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The Rivers State Government will swear in the 23 chairmen declared winners of Saturday’s Local Government Council elections this afternoon (Sunday).
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the Action Peoples Party (APP) won all 23 local government area chairmanship seats in the election.
The State Government also confirmed that the election has concluded, and it will swear in the winners today.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo, it was announced that the chairmen would be sworn in at 4 pm.
The statement read: “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State, will today, Sunday, October 6, 2024, swear in the newly elected Council Chairmen at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, by 4pm.
The newly elected Chairmen, along with one (1) guest each, are expected to be seated by 3:30 pm.”
Background
Recall the elections took place, yesterday, amid gunshots, bomb explosions and protests in some parts of the state.
The development, which did not fall short of pre-election predictions, left many residents worried, especially as a result of minimal presence of the police across all polling areas.
Sunday Vanguard observed that irrespective of widespread fears of violence across 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs in Rivers, the turnout appeared substantial. In many areas monitored, the exercise kicked off early without the presence of the police following the supply of sensitive and non-sensitive materials by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,RSIEC.
The police had earlier said they were not providing security for the polls given a court order restraining them and other security agencies from providing security during the poll. A Federal High Court in Abuja had prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC. It also stopped the Inspector-General of Police and Department of State Services, DSS, from providing security for the exercise.
The matter pitched the camp of Governor Siminalyi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, against each other, thereby heightening tension in the state. However, RSIEC said it had received a copy of the voter register from INEC since last year.
Earlier, Wike’s supporters staged a protest in Port Harcourt, kicking against the election.
[Vanguard]
Officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC and voters ran for their lives when police officers stormed Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt City local government area, on Saturday.
About 21 Hilux patrol vans with heavily armed officers drove into the school which has 10 polling units.
Officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSEIC) who had set up their stands were chased out of the Ward.
One of the policemen was heard saying, ‘”Come here, remove that vest. What are you doing here? Common move!”
The policemen, some of whom were masked, also asked the officials to remove their vest and hand it to them.
The operatives also shot teargas canister directly into the crowd of people who who were running for their lives.
A policeman fired another teargas at by-standers at the entrance of the Street and residents who came out to cast their votes ran helter-skelter.
Many of RSIEC officials, voters and residents of the community ran into Boms streets in Elekahia community in confused manner, thereby creating tension in the area, as the several police patrol vans sped out of the area with many election materials.
When contacted, spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she was not aware of the incident.
“I’m not aware. You are just telling me now, ” she said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered his men not to provide security during the election, citing a court order.
On the election eve, Governor Siminalayi Fubara had accused the IGP of taking orders from some politicians in Abuja.
He had also vowed to hold Egbetokun responsible if there is breakdown of law and order in the state.
However, the IGP denied the allegations in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
[DailyTrust]
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that two separate explosions occurred in different parts of the state on Saturday.
It reported that the first explosion took place at the All Progressives Congress Secretariat along Aba Road, while the second struck the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat, just outside Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, stated in a press release that both explosions happened almost simultaneously.
Iringe-Koko further mentioned that police units responded swiftly, visiting the scenes and collecting samples for investigation.
Meanwhile, elections in the state have concluded in many areas, though they were disrupted in some locations by armed men dressed in police uniforms and others believed to be political thugs.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police Command was alerted to two explosions that rocked the city of Port Harcourt on Saturday, 5 October 2024.
“The first explosion was reported at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road at approximately 3:00 AM. A security guard heard a loud bang, and upon investigation, observed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene. The explosion caused significant damage, destroying the gate, shattering the windows, and setting the security building on fire.
“The second explosion occurred at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black Toyota Hilux van and a white Toyota Sienna minivan drive past the secretariat. The occupants allegedly threw an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which shattered the roof and damaged the generator house of the complex.
“In response to these incidents, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Anti-Bomb Squad were mobilised to both locations.
“An improvised explosive device was recovered at the APC Secretariat, and the team identified the use of incendiary materials in the arson of the security building.
The Anti-Bomb Squad collected samples from both scenes for forensic analysis, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous acts. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“We assure the residents of Port Harcourt that every possible measure is being taken to enhance security and ensure the safety of our community.”
[Punch]
Former media aide to ex-President Muhammad Buhari, Bashir Ahmed, has asserted that Peter Obi is politically bigger than Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Recall that both Peter Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates in the 2023 general election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) and the
New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), respectively.
However, in a post via his X handle on Saturday, Ahmad, an indigene of Kano, asserted that Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, is politically bigger than Kwankwaso, a former governor from his home state.
Ahmad backed his claims making reference to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, where Obi garnered more votes than Kwankwaso.
He wrote: “Even though I have never been a Kwankwasiyya loyalist, but I have always admired and respected Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and see him as one of the progressive political figures we have in this country. However, I do not agree with his recent statement during his interview in Kano, where he claimed to be politically bigger than Peter Obi.
“Looking at the results from the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi garnered 6,101,533 votes and led in 11 states, demonstrating significant national support. In contrast, Senator Kwankwaso secured 1,496,687 votes and led in just one state, Kano.
“These numbers clearly suggest that, at least in the context of the 2023 election, Peter Obi has significantly more political influence across the country.
“So, Peter Obi is bigger than Rabiu Kwankwaso, politically.”
FCT Threatens To Revoke Lands Owned By Buhari’s Children, Gbajabiamila, Abbas, Saraki, Others in Abuja (Full List)
Admin
The ultimatum comes as a result of outstanding payments that must be settled within two weeks.
In a notice addressed to 3,273 allottees of the plots, the FCTA outlined the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for compliance to avoid penalties.
The notice, titled “Demand Notice for Payment of Right of Occupancy Bills for Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy on All Lands Allocated at Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja,” was obtained by Premium Times on Friday.
The announcement has sent ripples of concern among the affected landowners, many of whom are high-profile individuals and established corporations.
Among those listed as as owners of the plots are the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege,
Others are former Governors Theodore Orji (Abia), Rochas Okorocha (Abia), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Joshua Dariye (Plateau),
Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Adamu Muazu (Bauchi) and Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe).
Minister of Sports, John Eno, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Nwabueze Nigige, were also listed.
Serving and former lawmakers on the list are Dino Melaye , Kabiru Marafa, Stella Oduah, Danjuma Goje, Ben Bruce , David Umaru, Saliu Mustapha, Biodun Olujimi, Andy Uba, Sunday Karimi, Olumide Osoba, Nicholas Ossai, Emmanuel Bwacha, Osita Izunaso, and the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, Wole Oke, Kabiru Gaya, Beni Lar, Leo Ogor, Darlington Nwokocha, Petet Nwaoboshi, Oker Jev, Lynda Ikpeazu, Khadijat Ibrahim, Obinna Chidoka, Philip Aduda, Smart Adeyemi, Chukwuka Utazi, Timothy Golu, Edward Pwajok, Ali Ndume, Ben Obi, Binta Garba, and Teslim Folarin.
Also on the list are a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adamu Abdullahi, Third Republic Senate President, Ameh Ebute, Yusuf Buhari and Zahra Buhari (both children of former President Muhammadu Buhari).
The FCTA said it issued the notice because it is carrying out infrastructural development in the district.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is carrying out infrastructural development in Maitama II (A10) District.
“All allottees who have not paid their bills for the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) are hereby advised to settle their bills in full within two (2) weeks from the date of this publication.
“All affected allottees are informed that failure to pay all outstanding land bills, rents, fees, and charges within the stipulated grace period will result in the withdrawal of the offers of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) over the said plots of land by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, and reallocation of the lands,” the notice said.
[NaijaNews]
Buildings and other property were shattered in the early hours of Saturday as explosives suspected to be dynamite shattered the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
The explosion brought down the gate of the secretariat while doors, windows and other property were destroyed.
This is the second time the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC would be experiencing such an attack at its secretariat this year.
This came as the local government elections is set to hold in the state today as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission said on Friday that all sensitive materials have been distributed to the various local government areas.
A viral video of the incident scene seen by our correspondent showed some workers at the facilities going round to ascertain the extent of damage.
When contacted, the spokespetson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she had yet to get a report on it but promised to revert.
The party has yet to make a statement on the incident.
Details later…
[Punch]
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT] President Tinubu Confers GCON On House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas](/media/k2/items/cache/815d667f95c37e29bc744178989c9234_S.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
In his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic( CFR) on the speaker and the deputy senate president.
This development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the Speaker.
President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.
Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.
The speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
Samsung’s One UI 7, the Android 15 based update which will bring a bunch of new features and a major UI overhaul won’t be coming this year. The news comes after some leaks hinted that One UI 7 based on Android 15 will be available sometime by the end of July or early August, but .
At the 2024 Samsung Developer Conference (SDC), the South Korean tech giant confirmed that the One UI 7 will be coming with the upcoming Galaxy S25 series, with the update rolling out for older devices after that. Samsung’s delayed Android 15 software update comes as a surprise, as the tech giant is often known for rolling out a new Android version a few weeks after it is officially available on Pixel phones.
One UI 7 also features a revamped recent apps screen, which now has more fluid animations. The software update also adds some new animations, which look smoother than those on the current version of One UI.
However, Samsung has been already testing One UI 7 beta, so there’s a chance we will see a beta preview sometime later this year, probably in December.
While a recent post on X by the known tipster Ice Universe suggests that the much anticipated Galaxy S25 series will be coming with One UI 7.1. As Samsung hasn’t clarified if the Galaxy S25 series will be running on One UI 7.1 or One UI 7.0. However, we suggest you to take this information with a grain of salt as tipsters have been often incorrect when it comes to predicting One UI 7 timeline.
[indianexpress]
Nigerian Business Aviation firm, Falcon Aerospace, has said it is poised for a rapid expansion into the global market.
With a growing fleet, global routes, and an expanding customer base, Falcon Aerospace is strategically positioned to capitalise on the rapidly expanding African business aviation market, currently valued at $1.09 billion.
With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.98 per cent, the market is expected to reach $2.14 billion by 2030. This strong growth trajectory, coupled with increasing demand for private aviation across the continent, places Falcon Aerospace at the forefront of this dynamic and evolving sector.
Another indication of its expansion into the global market is the company’s participation in the upcoming Invest in Africa Conference (AFSIC), taking place in London.
AFSIC is the largest annual African investment conference taking place outside Africa. As a sponsor, Falcon Aerospace will be exhibiting and networking at the event as the company seeks investment to power its rapid growth and global expansion.
Chukwuerika Achum, the company’s CEO will also be speaking at the event, “Falcon Aero is committed to the vision of a prosperous Africa. To actualise this vision, there must be seamless connectivity of people, ideas and culture with and within the continent, and we believe in the power of business aviation to facilitate this connectivity across borders,” said Achum.
“At the invest in Africa Conference, I will share insights into the business aviation sector in Africa and its potential as catalyst for business and economic success on the continent.”
Tejumade Salami, Chief Operating Officer, said “Falcon Aero’s growth in the past two years has been phenomenal. From the beginning, we set out to democratize business aviation services by improving accessibility and affordability without compromising luxury, efficiency and safety.”
“Today, our operations continue to expand outside Nigeria. We are proud of our growth and are seeking investments and partnerships to fuel this expansion,” Salami added.
According to the organizers, over 1,500 of the most important African investors, dealmakers and business leaders are expected to attend whilst over 350 speakers including leading African investors and African business leaders will provide detailed insight into the positive economic transformation that many parts of Africa are experiencing.
The event will showcase the most attractive African investment opportunities from more than African countries, representing all regions in the continent.
Falcon Aero offers private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, sales and fractional ownership. The firm’s diversified portfolio comprises of private aviation services provider, Vivajets; digital booking platform, Charterxe; and charter per seat platform, FlyPJX, all distinct brands.
“Innovation and technology have been critical factors in our success story. We are building products that integrate digital technology with tailored service delivery to improve booking and travel experience,” said Basil Agbor, Head of Products and Innovation.
“As we join Africa’s premier investment event, we’re looking forward to connecting with visionary investors who share our passion for advancing the private aviation sector,” he added.
AFSIC will be held from 7th to 9th October 2024.
[BusinessDay]
The Russian government has distanced itself from the October 1st hunger protest in Nigeria, claiming that western countries are trying to destroy its relationship with Nigeria by linking the country with the unrest.
This is contained in a letter from the Russian government to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which was shared with Daily Trust on Friday by Yury Paramonov, official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria.
Some protesters were seen waving Russian flag and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages during the protest.
Russia, a global power, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
But Russia claimed that the United States, Britain and Ukraine were linking it with the protests to destroy the cordial relationship between it and Nigeria, advising the federal government to ignore the claims.
“In particular, statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.”
“The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest.
“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.
“By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets clearly points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.
“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria,” the letter read in part.
Yuri said the Embassy had conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of Nigeria’s National Day.
“The Embassy also extends its best wishes to the people and Government of Nigeria for prosperity and stability, and we hope for continued cooperation and deepening relations between our two countries,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
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Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State on Friday declared that the state’s local government must hold as scheduled.
Fubara further declared that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun can’t stop him from accessing the premises of the state’s Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.
Addressing a gathering in Port Harcourt, the governor declared that the IGP would have to shoot him to prevent his entrance into the RSIEC premises.
The governor said: “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State it becomes different, you are not ashamed to call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough, I will be here and if I go back and if I hear anybody complain, I will come here because this is my property.
“You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering.
“Try it and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara. I think that I have given you enough respect and to all Rivers indigenes, elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.”
The Rivers State Police Command had vowed not to allow the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday to go on.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election’, the Command confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing the police from providing security during the LGA elections.
The Command also said it is aware of the 30th September 2024 judgement of an Abuja Federal High Court which barred the Police Force from participating in the election.
The statement further added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence.
[DailyPost]
The House of Representatives has approved a request by President Bola Tinubu to refund approximately ₦24 billion to the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments for the construction of two airports that have been taken over by the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that in a letter dated May 16, 2024, and addressed to House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu urged the House to approve refunds of ₦15 billion to Kebbi State and ₦9 billion to Nasarawa State for the construction of Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi and Lafia Cargo Airport, respectively.
The letter pointed out that the Federal Executive Council, during its meeting on May 23, 2023, approved the reimbursement through promissory notes.
The approved refund for Nasarawa State amounts to ₦9.54 billion, while Kebbi State will receive ₦15.14 billion.
On Thursday, the House Committee of Supply considered and approved the report submitted by the Chairman of the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management, Abubakar Nalaraba.
The approval formalized the reimbursement of funds based on the claims made by both state governments.
World Bank Approves $500 Million Loan To Tinubu Govt
Meanwhile, Tinubu’s government has just secured a $500 million loan from the World Bank to facilitate the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN).
The initiative, Naija News understands, aims to mitigate challenges arising from climate change.
The Regional Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, Chakib Jenane, disclosed the loan details during a Thursday meeting with Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja.
Jenane indicated that the SPIN project received approval during the World Bank’s Board meeting held on September 26 and is set to commence in January 2025.
He explained that the project is intended to tackle climate-related challenges such as floods and droughts by enhancing dam safety, improving water resource management, and expanding irrigation services.
The World Bank director noted that the initiative will benefit around 950,000 individuals, including farmers and livestock producers.
Jenane underscored the importance of Nigeria continuing its preparations to fulfill the remaining conditions necessary for the project’s successful implementation by the January 2025 deadline.
Additionally, the World Bank team provided an update on the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is approaching completion.
The team also reported on the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, highlighting the necessity of involving additional states in this initiative.
Jenane urged the ministry to consider establishing a National WASH Fund, a critical goal under the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1 of the SURWASH programme.
In his remark, Utsev expressed his appreciation to the bank for continuing to support Nigeria’s development, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and water resource management.
The Minister assured the delegation that the Nigerian government would allocate the required counterpart funding to guarantee the effective execution of all projects supported by the World Bank.
Utsev further highlighted the significance of adhering to the timeline for the TRIMING Project and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to achieving the project’s deadline of January 2025.
Additionally, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Bello Goronyo, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its endorsement of the SPIN project.
Goronyo also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success through cooperative initiatives.
A Tunisian court has confirmed an imprisonment sentence earlier handed down to a presidential contender ahead of elections scheduled for Sunday in the North African country.
The appeals court in the city of Jendouba in western Tunisia had upheld the 20-month jail sentence against detained presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel, his lawyer said.
The ruling can be appealed and will not affect Zammel’s candidacy, his lawyer said.
Last month, a lower court issued the sentence against Zammel, a businessman and the head of the liberal Azimoun party, on charges of falsifying electoral endorsements.
The Oct. 6 polls are pitting incumbent President Kais Saied against Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui of the leftist nationalist People’s Movement.
Serious challengers to Saied, who is seeking a second term in office, have been excluded, according to observers.
The election commission has recently refused to reinstate three more presidential hopefuls who won court appeals to run for president.
Critics have accused the panel of lacking in independence and clearing the way for Saied to win, accusations that the panel has denied.
The vote will take place “against a backdrop of increased repression of dissent, muzzling of the media, and continued attacks on judicial independence,” Human Rights Watch said last month.
Since 2021, Saied has consolidated his power by dissolving the parliament and calling early elections, steps that the opposition called a “coup.”
(dpa/NAN)
A former Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Folashodun Shonubi, has said he learnt that there were intrigues and politics in the naira redesign exercise carried out in 2022.
Shonubi, then Deputy Governor (Operations) before his appointment as Acting CBN Governor, said the former Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, told him and others that there were intrigues and politics in the whole exercise.
Shonubi, now retired, who is the Prosecution’s third witness, made this claim in reaction to a question from Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, at the resumed hearing in the trial of the ex-governor of the CBN.
Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory FCT (FCT) on four counts bordering on disobedience to the direction of law and illegal act causing injury to the public about the naira redesign exercise.