The bid of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, to contest in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State has suffered setback.
Naija News gathered that the Court of Appeal in Abuja has refused the motions by the APC and Sylva seeking to stay execution of the judgment nullifying their candidature.
Sylva filed the appeal and stay of execution following the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja which barred him from contesting as the APC candidate because he has served twice as governor.
In a unanimous judgment of a three-member panel of justices, Justice William Daudu, struck out the motions for lacking in merit.
Recall that the high court had declared that Sylva was not qualified to run in the November poll because if he wins and is sworn in, he would spend more than eight years in office as governor of the state.
Citing the case of Marwa vs Nyako at the Supreme Court, the court held that the drafters of the country’s constitution stated that nobody should be voted for as governor more than twice and that the parties to the suit agreed that Sylva was voted into office two times.
It further stated that the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Marwa vs Nyako that nobody can expand the constitution or its scope. So, if Sylva is allowed to contest the next election, it means a person can contest as many times as he wishes.
The suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 was filed on June 13, 2023 by Deme Kolomo, a member of the APC.
Based on the court ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) excluded Sylva’s name and that of his running mate, Joshua Maciver, from the list of contestants of the November 11 exercise.
The list signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, had the column for the names of APC candidate and his running mate left blank with remarks, “Court order”.
[NaijaNews]
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has reacted to the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Adegboruwa, in a statement, said the verdict of the apex court “is sound in law and accords with the relevant statutes on the issue.”
The lawyer, however, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disappointed the expectation of Nigerians due to its failure to upload election results on iREV portal.
He said this was also affirmed by the Justices of the Supreme Court who held that the failure of INEC led to loss of public confidence in the electoral process.
He called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to engender and entrench transparency in the election process.
He also faulted public office holders for “abandoning their official duties to attend court proceedings.”
“The Supreme Court held that failure by INEC to upload election results on iREV leads to loss of public confidence in the electoral process.
“The Court however held that such failure will not lead to the nullification of election results. The judgment is sound in law and accords with the relevant statutes on the issue.
“What then is the penalty for the electoral umpire that failed Nigerians upon its own voluntary undertaking? Because INEC is still busy assuring Nigerians that future election results will be transmitted electronically.
“It is left for the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to give us transparent elections. We cannot continue in this fashion.
“Presently, INEC has continued to assure Nigerians that the off-cycle elections for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi governorship elections will be conducted electronically and the results uploaded on INEC iREV portal.
“The use of technology is to prevent manipulation of election results. I urge INEC to help Nigeria by keeping to its guidelines and public statements and undertakings.
“So many public officers attended court to listen to the judgment, leading to loss of manpower. When a politician is appointed into a public office, he ceases to be partisan but becomes an officer of the federal republic.
“Public officers abandoning their official duties to attend court proceedings in which they play no official role should be discouraged.
“The National Assembly should set up a special committee to scrutinize the judgment of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for the purpose of amending the Electoral Act 2022.
[NationalDaily]
There appears to be a crack at the Supreme Court, barely 24 hours after it validated the election of President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
A retiring justice of the court, Musa Dattijo Muhammad, who reportedly pulled out from the seven-man panel that dismissed all the appeals that sought to remove President Tinubu from office, has accused the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, of abusing the powers of his office.
Justice Muhammad, who spent 47 years in active judicial service, bowed out of the apex court bench on Friday, having clocked the 70 years mandatory retirement age.
He used the opportunity of a valedictory session that was organised in his honour by the Supreme Court, to address what he observed as rots in the judiciary that have continued to affect the justice delivery system in the country.
“Through the years, I rose to become the second most senior justice of the country’s apex court and Deputy Chairperson of the National Judicial Council. “Considering the number of years I have spent in judicial service and the position I have attained by the grace of the Almighty, I feel obligated to continue the struggle for reforms for a better Judiciary and would be leaning on the earlier submissions of those who had exited before me,” Justice Muhammad stated before he descended on the CJN.
He maintained that the judiciary, as presently structured, gave so much powers to the CJN who he said usually takes decisions without consulting other justices.
His words: “As presently structured, the CJN is Chairman of the NJC which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges, he is equally Chair of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) that appoints Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“In my considered opinion, the oversight functions of these bodies should not rest on an individual alone. A person with absolute powers, it is said, corrupts easily and absolutely. “As Chair of NJC, FJSC, NJI and LPPC, appointments as council, board and commitment members are at his pleasure. He neither confers with fellow justices nor seeks their counsel or input on any matter related to these bodies. He has both the final and the only say. “The CJN has power to appoint 80 percent of members of the council and 60 percent of members of FJSC. The same applies to NJI and LPPC.
“Such enormous powers are effortlessly abused. This needs to change. Continued denial of the existence of this threatening anomaly weakens effective judicial oversight in the country,” he added.
On the current composition of the bench of the apex court, Justice Muhammad alleged that the refusal to fill the vacant slot of South East on the apex court bench, was deliberate, blaming it on “absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN.”
He further stressed that with his retirement, the North Central zone which he represented, would no longer have a Justice on the Supreme Court bench.
“My lord Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko JSC who also represented the zone retired on 23rd of May, 2022. It has been a year and five months now. There has not been any replacement. “With the passing of my lord, Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze, JSC on 29th July 2023, the South East no longer has any presence at the Supreme Court. My lord, Hon. Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta JSV died on 7th March 2021. There has not been any appointment in his stead for the South East. “As it stands, only four geo-political regions- the South-West, South-South, North-West and North-East are represented in the Supreme Court. “While the South-South and North-East have two serving justices, the North-West and South-West are fully represented with three each.
“Appropriate steps could have been taken since to fill outstanding vacancies in the apex court. Why have these steps not been timeously taken? “It is evident that the decision not to fill the vacancies in the court is deliberate. It is all about the absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN and the responsible exercise of same,” the retiring jurist added.
On the issue of membership of the panel that heard the presidential election appeals by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, Justice Muhammad, said: “To ensure justice and transparency in presidential appeals from the lower court, all geo-political zones are required to participate in the hearing.
“It is therefore dangerous for democracy and equity for two entire regions to be left out in the decisions that will affect the generality of Nigerians. “This is not what our laws envisage. Although it can be posited that no one expected the sudden passing of Hon.
Justice Nweze JSC, yet, it has been two years and seven months since the previous justice from South-East died and no appointment was made.”
On funding and independence of the Judiciary, the retiring justice bemoaned that though the budgetary allocation for the Judiciary increased from 70billion that it was in 2015 to 165billion presently, “Justices and officers welfare and the quality of service the judiciary renders have continued to decline.”
“It may interest one to know that the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court earns more than the Justices. While she earns N1.2m per month, justices take home N751,000 in a month. “The CJN on his part takes home N400, 000 plus. The salary of a Justice, curiously, drops rather than increases when he gets the added responsibility of being a CJN. “The unjust and embarrassing salary difference between the justices and the Chief Registrar remains intriguing, to say the least.”
He noted that it was owing to allegations of corruption and perversion of justice, that informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to order the invasion of homes and arrest of some judges in 2016.
“Not done, in 2019 the government accosted, arrested and arraigned the incumbent Chief Justice before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged underhand conduct. “With his retirement negotiated, he was eventually left off the hook. “In 2022, a letter signed by all other justices of the Supreme Court, including the current Chief Justice, the aggrieved protested against the shabby treatment meted to them by the head of the court and the Chief Registrar.
“In the event, his lordship Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad disengaged ostensibly on grounds of ill-health.
“My lords, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that the judiciary I am exiting from is far from the one I voluntarily joined and desired to serve and be identified with. The institution has become something else,” Justice Muhammad lamented.
Meanwhile, earlier in the ceremony, the CJN, in his speech, paid glowing tribute to the retiring jurist who he described as a “quintessential Judicial icon with dazzling qualities and alluring stature.”
“His Lordship is one judicial officer that could be blunt, even to a fault; and is never known to be afraid to say things the way they are; and also never shies away from calling a spade by its name, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” the CJN stated. He decried that with Justice Muhammad’s exit, the apex court bench has further depleted to 10.
The Director-General, Nigeria’s Country Department, African Development Bank, Mr Lamin Barrow, on Friday, said the bank’s portfolio investments in Nigeria is one of the largest among the Regional Member Countries, with a total commitment value of $ 4.4bn.
He stated this at the 2023 Country Portfolio Performance Review Workshop in Abuja.
This performance, however, is a reduction from the $5bn worth of portfolio in 63 operations recorded in 2022.
Barrow, reiterating the bank’s commitment to promote investments in the country, said 48 separate fundings were evenly distributed between public and private sector operations in the country.
He said, “Currently, the bank’s portfolio in Nigeria is one of the largest among the Regional Member Countries, with a total commitment value of $ 4.4bn. These comprised of 48 operations fairly evenly distributed between public and private sector operations.”
Barrow further noted that the rate of flagged operations had decreased from 36 per cent in January 2023 to 32 per cent in September 2023.
According to him, diligent monitoring of the procurement plans and implementation processes would help the bank achieve 100 per cent compliance.
He said, “We are pleased that the share of start-up delays has been reduced from 32 per cent of flagged operations in June 2023 to 28 per cent in October 2023, and is expected to reach eight per cent by end 2023 with timely and targeted actions for some projects.
“Some of our portfolio performance metrics have also improved. In particular, operations flagged for implementation challenges decreased from 36 per cent in January 2023 to 32 per cent in September 2023.”
[Punch]
[PRESS STATEMENT] NADECO Congratulates President Bola Tinubu, GCFR On His Confirmation as President of Nigeria by The Supreme Court and Calls on Him to Act on APC Manifesto and El-Rufai Panel Recommendations
Admin
- The National Democratic Coalition, NADECO wishes to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his judicial victory confirmation by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in its October 26 2023 verdict on the election petition s filed by political opponents against his declared victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC after the February 2023 Presidential Election.
- NADECO wishes to restate that even though our preference was for the Nigerian State to first organize the necessary and desirable return to Federal Constitutional Governance upon which Nigeria secured her independence, we are gratified that the partisan politicians have locked horns, campaigned, contested, won and lost election and have exhausted all the legal remedies available for whatever redress they deemed fit in the circumstances of the elections.
- NADECO further wishes to state that NOW is the time to deliver the much expected services in the socio-economic and political sphere through well thought out and rightly directed policies desirable to quickly alleviate the unacceptable level of suffering, poverty, economic misery and neglect to which Nigerians have been subjected by immediate past rulers and leaders, for many years now.
- NADECO again restates for emphasis that while we strongly desire an immediate upliftment in the standard and quality of living of Nigerians, we expect much more than the necessary bread and butter economic gains.
5a. NADECO believes that the President Bola Tinubu Government must equally prioritize the process of implementing the APC manifesto particularly in Article 7, pages 3, 7, 29, 37:
- Under the aims and objectives of its article 7, the APC Constitution commits the party to firstly, promote and foster the unity, political stability and national consciousness of the people of Nigeria, and secondly, to promote true federalism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- In the foreword to its vision for a New Nigeria (page 3, second paragraph), the APC Manifesto commits the party to ‘implement efficient public financial management strategies and ensure true federalism” as well as “restructure governance in a way that kick starts our political economy so that we can begin to walk the path of our better future”. Also, in its manifesto (page 7), APC entered into an “Honest Contract” with Nigeria to create a federalism with “more equitable distribution of national revenue to the states and local governments because this is where grassroots democracy and economic development must be established.”
- In its Commitment to Restore Good Government (page 29, last paragraph), the APC Manifesto again stresses reliance on enhancing federalism through a two-pronged approach that consists of i) devolving control of policing and local prisons to the states and giving the right to nominate State Police Commissioners to Governors; and ii) Expanding the role of the Council of States to act as a consultation and negotiating forum between the Federal and State governments to agree on joint economic and social initiatives.
- Finally, under its promised Reforms and “a Government You Can Trust” (page 37, last paragraph), the APC Manifesto pledges to “devolve more revenue and powers to the States and Local Governments so that decision making is closer to the people” and pledge to “bring the government closer to the people through political decentralization including local policing”.
- The El-Rufai Committee’s Report recommended for a start the following among others that the APC Government should take immediate steps to return Nigeria to Federal Constitutional Governance upon which the country secured her independence;
Devolution of powers to State
- Resource control
- Making Local Government Affairs an affair of the states
- Constitutional amendments to allow merger of States
- State Police
- State Court of Appeal
- Independent Candidacy
- The above were the promises upon which people voted for APC in 2015. TIME IS OF ESSENCE because the necessity for a return to FEDERALISM is a critical existential matter that has overall bearing as to the continued co- mutual existence of the country.
- NADECO also wishes to restate again that, the so called "NADECO USA" is a FRAUD, and a DECEPTION being promoted by elements that were not in any of our structure while NADECO operated globally. We have denounced this farcical group, reminding them that NADECO at its November 1999 properly convened meeting in Virginia, USA, presided over by its National Leader, Chief Anthony Enahoro, the organization announced that it was winding down its overseas operations. There had been no reversal of that decision.
- NADECO recognizes the fundamental rights of Nigerians to hold personal opinion and to express them in persons or in groups. What is deeply objectionable is for elements who were not part of NADECO while it was losing its sweat, its blood, liberty, possession, and even martyred to suddenly start appropriating the good name and reputation earned through a lot of pain and sacrifice by NADECO for their transient pursuit of partisan objectives.
- President Bola Tinubu as a Critical Stakeholder in the highest structure of NADECO, who expended his resources and network together with others while we were in the trenches should prove beyond reasonable doubts that he remains faithful and committed towards restoring Nigeria to the NEGOTIATED FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. No one needs to remind Mr. President that the current warped, skewed, and lopsided national structure must be reconfigured in order to give hope and sense of belonging to all Nigerians that they are equal joint stakeholder in the Nigerian Project.
- NADECO wishes President Bola Tinubu divine guidance, robust health, necessary tact and discipline to deliver exemplary services to Nigerians during his tour of duty. THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY MUST NOT BE LOST, AS THE BLACK RACE HAS WAITED FOR TOO LONG FOR NIGERIA AS THE MOST POPULOUS BLACK NATION TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR THE BLACK WORLD IN THE COMMITY OF NATIONS.
AYO OPADOKUN, ESQ
Dear Mr. Bisi Kazeem,
I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your appointment as the Deputy Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This is a momentous achievement and a testament to your exceptional skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety.
Your appointment to such a significant position reflects the trust and confidence that the FRSC has placed in you. I have no doubt that your vast experience, expertise, and leadership qualities will greatly contribute to the continued success of the FRSC in its mission to safeguard lives on the roads.
As Deputy Corps Marshal, you will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies, strategies, and initiatives that promote road safety, educate the public, and prevent accidents. Your passion for creating safer roads and your tireless efforts in raising awareness about traffic regulations have already made a notable impact, and I am certain that you will continue to inspire and lead by example.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations once again on this well-deserved appointment. I have no doubt that under your capable leadership, the FRSC will reach new heights in its pursuit of ensuring road safety for all citizens. Your dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to others, and I am confident that you will excel in this new role.
May your journey as Deputy Corps Marshal be filled with rewarding experiences, valuable insights, and remarkable achievements.
Congratulations once again, Mr. Bisi Kazeem!
Warm regards,
Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, FCIArb. UK
The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the lingering disagreement between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid eight months’ salary.
The resolution was a sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Paul Nnamchi (LP-Enugu State) and co-sponsored by Aminu Jaji (APC-Zamfara State), Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) and Lilian Orogbu (LP-Anambra) at plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Mr Nnamchi said that university lecturers played a crucial role in the education system by providing knowledge, guidance, and mentorship to future leaders.
He said that ensuring a stable and motivated academic workforce was critical to educational institution development.
The lawmaker said that ASUU, a recognised body of academic professionals in Nigeria, was committed to the advancement of education and research within the university.
He recalled that in 2022, ASUU members went on an eight-month strike due to the federal government’s failure to honour past agreements with the union.
Mr Nnamchi said that strike actions, aimed at addressing systemic issues, had unintentionally led to financial consequences for dedicated lecturers who participated in the strike.
“ Section 17 of the Constitution provides that the state social order is founded on ideals of freedom, equality and justice and in furtherance of the social order, government actions shall be humane.
“Disturbed that federal university lecturers are facing financial hardships and distress due to eight months’ salary owed as a result of the ASUU strike, with adverse consequences on students’ educational experiences and overall well-being.
“Worried that the unpaid salaries can negatively affect lecturers’ morale, job satisfaction, and teaching effectiveness, thereby affecting the quality of education provided to students.
“The educational success and prospects of students are intricately linked to the financial security and dedication of teachers.
“Resolving this issue is crucial for the stability and excellence of universities, the welfare of educators, and the nation’s economy,” he said.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated Committees on University Education, Finance, Appropriations, Labour and Productivity, and Legislative Compliance to interface with ASUU and the Federal Government.
He charged the committee to resolve the eight months outstanding salary of lecturers following the ‘no work no pay’ policy and report back within two weeks for further legislative actions.
President Bola Tinubu had announced the waiver of the no-work-no-pay policy to release the lecturers’ withheld salary, but disagreement over the issue has lingered.
(NAN)
Former Bayelsa Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce has begged Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of Labour Party to congratulate President Bola Tinubu following the Supreme Court's ruling affirming his election.
He said the duo should make the call in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Murray-Bruce, in a post shared via his handle on X (formerly Twitter) said: “It is only right, fitting, and sportsmanly for both Waziri Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to congratulate President Bola Tinubu for his victory in the #NigerianElections2023.
“There must be an end to litigation, and the Supreme Court must end it. All talk by some persons that ‘Bola Tinubu is not my President’ is frivolous and unhelpful.
“As long as you call yourself a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you do not have ‘your’ President. Nigeria has a President, and whether you like it or not, he presides over you as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Head of the State,
“The Peoples Democratic Party must now play their role as Nigeria’s most viable opposition party.
“It is incumbent on them to work on unifying their ranks. Disunity and treachery against President Goodluck Jonathan cost them the 2015 election.
“Disunity also cost them this election. If they allow it to repeat itself a third time, they are done."
The former senator, who served in the upper chamber between June 2015 and June 2019, also advised youths not to allow anybody, whether candidate, party, or TV station, to set them against the government.
He said: “To the youths of Nigeria, do not allow anybody, whether candidate, party, or TV station, to set you against the government. The future is yours, as Millennials, not ours, the fifties and sixties generation. Use it well. Organise now for 2027, or agonise when it is 2027.”
The Federal Government has been asked to release, Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF) also called on President Bola Tinubu to commence work towards the restructuring of the country and enthrone ‘true federalism’ as was originally entrenched in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions.
The leaders of the group while calling for the release of Kanu maintained that the government and security agencies must obey court orders in the country.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a crucial meeting of leaders and elders of the South East, South West, South-South, and Middle Belt Regions represented by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Middle Belt Forum respectively in Abuja on Thursday.
They observed that without restructuring, the future of Nigeria and democracy would remain bleak. Their resolution is that it must, therefore, be carried out immediately.
According to the communique jointly signed by Chief Edwin K. Clark – Leader; Chief Ayo Adebanjo - Leader, Afenifere; Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu - President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; General Zamani Lekwot (rtd.), Chairman, Middle Belt Elders Council, and former Military Governor, Rivers State; Dr Pogu Bitrus - President, Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, FNSE - National Chairman, PANDEF, the leaders discussed exhaustively current developments in the country.
The forum expressed great concern and total rejection of the trend where certain sections of the country, are continually marginalised in states, local governments, and even appointments to the Federal Executive Council.
They insisted that the South East in particular should be appropriately represented on the Federal Executive Council, similar to other geo-political zones. They also resolved that Nigeria must always remain a country where all citizens and sections enjoy a full sense of belonging and equality.
On the 2023 presidential election, the forum commended the political class, especially the leading candidates for their recourse to constitutional means in seeking redress for their grievances.
It, however, noted that it would make a pronouncement on the Supreme Court judgment that brought to an end the 2023 general election.
On other national concerns, the SMBLF urged the federal government to redouble efforts to assuage the daily depreciating living standard of Nigerians, by urgently salvaging the Naira, which has continued to depreciate daily.
It partly read: "SMBLF advices that the Federal Government should take urgent steps to release Nnamdi Kanu since a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered so. We believe that doing so will promote peace and security in the South East.
"That the Federal Capital Territory remains the national patrimony of all Nigerians; thus, condemns the present efforts by some to arrogate exclusiveness. This must be rejected and the promoters of such views should be called to order;
"Insists that President Tinubu takes an urgent look at the 2014 National Conference Report, concluded by 494 of the Country’s leaders, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Report on True Federalism.
"The Meeting resolved to set up a Strategic Committee on Restructuring and expressed readiness to interface with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all other stakeholders, on the enunciated issues."
Others who attended the meeting include Chief Senator Cornelius Adebayo, former Governor of Kwara State; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, National Chairman, PANDEF.
Others include General Lawrence Onoja (rtd.), former Military Governor of Katsina State; Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ishaya Bamaiyi, former Chief of Army Staff; Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State; Chief S.N. Okeke, former Chairman, Police Service Commission; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Chairman of NDDC; Chief (Barr.) Sola Ebiseni, National Secretary, Afenifere; Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Igali; Amb. Okey Emuchay, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange; Senator Musa Adede; Prof. G. G. Darah; Solomon Asemota SAN and D.I.G. Potter L. Dabup (rtd.).
Also present were Engr. Marcus Gundiri, Akin Oshuntokun, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Prof Charles Nwakeaku, Dele Farotimi, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi, Jonathan Tsaku, Mr. Mac Emakpore, Hon. Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Jonathan Asake, Mrs. Elizabeth Jibrin, Chief Hon. Olivia Agbajoh Esq, Dr. Ken Robinson, among others.
Nigeria remained in 40th place in the latest FIFA Men’s rankings for October, despite winning and drawing their last friendly games of the international break.
The Super Eagles won 2-2 against Saudi Arabia in the first game of the friendlies, before winning 3-2 to Mozambique in the second. However, the results had little impact on their rankings.
In April, Coach Jose Peseiro’s team dropped to 40th in the rankings, after being ranked 35th in Africa in December last year.
The main reason for the drop was Nigeria’s non-involvement in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. In June and July, Nigeria dropped to 39th, and in September, they dropped again to 40th position. The three-time African champions remain in 6th place in the rankings table.
Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked nation, remaining 13th in the world rankings. Senegal remained 20th in the world while remaining in second place in Africa.
Last month, Tunisia, which was the only African nation among the continent’s top six to move up in the world rankings, was the only nation of the top six to lose points. The country was ranked 29th in the previous rankings but dropped to 32nd in the latest update published by FIFA on Thursday.
In Africa, the Top 5 is completed by Algeria (33) and Egypt (35).
[news.ng]
More...
Former Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang is dead.
Kegiang died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 68.
He died after suffering a sudden heart attack in Shanghai, state news agency reported.
Kegiang suffered a heart attack late on Thursday and died on Friday after attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Recall that Kegiang had stepped down as premier in March after 10 years in office under Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He was born on July 1, 1955 in Dingyuan, in the eastern province of Anhui, the son of a functionary.
In 1974, during the Cultural Revolution, Kegiang was forced to go to the countryside like other intellectuals.
As one of only three per cent of all applicants who managed to gain admission, he studied law at Peking University and earned a doctorate in economics.
Kegiang was effectively sidelined by Xi, and eventually replaced by Li Qiang in March.
There had been rumours about his health for years.
[Newspot]
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Robert Clarke, said electoral issues in Nigeria will not stop until the 1999 constitution is amended.
Clarke stated this in an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
He blamed the 1999 Constitution for the incessant electoral litigations over the years.
Clarke said the 1999 Constitution gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so much power.
His comment comes after the Supreme Court upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election.
Clarke said, “The problem today is that the system we have, except it is rigorously looked into, we will continue for every four years to do the same thing we are doing for the next 20 years. I started with this constitution in 1999; today, in 2023, there has been no difference. Every four years, we do a roundabout in trekking and come to the same point.
“We have filed about six election petitions, and the Supreme Court has never set aside any presidential election in Nigeria. Why should they, when the law says whatever the umpire does is, by law, presumed to be right?
“So, once the umpire, which is INEC, presents documents to the tribunal and says, ‘I have done my job; these are the results; if you are not happy, come and challenge me and bring your own result’.
“That is what is happening. We have to make sure INEC is not given that advantage to present documents, and the court has no option but to accept them as correct.”
“For us not to come back in four years’ time and be talking the same thing that we are doing today, we must amend the 1999 Constitution to remove that section that says to be able to contest an election, you must belong to a political party,” he said.
According to him, all the problems today are being caused by the political parties with their numerous litigations from pre-election to the election as well as post-election.
The Supreme Court affirmed the September 6, 2023, ruling by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the victory of Tinubu.
A seven-judge panel led by Justice John Iyang Okoro ruled that the opposition appeals over claims of fraud, electoral law violations, and Tinubu’s ineligibility to run for president lacked merit.
[OpinionNigeria]
Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the Annual Lecture of the TheNiche, with the Theme: “Why We Stride and Slip: Leadership, Nationalism and the Nigerian Condition”, on Thursday in Lagos, declared that the Nigerian Union as a nation remains imperfect. He noted that the country is still weighed down by prejudices of ethnicity, religion, regionalism and others.
The former minister stated that while out of government, people make noise for reforms, but when in government they become comfortable and remain silence on issues they wanted the government to change, noting that such elite were not doing so because of nationalism but personal interest.
Amaechi noted, however, that the military on coming into partisan politics, attempted to restructure Nigeria to stabilise the polity, and in the process centralized the federal structure.
The former Minister stated that geographical restructure of Nigeria began with the creation of 12 states by General Yakubu Gowon from the four regions.
According to him “Creation of states was adopted by the military as instrument of stability. The military set up command structure.”
Amaechi highlighted that the National Grid was established in Oshogbo, Osun State, from where electricity is being distributed to the various parts of the country. He listed other national assets that were centralised during the military regime, as well as the nationalisation policy of the military government.
Speaking on “Democracy, leadership and nationalism” Amaechi reiterated the exploitation of the masses by the political elite. He pointed out that the elite exploit religion to gain access to political power; adding that the same with ethnicity and regions.
The former minister also noted that the framework of civil democracy in Nigeria has not yielded liberal democracy, neither has it delivered the fundamental responsibilities of government to the people.
The former minister reiterated his pessimism about the framework of civil democracy in the country, declaring that “our democracy has not matured; votes are being purchased…” According to him, “the electoral system alienate the people.”
The consequences of the anomalies, he said, are the rising violence and crimes in the country.
The former minister said that people can no longer walk freely on the streets without fear of being shot or kidnapped. According to him, the only two cities where citizens safety can be guaranteed in Nigeria today, are Abuja and Lagos, saying that people have become imprisoned in the two cities, staying there for year without going home.
He maintained that the country has become plagued by militancy, upsurge violence, kidnapping, decrying that new forms and waves of crime have emerged across the country since the contemporary democratic dispensation.
Amaechi asserted that leaders have failed to tackle these problems.
The former minister was of the view that “the problem with Nigerians is Nigerians themselves.”
According to him, “Nigerians do not react to anything. There is nothing new. Nothing bothers you. Which politician is not a thief? “Nigerians take everything as it occurs and feel it does not matter.
“It is a hopeless situation.”
He reiterated that the people are the problem, saying people accept things that citizens of other countries would ordinarily rise to protest.
[NationalDaily]
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has proposed a N350 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year, with education sector getting the highest allocation of N95 billion.
The governor, who tagged the appropriation bill “budget of restoration and transformation,” said, it was informed by the compelling need to fulfill all campaign promises to the citizens of Kano.
He revealed that the opening balance stands at N10bn, revenue recurrent expenditure is N134.4bn (representing 38 percent).
Salaries would gulp N85.739bn for Civil Servants and Political Office Holders plus allowances and overhead and other expenditure stood at N78.4 Billion.
Governor Yusuf said Capital Expenditure stands at N215,194,821.25 billion which (represents 62 percent of the total Budgetary Allocations.
Breaking down the Budget, he said, Education will get N95.389bn representing 29.97 percent of the total budget; health gets N51.4bn, Works and Housing N40.4bn, Transport N4.8bn, Physical Planning N5.1bn and Agriculture gets N11bn among others.
The Governor noted that human capital development, promoting the general welfare of Kano people, ensuring security of lives, provisions of strategic health, achieving food security, creating opportunity for Jobs and business and strengthening Inter and Non Governmental partnership remain cardinal principles of his administration.
He assured that his Government would block leakages and monitor all the State MDAs and establish a standing committee on the revenue committee to ensure transparency in the running of the government.
Responding, the speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismail Falgore, assured that the House will immediately swing to action to pass the budget in good time to help the state keep to its January to December budget circle, adding that this will be done without compromising on processes.
[DailyTrust]