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Post Date : September 9, 2024

More Crisis As Abure-Led Labour Party Scraps 2027 Automatic Ticket For Obi, Otti

The Julius Abure-led Labour Party has cancelled the automatic ticket it previously reserved for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Abia State governor, Alex Otti, for the 2027 election. This was made known in the resolution of the Abure faction of the part after its National Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Abuja. The party said that it has thrown open all its tickets, from the presidency to the House of Assemblies to all qualified Nigerians. This is coming after some leaders of the Labour Party, including Obi, Otti, some elected Senators and House of Representatives members of the party met in Umuahia, Abia State last week to appoint a 29-man care-taker committee to lead the party in the interim. The Committee which is to be chaired by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, will midwife an election of new leadership in 90 days. However, in a communique signed by Abure, and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, the NEC nullified the decision taken at the stakeholders meeting convened by Otti in Umuahia. The Abure-led NEC maintained that there was no vacuum in the leadership of the party after “conducting its National Convention in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 27, 2024, at Nnewi Anambra State.” It consequently called on the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, “to stop aiding and abetting the Governor of Abia State Alex Otti to further cause damage to the party. “NEC in session also note that His Excellency Alex Otti have constantly quoted the INEC Chairman as saying that the tenure of the officers of the party has expired, which His Excellency Alex Otti said has necessitated his calling of the meeting and setting up a Caretaker Committee. “On the basis of the foregoing therefore, NEC in session hereby call on all teeming members, supporters and members of the general public to kindly disregard the so-called meeting and its outcome.” The NEC also reimposed confidence in the leadership of Abure led National Working Committee and urged all party members to continue to respect the leadership of the party and obey its lawful directives. It also delegated its powers to fill vacant positions in the NWC and also approved the conduct of State, Local Government and Ward Congress as may be schedule by the National Working Committee in line with party’s Constitution and other Extant laws. “NEC In session also approved the composition of the diciplinary committee as provided in Constitution. “NEC in session also approved the review of some disciplinary actions taken against some members in the spirit of reconciliation.”

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

Bauchi Gov Sacks Health Commissioner, Appoints Three New Commissioners

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has dismissed Dr. Adamu Sambo from his role as Commissioner for Health. The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of three new commissioners and the Chief Security Adviser. Governor Mohammed also revealed that his administration will no longer assign a commissioner to the Ministry of Local Government, following the death of the former commissioner, and the implementation of new local government legislation. Recall that the former Commissioner for Local Government, Ahmed Jalam, passed away in a car accident in June this year. Additionally, two other commissioners resigned to pursue local government chairmanship positions, and the Chief Security Adviser was dismissed. During the brief ceremony, which coincided with the state executive council meeting, Governor Mohammed stated: “We are also here to fill the vacancy created as a result of the voluntary retirement of three commissioners so that at least every local government will be given parity and representation in the cabinet as required by the constitution. We have dropped one of the commissioners, the former Commissioner of Health, because we have to reposition ourselves, thus reducing the cost of governance and shrinking the establishment for the government as well as implementing the Supreme Court judgment on local government. Henceforth, we will no longer have a Commissioner for Local Government.” Governor Mohammed announced Dr. Sani Dambam as the new Commissioner for Health, replacing Dr. Sambo. “We had to drop the former Commissioner of Health not because he was found wanting but because we had to make a leadership decision. We wish him the best and will find a place for him in the government.” Mrs. Zainab Babbatanka is now the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Engineer Mohammed Abdulkadir has been assigned to the Ministry of Commerce, and Dr. Ahmed Abdurrahman will take on the role of Chief Security Adviser.

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

Ajaero’s arrest by DSS not connected to police invitation — Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Counsel to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Femi Falana, on Monday, stated that Ajaero’s arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services was not connected to the earlier invitation by the police. Recall that Ajaero had earlier been invited by the police over matters related to a “threat to public peace.”The invitation was later rescheduled. However, Ajaero was arrested by DSS operatives on Monday morning while on his way to the United Kingdom. Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, Falana said, “The invitation to Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police was rescheduled last week. I have contacted the police authorities. The arrest is not related to the police invitation. “Comrade Ajaero was on his way to London to attend the ongoing TUC Conference when he was arrested at the airport this morning by the SSS. No reason has been provided for the arrest by the SSS.” Details later…

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

DSS arrests NLC President, Joe Ajaero

Operatives of the Department of the State Services have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. PUNCH Online learned that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today. Confirming the development in a post via its official X handle, the NLC said Ajaero’s arrest is an assault on Nigerian workers. It reads, “The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom, and he is now detained at the office of the NSA. “This intimidation and assault must stop!!!” Recall that the Nigeria Police Force had invited and interrogated Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. His invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja. The police are alleging a link between the labour leader and a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who has been accused of financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country to allegedly overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. Following Ajaero’s first appearance on August 29, the police, in another letter signed by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, asked him to appear again on Thursday, September 5, alongside with the NLC General Secretary “to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.” The letter read: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am.”

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

Ondo 2024: IPC, CEMESO Host Media, Election Stakeholders’ Engagement on Credible Elections

In preparation for the Ondo state off-cycle governorship election, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) will from tomorrow Tuesday September 10, 2024, host series of dialogue and stakeholders’ engagement with the objective of ensuring fair, ethical, and inclusive coverage of the electoral processes by the media and peaceful conduct by the citizens. These initiatives are part of Component 4: Support to Media under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGNII) project. This project seeks to strengthen democratic consolidation in Nigeria through professional and responsible media coverage of elections. The activities align with the recommendations of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria, which focus on improving media performance during elections. This includes adherence to the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. IPC’s Media and Election Stakeholders Dialogue, scheduled for September 10 & 11, 2024, will concentrate on ensuring that media and election stakeholders carry out their roles with accountability and responsibility. The dialogue will address early warning signals related to the socio-political context of the Ondo elections and include discussions on enhancing media practices in reporting electoral campaigns and the elections themselves. In collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State chapter, IPC will engage participants on critical issues affecting the elections, such as the need for inclusive, issue-focused, and gender-sensitive reporting. The sessions will also include interactions with institutional stakeholders including the Ondo State INEC, the Ondo State Police Command, and the Ondo State National Orientation Agency. These discussions will further emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure journalist safety, a violence-free election, and effective civic/voter education. Following this, CEMESO will conduct media engagements and appearances on TV and radio on September 12 & 13, 2024. These engagements will focus on off-season election issues such as voter and civic education, monitoring electoral bodies’ preparations, managing political interferences, and ensuring balanced and detailed programming for Election Day. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said: “Off-season elections often face challenges of low public engagement and visibility, therefore, dynamic dialogues between media and election stakeholders are vital to maintain transparency, accountability, and public awareness. By fostering these collaborations, the media can effectively fulfill its watchdog role, provide accurate information, and stimulate citizen participation, ultimately strengthening the democratic process.” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, added: “Effective interaction with media and election stakeholders is essential for a successful electoral process. By addressing key issues such as electoral reforms, voter rights, and media responsibilities, we aim to ensure these topics remain central to public discourse. This helps enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process and leverages the media’s role in fostering a well-informed electorate, ultimately upholding the overall integrity of the electoral process.” The media programs, which will also involve stakeholder analysis of voter education issues within the framework of the off-season election, will engage up to 60 journalists from broadcast, print, and online media. These journalists will be covering the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 2024.

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Confusion as Senate suspends investigative hearing on oil sector sabotage

Monday 09 September 2024 Nigerians may end up buying petrol N5,000/litre under Tinubu — NLC spokesperson Army denies mass resignation of troops Complete rehabilitation of refineries by September, Falana tells FG Army approves terminal leave for 196 soldiers Marketers plan petrol import as NNPCL, Dangote’s talks drag Wike exploiting PDP’s weakness – A’Ibom ex-deputy gov Nigerians struggle to access N40,000 rice sales points 10 charged with terrorism in N4bn illegal arms import NAFDAC seals ‘miracle water’ factory, probes Delta pastor Panel, ASUU meet Wednesday over strike threat N50 transfer levy may ground fintech, economists warn Northern insecurity has crippled farming, education – Ex-VP Namadi Sambo Zamfara SSG disowns letter requesting N1.3bn to settle bandits.NDLEA destroys over 100,000kg cannabis in Ekiti forest $4m debt: Why Tinubu should be careful about Chinese loans — Ex-minister Stock market returns bearish amid increase in price of petrol 100 feared dead in tanker explosion in Niger State Abducted High Court Judge, Justice Mshelia, regains freedom in Borno Petrol price hike: Nigerians at breaking point, NLC, Atiku warn SERAP Gives Tinubu 48 Days To Reverse Petrol Price Hike Atiku Rejects Plot To Increase VAT, Warns Tinubu I’ll Win 2027 Presidential Election, Says Kwankwaso SEC warns capital market operators against illegal practices, to begin enforcement Akpata: Edo youths trapped in unemployment, despair — but there is hope Dangote free to fix petrol price but no guarantee it’ll be cheaper — NNPC Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

Over 1,000 soldiers resign from Army in four years – Report

No fewer than 1,008 soldiers have resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years. The figure was from media reports of resignations from 2020 to 2024. According to reports, in 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of no fewer than 59 soldiers. In August this year, 196 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army; in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021,127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020. Our correspondent observed that the soldiers who resigned had neither reached the retirement age nor completed the mandatory years of service. However, in the disengagement letter dated August 23 signed by Brigadier O.H. Musa, the 196 soldiers were directed to proceed on terminal leave on November 1. It partly read, “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS vide Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the above-named soldier and 195 others listed in Annex A. The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave with effect from 1 November 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30 November 24. “Accordingly, I am directed to respectfully request you to cause the affected soldiers’ units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the following forms as enclosed and forward the same to this Department no later than 6 September 24.” Reacting to the turnover in the service, the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said service in the Nigerian Army was not by conscription. He added that some of the soldiers pulled out on medical grounds, noting that others for personal reasons. Onyema said, “Though I do not have the exact details of yearly retirements or discharge of personnel currently, I can say that officers and soldiers are processed for retirement or discharge by time, based on laid down criteria and provisions of the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially those who have served out their mandatory 35 years of service. “A few retire or discharge on medical grounds, while very few seek discharge voluntarily for personal reasons. Retiring or discharging from active service is, therefore, not a strange phenomenon, as this is also obtainable in other local and international security and civil organisations. I must add quickly that service in the Nigerian Army is not by conscription.”

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

We’ve never used NAFDAC’s name to deceive Nigerians – Prophet Fufeyin

The Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Abuja, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has denied allegations suggesting that his ministry has been using the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to mislead the public regarding spiritual items. In a statement issued on Sunday by the church’s media arm, and signed by Sophia Iloyd, the church described the allegations as false and misleading. The statement was in a response to NAFDAC’s statement on Sunday, alerting the public to the activities of Fufeyin’schurch claiming he had been using the agency’s name to deceive the public. The church, however, said it is a law-abiding institution that respects the laws of the land, including those of NAFDAC. It emphasised that it operates under the protections of Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and expression. “As a church, we are guided by our faith and the teachings of the Bible. We have been using spiritual items as an expression of our religious beliefs. “The church strongly denied claims made in the publication, which suggested that NAFDAC was warning the public about the ministry’s activities. “At no point has our church deceived the public. We have not produced or sold consumable items to the public, let alone used NAFDAC’s name to do so,” the statement read It further clarified that the only complaint pending against the church is a petition by one Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman, who the church has taken to court over various allegations. Fufeyin’s church acknowledged receiving a letter from NAFDAC dated August 27, 2024, which invited the church’s spiritual head for an inquiry into its use of miracle and healing items. However, the church claimed that it was given less than 12 hours to respond and had already communicated its position to NAFDAC via official correspondence. The church also alleged that the complainant, Otse, forged receipts to back his claims against the ministry. These receipts, it said, were different from the ones typically issued by the church’s accounting office and had discrepancies in dates and details. “We have written to NAFDAC and informed them that the receipts submitted by the complainant are under police investigation. Despite this, NAFDAC has not responded to our letters or provided any feedback on the matter,” the statement concluded.

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Post Date : September 9, 2024

Abdelmadjid Tebboune re-elected Algerian president

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been declared the winner of Saturday’s presidential election in Algeria. Mohamed Charfi, head of the Algerian electoral commission, told journalists on Sunday that Tebboune, the incumbent president, had won with over 90 percent of the votes. “Of 5,630,000 voters recorded, 5,320,000 voted for the independent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune, accounting for 94.65 percent,” he said. Charfi said, while announcing the results, that the body had worked to ensure transparency and fair competition among all candidates. The closest contenders, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, amassed three percent and two percent of votes respectively. The total turnout was said to have been 48 percent. Cherif’s campaign team reportedly said polling station officials were pressured to inflate results. The campaign team, citing its own rallies from regions, added that the candidate had won far more votes than had been announced. Throughout the campaign period, activists and international organisations, including Amnesty International, railed against the campaign season’s “repressive atmosphere” and the alleged harassment and prosecutions of those involved in opposition parties, media organisations and civil society groups. During his campaigns, Tebboune had promised to raise unemployment benefits, pensions and public housing programmes, all of which he increased during his first term as president. He was first elected in 2019 during the mass “hirak” (movement) protests that forced Abdulaziz Bouteflika from power after 20 years. The protests brought hundreds of thousands of people into the streets every week for more than a year demanding an end to corruption and the ousting of Bouteflika.

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Post Date : September 8, 2024

FORGED LETTER: Zamfara denies releasing funds to bandits

Zamfara State government has disowned some documents claiming that it had released huge funds to some bandits’ kingpins for dialogue in the state. The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, told our correspondent in Gusau, the state capital, on Sunday that the documents were fake and mischievous, misleading, malicious and false. Nakwada said the documents with his signature and those of other top government officials were forged. He added that security agencies had been properly briefed and were on trial to track down the social media source. He faulted the claims that money was paid to some media promoters under the guise of “reconciliation efforts” from the state Security Trust Fund. Nakwada said, “It is crucial that we address this matter with transparency and urgency. “Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal from its commitment to rescuing and rebuilding the state. “But due to the sensitivity of the security, which remains one of the priorities of this administration, we are compelled to make some clarifications.” Nakwada said to set the records straight, but the purported memo allegedly said to have originated from his office to Governor Lawal and was entirely fake and mischievous. “The state government has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandits and terrorists. “We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists. “Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state,” he added. Nakwada said the state government had implemented strategic measures to combat the menace of banditry, adding that the efforts were always guided by integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of people. “The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contains are not only distracting but also an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have in Gov Lawal’s administration to restore peace and order, ” he concluded.

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