over the years but also represents its promise into a new era with enhanced services, technological advancements, and the aim to solidify its position as the most reliable financial platform in Nigeria.

https://nairametrics.com/2023/07/31/just-in-opay-nigerias-ceo-olu-akanmu-resigns-amid-companys-5th-anniversary-celebration/

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State is an unhappy man at the moment. Rather than rejoice that his wish of finally being nominated as a minister by the government of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC has been granted, he is disgruntled that he and of the G5 governors have been shortchanged by President Bola Tinubu.

The G5 governors, self-styled as the Integrity Group, are a group of five governors from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP who refused to their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, because they believed the presidency ought to rotate from the north to the south after the eight years tenure of ex President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governors also demanded the resignation of the party chairman, Iyorcha Ayu on the premise that Atiku and Ayu, both presidential candidates and party chairman, are from the northern part of Nigeria. This arrangement they claim negates inclusivity. Besides Wike, the other governors are governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Samuel Ortom, ex governors of Abia, Enugu and Benue States respectively.

Recall that shortly before the general elections, speculations were rife that the G5 governors had switched their loyalties to the All Progressives Congress, APC, by working to deliver their states to the party in exchange for various political favours. These speculations turned to realities after the Independent National Election Commission, INEC announced the presidential results of Oyo and Rivers States with APC cleaning out in both states.

Also, shortly after Tinubu was sworn in as president, the G5 governors paid him a visit at Aso Rock with Wike and Makinde both paying him more visits as a duo. It was during those visits that assurances of political favours were reiterated via ministerial appointments. While Wike became a nominee from Rivers State despite being a member of PDP, Makinde and the rest got nothing. Makinde’s nominee for a ministerial position was overlooked.

Instead Tinubu nominated Adebayo Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and a former governorship candidate of Accord Party in Oyo State. Tinubu according to sources close to THEWILL, also plans to nominate Prof Oyelaran Oyeyinka, another indigene of Oyo State in his next batch of ministerial nominees. Oyeyinka who is reportedly a nominee of Akinwunmi Adesina, president of African Development Bank, AfDB, is the special adviser to Adesina on Industrialization.

This, Makinde is undoubtedly not happy about as his candidate will most likely, not make the second batch of ministerial nominee.

Similarly, Wike’s nominee from Edo State, Dan Orbih was also sidelined. One may wonder what business Wike has with Edo State to want to have a say in who the president appoints minister from the state. Well, Orbih is a close ally of Wike, infact, his eyes and ears in the Midwestern state. Considered one of the most prolific state chairmen of any political party in the history of Nigeria, he successfully piloted the affairs of PDP in Edo state for 11 years.

Orbih who is currently the deputy national chairman of the party, South South in conjunction with Wike defeated the APC in the gubernatorial re election of Godwin Obaseki.

Orbih was also the instrument Wike fashioned against Obaseki when things went sour between them in his (Wike) bid to wrest control of PDP from Obaseki in the state. In very simple , Orbih is what you can describe as Wike’s man Friday. For his loyalty, Wike put in a word on his behalf to Tinubu as a ministerial nominee, as compensation.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t in the much touted list. Also, the other three governors were left high and dry. This is what is currently infuriating Wike. He has reportedly said that this (the ministerial list) isn’t what he discussed with Tinubu in confidence.

He said that he hopes the rug had not been pulled from under his feet and expressed more hope for Tinubu to keep to their agreement with his next batch of ministerial nominees. In his characteristic manner, Wike plans to allegedly heat up the polity if his agreement with Tinubu doesn’t stand.

https://thewillnews.com/nyesom-wike-blows-hot-accuses-bola-tinubu-of-reneging-on-agreement/

Nlfpmod Mynd44

Former Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, has been appointed as the Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili.

The announcement of his appointment was made during the opening session of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF) in Mauritius.

This comes a month after Mohammed got appointed as the managing partner of the Nigerian branches of Ballard Partners, an international lobbying firm.

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Lai Mohammed stated, "I stand before you, deeply touched and inspired by your generous words of confidence and trust." He sees this as a historic moment, as it marks the first time he attends a UNWTO function as a private individual after serving as Nigeria's Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

As the Special Advisor on Tourism to the Secretary General, Lai Mohammed sees his new role as an opportunity to guide the development of tourism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, with a focus on responsible and sustainable practices.

A backgrounnd
Lai Mohammed brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, having played instrumental roles in the affairs of the world tourism body for the past seven years.

Notably, he led the organisation of the 61st UNWTO CAF Meetings in Nigeria in 2018 and the maiden UNWTO Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries in Lagos the following year. His experience is expected to aid Pololikashvili in pursuing his Agenda for Africa program, which aims to make Africa a key region for the global tourism economy.

What Lai Mohammed would be doing
The scope of his responsibilities as the Special Advisor covers several areas, including developing a strategy for restarting sustainable and safe tourism post-COVID-19 and providing advice on information and culture-related matters to the UNWTO Secretary General.

He is also tasked with preparing relevant reports and research documents in line with UNWTO's principles, accompanying and advising the Secretary General during his visits, and proposing actions of public relations in accordance with the world tourism body's priorities.

https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/lai-mohammed-bags-appointment-within-un/rlf3ecj?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pulsenigeria247-profile

Islamic group reports “one Davido” to the Inspector-general of police and has asked that he be cautioned immediately over a controversial video which could lead to a breakdown of law and order. This was even after the video was deleted.

https://twitter.com/ENIBOY/status/1684299853948493827?t=RoQte1VLuVBltxJU38vNhg&s=19

"My lawyers have briefed me about the Judgement of the Tribunal earlier today. I plead with all my ers and sympathizers to remain calm and keep hope alive. Ngozi Okolie is not the person on trial, but our democracy and judiciary.

Thank God there is an opening for appeal and afterwards God is the final Judge. I have briefed my Lawyers to do the needful. NOBODY will take the mandate of the Aniocha/Oshimili people from the back door. We shall overcome."

Rt Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie
Member Representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

Previous Thread:
https://nairaland.unblockandhide.com/7776443/tribunal-sacks-lps-ngozi-okolie#124627880

Ejikeme Mmesoma has apologised to the t ission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over the alleged forgery of her unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) result.

Mmesoma spoke on Wednesday when she appeared before an ad hoc committee of the house of representatives investigating the alleged forgery of result.

Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, and top directors of the board also appeared before the committee.

Ejikeme pleaded for leniency for the ban imposed on her to be lifted.

“I feel a debt of pain for letting you down,” she said.

https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-i-feel-pain-for-letting-you-down-mmesoma-apologises-to-jamb/amp

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Abia State has challenged, Governor Alex C. Otti to Publish the names of the ghost workers discovered in the pay roll.

The PDP made the disclosure in a statement by the publicity secretary, Amah Abraham.

"The purported discovery of ghost workers without an accompanying proof of the names and numbers of the ghost beneficiaries is not only childish but a plot that leads to nowhere. Thankfully, the Abia State government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and past PDP governments never paid anybody cash, as salaries were paid through dedicated bank s with Bank Verification Numbers, BVN and other personal vital information of holders as required by Nigerian banking regulations.

The Abia PDP challenges governor Alex Otti and his team of discoverers to publish the name of the over 2000 ghost workers with their BVN numbers, addresses and other details and the ministries, departments and agencies of government that purportedly employed them to shame the perpetrators and possibly bring the culprits to justice.

These and many other missteps of the Alex Otti government point to the fact the present government ab initio was not prepared for governance and clearly does not understand that there are rules guiding the engagement and disengagement of civil servants and is not done by executive fiat. His resort to the tactics of a Sole in a civil climate would certainly fail, and woefully too."

*Hon. Elder Abraham Amah*

*Abia PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary*

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Previous Thread:
https://nairaland.unblockandhide.com/7768701/2300-ghost-workers-discovered-abia#124489484

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has declined to extend its interim order seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari.

The court declined the interim order, pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by Senator Aishatu Dahiru, otherwise known as Binani.

INEC is seeking the prosecution of the suspended REC for declaring Senator Binani, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Adamawa State governorship election on April 15, 2023 while vote counting was still ongoing.

The court had ordered the parties involved in Binani’s motion, which included INEC, the IGP, and the AGF as defendants, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The court also requested the defendants to appear before it on July 18 to show cause as to why they should not be permanently restrained from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa State REC.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the applicant had not served the defendants with the court’s July 10 order.

Jacobs, who also contested the competence and jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter in a counter affidavit to the motion, stated that the lifespan of the interim order expired on July 18.

However, counsel for Binani, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), argued that the interim order had not expired as the defendants had not shown cause as directed by the court.

Aondoaka emphasised that INEC’s counsel could not claim not to have been served with the court’s processes as he had participated in the matter.

The trial judge, Justice Donatus Okorowo, adjourned the case till Monday, July 24 for a hearing on the originating summons served on the defendants in court on Tuesday.

The court refused to extend the interim order halting the prosecution of the suspended Adamawa State REC.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/07/court-rejects-extending-order-stopping-prosecution-of-suspended-adamawa-rec/

Previous Thread:
https://nairaland.unblockandhide.com/7759283/yunusa-ari-court-temporarily-bars#124334153

Following intense criticism of his istration’s plan to pay N8,000 monthly to 12 million vulnerable persons as palliative to cushion the adverse effect of petrol subsidy removal, President Bola Tinubu has directed the review of the cash transfer policy.

This was announced on Tuesday by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President (Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy).

He said the government will now unveil a complete package of palliatives to Nigerians.

The presidential spokesman announced the approval by the president for the immediate release of fertilizers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households, respectively, in all 36 states and the FCT.

Alake said: “You will agree with me that it has become part of the culture of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s istration to dialogue with Nigerians who voted him into office constantly.

“The President covenanted with Nigerians that their welfare and security will be topmost in the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government.

In the last few days, the conventional and new media platforms have become awash with stories of the government intending to embark on conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households mostly affected by the painful but necessary decision to remove subsidy from petrol.

“The story has been widely reported that the Federal Government is proposing to give 12 million households from the poorest of the poor N8,000 monthly for a period of six months as government palliative to reduce the discomfort being experienced by Nigerians consequent upon subsidy removal.

“A lot of ill-informed imputations have been read into the programme by not a few naysayers.

“The istration believes in the maxim that when there is prohibition, there must be provision.

“Since subsidy, the hydra-headed monster threatening to kill the economy, has been stopped, the government has emplaced a broad spectrum of reliefs to help Nigerians.

“While it should be noted that the cash programme is not the only item in the whole gamut of relief package of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a listening leader who has vowed to always put Nigerians at the heart of his policy and programme, the President has directed as follows:

“That the N8,000 conditional cash transfer programmed envisaged to bring succour to most vulnerable households be reviewed immediately. This is in deference to the views expressed by Nigerians against it.

“That the whole gamut of the palliative package of government is unveiled to Nigerians.

“Immediate release of fertilizers and grains to approximately 50 million farmers and households respectively in all the 36 states and the FCT.

“The President further assures Nigerians that the N500 billion approved by parliament to cushion the pain occasioned by the end of the subsidy regime will be judiciously utilized.

“The beneficiaries of the reliefs shall be Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliation.

“President Bola Tinubu has always promised to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians, and he is irrevocably committed to the vow. A number of decisions taken so far by this istration have buttressed this stance.

“You will recall that the President took a similar decision after listening to complaints from the business community/stakeholders about burdensome taxes, particularly the multiplicity of taxes they are made to experience. This warranted the g of four (4) Executive Orders cancelling some classes of taxes while suspending the implementation dates of others.

“In addition, the President has also set up a Tax Reform/Fiscal Policy Committee to bring up recommendations that will engender a wholesome fiscal environment for the country and remove anti-business barriers.

“I wish to assure Nigerians that President Tinubu will continue to be a listening leader whose ears will not be dull to the views expressed by the citizenry. The President believes government exists to cater to the interest of the people, and he has demonstrated this so clearly.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/tinubu-bows-to-pressure-orders-review-of-n8000-payment-to-12m-households/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended its planned national caucus and national executive committee (NEC) meetings.

Abubakar Kyari, acting national chairman of the APC, spoke to reporters after an emergency gathering of the party’s national working committee (NWC) on Monday.

The NWC sit-down which was held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja was called after the “resignation” of Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore as the national chairman and national secretary of the ruling party, respectively.

Kyari said the change in the party’s leadership necessitated the postponement of the meetings.

The acting national chairman said a new date for the meetings would be communicated to the public in due course.

“With this recent development in the change of leadership, I would like to inform everybody here that the proposed national caucus meeting slated for Tuesday the 18th July 2023 and the NEC meeting of the APC slated for Wednesday 19th July 2023 are hereby postponed,” he said.

“The postponement is not indefinite but a new date will be communicated in the near future. This is our announcement today and information to you our dear friends.”

When asked how the party would recover its funds, Kyari said: “There are no allegations at this point, the two individuals have resigned voluntarily and that is what is available at this moment.”

TheCable reported how the failure of Adamu to for over N30 billion that accrued to the party from the sale of nomination forms in the build-up to the general election was the “last straw” that led to his ouster.

https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-apc-suspends-nec-meeting-after-ouster-of-abdullahi-adamu-omisore/amp

The Department of Security Services (DSS) says it has charged Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to court.

In a statement on Thursday, Peter Afunanya, spokesperson of the DSS, said the decision to charge Emefiele was in compliance with the order of the federal capital territory high court.

https://twitter.com/NTAinternation1/status/1679558159638097920?t=zzaVo21YZGnCgPfhq1JqiA&s=19

Nlfpmod Mynd44

The Senate on Thursday at plenary confirmed the appointment of Service Chiefs, nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

Senate’s confirmation was sequel to the consideration and approval of a motion brought by Senate Majority leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidela (APC-Ekiti) on confirmation of the shortlisted service chiefs.

The service chiefs confirmed are: Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear iral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, AVM Hassan Abubakar.

Before their confirmation, the Senate suspended its order 1b and rule 1b, to make provision for the ittance of strangers into its chamber.

Those itted into the chamber included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Abdullahi Gumel, the nominated service chiefs and other strangers.

Thereafter, the service chiefs took turn to highlight their career profile and professional experiences, before senate resolved into a close session that lasted for three hours for screening of the nominees.

Earlier, Mr Musa, nominee for the Chief of Defence Staff, pledged the commitment of the Armed Forces to serve Nigerians in line with the dictates of the Constitution.

He said his nomination was an opportunity to bring his vast experiences to bear for the security, protection of lives and properties of Nigerians, and pledged to do his best to justify the confidence reposed on him.

Nominee for Chief of Naval Staff, Mr Ogalla said he would put in his best to upgrade the standard he met, assuring Nigerians that he was fully prepared for the job.

According to him, he will improve existing strategies and develop new ones to secure the nation’s maritime waters.

Mr Ogalla said he would collaborate with other services to secure the nation’s waterways, adding that he would initiate continuous monitoring and surveillance to achieve maximum result.

The nominee for Chief of Air Staff, Mr Abubakar said he would mobilise the nation’s air power to ensure peace and security of the country, in line with the aspiration of the president.

He commended the efforts of previous leaders of the air force, but said a lot more needs to be done to revamp the fighting capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

Mr Tinubu had in a letter addressed to President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Tuesday, sought approval of the Senate to confirm the service chiefs, in line with Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, 2004.

https://dailynigerian.com/senate-confirms-nomination/

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2022 and filed by his lawyer, had sued the DSS, its Director General and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

In the suit, the IPOB leader alleged that the DSS subjected him to different inhuman treatments, including denying him his right to wear any clothes of his choice like the Igbo traditional attire called “Isi-Agu,” while in their facility or any time he appeared in court for his trial.

He alleged that the security outfit, while allowing other inmates in their custody the freedom to choose and wear any clothes of their choice, he was restricted to wearing only a single clothe.

The applicant also accused the DSS of subjecting him to torture, and breach of right to dignity, among others. He, therefore, sought an order directing the respondents to allow him to put on any clothes of his choice while in the facility or when appearing in public.

But in a counter affidavit filed by the DSS and its DG, they urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s claim.

According to the DSS, the applicant (Kanu) is kept in their facility where every other suspect is kept. They said it was untrue that other suspects were allowed to put on any clothes of their choice, including Hausa and Yoruba traditional clothing.

The DSS further argued that its facility was not a recreational centre or traditional festival where Kanu and other suspects would be allowed to adore themselves in their respective traditional attires. It added that there is a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on dress code by detainees in its facility.

“That in line with global best practices, persons in the 1st and 2nd respondents’ facility are allowed to wear only plain clothes, which do not bear symbols, writings, colours and insignias that are offensive to any religion, ethnic group or even the Nigeria state in general,” it said.

The respondents accused Kanu’s family of bringing traditional attires and other clothing with Biafra insignias and a pair of red shoes decorated with shining beads for him to wear in custody and also to attend court for his trial.

According to DSS, the clothes have colours of the non-existing Biafra Republic, which is the subject matter of the applicant’s criminal trial.

They said the Isi-Agu attire, popularly called chieftaincy attire, was not a suitable dress for persons in detention facilities and was against its SOP.

The respondents also argued that Justice Binta Nyako, where Kanu is currently standing trial, had directed that he be allowed to wear any plain clothe of his choice and that anything contrary would contravene the court’s directive.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho held that the right to human dignity is contained in Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the court, a right to human dignity relates to the right against torture, inhuman treatment, among others.

Consequently, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s case did not relate to torture or forced labour, adding that a right to dignity was not a right to change clothes as an inmate in a prison.

“The applicant cannot come to court to seek for rights which are not in the constitution,’ he said.

Besides, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu failed to provide the photographs and names of inmates, who were allowed to wear different attires while in custody. He described the IPOB leader’s allegations as “a hypothesis without concrete evidence.”

The judge, consequently, dismissed the case for lacking merit.

https://thewillnews.com/court-dismisses-nnamdi-kanus-rights-enforcement-suit-against-dss/

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

This is to inform of the public, especially our esteemed Prospective Corps that the venue of the 2023 Batch 'B' Stream One Orientation Camp for Plateau State has been changed from the Permanent Orientation Camp in Mangu to Waye Foundation, by Buken Academy Doi-Du (Temporary NYSC Orientation Camp) in
Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

All Prospective Corps are by this information expected to report at the new Orientation Camp (Waye Foundation by Buken Academy) on the dates specified in their call-up letters.

Kindly take note of this new development.

Thank you.

Eddy Megwa fnipr
Director, Press and Public Relations

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The exchange rate between the naira and the dollar fell to as low as N788/.42/$1 on the I&E window at trading Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

This represents a 5.96% depreciation from the previous day’s close of N744/$1.

This is also the lowest the naira has fallen against the dollar on the official I&E window since its inception in 2017. and lowest since the window was revised on June 14, 2023.

Before now, the lowest was N770.38/$1 on the 19th of June 2023 just three days after the new window came into operation.

The exchange rate has traded at an average of about N746/$1 for the last 14 trading days.

https://nairametrics.com/2023/07/11/ie-window-crashes-to-all-time-low-at-n788-42-1/