National Archives | Page 10 of 11

Senator Abbo: I Lost My Senatorial Seat Due to Judicial Banditry

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Former lawmaker representing Adamawa North in the Senate, Elijah Ishaku Abbo, has alleged that he lost his senatorial seat in the 10th Senate due to what he described as “judicial banditry.” Abbo made the claim during an interview on Arise News Channel’s PrimeTime show on Wednesday night, monitored by our correspondent. He accused the judiciary of manipulating the 2023 election outcome against him. “I lost my senatorial seat through judicial banditry because there is no law that backs what happened,” Abbo asserted. “I believe the judge knows what she did, and that is why she had to send Ken Nnamani to my house to come and beg me.” According to Abbo, former Senate President Nnamani’s visit was a confirmation of irregularities in the judicial process. “And it’s true, Ken Nnamani is still alive,” he added, emphasising that the former Senate President could corroborate his claims. The former federal lawmaker further criticised the court’s decision, particularly the cancellation of election results in two out of five local government areas of Adamawa North without ordering a rerun. “A situation where a judge said that an election that took place in five local governments, and she cancelled the election in two local governments, disenfranchised two local governments, 263 polling units, and did not order a re-election as the law stipulates—that is not the law, that is robbery, that is a coup against democracy,” he maintained. Abbo also alleged that the judge was pressured to rule against him, claiming that the judicial system was compromised. “Of course, she was pressured, and I have stated it time and time again. Unfortunately, I petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), but the NJC has become a body that only punishes small judges—Magistrates and High Court Judges—but cannot punish big Judges,” he said. Expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of accountability in the judiciary, Senator Abbo advocated the dissolution of the NJC, arguing that it had failed in its duty. “They should dismantle the NJC, they are doing nothing,” he declared. “I am advocating that the NBA should be the one punishing judges by passing a vote of no confidence on erring judges,” he added. LEADERSHIP recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had, on October 16, 2023, nullified Abbo’s election and declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the February 25, 2023 senatorial election in Adamawa North. Read Also:https://trendbrio.com/akpabio-to-abbo-you-are-bitter-and-desperate-for-political-relevance/

VP Shettima Heads To Dakar To Represent Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations. Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its freedom from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by national pride, with ceremonies, parades and cultural events. The Vice President’s attendance at the annual event is in honour of an invitation extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following the strong mutual relationship between Nigeria and Senegal. The independence Day celebrations will be held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, with President Faye playing host to Vice President Shettima and other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond. The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow after the one-day event.

Kogi Govt Calls Akpoti Uduaghan Allegations Baseless Urges Security Action

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, calling them false and an attempt to manipulate public opinion. Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the government took note of a now-deleted post on Akpoti Uduaghan’s Facebook page, where she claimed that Governor Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happened to her. Fanwo accused her of trying to incite unrest in Kogi Central by violating the state’s ban on political gatherings, asserting that her visit to the area was intended to cause violence. “Governor Ododo has no interest in the suspended senator’s political theatrics. Her baseless claims are an attempt to stir controversy and distract from her disregard for the law,” he said. Fanwo also accused Akpoti Uduaghan of ignoring security directives and causing disturbances in the state, claiming her actions aligned with intelligence reports about a planned disruption of peace in Kogi Central. He called on security agencies to monitor her “reckless utterances and inflammatory actions,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to law and order. “Kogi State remains peaceful under Governor Ododo, and we will not allow anyone to disrupt our progress,” Fanwo stated. He also warned that Akpoti Uduaghan would be held responsible if her actions led to violence in the state.

Tinubu Embarks on Working Visit to Paris

Fola Badmus6 months ago5 months ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit. During the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s midterm performance and assess key milestones. He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary. This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year. Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion. While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight.

Tinubu Reconstitutes NNPCL Board, Appoints New Chairman, Group CEO

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago07 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari. President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023. The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman. Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu. Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central. President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East. Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. All the appointments are effective today, April 2. President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification. President Tinubu also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives. Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030. The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030. Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030. The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985. Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group. Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board. Ojulari, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, He was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion. Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector. From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist. Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager. In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.

Kano Commends FG and Edo’s Swift Response to Uromi Killings

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

The Kano State Government has commended the Federal Government and the Edo State Government for their swift response in managing the aftermath of the gruesome killing of 16 Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their prompt intervention, which included dispatching delegations to Kano in a show of solidarity and concern. “We extend profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for the visit of Federal Government delegation and that of the Governor of Edo State in a show of solidarity and concern over this tragic incident,” Yusuf stated. In a statement on Tuesday by Kano Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Yusuf reiterated his demand for justice and stressed the importance of transparency in the legal proceedings against those responsible. “Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre brought to justice publicly,” he said. Yusuf also commended Okpebholo’s engagement with the Hausa community in Edo State to prevent further escalation of tensions.He particularly acknowledged the Edo State Government’s commitment to compensating the bereaved families, urging that the compensation be executed without delay. “The compensation which the delegation promised is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families who have lost their breadwinners,” he noted. The swift intervention by the Federal Government, according to Yusuf, underscores its commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, irrespective of their state of origin. Residents of Torankawa, the hometown of most of the victims, also voiced appreciation for the concerted efforts of the Federal and Edo State Governments in addressing the matter. Both Governors pledged to ensure a thorough and transparent justice process to prevent such an unfortunate incident from recurring anywhere in the country. The Kano State Government reaffirmed unwavering commitment to justice, vowing to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the victims’ families receive the compensation and support they deserve.

Tinubu Extends Immigration Comptroller-General’s Tenure

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s tenure as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through December 31, 2026. Mrs Nandap began her career in the Nigeria Immigration Service on October 9, 1989. Tinubu appointed her as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, to serve till August 31, 2025. Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures. Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service in fulfilling its mandate to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote safe, legal, and orderly migration.

Security Crisis: Obi Urges President Tinubu to Return Home and Address Domestic Challenges

Peter Obi Greets Muslims At Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr. Peter Obi has enjoined Muslims faithful to embrace the true essence of Eid—the spirit of giving, kindness, and solidarity as they celebrates Eid-el-Fitr. The former Anambra State Governor also urged them to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, support one another, and work together to build a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. “My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, “I rejoice with you today as you mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. This period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal has not only strengthened your faith but also reminded us all of the enduring values of sacrifice, discipline, and love for one another. “As you celebrate this Eid-el-Fitr, I encourage you to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan—compassion, humility, and service to humanity. Let us seize this moment to renew our collective commitment to peace, unity, and the progress of our dear nation, Nigeria. “At this critical time in our history, when many of our people face economic hardship, insecurity, and uncertainty, we must embrace the true essence of Eid—the spirit of giving, kindness, and solidarity. Let us extend a helping hand to the less privileged, support one another, and work together to build a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. “I pray that Almighty Allah accepts your sacrifices, grants you His boundless blessings, and brings peace and prosperity to our beloved country. May this season usher in renewed hope and strength for us all. “Eid Mubarak to you and your families!”