Crime Facts

Beheading of Anambra lawmaker: House adjourns indefinitely

  THE Anambra State House of Assembly was adjourned indefinitely in honour of one of it members, Dr Okechukwu Okoye who was and killed and beheaded by gunmen last month. Many lawmakers have not been attending the plenary since the incident, apparently out of fear The speaker of the House, Mr Uche Okafor announced the adjournment of the legislature sine die following a motion moved by the majority leader, Dr Nnamdi Okafor and supported by Mr Emma Nwafor, the member representing Orumba South constituency. At the plenary, Okafor officially announced the death of Okoye who was representing Aguata II Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before the incident. Okoye was abducted on May 15 and the state Police Command confirmed his death on May 21. The majority leader said: “With a heavy heart, we want to officially announce the death of one of us, Dr Okechukwu Okoye who was abducted on May 15 and we heard the news of his death on May 21. “We sympathize with his family, his community Isuofia and the Aguata Constituency. We pray that the soul of the departed rest in peace and also pray that God will console all of us “We, therefore, urge security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to book. “We also urge Governor Charles Soludo to do more in ensuring the security of lives and property in the state, while we advise residents to be security conscious and help security agencies with information”.

Atiku, Tinubu should embrace south-east and end the apartheid

  By Fredrick Nwabufo It has been seven years of attrition, hate-bartering and exhausting recriminations. A new epoch is on the horizon, but the psychological mutilations from these years of anger may shape up to be the frustrations of the next administration. Nigeria needs healing. The country needs a healer to mend the sectional cleaving and to nurse it back to health. It needs a carpenter to rebuild the ruptured foundations and to restore hope and confidence in government. It needs a unifier both in deed and manner. Providence has come for Bola Tinubu – with a basketful of beautiful promises. Against vigorous high-level conspiracy, he prevailed to become the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). For what it is worth, Jagaban has shown an uncanny ability to build consensus and mobilise consciences towards a cause. Jagaban’s victory is deserving. He has watered many seeds which have burgeoned. He has nursed many fledging political careers to maturity. He has created opportunities for many who were without a compass. He has invested his life and resources in building people. And he gave oxygen to the APC, machinating the deracination of an incumbent president at a time everyone thought it was impossible. But can Tinubu be that unifier of a sundered Nigeria needs? What are his antecedents as regards respect for diversity and sensitivity to inclusion? As governor of Lagos, Tinubu had a diverse cabinet; in fact, he is reputed to be one of the few governors who appointed non-natives, including Igbo citizens, to their cabinet at the time — when bringing non-indigenes into state cabinets or government positions was unstylish. However, Tinubu’s very obvious circumvention of the south-east during his tour of states for APC delegates’ support ahead of the presidential primary election is stoking concerns and fears of a reprise of the current policy of exclusion against the region if he becomes president. Jagaban is also reported to have made scathing comments about the Igbo in the past, and he is accused of being a tribesman – and not a statesman. Tinubu must understand the enormity of the office he is seeking, and should begin now as presidential candidate to show the prospects of unifying a diverged country. The reality is, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari mismanaged Nigeria’s diversity. Buhari made no pretension about his insular intentions when he infamously declared, ‘’those who gave me 97 percent votes cannot honestly be treated the same way as those who gave me five percent votes’’, shortly after winning the 2015 presidential election. Nigerians and the south-east do not want a rehearsal of this deliberate policy of exclusion. Tinubu showed his expansiveness as Lagos governor. He was generous and amiable towards Igbo citizens and their businesses in the state. Jagaban should reconnect to his innate nationalist if in any way experiences of the past years sullied his trust in divergent humanity. There is a strong feeling of disconnection by the Igbo from the rest of Nigeria. And rightly so. With the return of democracy in 1999, the south-west held the office of the president for eight years, and with the coming of Buhari and a deputy from the south-west, the zone will have held the vice-presidential position for eight years by 2023. By the same token, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar became presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the demand for an orbiting in the current geography of power. So, the feelings of exclusion by the Igbo are not out of place. Like Ogbonnaya Onu and Hope Uzodimma (both APC leaders from the south-east) said, justice has not been done to the Igbo. It was by the sheer emotional burden of this fact that some of them worked for a return of the APC presidential ticket to the north. The permutation was, if the north returns to central power in 2023; the region can only do eight years, and the power pendulum swings back to the south, preferably to the south-east. But if it goes to the south-west in 2023, it could take 16 or more years for the south-east to produce Nigeria’s president. It is important that the presidential candidates of these two leading political parties begin now to show prospects of inclusion and of sensitivity to diversity in their dispositions, plans and policy paradigms. It is important that they show there will be no perpetuation of the present exclusivist proclivities which deepen national strife and insecurity. The two leading candidates – Atiku and Tinubu — should reach out to the south-east, their traditional rulers, political leaders and everyday citizens with genuine intentions and plans of bringing them into one composite fold where all Nigerians can exist under justice, equity, peace and harmony. No one should be excluded. Also, the south-east should by now have learnt from the perils of political naivety and unrequited loyalty. I suggest, they should be fair and equitable in their support for Atiku, Tinubu or Peter Obi. What is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. Scorched-earth politics will only leave the land barren. In this contest of capricious interests, may Nigeria not suffer.  

EXTRA: I’ll leave Nigeria if Tinubu or Atiku wins Presidency – Charly Boy

  Musician and social activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy has said he will leave Nigeria if the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, or the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Bola Tinubu, emerges winner of the 2023 general election. The PUNCH had reported that Tinubu emerged the presidential candidate of the APC at the just concluded primary at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday. Reacting via his Twitter handle, Charly boy said, “If any of these two jabagantis win, I go just leave una walker go Ghana, go beg dem for citizenship. Buhari will look like a saint.” The former Lagos State Governor, Tinubu, garnered 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s presidential ticket ahead of next year’s election. The Chairman of the Convention Election Management Committee, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State disclosed this at Eagle Square, the venue of the special convention after the votes were sorted and counted. Tinubu, in his speech, appealed to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for keeping him waiting since Tuesday, adding that it was necessary as he had also been kept waiting by the president at one time or the other. “I also offer my sincere gratitude to President Buhari for his calm and prudent leadership throughout this process. I thank him, also, for his steadfast determination to ensure a level playing field and a free and fair primary process for every aspirant. Without him, I would not be standing here today as the new flagbearer of Nigeria’s party,” he said.

Kwankwaso emerges NNPP presidential candidate

  A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has emerged as the presidential aspirant of the New Nigeria Peoples Party at the party’s presidential primary election on Wednesday. The NNPP is currently holding its presidential primary election in the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. Kwankwaso emerged as the NNPP’s standard bearer after delegates made their choice known by voice vote. Details later…

2023: We Must Keep PDP Out Of Power – Tinubu

  The standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu, says the party must do its best to keep the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of power. At the presidential primary of the party, which just ended, Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to clinch the ticket. Party’s nomination ahead of his closest rival, Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation who got 316 votes. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo polled 235 votes, while Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan got 152 votes. Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello got 47 delegates votes. Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Communication of Tinubu Campaign Organisation, in a statement quoted the Lagos born politician as saying this in his acceptance speech. Tinubu said the party must work to ensure PDP does not return to power after 16 years of colossal failure. “They ruined our economy. They left abandoned projects. How many abandoned projects did they leave behind? We must keep the key of our treasury away from them. PDP must not be allowed to return back to power,” he said. Tinubu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Wife of President, Aisha Buhari, Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, APC Governors, members of National Assembly for their support while he also expressed his profound gratitude to his co-contestants and the aspirants who stepped down for him for the victory. “I specially thank my fellow contestants who stepped down for me. You did so because you believe in my brain and that does not in any way diminish you.”

With Asiwaju Tinubu as candidate, APC confident of victory in 2023 — Lawan

  The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has on Wednesday, said the emergence of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has reassured the ruling party of winning the 2023 presidential poll. Ahmad Lawan had been reportedly announced as the consensus candidate of the APC by the Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi eliciting various reactions as 11 Northern govcernors rejected the move, saying they stand on the path of equity, justice and fairness. But, In a letter of congratulation the Senate President personally signed, Lawan who was also an aspirant in the primary, scory 152 votes to come fourth, said the outcome of the election process had shown that Tinubu was the popular choice of his party. The full text of the letter: Dear Asiwaju, FELICITATIONS The Presidential Primary of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2023 General Election has come and gone. “I am elated and proud that the Presidential primary was manifestly free and fair, and conducted within our APC Family under a most convivial atmosphere. “The success of the event again demonstrates the capacity of our great party to run its internal affairs smoothly and devoid of rancour. “As Your Excellency is aware, I offered myself alongside your good self and other patriotic members of the party to fly its highly coveted flag in the 2023 presidential election.” “I did so in the belief that I have the knowledge base, ideas, experience and desire to provide leadership for our dear country at these most trying times.” “However, the outcome of the election process has shown that Your Excellency is the popular choice of our party for that assignment.” “I do not have an iota of doubt in the wisdom of that decision by our Party’s delegates from across the country.” “Your glittering track record of public service, foresight and grit in party building and administration, as well as the courage you continue to demonstrate in fighting for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria make you worthy of the high esteem and trust of our party members everywhere in Nigeria as exhibited at the National Convention.” “It is on this note that I heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved victory at the primary.” “I have no doubt that with your credentials, experience, antecedents and political sagacity, our great party will go into the 2023 contest confident of victory.” “As a loyal party member, I remain committed to the party at all times and will always be available to work for its success.” “Once again, I congratulate Your Excellency on your well-deserved nomination as the standard bearer of our party and, insha Allah, next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The letter reads.

APC ticket: Tinubu’s victory shows his high acceptability in the north, says Ganduje

  Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, has congratulated Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor, on clinching the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to defeat 13 other presidential hopefuls at the APC primary, which was concluded on Wednesday. In a statement by Abba Anwar, his chief press secretary, Ganduje said the victory recorded by Tinubu at the primary shows that he’s highly accepted in the north. The Kanos governor also said the development will further strengthen the structure of the party and bring dissenting voices back into the fold. “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s landslide victory in the just-concluded presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) shows his high degree of acceptability in the north, as a bridge builder,” the statement reads. “This patriotic decision will further cement all parts of the country. “President Buhari’s role in making sure that democratic principles are safeguarded in the process is highly commendable and exemplary.”

Full result of APC presidential primary

  Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has won the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket for the 2023 general elections. He scored 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s ticket. Tinubu, also the National Leader of the party, defeated 13 other aspirants to emerge the flag bearer at the end of the Special National Convention of the party on Wednesday in Abuja. The other aspirants included Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Mr Tein Jack-Rich and Gov. Ben Ayade. Others were Governor David Umuahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawal, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Yahaya Bello and Mr Ogbonnaya Onu. The race began with 23 aspirants, but nine withdrew shortly before the commencement of voting at the convention. They included Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr Felix Nicholas, former Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State. Full result: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu- 1, 271 votes Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajuba one votes Pastor Tunde Bakare- zero votes Sen. Ahmad Yarima – four votes Sen. Rochas Okorocha – zero votes Mr Tein Jack Rich – zero votes Gov. Ben Ayade – 37 votes Gov. David Umuahi – 38 votes Dr Ahmad Lawal – 152 votes Yemi Osinbajo- 235 votes Mr Rotimi Amaechi- 316 votes Gov. Yahaya Bello – 47 votes Mr Ogbonnaya Onu – one vote Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu- zero vote.

Atiku, PDP Govs In Closed Door Meeting After Tinubu’s Victory

  The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, is currently holding a crucial meeting with governors of the party in Abuja. The meeting commenced few minutes after the emergence of former Lagos state Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2023 elections. Daily Trust gathered that the choice of the running mate to Atiku Abubakar will top the agenda of the meeting. Other issues might also has to do the constitution of the Presidential campaign council, the emergence of Tinubu and strategies towards uprooting the APC from power in 2023. Some of the governors at the meeting were Bayelsa Governor, Douyi Diri, Bauchi Governor, Bala Muhammed, Rivers Nyesom Wike, and that of Benue, Samuel Ortom. Others are Sokoto state Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his Oyo state counterpart Seyi Makinde.

Presidency: Buhari presents APC victory flag to Tinubu

  President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) Victory Flag to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, winner of the just concluded party’s presidential primary election. Reports claim that delegates of the APC at the convention elected the former Lagos State governor as APC presidential flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to defeat his closest rivals, former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi who scored 316 votes and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who garnered 235 votes. In his acceptance speech, Tinubu thanked President Buhari, APC leadership, governors elected on the platform of the APC, party delegates, aspirants and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the convention. He stressed the need for unity, cohesion and understanding among all party members to ensure electoral victory for the party in the forthcoming general elections in 2023. According to him, he holds no grudges against those who contested against him, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party is stopped from coming back to power in 2023. Tinubu, an accountant and politician was born on March 29, 1952, and had been one of the national leaders of the APC since the party’s formation in 2013. He previously served as the governor of Lagos state from 1999 to 2007 and Senator for Lagos West in the brief Third Republic.