NUGU State Election Petition Tribunal has rejected a request by legal representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to strike out a petition seeking to disqualify him over the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate forgery scandal.

The candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in the March 18 election, Chief Chris Agu had dragged Mbah to the tribunal demanding that the PDP candidate be disqualified for submitting a forged NYSC certificate to INEC prior to the election. Agu is also seeking among other things to be declared winner of the election on the basis that he won the majority of valid votes during the election.

The chairman of the tribunal, Kudirat Akano, after examining arguments from both sides, ruled that the motion to strike out the case was premature, insisting that certificate forgery was a weighty matter. She also ruled that whatever counter or objection against the petition should be done at the end of the trial, when the tribunal will give final judgement on the validity or otherwise of their demand.

Speaking after the session on Friday, counsel to Chief Agu, Barr Alex Amujiogu said that lawyers informed the tribunal that they have exchanged their pretrial forms but revealed that there were some documents which were yet to be viewed by both counsels.

He said, “We also proposed in our individual capacity on how we intend the lawyers to go on to pursue the case so that at the end of the day, the tribunal will issue a pretrial report on how the parties are to present and conclude their cases. So the only issue that is now left in the pretrial is that there are some documents which were alluded to by the respondents which have not been front-loaded.

“So the tribunal in its wisdom is asking that the counsels should meet and ensure that all necessary documents which need to be tendered at the trial are in the purview of fellow counsels. The tribunal adjourned the matter to June 14 to conclude pretrial and to enable the tribunal to issue a report or a guideline on how the trial will commence.”

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, have passed a resolution to begin industrial action to pursue their demands for payment of their outstanding 13 months’ salary arrears.

They vowed they would not participate in the institution’s first semester examination which begins next week.

Their resolution was reached after RUPIGO’s ASUP Congress was held last Thursday.

A communiqué issued after the Congress and signed by the union’s Chairman, Comrade Arikawe Ade and Secretary, Comrade Fapetu Damilola said the lecturers would begin the indefinite strike action on June 13th June 2023.

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According to the communique, “We want the payment in full of all outstanding (13 Months) salary arrears owned by the staff of the institution.

“The Congress wishes to strongly emphasise that the decision above is binding on all the financial members of the union (ASUP),” the communiqué reads.

Comrade Arikawe said lecturers in the institution were faced with challenges as a result of a backlog of unpaid salaries.

He appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to support the institution to clear the salary arrears.

Comrade Arikawe noted that the hike in fuel prices has compounded the lecturers’ hardship.

Arikawe added that, “reinstating of the former Chairman of the union Comrade Ijawoye Rafiu must be considered as his dismissal was based on union matter and not negligence.

Recall that Comrade Ijawoye Rafiu and the current Chairman Comrade Arikawe Ade were dismissed from the service of the institution without recourse to due process. Comrade Arikawe Ade had been recalled while Comrade Ijawoye Rafiu is left out.

At least 50 farmers have been reportedly killed by bandits in various communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, while several others have fled their homes.

Daily Trust gathered that the attacks occured between Wednesday and Saturday.

In the latest attacks on about five villages which took place between 2pm on Friday and Saturday morning, an unspecified number of lives were lost and several others abducted including women and girls.

Our correspondent was told that while 13 people lost their lives in Kusherki community, 12 others were killed in Gidigori village and several others were yet to be accounted for.

Multiple Sources told Daily Trust that humanitarian crisis in the area had worsened since Wednesday as hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons including women and children from various villages trooped to Kagara, the Headquarters of Rafi LGA, abandoning their villages for bandits whom they said now sleep in their homes.

One of the fleeing farmers, Abdullahi Usman, told our correspondent on the telephone that bandits numbering over 100, rode on about 50 motorcycles, took over many villages from around 2pm on Friday and operated unchallenged until Saturday morning.

“It’s true that bandits have resumed attacks with full force. We have not had it easy in the last two weeks but the situation had worsened since Wednesday.

“As I speak to you, bandits have taken over most parts of Rafi LGA. They had been in Kusherki Community since around 2pm on Friday; they spent the night in Garin-Zara Community and rustled hundreds of cattle, goats and rams and killed an unspecified number of people,” Usman said.

Another Resident, Mohammed Yakubu told Daily Trust on Sunday that “they (the bandits) first came to Kusherki Community on Wednesday during which they killed 13 people. They came back on Friday afternoon and operated in all the villages around the axis until Saturday morning. People had fled. Right now, we don’t even know where many of our people are because everybody ran into the bush.”

Also speaking, Abdulmalik Usman, another fleeing farmer said, “they raided several villages including Gidigori, Gando, Kusherki and many others. Our cattle, goats and rams have all been stolen. After they had raided our villages, they headed to Madaka, Hanna-Wanka, Kukoki through Tegina axis this morning (Saturday). The entire Rafi LGA is not safe now. More than 50 farmers were killed in Rafi LGA this week.”

Victims alleged that the soldiers camped in Kagara and Pandogari did not respond to attacks, saying that they were only patrolling Kagara town.

One of the IDPs, Sanusi Umar, appealed to the federal and state governments to take quick and decisive steps towards addressing the security challenges, saying that “we don’t know what President Tinubu is waiting for to take action against these people. These people have finished us already. We are hungry and helpless.”

He added, “The current security situation in Rafi LGA requires immediate and urgent counter insurgency action. The past few days have been very disturbing, rural communities are attacked and people are being kidnapped for ransom while some people are being killed. In Gidigori village alone, 12 persons were killed including the leader of vigilantes. Also, Garun Gabas, Pangu-Gari, Yakila and Kukoki villages have all been attacked between Wednesday and Saturday.”

Other Sources told our correspondent that bandits later split themselves into two groups, with one group operating in Sakaba community, less than 4km from Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi local Government Area, while the second group reportedly moved to Tungan-Makeri community, 15km from Kagara town where dozens of cattle were reportedly rustled and two people kidnapped.

The Senator Representing Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa on Friday lamented that the bandits had resumed attacks on Rafi, Paikoro, Munya and Shiroro local governments that formed part of his constituency.

He said the criminals were out to test the power and capacity of the new administrations at both federal and state levels.

He, however, said he believed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Umar Bago led governments would deal with the situation.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives had been deployed to the area to arrest the situation.

“We have reviewed tactical deployments in the area, and more deployments of PMF (Police Mobile Force) men have been made, in collaboration with the military to cover Yakila, Tegina, Kagara, Pandogari, Kusherki and its environs to forestall reoccurrence.

“Joint tactical teams are working assiduously to ensure that victims abducted are rescued unhurt,” Abiodun said.

Nigerian activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore has called on the Department of State Services, DSS, to arrest the immediate-past president, Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

Sowore said they should be arrested after the suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele was picked up by the DSS.

He alleged that Buhari and Irabor are Emefiele’s accomplices.

Tweeting, Sowore wrote: “DSS reportedly picks up/detains former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

“In an ideal society, his main accomplice in the military, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor should be arrested and tried with Emefiele.

“Of course not leaving out former President @MBuhari as well.

“Former Central Bank of Nigeria @cenbank Gov. Godwin Emefiele’s case with that of ex-President @MBuhari his principal, should be treated as a Crime Against Humanity! #RevolutionNow.”

The immediate-past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for suspending Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Last night, President Tinubu suspended Emefiele and directed him to immediately hand over to the Apex bank’s Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) Folashodun Shonubi.

Reacting to the development, Wike who was one of the critics of Emefiele’s policies, especially the Naira redesign, described the President’s decision as bold and timely.

The former Rivers State Governor also commanded President Tinubu for approving uniformity in the retirement age and pension of judicial officers in the country, according to a statement by his media team.

He said the President’s action will introduce a new lease of life to the nation’s judiciary.

Wike noted that he and other G5 members are impressed that the President is showing “focused and exemplary leadership that will lead the county to prosperity.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied that the suspended Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is in its custody.

The DSS disclosed this in a tweet on Saturday.

Recall that the Governor of the apex bank was suspended on Friday evening by President Bola Tinubu over an ongoing investigation of his office.

Shortly after his suspension, Emefiele was reported to have been arrested by operatives of the DSS.

However, the DSS did not deny Emefiele’s arrest, but noted in a tweet on Saturday morning: “Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS”.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has filed a motion asking the National Industrial Court to vacate the order stopping the planned industrial action over the fuel subsidy removal.

Recall that Justice Olufunke Anuwe had on June 5 restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates not to embark on the strike due to its implications for the country.

But, Falana is contending that the court lacks the jurisdiction to make the pronouncement stopping the planned strike in the ex parte application brought by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He said the ex parte order is liable to be set aside because the reliefs sought offends “the lucid provisions of section 254C (1) (f) of the 1999 Constitution and section 7(6) of the National Industrial Court Act 2006.”

The orders of the court followed an ex parte application by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice seeking to stop the planned strike against the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The judge observed that the DCL, Maimuna Lami Shiru, in moving the motion showed the urgency of the matter because the proposed strike action is capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.

City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

Guest: Muktar Mohammed (ceo finance with muktar)

Topic: Inauguration of 10th National Assembly and other matters

Date: 10TH JUNE, 2023

                         
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The President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has given assurance that his administration would run an open-door policy that listens in order to transform the country’s rich potentials to reality.

Tinubu stated this on Friday at an interactive session with members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).

The President revealed the decision of the government on fuel subsidy, security, jobs creation, enabling business environment and election of National Assembly principal officers.

‘‘We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy and that is the way I will go.

‘‘That open-door policy is for you to call me and send to me at any given time any concern that you might have.

‘‘We may not have it right 100 per cent of the time but we must get it right 90 per cent of the time for this country,’’ he said.

On the removal of fuel subsidy, the President appealed to the traditional leaders to persuade Nigerians to have faith and that the pump prices of fuel would eventually come down.

‘‘I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal.

“Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries?

‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy.

“A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potentials to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,’’ he said.

While acknowledging concerns on the need for critical infrastructure in different parts of the country, Tinubu pledged that any road block on the way of the progress of the country would be removed.

‘‘The lamentations about the capital projects, where is the money going to come from if we don’t protect our resources and our boundaries?

‘‘You cannot have development without capital projects,’’ he added.

On the leadership of the National Assembly, the President urged the Royal Fathers to counsel their subjects on the need to manage their ambitions and create harmony within the legislative house.

Tinubu said he was ready to work with any elected representative, stressing that the Nigeria project was of paramount importance to him.

On security, the President reiterated his pledge to prioritise the sector until Nigerians “go to sleep with their two eyes closed.’’

He said that the unity of the country could not be compromised, adding that every region of the country would get “what it is due.”

“We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths.’’

He decried crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by a ‘tiny percentage’ of the population, adding that it was counterproductive to the economy.

“We need to tame those involved in this sabotage and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth and stability.’’

Tinubu told the traditional rulers he was primed for governance now the campaigns and elections were over.

On electricity, the President said a constitutional amendment signed into law now allows Nigeria’s 36 States to generate electricity.

“That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people,’’ he said.

Tinubu thanked members of NCTRN for their early visit and prayers for the success of his administration.

The NCTRN Chairman and Co-Chairman, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged the support of members from the six geo-political zones.

They assured the President of their continued prayers in his resolve to move the country forward under his Renewed Hope agenda.

“We are 100 per cent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward.

“We will contribute our quota to the development of the country once you reach out to us,’’ the Sultan said.

The Ooni of Ife expressed delight that the country had remained united and focused in spite of its challenges.

He urged the President to explore the reach of traditional rulers in complementing the programmes and visions of the new government.

Members of the NCTRN at the interactive sessions include Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Ibn Umar Al Amin El-kanemi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

Others are Amanayabo of Nembe, Edmund Daukoru; Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

Anxiety in Akpabio’s camp over Yari 

AHEAD of Tuesday’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and election of presiding officers, there is apprehension in the camp of Senator Godswill Akpabio, the favoured candidate of President Bola Tinubu for the post of the President of the Senate.

This is just as a credible source said a vote in the Senate chamber, on Tuesday, may “trade for between $5,000 and $10,000 or even more.”

Indeed, the source said some of the senators-elect have started playing double game, collecting dollars from the two contending camps and signing up for them.

The source, a member of the Stability Group, the platform campaigning for the Akpabio-Barau Jibrin ticket confided in Saturday Tribune that some of the senators-elect who professed to be working for the Stability Group are playing double game, as they also attend nocturnal meetings of the main rival of Senator Akpabio, the senator-elect for Zamfara West, Abdul Aziz Yari.

The source revealed that some of the lawmakers who appended their signatures on the list of Akpabio supporters have also pledged loyalty to the camp of Senator Yari.

He said: “I don’t know what is happening on the other side but I am aware that some people who claim to be with us have also signed for Yari. I am saddened that senators are selling signatures for between $5,000 and $10,000. They are not asking Yari what he has to offer; they are only interested in his money,” the lawmaker lamented.

The source said the Stability Group would still continue to reach out to many senators to secure their buy-in for the Akpabio-Jibrin ticket

Consultations continue

Indication has emerged that Akpabio’s main rival, Yari, who has vowed not to step down for the favoured choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued with consultations.

Checks revealed that the former Zamfara State governor has since secured commitment of some opposition lawmakers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

It was also gathered that despite the intervention of a former governor of Kano State and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the senators-elect on his party’s platform are in league with Senator Yari.

During the week, the senator-elect for Kano South Suleiman Kawu (NNPP), decried the zoning template of the ruling APC and announcement of favoured candidates.

Kawu told newsmen that he and his colleagues were determined to frustrate what he called the plot to impose the presidency’s anointed candidates on the legislature.

Labour Party disowns members over Akpabio, Abbas

Four days to the election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, the Labour Party has rejected a claim by two of its House of Representatives members-elect, Honourables Amobi Ogah and Obi Aguocha.

The lawmakers had declared support for the APC zoning template and the ruling party’s favoured candidates for the leadership of the National Assembly

The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiorah Ifoh, in a statement on Friday, declared that the lawmakers expressed their personal opinion, contrary to the stance of the party.

Ifoh said: “As individuals, the lawmakers do not have the mandate to speak for the party and therefore cannot claim to be standing on the platform of the Labour Party to speak, giving views that are diametrically opposed to ideals which the Labour Party stands for.”

The LP spokesman warned “the two lawmakers and, by extension, any other member elected on the platform of the Labour Party who chose to walk outside the agreed position and ideals of the party to desist from such trajectory and vain glory.”

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to interviews granted by two of our House of Representatives members-elect, Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Obi Aguocha wherein they expressed their satisfaction with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on the leadership of the 10th Assembly.

“The members-elect had, in their different interviews, said that they alongside some of their colleagues have “agreed to go towards government and party decision” on the zoning of the leadership of the National Assembly.

“Although as newly elected lawmakers on the platform of the Labour Party, the members-elect made the utterances which are clearly within their rights as individuals as enshrined in the laws of the land, the party has a view quite different from what the honourable members were quoted to have said.

“As individuals, the lawmakers do not have the mandate to speak for the party and therefore cannot claim to be standing on the platform of the Labour Party to speak, giving views that are diametrically opposed to ideals for which Labour Party stands.

“Labour Party is presently in the tribunal hoping to retrieve our mandate which was expressively given to our presidential candidate on February 25 and every testament emanating from the tribunal points to the fact that Labour Party clearly won the election but was robbed. We have remained resolute in our belief that justice will be done and so soon.

“For the record, Labour Party has nothing against the personality of President Tinubu, but we are challenging both the process and final outcome of the presidential election. We, as a party, insist that the route to His Excellency must be excellent and anything other than that amounts to a mockery of democracy.

“We therefore caution the two lawmakers and, by extension, any other member elected on the platform of the Labour Party who chose to walk outside the agreed position and ideals of the party to desist from such trajectory and vain glory.

“The party has given clear directives and will not condone any of its members who will not subsume to the supremacy of the party. We therefore demand that the affected lawmakers retrace their steps and tender unreserved apologies to the leadership of the party.”