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  • Kaduna gov welcomes A’Court judgment, seeks opponents’ support

    Kaduna gov welcomes A’Court judgment, seeks opponents’ support

    Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has applauded the Court of Appeal’s verdict affirming his victory at the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

    The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate,  Isah Ashiru, had challenged the declaration of Sani by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the election in the North-West state.

    The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, who announced the result, had said the APC candidate polled 730,002 votes while his closest rival, Ashiru of the PDP scored 719,196 votes.

    He added that the Labour Party candidate, Jonathan Asake, polled 58,283 to come third while the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, came a distant fourth with 21,405 votes while rejected votes stood at 19,114.

    However, dissatisfied with the ruling, the PDP and its candidate appealed the judgment of the tribunal.

    But the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday affirmed the  Justice Victor Oviawe-led three-man election tribunal judgment which upheld  Sani’s victory.

    While expressing joy and gratitude at the confirmation of his victory by the Appeal Court, Sani also extended a hand of fellowship to all opposing sides in a bid to move the state forward in tandem with the #SUSTAINKaduna agenda.

    This was according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Shehu released to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday.

    The governor praised the diligence and thoroughness of both the tribunal and the appellate court while noting that he’s always confident in the nation’s judicial process.

    He said, “Today, I received the news of the Appeal Court verdict. I acknowledge and appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of the Kaduna State Elections Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court for arriving at this verdict today.

    “I have always remained confident in our judicial process. It is now time to peacefully move forward and continue to work assiduously for the people of Kaduna without distractions as the task ahead of us is huge.

    “The Deputy Governor, Dr  Hadiza Balarabe, and my humble self appreciate the All Progressives Congress family, and the good people of Kaduna for their unflinching support during this entire process

    “I urge my brothers in the
    opposition to accept this verdict in good faith and as the will of the people. It is time to come together as one to move our great state forward.”

    Sani promised to continue to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders and to maintain an open-door policy.

  • Kwara gov rallies support as market fire razes shops

    Kwara gov rallies support as market fire razes shops

    The Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday night, joined the state Fire Service in a rescue operation to salvage goods and property at the Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko, Ilorin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

    The fire incident which started at about 9.18pm on Wednesday affected 15 shops with goods lost estimated at N367.4m.

    The Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko located in the heart of the ancient town housed 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses.

    The state Fire Service which said that it deployed equipment from two of its major stations located in Ilorin, the state capital, said that it saved property estimated at about N25bn as a result of its quick and massive intervention to curtail the fire.

    The cause of the fire incident could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

    A  statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said, “On November 22, 2023, at approximately 21:18 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire at Oja Tuntun market in Ilorin West Local Government Area.

    “Upon arrival, the fire crew found numerous shops ablaze and worked swiftly to control and extinguish the fire. Two fire appliances from different stations, namely Brigade Headquarters and Folawiyo Road Fire Station, collaborated to tackle the situation effectively.

    “The Oja Tuntun Market, housing 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses, experienced minimal damage, with only 15 shops affected by the inferno.

    “The fire service’s prompt and efficient response helped save commodities and property valued at over N25bn. The cause of the fire couldn’t be affirmed yet while investigation is ongoing.

    “Notably, the state governor, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, was present at the scene, expressing sympathy for those affected and commending the efforts of the Kwara State Fire Service in successfully managing the situation”, the statement said.

    The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, urged the citizens to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime, adding, “This would help them to prevent the chances of fire incidents in their various homes, marketplaces, offices and also help them to drastically reduce it.”

    Meanwhile, the President of the 8th Senate, Dr  Bukola Saraki, has sympathised with the victims of the inferno that engulfed the Kuntu wing of Oja Tuntun, Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganyu Abdulqadir, which was made available to newsmen on Thursday, expressed worry over the incessant occurrence of fire incidents in the city and called for urgent steps to address them.

    He commended men of the fire service for their timely interventions, and said all measures must be put in place to put an end to these avoidable incidents that were wreaking havoc on the people’s source of livelihood.

    “My thoughts are with the marketers and Ojatuntun community over the unfortunate fire at the market late Wednesday night.

    “This is a huge concern and I call on everyone to join hands to find lasting solutions to forestall such sad occurrences in the future,” he said.

    The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin prayed to God Almighty to relieve the affected marketers and grant them succour over their losses.

  • Kwara market fire destroys 15 shops, gov joins rescue operation

    Kwara market fire destroys 15 shops, gov joins rescue operation

    Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday night, joined men of the State Fire Service in a rescue operation to salvage goods and property at the Oja Tuntun market, Baboko, Ilorin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state, when fire razed 15 shops in the market.

    The fire which started around 9.18 p.m. affected 15 shops with goods lost estimated at N367.4 million.

    The market which is located in the heart of the ancient town houses 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses.

    The State Fire Service said it deployed equipment from two of its major stations located in Ilorin, the state capital, adding that it saved property estimated at about N25 billion as a result of its quick intervention.

    The cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

    The Head, Media and Publicity of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, in a statement, said, “On November 22, 2023, at approximately 21:18 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire at Oja Tuntun Market in Ilorin West Local Government Area.

    “Upon arrival, the fire crew found numerous shops ablaze and worked swiftly to control and extinguish the fire. Two fire appliances from different stations, namely Brigade Headquarters and Folawiyo Road Fire Station, collaborated to tackle the situation effectively.

    “Oja Tuntun Market, housing 1 072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses, experienced minimal damage, with only 15 shops affected by the inferno.

    “The fire service’s prompt and efficient response helped save commodities and property valued at over N25 billion. The cause of the fire couldn’t be ascertained yet while an investigation is ongoing.

    “Notably, the state Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq was present at the scene, expressing sympathy for those affected and commending the efforts of the Kwara State Fire Service in successfully managing the situation.”

    The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, urged the citizens to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime, adding that “this would help them to prevent the chances of fire outbreaks in their various homes, market places, offices and also help them to drastically reduce it.”

    Meanwhile, the President of the 8th Senate, Bukola Saraki, has sympathised with the victims of the inferno that engulfed the Kuntu wing of Oja Tuntun.

    Saraki, in a statement, by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganyu Abdulqadir, which was made available to newsmen on Thursday expressed worry over the incessant occurrence of fire incidents in the city and called for urgent steps to address it.

    He commended the men of the fire service for their timely interventions and said all measures must be put in place to put an end to these avoidable incidents that are wreaking havoc on the people’s source of livelihood.

    “My thought with the marketers and Oja Tuntun community over the unfortunate fire at the market late Wednesday night.

    “This is a huge concern and I call on everyone to join hands to find lasting solutions to forestall such sad occurrences in the future,” he said.

    The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin prayed to God Almighty to relieve the affected marketers and grant them succour over their losses.

  • Adeleke backtracks on acting CJ, APC Knocks gov

    Adeleke backtracks on acting CJ, APC Knocks gov

    The drama around the suspension of Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, continued on Sunday with Governor Ademola Adeleke denying appointing an acting CJ to replace Justice Ojo.

    Ojo was last Thursday asked to step aside by the State House of Assembly to allow for an investigation into some petitions written against her.

    On the same day, spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement sent to journalists in Osogbo, said Adeleke had approved the appointment of Justice Olayinka Afolabi as acting CJ in place of the Ojo.

    Rasheed said, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has appointed Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge of Osun state with immediate effect following the approval of the resolution of the House of Assembly.”

    In another statement, Rasheed said the deputy governor, Kola Adewusi, would perform the swearing-in ceremony for Afolabi, who is next on the order of seniority, the following day, Friday.

    But the swearing-in did not hold with the government saying it was following the necessary procedures.

    But in a fresh twist on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said Adeleke had not appointed anyone as acting Chief Judge.

    Alimi said Adeleke in his communication to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, only notified him of the current investigation of Osun Chief Judge and made a recommendation to the National Judicial Council for the appointment of an acting Chief Judge.

    He said, “The government of Osun State has denied news reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke has removed the Chief Judge and appointed an acting Chief Judge, clarifying that the governor had only forwarded the resolution of the House of Assembly and recommendation for an acting appointment to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for decision and action.

    “With all sense of responsibility, it is important to set the records straight that Governor Adeleke has only duly notified the Chief Justice as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council in writing about the resolutions of the House of Assembly following a series of petitions made against the sitting Chief Judge of Osun State.

    “In the communication, Mr Governor intimated the CJN of the recommendation of the House that the Chief Judge should step aside and include his own submission for an acting appointment to fill the vacuum while the NJC reviews and decides on the petition.

    “To that end, the governor, in the same letter, recommended to the CJN, the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon.Justice Olayinka  Afolabi, for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN.”

    The commissioner said Adeleke was a man of due process and rule of law with a deep level of respect for the Bar and the bench, the NJC and the country’s constitution.

    “We assure the public that Mr Governor is fully aware of the limit of his powers as well as the responsibilities of the various agencies of government and will, therefore, not act in any way to violate the constitution and rule of law,” Alimi said.

    Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun and the opposition All Progressives Congress traded words on Sunday over the CJ saga.

    The Osun APC, in a statement by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, berated the governor, saying he was uninformed about the constitutional provisions on the matter of CJ.

    “When the blind leads the blind, the fall of all of them will be catastrophic which is what is being witnessed in Osun State today.

    “The haphazard handling of the CJ’s suspension by the Osun State lawmakers further confirms the allegation by the public that nothing beneficial to the citizenry can evolve from the Assembly, which 16 of its members are alleged to be Yahoo chieftains?

    “One is safe to conclude that the House of Assembly under the speakership of Wale Egbedun has an image problem to contend with before the members of the public can take them seriously that they are not the suckers and lapdogs of Governor Adeleke.”

    But responding, the Osun PDP, in a statement by its chairman, Sunday Bisi, declared support for the governor and the House of Assembly on the handling of the CJ’s matter, saying Adeleke demonstrated competence and patriotism in his handling of state matters.

    Bisi said, “In the case of issues around the Chief Judge, Governor Adeleke has done the right thing by communicating the development to the National Judicial Council for action. The NJC had received the governor’s letter since last Thursday, putting paid to all ambiguities and misinformation.

    “The sign of a good leader is the capacity to set records straight in cases of misinformation. This is what Mr Governor has done. The state PDP reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership style of the state governor and that of the state Assembly, chiding the state APC for lacking a deeper understanding of the dynamics of governance.”

    Meanwhile, Adeleke’s spokesman dismissed the claim that the CJ’s troubles stemmed from her judgment in the murder case of a  Master’s student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke, leading to a death sentence on the owner of Hilton hotels, Ile-Ife, Ramon Adedoyin.

    The spokesman said “What is more, throughout the trial, Adedoyin’s legal team was manned by prominent APC lawyers from the beginning to the end. No single PDP lawyer was involved with the Adedoyin team.

    “We affirm that the crisis rocking the state judiciary has to do with a series of petitions from judicial officials on alleged misconduct of the Chief Judge. On each occasion, those petitions always ended up unprocessed over deliberate blackmail with the Adedoyin matter until recent action by the state Assembly.

    “The governor’s sin is his consistent refusal to accept overtures to protect his kinswoman, the Chief Judge, from probe on alleged corruption. Mr. Governor has always maintained his ground that if as a governor he is not immune from accountability questions, why should he use his office to protect another official because of blood or town kinship?”

    But counsel for the CJ,  Oladipo Olasope (SAN), in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Sunday, said due process was not followed in the purported removal of CJ.

    Olasope, who said he was unaware of any pending petitions against the CJ, said it would not be proper for him to comment.

    He said, “I wouldn’t know the allegations made against her (Ojo). I am not aware of any allegation against her and if I say I know of any allegation against her, then I am lying.

    “I don’t of any allegation against her. All I know is that the governor said he wants to remove the woman (Ojo) and I don’t know they did not follow due process.”

  • Education to gulp 30% of 2024 budget, says Enugu gov

    Education to gulp 30% of 2024 budget, says Enugu gov

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said his administration will spend 30 per cent of the 2024 state budget on educational sector.

    Mba, who stated this on Saturday, in a keynote address at the 19th convocation ceremony of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, disclosed that education remains the state’s greatest weapon against poverty.

    According to him, his administration is determined to ensure that the poorest child in the remotest parts of the State receives world-class education using tools of the 21st century.

    Mbah, who is also a visitor to the university, said the most radical changes in education under his administration would take place in the area of basic education.

    He said,  “In my view, education is probably our greatest weapon in our war against poverty in the medium to long run.

    “It is for this reason that education is at the core of the strategy, which we envisage will see us boost our GDP from the current levels of about $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion by the end of 2031.

    “This is why we have designed and are implementing a most revolutionary strategy to revamp the current educational system. This revamp will be extensive and exhaustive, ranging from the basic schools through secondary to tertiary institutions like ESUT.

    “There will be changes not only in the curricula, but also in the models for delivering knowledge in our educational institutions. The most radical change will take place in our basic schools where our children spend the first nine years schooling.

    “Therefore, in 2024, we will be spending close to 30 per cent of our state budget on education, well above the recommended international benchmark.”

    The governor said his administration had completed the construction of one smart school, awarded contract for the construction of another nine, while 250 more would be constructed in less than 14 months to cover the entire 260 wards, adding that teachers for the pilot model school were already undergoing training by global experts.

    “These smart schools will each be equipped with internet access, solar power, a centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, a modern ICT centre, two well-equipped laboratories for primary school and junior secondary school, a studio for creative production, 25 inclusive classrooms, with interactive digital whiteboard, android tablets for pupils’ use, among others”, he explained.

    He commended the ESUT management for some steps already being taken to align with the government’s vision for tertiary education in the state.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius-Michaels Okolie, commended Mbah for the laudable vision for education in the state and great support to ESUT since the governor’s assumption of office.

    He said ESUT management was repositioning the institution in line with the governor’s educational vision and policies.

    The convocation also saw the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on some distinguished Nigerians, including the

    Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Osagie Okunbor, Group Managing Director of Afrivest West Africa Ltd, Ike Chioke, the foremost estate developer, Surv Ugochukwu Chime, and recognitions and cash awards to outstanding student-led by the best-graduating student, Miss Barbara Ijeoma Ikeonyia.

  • Benue gov congratulates Uzodimma

    Benue gov congratulates Uzodimma

    The Benue State Governor,  Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, on his re-election.

    The congratulatory message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula in Makurdi.

    Alia said Uzodimma’s landslide victory showed that he is the true choice of the good people of Imo.

    He said the outcome of the election was heartwarming, noting that the margin of victory was an indication of the trust and love the people have in the policies and programmes of Uzodimma led APC government.

    He, however, assured Uzodimma of his unalloyed support and a robust working relationship for the progress of their respective States and Nigeria in general.

    He prayed for his good health and a long political life as he steers the affairs of Imo .

    Alia charged the governor to use the victory as a platform to continue to offer purposeful leadership to the good people of Imo  and beyond.

    NAN

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    Contact: [email protected]

  • INEC adjourns collation of Kogi gov results to 7pm

    INEC adjourns collation of Kogi gov results to 7pm

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has adjourned the collation of the Kogi State governorship election results to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

    Results in 18 Local Government Areas have been released, remaining three LGAs.

    However, the INEC state Returning Officer, Prof. Johnson Urama, announced the postponement.

    Upon resumption, the remaining results would be released and the winner would be announced.

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    Contact: [email protected]

  • LP gov candidate faults process, alleges vote-buying

    LP gov candidate faults process, alleges vote-buying

    The Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, on Saturday, faulted the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in the state, saying it was fraught with irregularities bordering on alleged selling and buying of votes.

    He also claimed that the identities of LP polling agents were changed by INEC prior to election day.

    Speaking in an interview with reporters after casting his vote in his Agudama-Ekpetiama community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Eradiri said, “Unfortunately, vote-buying was the order of the day, and the people were encouraging it and being bought.

    “I was talking to somebody, and the person was telling me that she was ready to sell her vote for me, and I told her I can’t buy votes. Secondly, I didn’t contest because I’m looking for people to induce to be governor. I came to the contest because I felt that things were not right, and I felt that I could do things differently.

    “Behind the scenes, you see the buying and selling of votes going on, as you vote you collect your tallies, and you can see people are showing their votes to confirm. So, people don’t care about what you do. All they are after is money.”

    Shedding light on the alleged changing of the names of LP polling unit agents, he said: “In our case, we had filled the forms, 2, 244 agents complete. INEC sent printed tags and on the tags, especially four local government collation agents, which were our local government chairmen, but on the tags, it’s your name but not your face.

    “They just mixed the faces, so it was deliberate. So I insisted and called the national chairman (of INEC) and we sent him a letter. So we have a received copy from INEC. Given that these are errors that you committed because you printed the tags, you didn’t ask us to print them. We filled out forms on the portal, but when you printed them, the names were different. The names were different from the faces. Our agents were refused in a lot of polling units because this problem was deliberately put.”

    The LP standard bearer blamed the electorate for the inability of the state to make progress in terms of good governance, quality leadership, and development, saying that he was disappointed in the system.

    “I am disappointed. I’m disappointed not with the process alone but with the people themselves because I thought that the people understood now because everybody has seen the nakedness of poverty, neglect, and incompetence of leadership and so that will define the voting pattern, but I was fooled.

    “People don’t care about the educational situation and economic situation. All people care about is money in their hands. And that’s why I feel very sad because probably I misjudged the people before I decided to embark on this journey. I thought that the people, going through this process, they would have been able to express it in the ballot.”

  • Vote-buying allegation, voter apathy mar Imo gov poll

    Vote-buying allegation, voter apathy mar Imo gov poll

    Tension was high at the Orji Town Primary School in Owerri North as vote-buying allegations nearly marred the governorship election at the centre.

    The centre housing unit 005, 006, and 007 was peaceful but an argument erupted intermittently between party agent who seemed hell-bent on canvassing to buy votes for their parties.

    Voter apathy was recorded at the Government House Polling Units to Amimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area where the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, cast his vote to Uzuhomuma 001 in Oru-East local government where the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimma cast his vote.

    Also, vote apathy was recorded in Community Primary School, Uzinaumu Mgbidi, Ward 1, polling unit 008, Oru West LGA

    A PDP party agent, Nonso, who was visibly angry condemned the people for selling their vote for as low as N2000, adding that electing the wrong person would lead to years of suffering for the already economically-battered people.

    He said, “I don’t know why people should sell their vote and conscience for N2,000. If the wrong person is elected, they will complain of not getting a fair deal from the government, not knowing that they have mortgaged their lives.

    One of the voters who confirmed that he got N3000, said he still voted for the candidate of his choice despite collecting the money.

    “I took their money and still voted for the candidate of my choice,” the voter said.

    In Orji town primary school, an allegation of vote buying brought an argument between party agents in Units 007, 006, and 005.

  • Community leader debunks Gov. Yusuf’s claim over ownership of land

    Community leader debunks Gov. Yusuf’s claim over ownership of land

    The community leaders in the Salanta quarters of the Bayero University Road in Kano have described the statement credited to the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf that more than 70 percent of the land that falls within the Kano Polytechnic is owned by Prof. Hafta Ganduje, wife of the former Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and her children, as falsehood.

    Recall that Gov. Yusuf had on Sunday claimed that more than 70 percent of the land in question is owned by Ganduje’s wife, Prof. Hafsat Ganduje, and her children.

    Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the affected community on Monday, the Salanta Community leader, Alhaji Ayuba Sani described the Governor’s claim as “falsehood”, saying, “most of the owners of the land in the area resided inside the community and they all have their Certificates of Occupancy and building permit from the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority.”

    Sani stressed that the affected residents whose houses were earmarked for demolition by the government are eager to present their documents of ownership to prove their claim.

    “We’ve occupied the land since time immemorial when the place was not habitable. We bought it from the allottees who were allocated the land by the governor directly. We know ourselves, and if the governor wants to see us, we are ready to see him and prove our case,” Sani noted.

    He explained that the community residents were taken aback by the dramatic turn of events which played out a few days ago, following “the marking of their houses for demolition by the state government and we came out massively to resist the threat.”

    On the claim that the government made a vow to publish the names of the real owners of the lands, Sani said, “This is what we want to hear. We will be very happy to hear that or see the names of those people in print, but surprisingly, it’s the governor’s wife and her children’s name we saw.”

    Meanwhile, Sani has also decried the attitude of some youths “who have been storming the community in their droves to descend on our properties.”

    According to him, these youths come with their work tools to remove iron rods and other building materials and re-sell them at cheap prices to retailers across the Kano markets.

    He said in spite of the situation, it is necessary that the government knows that the community leaders and the residents are well-cultured human beings with good manners, insisting that, “We are law-abiding, and that is why we followed due procedures to acquire the lands in question. We are ready to abide by any position of the government that sounds rational.”