The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party governors over allegations that it manipulated the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024.....Read Full Article>>

INEC had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress as the winner with 291,667 votes, while the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, secured 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.

Rising from its two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday, the PDP Governors Forum maintained its stance, insisting that electoral irregularities denied its candidate victory in Edo and alleging vote-buying in Ondo.

The PDP governors alleged that INEC tampered with results to favour the APC during the Edo governorship election.

The party called on the judiciary and lawmakers to strengthen electoral laws to prevent what it termed “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

“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,” the PDP Governors’ Forum said in its communique.

But reacting to the accusations, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, described the claims as “unfortunate and inappropriate.”

“As a law-abiding organisation, we cannot comment on a matter that is before the court. It is sub judice,” Oyekanmi stated.

He criticised the PDP governors for pursuing what he called a “media trial,” urging the party to present its evidence in court rather than raising unsubstantiated claims in public.

“Interestingly, it is the PDP that filed the petition at the tribunal to challenge the result of the Edo State governorship election that is now canvassing the same issues in the media. One would expect the party and its candidate to tender their evidence in court to prove the allegations detailed in their petition, rather than embark on media trial,” he said.

Addressing claims regarding the Ondo State election, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s performance, describing it as one of the best elections conducted by the commission.

“We do not claim it was a perfect election, but it was a good outing,” he remarked.

He urged political parties to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, saying, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”

Also reacting, the APC knocked the PDP governors, asking them to concentrate on their court case rather than whipping up public sentiment.

In an interview with The PUNCH, the APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim said, “Why is the PDP refusing to utilise the provision of going to the constitutional court, rather than the public court? The constitution has made it very clear that if there is an election and you are not happy with the outcome of the election, you proceed to the court for interpretation of what happened.

“Whether it was an election or selection or whatever language they are using, the right place to go is the constituted court, not the court of public opinion, which is what they are doing. Are they indirectly trying to incite the public to lynch INEC or to take the law into their hands and go into civil disobedience?”

Continuing, Bala raised concerns that the PDP may be up to some mischief and foul moves with this latest allegation.

The APC spokesman further recalled the opposition party’s refusal to sign the Peace Accord before the election to buttress his point.

“You will recall that before the election, there was an invitation for peace, to which they refused. They refused to sign the peace accord. I am suspicious that the PDP is planning something that is not in the interest of the constitution of this country. I hope I am wrong.

“Why are they always following the path of emotion rather than following the path of legality? These are governors that were put in place by constituted courts, not the court of public opinion. Now, they are trying to incite the public to go against what is constitutionally provided. They should have a rethink.

“It is sad to even think that some of them are lawyers, some journalists who are supposed to be members of the fifth realm of the estate. They need to be schooled. Let them come to the APC Progressive Institute and learn the ropes of politics,” he said.

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have declared that the party remains a formidable force in Nigeria. Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, made the assertion at the end of a meeting on Saturday in Jos.....Read Full Article>>

Mohammed said the party will overcome all its challenges, adding that the ‘minor setbacks’ would soon be over. He called on lovers of the PDP and Nigerians in general not to lose hope in the party.

“The Forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, the founding fathers, elders and members of our great party about the seeming divisions within its rank and file.

“The Forum, however, wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion within the party.

“This is a party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform to provide democratic governance to all; it is still the party to beat,” he said.

The chairman also called on the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to convey a meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, as part of measures to address internal wranglings.

He commended members of the National Assembly elected under the platform of the party for their contributions toward the growth of democracy.

Mohammed, however, called on the leadership of the National Assembly to critically interrogate all bills to ensure fairness, equity, national balance and even development.

The governor, who noted with deep concern the current economic crisis in the country, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review his administration’s macro-economic and fiscal policies to address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.

While commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang for hosting his colleagues in Plateau, Mohammed, equally commiserated with the government and people of the state over the recent fire outbreak at a wood market.

The Federal Government has debunked reports that it has begun sacking workers with degrees from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic and Togo.....Read Full Article>>

These rumours surfaced following comments from former Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that many individuals who graduated from these institutions and are now employed have been affected by the alleged sackings.

Sani wrote on X, “Thousands of guys who graduated from the Benin Republic universities, got jobs and married with kids are the ones hardest hit with this mass sacking by the FG.

“I appeal to the government to reconsider the sacking by creating an opening for them to make up with a Nigerian degree through the open university system.”

However, a representative from the Federal Civil Service Commission confirmed that no such mass sacking are taking place.

The Commission clarified that it had not received any formal recommendations for such actions and assured that any future decisions would be based on official processes.

He said, “At our end, there is no disengagement for now. They have to push it to us, or maybe when they get to us, there’s another round of sitting to look at it.

“At times, they can invite those people involved. You know the procedures. So if they recommend that from where it’s coming from, we will consider it.

“The Commission holds the power to employ, transfer, dismiss, discipline, and promote. If you ask me if we are dismissing now, I will say no.

“We have not dismissed anybody, and this is based on what I know at this moment. Disengagement is not something hidden.”

Earlier this year, a government investigation revealed that over 22,000 Nigerians had obtained fake degrees from unrecognised universities in Benin and Togo.

The report revealed that many of these individuals bypassed mandatory one year NYSC scheme, making it hard to identify them.

Head of the panel, Prof. Jubril Aminu, while commenting on the outcome of the investigation said:

“Sadly, these people have used the fake certificates to apply and secure job opportunities in government and private organisations with the mindset that they schooled abroad, while people who studied day and night are out there looking for job opportunities.

“Even within the countries, Benin and Togo, these universities are not accredited to offer degree programs. I don’t know how Nigerians chose to go to unaccredited institutions abroad to ‘study’. Our investigations also indicated that many of the people never even attended the school physically.”

No fewer than 331 senior civil servants have been promoted in the federal civil service, Sunday PUNCH gathered. The 331 new directors were among the 697 candidates who sat the oral interview on Monday, November 4, 2024.....Read Full Article>>

In May 2024, the Federal Civil Service Commission put out a notice for the year 2024 promotion/evaluation process for senior civil servants on Grade Levels 14, 15 and 16. Sunday PUNCH reports that the written examination (local leg) took place between August 12 and August 17, 2024.

On October 11, 2024, the Civil Service Commission invited those who were shortlisted after the written test for an oral interview, while an additional list was released on October 21, 2024.

The list of those who passed the final promotion was unveiled in a final memo signed by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa.

“Sequel to the conduct of the Year 2024 Directorate Level Promotion/Evaluation Exercise, the Federal Civil Service Commission has approved the promotion of the following Officers in the Federal Civil Service from Salary Grade Levels 14 to 15, 15 to 16 and 16 to 17 respectively, with effect from January 1, 2024,” Olaopa said in the memo.

In the list sighted by our correspondent, it was revealed that only 331 of the 697 who were shortlisted for the oral interview were promoted.

A well- known chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Cletus Obun, has called on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his strategy regarding political appointments, emphasizing that neglecting loyal party members could have significant consequences.....Read Full Article>>

During an interview on Politics Today, a program broadcasted on Channels Television, Cletus Obun voiced his disapproval of Tinubu’ s handling of appointments, labeling it as a perilous misstep that may distance committed party supporters.

Cletus Obun expressed concerns that individuals who dedicated their efforts to securing Tinubu’ s victory in the 2023 election are feeling marginalized.

He stated, ” It is a wrong strategy not to reward your own allies. It would surely boomerang. In a developing democracy such as this, it is a brazen affront to loyalty. ”

Drawing a comparison to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, Obun criticized the reward system within the APC, suggesting a repetition of what he considered a deficient approach. ” APC had the worst reward system under Buhari, and today we’ re seeing the repeat. A man works like an elephant and eats like an ant. It’ s not correct, ” he explained.

Moreover, Obun raised apprehensions that Tinubu’ s advisers might be influencing him in a misguided direction by undermining the efforts of loyal supporters, cautioning that ignoring those who supported him could lead to political downfall. ”

Certain attempts are being made to mislead him into thinking those who worked for him in 2023 may not be useful in 2027. That is political suicide to even attempt, ” he warned.

Obun’ s statements reflect growing discontent within the APC regarding Tinubu’ s governance approach and commitment to party members.
In a short answer, Cletus Obun has advised President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his strategy on political appointments to avoid alienating loyal party members and potential political consequences.

What do you have to say about this? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has described President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, and other past Nigerian leaders as products of an “accidental leadership cycle.”....Read Full Article>>

According to Kukah, many of these leaders assumed power without adequate preparation, particularly in a world where the demands of governance are constantly evolving.

Kukah made these remarks on Sunday while delivering a keynote address during the commissioning of the new Start-Rite School building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership history, Bishop Kukah highlighted a recurring pattern of unpreparedness among the country’s leaders.

“If we look at Nigeria’s leadership journey, you will find that almost every leader who came to power did so by accident,” he said. “President Tinubu, despite claiming to be prepared for the role, is clearly struggling. We are still trying to find our footing. He took over from Buhari, who had already disengaged from governance.

“Buhari succeeded Jonathan, a man who never envisioned himself as president but was thrust into leadership due to circumstances. Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua, who planned to return to teaching after his governorship.

“Yar’Adua succeeded Obasanjo, who was unexpectedly released from prison to become president. Before that, Obasanjo replaced Abacha, who was poised to rule indefinitely until nature intervened. Abacha followed Shonekan, a business executive abruptly drafted to lead the country. The cycle is evident, and the missing link in all of this is knowledge and preparation.”

Kukah argued that while Nigeria has embraced democratic principles like “one man, one vote,” its democratic process has repeatedly failed to deliver competent leadership. He stressed that modern leadership requires a deep understanding of the evolving environment and challenges.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, emphasized the need to cultivate leadership qualities early in life. He attributed many of Nigeria’s challenges to failures in leadership and accountability.

Marwa also shed light on a disturbing trend within the drug trade, revealing the involvement of visually impaired individuals in trafficking illicit substances.

“Recently, the NDLEA uncovered a cartel involving visually impaired individuals,” Marwa disclosed. “We arrested a blind man transporting a large consignment of cannabis from Lagos to Kano. During interrogation, he claimed he didn’t know the package’s contents and provided the name of another blind individual in Lagos. This led us to another blind man, and eventually, we traced the ultimate handler, who was also blind.”

While Marwa refrained from sharing additional details about the cartel’s operations, he acknowledged the unique challenges posed by such cases.

Marwa also paid tribute to Senator Ndoma-Egba, Chairman of the Board of Advisory for Start-Rite School, for organizing the lecture in honor of his late wife, Amaka Ndoma-Egba.

“Amaka Ndoma-Egba was a visionary who established this school to prepare students for a dynamic and ever-changing world,” Marwa said.

Founded in 2008 with just seven pupils, Start-Rite School has grown into a leading institution in Abuja, now serving over 800 students across nursery, primary, and secondary levels.

The event emphasized the need for a renewed focus on leadership development and education to address Nigeria’s governance challenges and societal issues.

Former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign, Doyin Okupe, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to succeed Muhammadu Buhari was driven by a strong passion to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.....Read Full Article>>

In an interview with Vanguard, when asked about claims that Tinubu’s “Emilokan” declaration contrasted with the perception of his unpreparedness, especially considering the worsening economy since May 29, 2023 when he assumed office, Okupe responded: “Unfortunately, he (Tinubu) has come into government at a very terrible and awful time.

“And when I met him, I told him, ‘Are you out of your mind? How would you want to succeed a Buhari (Muhammadu) administration, eight years of total abandonment, decadence and retrogression?’
“He (Tinubu) said he was driven by passion to help Nigeria.”

“Having been part and parcel of those who brought Buhari, you can’t blame somebody for bringing a leader. If the leader does not perform, it’s unfortunate. But if you are brave enough to say, yes, you know; whatever the leader has done wrong, ‘let us put our necks out and correct it’. And this is what this guy is doing,” he added.

Okupe defended the President against criticisms, arguing that the President shouldn’t be blamed for decades of systemic issues or the failures of the previous administration.

“How can you hold President Tinubu accountable for the ills of 30, 40 years? And for the two-terms of national abandonment of the last eight years, it’s unfair, it’s unrealistic,” he stated.

“And go and check it, being a reformer, you know, he didn’t ask me to say this, but I’m telling you from commonsense and my understanding of how government works, Bola Tinubu will need a minimum of two years for some of his policies to be properly established and to begin to produce results,” he noted.

Okupe
“I have gone to read history, I read about Lin Kuan Yew. Lin Kuan Yew had, you know, Singapore, and at that point in time, the other country next to it, Malaysia, before they pulled out. He had those 31 years to rule that country, to transform that nation from Third World to First World. He said, ‘I did certain things that were not okay’,” Okupe concluded.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has slammed Governor Monday Okpebholo over his decision to investigate his administration.....Read Full Article>>

Okpebholo on Sunday unveiled a 14-man panel to probe Obaseki in order to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership.

According to the governor, despite multiple requests for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government only provided limited and insufficient information.

To fulfill his campaign promises of probity, accountability, and transparency, the committee which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, will scrutinize the immediate past administration.

Reacting to the development, Obaseki’s spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, called the probe a distraction from Okpebholo’s lack of preparedness and failure to deliver results.

Crusoe dismissed it as an attempt to divert attention from Okpebholo’s inability to govern effectively.

He revealed that Obaseki’s tenure was marked by transparency as the state’s first asset register was created, which was handed over to the current government.

He argued that the ongoing probes are a political ploy, aimed at distracting the public from the new administration’s lack of direction.

Obaseki’s spokesperson also accused Okpebholo of being under the influence of political figures seeking revenge for past losses, rather than focusing on governance and addressing the needs of the people.

He urged Okpebholo to prioritize actual governance and stop wasting time and resources on futile investigations.

He reminded him that Edo citizens are not easily misled and will judge his leadership based on real impact, not empty political games.

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.....Read Full Article>>

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 insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” Badaru said.

Badaru added that Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity is restricted not only to a region but also nationwide.

The minister said in the last year, significant progress had been made to that effect.

In Imo, Badaru visited Hope Uzodimma, the state governor, and extended his gratitude for his support of the military operations.

“We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

This is coming when a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa was arrested and detained in Finland for terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa has been one of those sponsoring terrorism in the Southeast through the enforcement of sit-at-home and unknown gunmen activities.