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The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has denied that former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai is a registered member of the party.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently announced his departure from the ruling party, citing a misalignment with its current direction.
However, at a press conference on Friday, SDP’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest Zone, Idris Inuwa, clarified that El-Rufai’s membership remains a rumor since he has not followed due process.
Inuwa emphasized that neither the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward had any record of El-Rufai’s membership.
He advised the former governor to complete the necessary procedures if he intends to officially join the party.
Additionally, Inuwa rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna SDP State Working Committee, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of due process.
He stressed that the committee was elected through a valid State Congress and has a four-year mandate.
The Kaduna SDP leadership reaffirmed its openness to new members but insisted that all must adhere to proper registration procedures.
[DailyPost]
![[PRESS RELEASE] IMF Appoints Tony Elumelu to Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth](/media/k2/items/cache/7f56e9578ea37c1909139cbbe1fc0b88_L.jpg)
Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has been appointed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva.
Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa. A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that deliver social and economic value.
The Advisory Council comprises global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, dedicated to identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship. Its mandate is to recommend policies that enhance resource allocation, stimulate innovation, and catalyse sustainable private sector-led economic growth. Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking.
Other members of the Council include: Harberger Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, Professor Ufuk Akcigit; Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud; Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Mr. Marc Benioff; Executive Chair, Banco Santander, Ms. Ana Botín; Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Chief Executive, Vodafone Group, Ms. Margherita Della Valle; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners, Mr. Robert Smith and Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Mr. Federico Sturzenegger.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday 26 March 2025, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, noted: “The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth.”
The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a bill seeking to return the country to a parliamentary system of government and replace the present presidential system being practised.
The proposed legislation is titled; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters (HB.1115).”
Sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others, the bill was amongst the 31 Constitution alterations pieces of legislations were read for the second time at the plenary on Thursday.
The proposed legislations seeks to replace the President with a Prime Minister to serve as the Head of Government and establish the office of the President as a ceremonial leader with the elective offices chosen from the elected members of the legislature.
It also intends to shift the process of electing Governors and Chairmen of Local Governments from general elections to voting within their respective legislative bodies, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and foster closer collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.
Another key bill which passed second reading is the one seeking to alter Sections 134 (1)(a), 2(a), (4)(a) and 179 (2)(a) and (3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution by changing the system of the simple majority of electing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State Governors where there are more than two candidates to ensure the winner scores more than half of the total votes cast.
Sponsored by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante(PDP, Rivers) the bill seeks to correct the lacunae in the present system of the election where a run-off election would be conducted to ensure that the winners in the Presidential and Governorship elections score more than half of the total votes cast.
This is to ensure: ”a more legitimate outcome of election; more legitimate outcome of election; more popular candidates emerges; the majority wish prevails, and Consensus building.
Relatedly, the bill for an act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 to review the requirements that qualifies a persons to be elected as President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governors.
Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere(PDP, Imo) the bills seeks to make Bachelor’s Degree mandatory qualification for the offices and barred those above 60 years from seeking election into these positions.
Equally passed is bill for an act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Set Time within which civil and criminal cases and matters are heard and determined at trial and appellate courts in order to eliminate unnecessary delay in justice administration and delivery.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the bill seeks to provide for the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered) to set time within which the matters are heard and determined at trial and appellate courts in order to eliminate unnecessary delays in justice administration and delivery.
According to the bill’s draft, “In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial superior court of record shall deliver its judgement in writing within 270 days from the date of the filing of civil or criminal matter. In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial inferior court of record or tribunal shall deliver its judgement in writing within 210 days from the date of the filing of the civil or criminal matter.
Other bills which scaled second reading include those for: the creation of Wan state in North-central and Gobir state in Northwest; Bende North Local Government Area Out of the Present Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, to Rename Bende Local Government Area as Bende South Local Government Area of Abia State, Ughievwen Local Government Area in Delta State, Additional Local Government Areas in Enugu State,
additional Local Government Area in Imo State to be known as Ideato West Local Government Area, Moriki Local Government Area from the present Zurmi Local Government, Zamfara State.
The House of Representatives on Thursday reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill which sought to strip the vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.
The lower legislative chamber made the u-turn after the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, moved a motion.
The green chamber also rescinded its decision on the bill to abolish the death penalty.
Both bills passed second reading during plenary on Wednesday.
More to follow…
[DailyPost]
Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away at the age of 42.
She reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, in the United Kingdom.
Until her demise, Bisola served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
A former aide to the late governor, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, it has been confirmed.”
Bisola, who was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, was known for her contributions to governance and public service.
Her death comes as another painful blow to the Ajimobi family, following the passing of her father in 2020.
[Punch]
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has conferred professorship on the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor.
Barikor, who was promoted to Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies, was among 46 staff members elevated by the university.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Onwunari Georgewill, said the promotions were approved during the 187th meeting of the Governing Council, chaired by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa.
According to him, 30 senior academics were promoted to the rank of professor, while 16 others were elevated to associate professor after undergoing the university’s rigorous assessment process.
Barikor, who assumed office as NESREA DG in May last year, has made significant strides in environmental sustainability. Under his leadership, the agency has aggressively implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme across sectors such as food and beverage, battery, used tyres, and electrical/electronics.
He also spearheaded the development of key environmental legislation including the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR for (Plastic) Packaging. Additionally, the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations are awaiting gazetting.
Barikor oversaw the review of environmental permitting and licensing regulations and the regulations governing international trade in endangered species of fauna and flora. Under his administration, NESREA conducted 1,671 compliance monitoring inspections, shutting down 96 facilities for environmental violations.
To enhance efficiency, he unbundled NESREA offices in key states, taking environmental governance closer to the grassroots.
With support from the Fleming Fund, funded by UKAid, and in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Barikor is equipping the National Reference Laboratory in Port Harcourt with state-of-the-art research equipment. A 30KVA solar power system has also been installed to provide 24-hour power supply to the laboratory.
In March, NESREA launched the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NIDP) to curb emissions from the industrial sector.
The agency also hosted an international conference on upgrading the lead-battery recycling sector in Africa under the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET).
Through his leadership, NESREA has attracted support from international partners, including the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the German and Japanese governments, the African Center for Protection and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF).
[Vanguard]
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for not outrightly rejecting the petition seeking her recall, describing the commission’s response as an indication of bias.
INEC, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed receiving the petition, which reportedly contains signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the senatorial district.
However, the electoral body noted that the petition failed to include essential details such as the contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners, as required under the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, in a letter dated March 26, accused INEC of compromising its neutrality by offering guidance to the petitioners instead of declaring the petition incompetent due to its procedural flaws.
The letter partly reads, “Your position as disclosed in your press release on March 25, 2025, signed by Sam Olumekun shows that the Commission has taken sides and has become partial in favour of the Petitioners in this case.
“The Commission has observed that the Petitioners’ Petition did not meet the threshold of the requirement of a Petition to recall a member, having not contained the required contact addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses in their covering letter forwarding the Petition as contained in Clause 1(f) of INEC Regulation and Guideline. The proper thing and step to have been taken is to declare the Petition as “incompetent” and subsequently disregard same.”
The embattled lawmaker said the proper step INEC should have taken to show it was unbiased in the matter was to declare the petition defective, which would have brought an end to the process.
She added, “Lawfully, the Commission is supposed to have declared the Petition as incompetent for being patently defective for the reasons stated above but surprisingly, the Commission, instead of disregarding the Petition for failure to meet the requirements, opted to take the role of an adviser to the Petitioners and so advised the Petitioners that once they provide the needed information that is not contained in the Petition by meeting the requirements, it shall commence the verification of the signatures in each polling units.
“We posit that the Commission has by this press release shown partisanship and partiality in favour of the Petitioner and has compromised the process.
“The proper step to take by the Commission, if the Commission will maintain its integrity and impartiality, is to declare the Petition as incompetent and defective and notify the Petitioners accordingly. Therefore, putting an end to this process at this stage.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also pointed out that the addresses provided in the petition were limited to Okene, Kogi State, suggesting that the alleged signatures did not represent the entire senatorial district.
“Secondly, the address disclosed and provided in the petition according to your press release was Okene Kogi State, meaning that the two hundred and fifty signatories as contained in the petition came only from Okene, Kogi state, which seems more probable, ” She said.
She insisted that INEC’s decision to allow the petitioners to correct their errors rather than disqualifying the petition outright was a breach of due process, urging the commission to “do the needful and rebuild the public trust that is fast declining.
We still believe that the Commission will act rightly”.
[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Petition For The Recall Of The Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Petition For The Recall Of The Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District](/media/k2/items/cache/ac387f0e5d3de04529080d9051c318a0_S.jpg)
The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
The Commission's immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is "Okene, Kogi State", which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of "the lead petitioner" is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.
The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.
The Commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman
Information and Voter Education Committee
Naija News learnt that Senator Ishaku Abbo, Senator Aishatu Binani, along with several chieftains of the APC are currently at the coalition meeting.
Atiku, who served as the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in the 2023 election, arrived at Yola International Airport via his private jet at 12:48 p.m.
He was welcomed by Senator Abbo, after which his convoy made its way to the American University of Nigeria Hotel, the venue for the meeting.
A close associate of Senator Binani, the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa, confirmed the development to Punch, stating that she is participating in the coalition, although specific details regarding the meeting remain undisclosed.
“Since you see me here, it is clear that my principal is among the team leaders. She is engaged at the moment, but at the next meeting, you will see her,” the aide, who declined to be named, said.
[NaijaNews]
Former Head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps, General Yakubu Gowon, has commended the scheme’s managers for upholding the vision that led to its establishment over five decades ago.
General Gowon made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, on Wednesday, Gowon acknowledged the initial resistance the NYSC faced from Nigerian students at its inception in 1973.
However, he noted that the NYSC had since evolved into a nationally recognized platform, promoting unity, integration, job creation, and youth empowerment across the country.
“The former head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR, has commended the managers of the Scheme for sustaining the vision that informed the establishment of NYSC.
“He said the NYSC was greeted with strong opposition from Nigerian students across the country at inception, had not only overcome the initial misgivings but had grown to become a nationally recognised and accepted tool for fostering national unity, integration, development, job creation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
“He acknowledged the multi-dimensional contributions of Corps Members to national development over the 50 years of the Scheme’s existence.
“He further praised the deployment policy of NYSC, which exposes Corps Members to the various peoples and cultures of Nigeria, by posting them to States and geographical locations other than their own,” the statement partly read.
He urged Brigadier General Nafiu to build on the legacies of his predecessors and take the scheme to greater heights.
In response, Brigadier General Nafiu described the NYSC as “a divine project that has been of significant blessing to the country,” while expressing appreciation for General Gowon’s continued support and sought his mentorship as he leads the scheme.
More...
Five students of the Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Osogbo have been reportedly killed in a ghastly auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan express road.
The accident involving a luxurious bus travelling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo had a head-on collision resulting in multiple fatalities including the five UNIOSUN students.
It was gathered that five other persons were killed in the unfortunate incident which occurred at Balogun Area of Ikire on Sunday, March 23, 2025
A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.
“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.
“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.
“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.
“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.
“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.
[Vanguard]
[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Congratulates Former President Goodluck Jonathan On Winning Sunhak Peace Prize
Admin![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Congratulates Former President Goodluck Jonathan On Winning Sunhak Peace Prize](/media/k2/items/cache/e2855945a46b24713fb9b42b65478868_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu congratulates former President Goodluck Jonathan on winning the 2025 Sunhak Peace Founders' Award.
President Tinubu applauds the former President for his consistent advocacy for peace, harmony, and communality, a patriotic endeavour that has earned him global recognition.
The President states that Dr Jonathan's winning the Sunhak Peace Award affirms his bold efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond.
The President recalls the former President’s historic acceptance of the results of the 2015 presidential election and his peaceful handover of power to an opposition party, which bolstered the nation’s democratic profile.
President Tinubu celebrates this landmark achievement with former President Jonathan and thanks the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee for recognising the efforts of those working hard to improve the world.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has resigned from office.
His resignation was announced in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
The statement expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions to the administration of the Sole Administrator in the few days he served, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
In the interim, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed in an acting capacity until a substantive Head of Service is named.
While congratulating Brown on her appointment, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality, peace, and stability in Rivers State.
The statement read, “The statement Office of His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.
“His Excellency, The Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavors.”
Nwaeke’s resignation comes just one week after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Nma Ordu, and all members of the State Assembly.
The President’s decision has drawn widespread criticism from major political figures, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and a significant portion of Rivers State residents.
[DailyPost]
…Calls Process Unconstitutional
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has rejected the National Assembly’s endorsement of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing the process as unconstitutional.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, criticized the lawmakers for deciding such a critical matter through a voice vote, arguing that it fell short of constitutional requirements.
Osigwe explained that the Constitution mandates the National Assembly to ratify such a decision by a two-thirds majority. He emphasized that to fulfill this requirement, the number of lawmakers present, those who voted in favor, those against, and those who abstained must be recorded.
“You can’t clear that by a voice vote. A voice vote falls short of the constitutional requirement because, by a voice vote, you are unable to determine whether the threshold for ratification has been met,” he said.
According to him, the use of a voice vote in both chambers undermines the constitutional process, rendering the entire endorsement invalid.
“Even that ‘ratification’ by the National Assembly does not meet the constitutional requirement, and it is in itself unconstitutional,” he added.
The NBA’s rejection of the endorsement raises further legal and political concerns over the controversial state of emergency, as critics argue that due process was not followed in declaring it.