The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has assured that President Bola Tinubu is determined to end insecurity in the Southeast and Nigeria. Badaru said a secure environment is crucial for business growth and peace, hence the need to end insecurity in the region. Addressing military officers during an operational visit to Enugu, the Minister urged the military personnel to intensify efforts to combat the region’s insecurity. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry’s spokesman, Henshaw Ogbuike. “There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of....Read Full Article>>

According to SaharaReporters that the panel was “quietly disbanded” after it upheld the Rivers State Local Government elections conducted by the administration of Fubara. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, who is in a protracted political war with his former godson and governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the secret dissolution of the Special Court of Appeal in the FCT that gave a favourable ruling on the Rivers State Local Government Elections.....Read Full Article>>

SaharaReporters learnt that the panel was “quietly disbanded” after it upheld the Rivers State Local Government elections conducted by the administration of Fubara.

SaharaReporters had reported that the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified a judgement of the Federal High Court that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of local elections in the state.

The appellate court panel, led by Onyekachi Otisi, had held on Thursday that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The court had held that Section 28 of the Electoral Act does not accommodate elections conducted by state governments but only federal elections, governorships, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Electoral Act does not apply to local government elections and the lower court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the appeal,” the panel had held.

SaharaReporters had also reported that Governor Fubara approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to overturn the judgement that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State.

“The panel that sat to hear the new appeal was headed by Justice Hamah Barka and it also has Justice Adebukola Banjoko and Justice Peter C. Obiora. Wike got upset and reached out to Senior Judicial officers and fixers. He secretly disbanded the first panel that gave the favourable ruling,” a top source informed SaharaReporters.

“Ironically Justice Barka had recused himself from the Rivers State issue in the panel earlier set for the same purpose saying he was under attack by some forces claiming he was compromised,” the source further revealed.

“The new panel approved by Wike is litigating on the matter from Abuja Where Wike’s wife is also a senior judge,” it was furthe revealed.

“Wike is also enraged over the decision of the accountant general to pay Rivers allocation based on what he claimed was a mere “stay of execution.”

SaharaReporters had noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government backtracked after it first said it would halt the October monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason.

According to Bawa Mokwa, Spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the decision to stop the payment is in respect of the court order, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government.

The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara.

The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Mokwa, who spoke on Friday, emphasised that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) would respect the court order, following due diligence until a contrary order is issued.

She later on cited a subsisting appeal saying that the allocation could not be stopped.

The FAAC typically disburses revenue to the three tiers of government, including states, local governments, and the federal government.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to overturn the judgement that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State.

The governor, through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Yusuf Ali, SAN, prayed to a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Hamma Barka, to set aside a subsisting order of the High Court that compelled CBN from his state’s monthly allocation.

The governor claimed the High Court judgement was given in bad faith.

He urged the appellate court to allow his appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2024, and nullify adverse orders that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court made against the state in the judgement she delivered on October 30.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has said the House of Representative member from Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere should be in jail for impersonation.....Read Full Article>>

This was as Wike described Ugochinyere as a political hustler trying to satisfy his paymasters from Rivers State. He was reacting to the lawmaker’s remark that he was playing kindergarten and childish politics in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Wike was reacting to Ugochinyere’s comment on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday in which he accused him and the G-5 governors of trying to destroy PDP. Ugochinyere also accused Wike of playing childish and kindergarten politics in PDP.

Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, warned the lawmaker to stop making unfounded claims about him.

A statement by Olayinka reads partly: “If PDP had functioned properly, would Ugochinyere have gotten the party’s ticket while still in another party? Even till today, as a PDP Rep member, Ugochinyere is still holding on to his Action Peoples Party APP, using it to cash out in Rivers State.

“Therefore, we on this side are not bothered because we understand why Ugochinyere must now mount the podium and accuse Wike of playing childish and kindergarten politics. He must satisfy those feeding him from the resources of Rivers State.”

He also mocked the lawmaker for always having an organisation to speak for to carry out his “political hustle.”

“In saner climes, such a character would have been arrested, tried and jailed for impersonation. When he got to the House of Representatives and there was no title under which his political hushpuppism would continue, he awarded to himself a non-existing title of ‘Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly,’ claiming to have been so appointed by the Coalition of United Political Parties.

“Being the political hustler that he has always been, Ugochinyere knew that he would be contravening the rules of the National Assembly by allocating to himself a non-existing position, but he just must have a title to keep his hustle going, and indeed, it has been booming,” the statement articulated.

Edo election was rape of democracy, Ondo mandate bought – PDP governors....Read Full Article>>

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have declared the just-concluded Edo governorship election as a rape of democracy.

Also, the PDP governors said: “We are still examining the documents in Ondo elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.”

There’re still Nigerians with integrity — Femi, who returned N21m worth of crypto coins to owner

These were part of the resolutions reached by the PDP Governors Forum, PDP-GF, at an extra-ordinary session in Jos, the Plateau State capital today. Read the other resolutions HERE.

Meanwhile, the PDP governors gave the National Working Committee, NWC, February 2025 deadline to call National Executive Council, NEC, meeting.
Edo and Ondo election

According to the PDP governors, “The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections.

“It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

“Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents in Ondo elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.

“The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
Roll call

Those who attended the meeting include: Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) – Host Governor.

Others are H.E. Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), H.E Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and H.E. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).Others include: Sir Monday Onyeme (Deputy Governor, Delta) and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai (Deputy Governor, Enugu ).

At least three persons lost their lives have from a clash between farmers and herders in the Dogon Duste community of Nasarawa State. DAILY POST reports that the community is between Nasarawa and Toto Local Government Areas of the state.....Read Full Article>>

The Nasarawa State Police Commissioner, CP Umar Nadada, confirmed the incident in Lafia on Thursday. “The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received a report that there was a clash between farmers and herders on Monday, November 18 at about 4:30 pm.

“On reaching there, it was discovered that two people were killed on the farm while four were injured and they were rushed to Primary Health Care for treatment,” he said.

The Commissioner further said that the police also found another corpse in the bush during a search operation, bringing the number of the deaths to three.

According to him, normalcy has returned to the area and investigations are on to get to the root of the matter, added that the police are working with the community to apprehend those responsible for the clash and ensure that they face the law.

Nadada appealed to residents to continue to collaborate with security agencies in its role of ensuring improved security in the state.

He said the protection of life and property is a collective responsibility hence the need for all residents to rally round the command to tackle security challenges.

The CP further said that the Command had made a significant progress in the fight against insecurity in the state.

“We have already developed an action plan that revolves around collaborative policing after a careful study of the trend of the crime pattern in the state.

“The state is adjudged to be one of the most peaceful in the country because of the collaborative strategy with the communities and the support from the state government,” he added.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said the 10th Senate will participate fully in the burial of the former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas.....Read Full Article>>

Akpabio gave the assurance when a delegation of leaders from Cross River State, led by former Justice Minister Chief Kanu Agabi, paid him a courtesy visit to formally invite the Senate to be part of the burial.

Akpabio told his guests that the Senate would be “part and parcel of all the ceremonies,” describing it as “a celebration of life.” He said: “We will be very delighted, as the 10th Senate, to be part of it.

We have planned to be part of it. In fact, we plan to hold a valedictory session for him on the 28th of November, 2024 and thereafter, we will follow you to Calabar for the Night of Tributes.

“We will want to take part fully in the ceremonies. Your coming is almost like an icing on the cake. It’s like showing respect to the institution of the National Assembly. We don’t take that for granted.

“Even if you did not come, we will still have come to you, but your coming has further added impetus because when you are invited to a function, your legs are strengthened.

“We are going to do everything possible to collaborate and work with you to own this event.”

He described Wayas, who was Nigeria’s first Senate President of South-South extraction, as a trailblazer, a man of style, candour and a charismatic Senate President.

Earlier, Chief Kanu Agabi, who led the delegation, appealed to the Federal Government to take over the burial of Wayas.

“Let the government bury Joseph Wayas. The state government has been struggling with it. Let the Federal Government step in. That is why we are here,” Agabi said.

The former Attorney-General of the Federation said, that because of the delay in burying Joseph Wayas, who died on November 30, 2021, it looked to some people as if he had died several times.

Agabi said those who are familiar with history would know how long it took great men like Jamaican artist Marcus Garvey, former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko and even Joseph in the Bible to be buried.

“It has taken some time with Wayas and it is beginning to look as if it’s embarrassing. It is the way of great men,” Agabi said.

The leadership of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and that of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are again in a verbal war, not on the outcome of the last September governorship election but on the alleged attack of the former’s secretariat in Benin City.....Read Full Article>>

DAILY POST reports that PDP on Thursday alleged that a member of APC mobilised some youths to invade its secretariat. A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the publicity secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee alleged that the thugs were led by a relative of the APC’s state youth leader.

Nehikhare said the invaders destroyed and carted away properties worth millions of naira. He said the political thugs also destroyed doors, windows, and office equipment at the party’s Secretariat.

According to him, several electronics, computers and other valuable items were also carted away by the thugs, who ransacked the building with the plan to attack any person in the building.

While condemning the attack, he opined that it was a desperate and reckless attempt by APC to intimidate PDP and frustrate the party’s efforts at reclaiming its mandate stolen at the September 21 governorship election.

“It is quite disappointing and unfortunate that the APC, on Thursday, mobilised thugs to attack our party Secretariat in their desperation to frustrate and halt efforts by our great party to reclaim the mandate duly given to it by the Edo people at the September 21 governorship election.

“If the APC are confident that they won the election free and square and have nothing to hide, why are they jittery and mobilising thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat? This is barbaric and totally condemnable,” he said.

He urged the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.

He noted that PDP remains resolute and would not be intimidated or deterred in its pursuit of justice and the restoration of its mandate.

Nehikhare called on members of the party and supporters to remain calm and be resolute in the face of the provocations as the leadership of the party is exploring every legal channel to reclaim its mandate.

Reacting, the publicity secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, described the allegation as baseless and urged PDP to settle its internal crisis, warning that it should not drag the APC into its messy affair.

Uwadiae-Igbinigie opined that it was absurd to label those who allegedly attacked the PDP office as APC thugs, wondering if the thugs wore APC uniforms or had APC paraphernalia on them.

“APC government in the state has already embarked on a project the PDP government failed to carry out. We are still basking in the euphoria of our victory and putting the state on the right path.

“How can the PDP say that the thugs that attacked their party secretariat are those of APC? Did the people have anything on them to show that they are APC members? The allegation is baseless and there is no proof.

“The allegation is weighty and criminal in nature so the PDP should be sure they have proof before making the allegation. We will urge the PDP to sort out its internal problem and not drag the APC into it.

“The APC government in the state is already embarking on projects that the PDP failed to do. These are projects that will better the lives of the people,” he said.

The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has declared Nigerian youths the only vehicle for developing the country, insisting no nation can prosper without investing in its youths.....Read Full Article>>

The Vice President asserted that most of the goals the government hopes to achieve locally and globally will be unattainable until the active innovation, involvement and energy of youths are utilised.

Shettima who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, made the assertions at the inaugural Pan-African Legacy Conference of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, MWFAAN. Commending the Mandela Washington Fellows for their innovations, the VP said there can be no future without preparing the youth to shoulder the burden of leadership.

He said, ‘This understanding informs our agenda to not only bring the youth closer but also to ensure that they have a seat at every table where decisions that shape the life of this nation are made.

”They are the vehicles for our development projections and the change that links our policies to the future. A functional nation is formed from a mix of generations blending experience with fresh ideas and seething wisdom with youthful innovation.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, ‘Shaping the Future of Africa through the AFCT and the Agenda 2063,’ Farida Yahaya, president of the association in Nigeria, said,’ It is time for African youths to come home and rebuild.

”We know that Africa has the best future ahead of us, we know that Africa has the best future ahead of us, we know that Africa has the largest young people in the world and it is projected to actually be the leading workforce of creativity and innovation by 2050.

”When we talk about the AFCTA, which is the Africa Free Continental Trip Area and the Agenda 2063 of the EU, a lot of young people seem to be confused about where to go to, how to take action and how to get support. We believe that this conference today would mark the beginning of a ripple effect and conversations that would make sure we take action to support people who are in far-reaching places.

”I want to remind you that we must continue to leverage our network, skills and resources to drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion and inspire the next generation of leaders. We must also think beyond ourselves and consider the legacy we want to leave for our future generations”.

Meanwhile, the Charge d’ Affaires to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, David Greene, has asked more Nigerian youths to aspire to be part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, saying with Nigeria’s population, more young persons can be accepted into the program.

I was told that there are about 6500 give or take Mandela Washington Fellows around the continent over the 10 years of the program, and there are just over 600 of them from Nigeria. That’s pretty impressive. But as we know, one in four or five Africans is a Nigerian. So I think we see that Nigeria is only 10% of the MWF. Nigerians are underrepresented, and we need to work on that clearly.

Ondo: Ajayi rejects results, says ‘APC, INEC perpetrated criminality in guise of election....Read Full Article>>

THE 2024 Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the result of the election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday, and vowed to seek justice at the tribunal.

Ajayi, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka, said that he kept silent since poll results were announced to enable him to investigate ‘contents of criminality perpetrated by both the victorious All Progressives Congress, APC, and the INEC. He said: “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and sadly conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency(INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.

“November 16th election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015 continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters’ apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.

“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God in the interest of our nation, its wellness, peace and tranquility, else they be reduced to same level of criminals and bandits, who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.

“We particularly call on the Judiciary to brace up and perform the sacred and onerous responsibilities to guarantee the portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.

“Nigeria is currently described as a failed state, it is our prayers that it is revived, re-birthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but actually deliver on the same.

“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, else revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portent dire consequences.

“In summary, we reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery. That is the option available to us and we are hopeful that man and God who is the ultimate will give us justice. It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”

IDA lauds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

Meanwhile, a foremost socio-cultural group in Idanre, the Idanre Development Assembly, IDA, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

The group in a letter addressed to the governor by its President-General, Dr Anthony Omolola, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as a clear demonstration of the fact that the people of Ondo State are solidly behind him.

“You have made history in Ondo State by winning the 18 local government areas in the governorship election, hence the task before you is enormous but I believe with God and the support of the good people of Ondo State, you will succeed.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend and thank you for your promise to dualise Akure-Idanre road, which will boost the huge untapped tourism potentials in Idanre with positive consequences on the community and the state in general.” the letter read in part.

Aiyedatiwa’s victory, a good omen —Kayode, Ex-Defence minister

Also, former Defence Minister, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, has described the victory of governor elect as a good omen for the people of the state.

His words: “ This is a good omen for the people of Ondo State as there would be tremendous development in all sectors in the state. Our people expect this.

“I also want to commend INEC as well as the security agencies for efficient implementation of the constitutional guidelines in the conduct of the election.”

While congratulating the people of the state for voting for Governor Aiyedatiwa, he said the outcome of the election was true reflection of the people’s will and it validated the acceptability of Aiyedatiwa.

Victory’s well deserved —Ojogo, Adefarati

Two members of the House of Representatives, Hon Donald Ojogo representing Ileja/ Ese- Odo Federal Constituency and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South East/ Akoko South-West constituency, described the victory of the Governor- Elect as well deserved.

Ojogo said the election results validated the people’s love and appreciation of Aiyedatiwa’s dedication and hard work. “This massive turnout is a reciprocal gesture by the Arogbos for the kindness and support they received from the people of Ilaje in the previous election, which led to Hon. Ojogo’s historic win as the first Arogbo to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives in Abuja.”

Also, Adefarati in a congratulatory message, commended the people of Ondo State for reposing their trust in Aiyedatiwa’s leadership to steer the state towards greater prosperity for another four years.

He noted that the victory is not just a testament to the Governor’s outstanding leadership but also an affirmation of his unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of the people.

Results reflects people’s will —Foreign observer group

Meanwhile, a foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. USA, said that the results of the election truly reflected the records of the ballot boxes at the polling units.

Its spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, said this while presenting its assessment of the poll

David urged candidates and political actors to resort to legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement to sustain social peace and avoid breakdown of law and order.

He said that the election was very peaceful, transparent, credible and successful, with minimal incidents and complaints by party agents at polling units and collation centres.

The Abia State Government has blamed oposition politicians for the unprecedented wave of attacks against army personnel in the state. The government alleged that “unpatriotic opposition politicians in connivance with external forces” were involved in promoting the violence.....Read Full Article>>

This accusation came in the wake of the killing of two soldiers last Wednesday at a checkpoint at Ekenobizi, Umuopara, an Abia community in Umuahia South Local Government Area at the border with neighbouring Imo State.

The government’s stance on the latest attack was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, made available to the media in Umuahia yesterday. He announced that the government has launched “a new Counter Offensive,” in order “to decimate every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals.”

The SA alluded that the government was out for a total war against perpetrators of violence in Abia State, “hence citizens are enjoined not to harbour any person or persons they do not know, to avoid falling victims.

“It has been firmly established that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with some external parties are behind the current wave of violence and crime in the state since the end of May this year.

“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state.”

Ekeoma asserted that based on “tip-off from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence,” the government has “firmly established” that the opposition with external parties was really behind the growing violence in Abia State.”

With the latest attack, no fewer than eight troops have been killed by hoodlums since the first attack occurred on May 19, 2024, followed by a second one on May 30 which claimed five soldiers. Police personnel have also fallen victim to the bloody attacks.

Ekeoma noted that the attacks constituted a new strategy adopted by the opposition to disrupt governance after “they realised that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the government” failed to gel with Abians.

According to him, the Abia State opposition politicians had been engaging in intense and vicious propaganda against the Alex Otti administration, all in the guise of playing opposition politics.

However, the government spokesman said that the “pretentious posturing” of the government’s detractors “has failed to gain currency among Abia people who have thoroughly ignored them and their antics, since they know the truth.”

He stated that the peaceful disposition of Abia State government as “acknowledged locally, nationally and internationally” should not be taken for granted as “we will not yield to blackmail or intimidation.

“It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he said.

Ekeoma, therefore, warned “those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including the kidnapping of law-abiding citizens” to retrace their steps or face dire consequences.

He said that the Abia government “will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear to smoke out” the people involved in creating anarchy and instilling fear in the minds of Abians and visitors.

“The state government led by Governor Alex Otti is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in any part of Abia State and will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hindrance,” he assured Abians.

While urging all innocent and peace-loving Abia residents to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or panic, as the government is determined to ensure their protection at all times, Ekeoma stated that criminal elements would be routed.