Where will the pendulum swing in the petitions at the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) sitting in Abuja? Will it favour President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or either of the opposition candidates: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of Labour Party?

It’s the first time – since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 – that four formidable presidential candidates emerged – with three of them running virtually neck-and-neck at the February 25, 2023, poll.

And it’s also the first time that the Judiciary has been sustainably pleaded with to determine the status of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in regard to election: Whether it’s a specially-designated area or a “State” as stipulated in Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Atiku and Obi (and Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima) had adopted their final written addresses on August 1, paving the way for the PEPC to reserve judgment to mid or late August or early September, as the petitions were filed in early March, and to span 180 days (six months).

It’s come down to counting the number of days on the finger tips – when the PEPC will deliver its opinion on the declaration of Senator Tinubu as winner of the poll and return as President.

Five of the 18 candidates and their parties that took part in the election had filed petitions against the declaration of Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but two of the petitions were withdrawn, and dismissed.

Two of the remaining three petitions were instituted by Atiku and Obi (and their parties), who emerged first and second runners-up at the voting, querying the declaration of Tinubu on several grounds.

In his final written address on July 22, Atiku prayed to be declared President, based on his claim – which’s disputable – that INEC had admitted he won the election in 21 States. (Going by INEC’s returns, Atiku won in 12 States, and secured 25% in 21 States)

In the alternative, Atiku prayed that the poll be voided and a repeat ordered between him and Tinubu; or Tinubu be disqualified and excluded from a fresh franchise.

Obi not only urged the court to nullify Tinubu’s election, but also to disqualify him as a candidate in the presidential election, and order a new poll in which Tinubu would be excluded.

Atiku and Obi may’ve included being declared President in their pleadings and prayers, but failed to do so in the adoption of their final written addresses – which should serve as icing on the cake.

Whereas the petitions were aimed to restore their alleged “stolen mandates” by Tinubu – in cahoots with INEC – Atiku and Obi acted at the Tribunal like the famed Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Mungo Park, and Richard and John Lander looking for “new lands” in a voyage of discovery in the Americas, Asia and Africa.

Atiku and Obi ought to urge the PEPC to declare them as President – as they’d repeatedly claimed that they, and not the former Lagos State governor, won the February 25 poll!

Instead, they asked the court to hold that President Tinubu was unlawfully declared as winner of the election, and order a re-run or cancel the process for a fresh one that should exclude Tinubu.

Even as his election was being questioned in court, Tinubu was inaugurated on May 25 as the 16th President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Former Borno State Governor and Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, was sworn-in as Vice President of Nigeria.

Atiku and Obi hinged their pleadings at the PEPC on “non-substantial compliance” by Tinubu, and “deliberate non-compliance” by INEC with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines relating to electronic transmission of results, and in real-time.

Other premises are: INEC’s alleged switching and/or suppression of opposition votes in favour of Tinubu and the APC; Tinubu’s failure to secure 25% of the votes cast in the FCT; and his alleged forgery of biodata, forfeiture for drug-related offence in the United States, and possession of dual citizenship of Nigeria and Guinea.

Any of these allegations could be grounds for cancellation of the election, and ordering a re-run; nullification of the entire process and sanctioning of fresh voting; and disqualification of Tinubu and exclusion from another poll.

Still, of the grounds for litigation by the petitioners and respondents, the most canvassed is the failure of Tinubu (and Atiku) to obtain 25% of votes cast in the FCT – which Atiku and Obi argued is mandatory – plus 25% score in 24 of the 36 States of the federation.

Though the respondents – INEC, Tinubu, Shettima and APC – had rebutted Atiku and Obi’s claims of the FCT having a special status of representing entire Nigeria – and thus incumbent on candidates to secure representative votes there – it maybe the linchpin for the opinion of the Tribunal.

Thus, the verdict of the five-member panel of Justices will be epochal in several respects, due to the peculiar nature of the poll, and the controversy about the FCT.

Pre and post-election, Atiku and Obi made heavy weather about voter intimidation, vote buying, vote suppression, widespread violence, and alleged manipulation of the process by INEC, to favour Tinubu and APC.

But these allegations took the back stage at the Tribunal, as the petitioners focused on what would ordinarily be pre-election issues, to disqualify Tinubu (and Shettima) from contesting in the February balloting.

If Obi’s accused of being “over-ambitious” for wanting to be President when he came third at the poll with 6,101,533 votes – a margin of 2,693,193 votes behind Tinubu’s 8,794,726 votes; how do you situate Atiku’s craving to be President on grounds that Tinubu’s election be voided because he didn’t score 25% of the votes cast in the FCT?

In the INEC declaration, Tinubu scored 90,902 votes (19%), Obi polled 281,717 votes (59%), and Atiku received 74,194 votes (15%). Yet, Atiku prayed the court to remove Tinubu, and declare him winner of the poll.

If Tinubu’s sacked because he failed to secure 25% of the votes cast in the FCT, on what basis would Atiku be declared winner when he scored less votes than Tinubu in the Territory?

This could happen only on one ground: Disqualification of Tinubu from the February 25 presidential election. In that instance, the votes scored by Tinubu would be wasted, and that would put Atiku in good stead to meet the 25% threshold in 24 of the 36 States and the FCT.

It’s a similar scenario that Obi (and LP) has woven about and around 25% in the FCT. Still, Obi stands on a stronger pedestal than Atiku, as he scored 59% of the votes cast in the FCT.

But that won’t catapult Obi to the front row – and the Presidency – unless Atiku’s votes are also discounted, or Obi’s overtaken Atiku if Tinubu’s disqualified, and his votes are wasted.

So, to all parties to the electoral dispute at the PEPC, it’s a guessing game as to where the ruling will go. Yet, the pressure appears more on the petitioners: Atiku and Obi, than on the respondents: the INEC, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and the APC, who’ve simply asked the court to dismiss the petitions for lacking merit, and without foundation.

Will the FCT break the ice at the PEPC? Whichever side that carries the trophy may’ve a temporary victory, as the Supreme Court will surely entertain appeals from dissatisfied disputants. The days ahead are anxious and expectant!

Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria .

The end for Harry Maguire’s stay at Old Trafford may be near. This is following the latest shock humiliation suffered by the former Red Devils captain.

Maguire lost the ball in the build up to Nico Williams’ goal in United’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The effort had put Bilbao in front in the 29th minute.

Afterwards, the £80 million defender was booed by a section of United’s supporters at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. However, other fans attempted to drown out the jeers with applause.

The Englishman recently lost United captaincy and has been tipped to quit Old Trafford after falling from the pecking order.

Maguire expressed his disappointment after losing the captaincy to Bruno Fernades, but has since vowed to fight for his place at United.

The defender however returned to the starting line-up for the Red Devils in their friendly against Bilbao. The former skipper was paired alongside Victor Lindelof at the heart of United’s defence.  The match had ended in a 1-1 draw after Facundo Pellistri scored a 90th minute late equaliser for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Maguire, who started just eight Premier League games last season, has attracted interest from West Ham this summer.

[NationalDaily]

Recently, the media was awash with various commentaries about DSS’s disobedience of court orders. These accusations, as wrong as they are, have peaked in the Godwin Emefiele saga. It may interest the public and indeed the avowed critics of the service to note the following incidents and timelines to show that it has religiously obeyed court orders in respect of the case and even others.

In 2022, the service commenced the investigation of Emefiele on suspicion of terrorism financing, money laundering, among others, and subsequently applied to the federal high court, Abuja for his arrest and detention. But the chief judge objected to the order and clearly stated that the service did not need an order to investigate or arrest him. Emefiele was to later obtain a restraining order issued by Justice MA Hassan of the FCT high court against the service. Instructively, the DSS obeyed this order and did not arrest or detain Emefiele.

However, on June 9, 2023, Emefiele was suspended as CBN governor by the president. Based on new information and suspected criminal infractions, the service, as expected by law, arrested and detained him using a magisterial order. On July 10, 2023, Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the FCT high court, while recognising that the DSS had every legal right to arrest, detain and investigate Emefiele, ordered his release or prosecution within seven days. The service expeditiously and expressly complied with the order and charged him for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition being one of the criminal suspicions. The Muazu order had, by implication, extended Emefiele’s detention by seven days with effect from July 10 when the initial detention order had expired.

Within the same period, Justice Bello Kawu of the same FCT high court, while dismissing reliefs sought by Peter Abang, counsel to Emefiele, on July 14, 2023 ordered for the release or prosecution of Emefiele within 48 hours. However, the service had complied with the seven days ultimatum issued by Justice Muazu. In obedience to the rule of law, Emefiele was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the federal high court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on July 25, 2023 for illegal possession of arms and ammunition. The service had long issued a press statement over the incident that happened at the court between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and pledged to investigate it. Though the investigation is ongoing, the preliminary findings are quite shocking considering the ignoble roles played by some public officials.

As normal with criminal investigations, security agencies re-arrest suspects when there is adequate suspicion of the commission of a crime or as may be revealed by an ongoing investigation. Emefiele was re-arrested on the basis of this. Even though the re-arrest was tainted by the overzealousness of personnel of the service and NCoS, it was nonetheless legally procedural.

Later, the service applied for an ex parte order at the FCT high court presided by Justice Edward Okpe (and not Justice Mu’azu as erroneously and massively reported in the media) to detain Emefiele for 14 days. Against the established rules regarding ex parte applications, a lawyer suddenly appeared in the court for Emefiele. While the judge did not outrightly reject the DSS request, he struck out the motion upon its withdrawal by the DSS counsel. But this is not without his guidance. Earlier, the judge had drawn the attention of the counsels to Section 293 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) which also recognises the magistrate court as a competent court that can first be approached for an order for custody of a suspect under investigation.

In other words, the service, having taken the hint of the court, took the right steps. What transpired at the court was, thereafter, variously misrepresented by some mischief makers. Part of the disinformation is to the effect that the court “struck out the application and stated that it was an abuse of judicial process”. That was not what the court said. What Justice Okpe said was “the applicant having withdrawn the application, same is hereby struck out”. That was all. The court records are there. But purveyors of fake news distorted the message to suit their intent; just to make the service look bad – a sort of giving the dog a bad name in order to hang it.

Many had gone to town with stories of DSS fragrant disobedience to court orders especially in view of the last episodes at the high courts in Lagos and Abuja. With what played out at the court on July 27, 2023 under Justice Okpe, the service immediately applied and obtained a detention order from a magistrate court. So, Emefiele is legally detained. For reasons that the Emefiele case is subjudice, the service will restrain from making further comments on the subject matter.

For either lack of knowledge or deliberate act to ignore the truth, there has been sustained bashing of the service and its leadership in the media and public spaces. It is ironic that the same people who condemn media trials are daily taking the service through the same. The actual points are, however, not lost on the service. It is aware of the depth of the orchestrations and even deeper plot to incite the judiciary against it.

Targeting DSS DG, YM Bichi, for insidious media attacks is needless. Any DGSS, even if brought from heaven among the angels, will discharge the DSS mandate. There isn’t a time in our national sojourn for greatness that key organs of government will cease to exist or not be needed. The DSS, like the CIA, and FBI, among others, is a major and positive instrument of state administration and management. It is essential for statecraft, governance, stability and public order. Scraping it as being canvassed by the uninformed is unreasonable. It is indeed obvious the DSS is misunderstood. It is obvious there is a mob action against the service. Allow the DSS be. Allow Bichi, a fine gentleman officer, be. Support DSS. Support Nigeria. As in the national anthem, Arise, O Compatriots.

Some critics have made varied insinuations including abusing the service, and its leadership and completely distorting the significant historical role of the service in nation-building. Others have said it is wobbling and of no relevance. Laughable. The DSS is not tottering. It is standing, and firmly too. Even the worst of its critics knows that the service has played (and still plays) stabilising roles for the nation.

Its loyalty and patriotism are incomparable. The service is a stabilising force for the country’s democracy. Same for the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria’s sovereignty. Only collaborative support from stakeholders will strengthen this. The service does not claim to know it all; a reason it allows for constructive criticism and makes out time to explain itself in line with transparency and democratic accountability.

Whether on Emefiele, Abdulrasheed Bawa or Nnamdi Kanu, the service has obeyed judicial orders and handled the cases procedurally and in accordance with the rule of law. Critics are encouraged to be a bit more discerning and up their research capabilities. Doing so will reveal that the service obeys orders. The court of appeal judgement on Kanu is recommended for detailed study.

Maybe, we can decipher the difference between discharged and acquitted and what the use of either or both mean in the final order of a judge. The DSS is an ardent respecter of the law. Anyone may argue this but it is true. It is in this regard that it has applied for either a stay or notice of appeal on some of the matters. One who does not obey the laws will not resort to legal procedures like the DSS has done.

Let those seeking justice not intimidate the judges or derail law enforcement efforts. Judges deliver justice without fear or favour and should be allowed to discharge their duties honourably. For the umpteenth time, the service reiterates its unequivocal stance on the rule of law and respect for the judiciary. This position remains unchanging despite the futile attempts to paint it otherwise.

Peter Afunanya, PhD, is the public relations officer of the Department of State Services (DSS)

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), on Monday, in Lagos, released the results of this year’s May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

A total of 1,613,733 candidates sat the examination, out of which 1,287,920 (representing 79.81%) obtained credits and above in at least five mandatory subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, which is a marginal increase from that of 76.36% of last year.

Meanwhile, candidates will have the opportunity for the first time in the history of WAEC to from 12 hours from now access their results online and also download the digital copies of their certificates on the council’s website while same will still send to their schools later

Furthermore, no fewer than eight states including Niger out of the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory which are yet to pay for their candidates’ exam fees in full would have their candidates’ results withheld until they pay the money in full and likewise, a total of 262,803. candidates (representing 16. 29%) of the total number of candidates, who sat the exam are being withheld in connection with various reported cases of exam malpractice, and their cases are being investigated to determine if to eventually release or cancel.

This is (6.54%) lower than the 22.83% recorded in the same exam last year.

The Head of the National Office of WAEC Nigeria, Mr Patrick Areghan, announced the release of the results and gave the statistics at a news conference held at the headquarters of the organisation in Yaba.

He explained that the cost of conducting its both school-based and exams for private candidates has gone up astronomically particularly due to rising inflation occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and therefore would ensure to get its money paid in full by the indebted state governments before releasing their candidates results.

While he also decried the fluctuation in performance of candidates in the exam, Areghan particularly raised great concern on high cases of malpractice in the exam, blaming the development over many reasons.

According to him, many students no longer prepare well for exams as they rely on the so-called “Expo” which is actually non-existent and also for activities of the “rogue website operators” and some social media platform owners, who post question papers online immediately after the commencement of subject papers and the use of mobile phones in the exam halls in spite of the ban placed on the device.

He, however, promised that WAEC would continue to sanction all cases of exam malpractice and perpetrators including schools, and school administrators, invigilators and supervisors until the system is rid of sharp practices.

Areghan, who also complained that the insecurity situation in the country particularly in the North West and some eastern states where the sit-at-home order is imposed as well as armed robbers’ attack at Okigwe really taken a toll on the organisation during the conduct of the exam, stressed that the council was able to get the support of state government and security agencies to help out.

While disclosing that his tenure as HNO would end in October, Areghan also noted that results of all candidates with special needs including visually (109) and hearing impaired(386), physically challenged (34) and 33 others had been released with that of others.

He, however, said candidates could start checking their results within the next 12 hours on the council’s website, given at www.waecdirect.org and also access their digital certificates on www.waec.org, using their Smart Identity Card which they used during the exam.

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has scheduled yet another meeting on the Niger Crisis.

The regional body had met in Abuja on August and issued a 7-day deadline for the Niger junta to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or risk sanctions, including possible military intervention.

But rather than reinstate Bazoum, the junta severed ties with Nigeria and some other countries sympathetic to Bazoum’s cause.

The military regime, which declared their Commander General, Abdourahamane Tchiani the new head of state, vowed not to bow to outside pressure.

It also warned against foreign intervention, vowing to defend the territorial integrity of Niger.

On Friday, military chiefs of some West African countries said they had agreed on a plan for possible military intervention in the event push for a diplomatic solution failed.

The chiefs of defence staff from Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Cote D’ivoire, Cabo Verde and the Republic of Benin held the meeting in Abuja.

ECOWAS had last week sent a high-powered delegation to broker peace with the coupists but their representatives met with the team led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu, who is chairman of ECOWAS, sent a notice of meeting scheduled for Thursday in Abuja.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the
Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) has convened another Extraordinary Summit of the Authority on the political situation in the Republic of Niger. The Summit will hold in Abuja, on Thursday, August 10, 2023.”

“The ECOWAS Leaders will be considering and discussing the political situation and recent developments in Niger during the Summit,” read a statement issued by the regional body.

The coup leaders have not issued any statement on the deadline yet.

Daily Trust correspondents who are now at the Nigerian borders with Niger in Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa and Borno states, said though there was no fight, millions of people are in dire straits due to fear of the unknown occasioned by high cost or shortage of basic necessities of life like food and drugs.

The residents, Nigerians and Nigeriens alike, said they detest war and called on ECOWAS to have a rethink in line with a clarion call by prominent groups and individuals.

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) was the latest to call on Tinubu –led regional bloc to trade with caution.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), the group urged ECOWAS to consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of the Niger Republic and the wider West African sub-region.

Also, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, through its Secretary General, Professor Khalid Aliyu commended the efforts so far undertaken by the Nigerian government, particularly the initiation of a dialogue process, aimed at resolving the crisis in Niger Republic.

“While this attempt may not have yielded the desired results, it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful resolutions.” JNI also cautioned taking military action against the junta in Niger because of the apparent wider negative implication on Nigeria.

…Says reforms a necessary

The various taxes administered by the three tiers of government are to be harmonized in a fresh move to incentivize compliance and increase tax revenue.

The Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) Mr. Muhammad Nami, disclosed this at the meeting with Chairmen of States Internal Revenue Boards, in Abuja, this afternoon.

“Harmonization and codification of taxes at the National and Sub-national levels: Key to achieving a tax friendly environment in Nigeria,” was the theme of the meeting.

According to him, his team was moving from the level of discussion to practicalising the much-needed tax harmonization in the country.

Mr. Nami said that President Bola Tinubu was determined to ensure necessary steps were taking to encourage more Nigerians to comply with their tax obligations, which has been identified as panacea to raising tax revenue.

His words, “we have moved from just talking about harmonizing the various taxes. We are now at the level of actual harmonization. President Tinubu is very serious about addressing the problem of multiplicity of taxes.

“I have addressed the State Governors at the National Economic Council and we have all agreed that it better to harmonise the taxes, have fewer taxes and effective collect them through encouraging tax payers to comply.

“As the new administrations attempt to address the many socioeconomic challenges facing the nation on many fronts, it becomes imperative for all the levels of State to shake-off any lethargic antecedents and focus on the goal of a national resurgence.

“The unique and privileged offices we occupy as drivers of the nation’s tax administration processes presents us with a rare opportunity to take hard, but necessary decisions that are expected to yield long term benefits and add immense value to our collective prosperity as a nation.

“In recent years, especially since the dawn of our current democratic dispensation, the importance of taxation has continued to be reiterated and reinforced by all, and the critical role that tax-revenue plays in funding government and governance cannot be over-emphasized.”

Mr. Nami who is also the Chairman of the Federal Inland revenue service (FIRS) said that the organization would protect small businesses, while making sure that informal sector operators were brought into the tax net.

He was specific that business with less than N25 million turnover were tax exempt.

Earlier, the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyeleye, stressed the need to drastically reduce the number of taxes imposed on members of the Nigeria public and businesses in the country.

He pointed out that multiple taxation was causing low tax morale in the country, as well as discouraging investments, while creating room for corruption and making doing business difficult.

According to him, “Many MDA (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) Specialicised Purpose vehicles are set up and allowed to collect taxes and taxes are building up every day.

“Last year alone, there were four new taxes. My team did a study and found out that there were 44 Bill in the works at the National Assembly with various types of taxes.”

Mr. Taiwo noted that multiple taxation always resulted in low tax morale of the people and that many business owners viewed government’s imposition of multiple taxes on them as being against such businesses.

He added, “Ironically, the more taxes you have, the lower the tax revenue you collect. A lot of Nigerians pay taxes that don’t get to government. Businesses are made to pay taxes from their capital. That is the surest way to ruin those businesses.”

The tax expert made a comparison of tax revenues between Nigeria and South Africa’s tax revenue and concluded that tax earnings by the latter were way far more that what Nigeria earned annually, despite the fact that the country administered many more than South Africa.

He disclosed that South Africa raised about N78.2 trillion equivalents in tax revenue in 2022 alone, which he explained was more that all the budgets of all three tiers of government in Nigeria put together.

In 2022, Nigeria’s federal, states, local governments’ entire tax revenue stood at N15. 2 trillion.

Mr. Taiwo said that the top echelon of the Nigerian society from where the chunk of the Personal Income Tax revenue should have come from either don’t pay taxes at all or pay much less than they should.

A situation, he said must be urgently addressed, to the significantly raise tax revenue, and drastically cut borrowings.

Italy has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend its deadline for the reinstatement of Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

ECOWAS had given the Nigerien coup leaders a week to meet its demands of restoring order or face harder sanctions, including the use of force.

Mali and Burkina Faso had also warned ECOWAS against any further interventions, adding that they would be forced to also adopt “self-defence measures” in support of the “brotherly” armed forces and the people of Niger.

Niger closed its airspace on Sunday, citing the threat of military intervention from the regional bloc after coup leaders defied the deadline to reinstate Bazoum.

Earlier, thousands of supporters flocked to a stadium in Niamey, the capital, cheering the new military regime.

Many stakeholders and countries including Russia have urged ECOWAS to explore other forms of mediation instead of force.

In an interview on Monday, Antonio Tajani, Italian foreign minister, said the only way forward is through diplomacy.

“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani said.

Although ECOWAS defence chiefs had backed dialogue as the primary intervention to restore democracy, the military leaders said they have drawn up a possible military action plan, including when and where to strike, if the situation arises.

After Uproar Over Keyamo’s Screening

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, rushed to the Presidential Villa as soon as the Senate dissolved into executive session during consideration of Festus Keyamo for ministerial appointment.

The nominee had appeared for screening before the Senate but saw an inquest into his role as Minister of State for Labour and Employment during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari come under serious focus.

Keyamo was asked to explain why he blocked the House of Representatives and ignored Senate summons for key decisions he took as minister.

It led into a rowdy session before the chamber went into executive session.

But Akpabio dashed to the presidential villa and is currently holding a meeting with Tinubu.

Senate Steps Down Keyamo’s Screening After Uproar 

The Senate on Monday stepped down the screening of Festus Keyamo, a ministerial nominee, sent by President Bola Tinubu for confirmation.

Keyamo, one of the nominees from Delta State, appeared as the last nominee to be screened.

Keyamo had served as a Minister of State for Niger Delta said Labour and Employment under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari and served as the campaign spokesman for the Tinubu campaign organisation.

No sooner had Keyamo appeared and introduced himself than Darlington Nwokocha (Abia Central, Labour Party) asked why he ignored Senate summon over the controversial Special Public Works Programme for the employment of 774,000 citizens in 2020.

The Senate had approved N52 billion for the scheme.

But when summoned, Keyamo appeared before the House but refused to appear before the Senate.

When he appeared before the House of Representatives, it led to a shouting match.

Keyamo then accused the House that it wanted “to hijack the entire programme, taking over the power of the president in the process.”

He further said, “Meanwhile they are comfortable with the eight which are clearly stated like Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Jammatu Nasir Islam (JNI) and others. The others are youth organisations and we cannot list youth organisations because from state to state there are different youths organisations depending on the peculiarity of the state.

“The background to this was that a couple of days ago, they started mounting pressure on me that I must bring the list of those to select the 1000 persons from all the local government to them for them to direct me as to what to do from state to state.

“The chairman insisted I must come to them privately for them to hand over to me certain instructions as to how this programme will be across the country. I said ‘no’ that would be sharing the powers of the President and that I can only be answerable for what I have done by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution.

“They can only investigate the programme, they cannot direct it,” he had said.

Senator Nwokocha then recalled the episode which he described as unpleasant when Keyamo walked out on the House and refused to provide details of the scheme.

The senator was a House Member at the time.

After making the case, he raised a prayer that “the nominee must be made to explain who benefited from the scheme, even if at an executive session.”

Curiously, Akpabio responded to the motion saying, “Your motion has no seconder.”

That degenerated into an uproar before Enyinnaya Abaribe, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA, Abia South) seconded the prayer, but amended the prayer that “the nominee screening be stepped down.”

The presiding officer put the prayer to a vote but it led to a sharply divided house.

The ensuing chaos lasted for minutes forcing Akpabio to summon the leaders of the Senate to approach him for private discussion.

Akpabio expressed dissatisfaction with the uproar and referred the senators to Order 62 of the Senate Standing Rule which states that “Whenever the president of the Senate or the chairman rises during a debate, any senator then speaking or offering to speak shall immediately sit down.

“And the Senate or the committee shall be silent so that the president of the Senate or the chairman may hear without any interruption.

Akpabio said, “I am of the view that we are not the people that nominated the nominees that we have been screening from the president.

“A lot of indices must have been taken into consideration. Under a rowdy situation, we cannot arrive at anything.

“And I have noticed that even here, that you are prepared to even stretch the rule to even ask for a revision but we would not go that route.”

He called on the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) to “lead us right.”

Bamidele rose to say, “May I at this time move that we dissolve into an executive session to be able to iron out some issues.”

The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadwon (PDP -Plateau).

Akpabio put the motion into vote and the Senate dissolved into the executive session afterwards after extending their time of sitting.

A report emerging has revealed that youths in the Republic of Niger, especially in the country’s capital city, Niamey, are currently forming vigilante groups ahead of possible military intervention by neighbouring countries to unseat the new junta.

Naija News reports that the ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS’ to the junta to restore normalcy in the country elapsed on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

There has been tension all over as Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, who was outed by the military junta, is still held captive.

It was, however, said that vigilante groups in Niger are already creating roadblocks at several junctions and roundabouts as they commence inspection of vehicles.

Daily Post quoted a DPA reporter in the country that the youths belong to support committees that previously organized demonstrations backing Niger’s new military rulers led by Bazoum’s former head bodyguard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.

Niger’s military rulers closed the country’s airspace late on Sunday, warning that any attempt to violate it would be met with an “energetic and immediate response.’’

The country’s airspace would be closed to all aircraft until further notice, a statement from the military rulers added.

ECOWAS, which groups 15 West African countries, issued its ultimatum to the junta last Sunday.

The organization’s military chiefs have since drawn up a plan for possible military intervention.