Saraki’s Campaign Team Storms Katsina, Says He Can Wipe Away Tears Of Nigerians

 The Contact and Advocacy Council of one of the PDP presidential aspirants and former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki stormed the ancient city of Katsina State.

The campaign team led by the former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada and former presidential aspirant, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, was in the state to seek the support of party stakeholders and delegates on the candidacy of Senator  Saraki ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

Members of the council include; Ambassador, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Honourable Ibrahim Shehu Bakauye, Hon. Muhammad Shafa lafiya, Hajiya Hadiza Bukar Gombe, Sen. Sulaiman Hassan Sarawa, Hajiya Hadiza Mome, Binta Bello Gombe and Dr. Musa Ahmed Ibrahim.

The Katsina State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Honourable Salisu Yusuf Majigiri who received the Bukola Saraki’s Contact and Advocacy Council at the Katsina PDP Headquarters, expressed his disappointment at the APC led government’s decision not to announce the increase in crude oil price for the benefit of Nigerians instead they keep mute.

According to Professor Hagher, the All Progressive Congress (APC)  had succeeded in dividing Nigeria describing Bukola Saraki as a candidate that goes beyond zoning and is also the candidate that the country needs.

“He is a true Democrat with courage and not a civilian dictator. He has an ear to listen like the late president Umaru Musa Yar’adua. He is an extension to late Yar’adua,” he said.

Speaking further on the threats posed by the activities of bandits in the nations’ security, Hagher, noted that Katsina State had suffered the most as its future has become cmpromised.

“Katsina State has the second-highest number of out of school children at the time when the APC led government is yet to fix the education sector with incessant ASUU strikes becoming the order of the day.

“So Bukola Saraki can wipe away the tears of Nigerians because he understands what diversity means,” he stated.

I Have No Plans To Dump PDP For APC – Shaibu

 

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday said contrary to speculations, he won’t dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After falling out with his erstwhile political godfather and former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Shaibu, and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki were forced to leave the APC for the PDP to secure a second-term ticket Respite came for the duo who were re-elected for another four-year term after emerging winner of the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state.

But nearly two years after, Shaibu dismissed rumours of him nursing plans to return to the APC.

“For me as Philip Shaibu, I have no plans now to leave. But for Philip Shaibu and his followers and the followers of Obaseki, that left APC to the PDP, they all plan to leave PDP, but to where I don’t know,” he said.

“We feel not accepted in PDP and that is the reason we are actually thinking that it is time to just throw the curtain to leave.

“The truth is that the governor has been appealing and you can see that from yesterday’s meeting. Some of us are not happy with the governor’s statement saying he is not leaving the PDP. For some of us, we felt we left APC because of the governor not because we wanted to join PDP.

“We left APC because of the oppression the APC National Chairman meted on the governor. For some of us that hate oppression, we decided to jettison our relationship even with the then godfather and other persons to follow the governor to the PDP that the leadership asked that the governor should go.”

2023: Tinubu Will Tackle Insecurity, Revive Ailing Economy – Northern Group

 A group in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, has endorsed former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, for the presidency in 2023, saying he is the most qualified for the nation’s number one office.

The group, known as Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Support group, at its meeting in Kaduna State, said the former governor has all the qualities to tackle the myriads of socio-economic challenges confronting the nation including insecurity and an ailing economy.

Speaking during the meeting on Sunday, the Director-General of Senator Ahmed Tinubu Support group, Patrick Olatunji, described Tinubu as a detribalized person who has mentored and made thousands of people in politics and business, noting that the All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain will replicate the same when he becomes the president in 2023.

He has demonstrated it in Lagos State, he is prepared for the job. He is ambitious to be President, but he is prepared. He has trained many people, he has foot soldiers in all nooks and crannies in this country,” he said.

“They work for him and that is why all of us are here. By the grace of God, when he gets there, I know our problem in this country will be solved 100 per cent.

“This man has connections all over the world. When there was [an] election crisis in Osun that PDP said they won the election, he traveled abroad to get these forensic people, the first in the whole world. He used that forensic tactic to win back Osun State.”

Olatunji also said that Tinubu will revamp the nation’s power sector as well as make industries strive should be emerge as Nigeria’s president next year.

Other members of the group also said that majority of northern residents have already bought into the Tinubu 2023 presidential project on the grounds that he has the capacity to reunite and champion the country on the part of progress and also tackle insecurity.

According to them, the country still needs mature people with vast knowledge and experience like Tinubu to take it to the level of greater development and progress.

Customs Suspends VIN Automation On Imported Used Vehicles

 

Authorities of the Nigeria Customs Service have finally announced the suspension of the implementation of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation policy recently introduced on imported used vehicles.

The suspension according to a circular dated March 7th, 2022, and titled, ‘Approval Of Grace Period, To Clear Backlog Of Vehicles’, begins from Tuesday, March 8th, 2022.

The policy which allows for importers to auto-generate tariffs on imported cars had led to weeks of demonstration and the shutdown of port activities by licensed Customs Agents, while the service insist on implementation led to the shutdown of port activities

However, the communique says it has approved one month window to enable the clearing agents to clear the backlog of vehicles held up in the port as a result of the strike.

Importers and agents are also warned to ensure the uniform application of rebates for all vehicles using the correct values for their assessments, according to the statement.

It further states that “the VIN-valuation protocol is still in operation as reviews and updates are being captured in our system to reflect these adjustments.”

The circular also directed the affected area controllers to monitor the transition period and ensure manual assessments are in compliance with extant laws of the hand throughout the one month grace period, starting from Tuesday 8 to 22 March 2022.

The customs National public relations officer, Timi Bomodi was on Channels Television weekend Breakfast programme, Sunrise, last week Saturday where he explained that the leadership of the service were weighing the newly introduced policy for necessary action.

Other participants on the show argued that there is an urgent need for the customs to step down the policy which they say lack an economic basis.

Lagos To Clamp Down On Unregistered Alternative Medicine Practitioners

 

The Lagos State Government, through the Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), says it will begin its clamps down on unregistered practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in every part of the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Affairs Officer of the board, Segun Ogunleye on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the government is set to enforce the directives of the National Council on Health (NCH), which mandates all practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to register their operations or face the full wrath of the law, as prescribed by the National Council on Health.

Speaking recently in Lagos about the NCH directives, which he said were part of the resolutions reached at the 62nd meeting of the Traditional Medicine Practitioners held in 2019 in Asaba, Delta State, Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mr. Olorunkemi Kadiku, said the board is giving unregistered practitioners in the state till the end of March to complete their registration.

According to him, all Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners including product manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers are required to regularise their practice, as well as register their premises with the Traditional Medicine Board, or risk their premises being sealed.

“Any practitioner that fails to comply with this directive to register with LSTMB, would be treated as defaulter and such premises sealed off, including confiscation of products, in line with the council’s decisions,” he said.

Speaking further on the issue, Kadiku, who is also a member of the state’s Primary Health Care Board, disclosed that the Traditional Medicine Board has equally complied with other directives of the National Council, mandating all Traditional Medicine Boards to establish notable professional units or sections, in their offices, to be in charge of coordination, regulation and control of CAM practice and products.

The units, according to the Board helmsman, include: Traditional Medicine Practice, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice, Research Development, Herbal Complementary Medical Products and Commercialisation.

Explaining further, the Registrar said the board “has equally gone ahead to implement the council’s resolution by registering and licensing Milyash Alternative Specialist Clinic at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, as the first Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic, in the state”, adding that “the Board is also in the process of registering other Facilities that have applied to it, for registration.”

According to Kadiku, the LSTMB was established by the state government in 1980, to oversee the development, promotion, monitoring, regulation and integration of traditional medicine practices into the healthcare of the state.

African Players In Europe: Promoted Mahrez Punishes United

 Algeria captain and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez capitalised on being promoted to the starting line-up against Manchester United by scoring twice in a 4-1 Premier League triumph at the weekend.

A substitute in the previous two league games, the 2016 African Footballer of the Year rewarded manager Pep Guardiola with the last two City goals in the derby romp at the Etihad Stadium.

It was a welcome change of fortune for the 31-year-old Paris-born star, who had netted just once in 15 previous matches against fierce rivals United.

Here, AFP Sport highlights Africans who starred in the major European leagues:

RIYAD MAHREZ (Manchester City)

Mahrez starred in City’s 4-1 demolition of United, scoring two goals to take his season’s tally to 21 in all competitions. His first goal was a superb half-volley from the edge of the area after he was found by a corner from Kevin De Bruyne, and he scored another late on to complete the rout.

WILFRIED ZAHA (Crystal Palace) 

Ivory Coast international Zaha scored a penalty for Palace in their 2-0 win at Wolves, awarded for a foul by Max Kilman on Ghanaian Jeffrey Schlupp. Zaha’s ninth league goal of the season helped lift Palace into the top half of the table.

SADIO MANE (Liverpool) 

Liverpool forward Mane, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal last month, was on target against West Ham midway through the first half at Anfield, finishing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross-cum-shot. The three points kept Jurgen Klopp’s men hot on the heels of leaders Manchester City.

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA (Real Madrid)

Camavinga, 19, scored his second goal for Real Madrid in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad. The Angola-born France midfielder equalised before half-time with a superb long-range shot fizzing into the corner. Carlo Ancelotti said Camavinga is “an option” to start in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, with Toni Kroos battling a hamstring injury.

EMMANUEL GYASI (Spezia)

Ghana forward Gyasi had a golden chance to earn Spezia what would have been a deserved draw at Juventus just after half-time, but could only aim a weak header at Wojciech Szczesny with the goal at his mercy. Spezia sit four points above the Serie A relegation zone after the 1-0 defeat.

KALIDOU KOULIBALY (Napoli)

Normally in the headlines for his imperious defensive performances, Senegal captain Koulibaly’s most notable act during Napoli’s 1-0 defeat to Serie A title rivals AC Milan was to clatter into match-winner Olivier Giroud and give him a bleeding gash which almost forced the French forward off the field midway through the first half.

TAIWO AWONIYI (Union Berlin)

Forward Awoniyi has forced his way into Nigeria’s squad thanks to an excellent season in front of goal. But the 24-year-old former Liverpool youngster scored at the wrong end as Union slipped to a 1-0 defeat at VfL Wolfsburg. The capital club need Awoniyi to start finding the right net if they are to arrest their slump and maintain a Champions League push.

FRANCE LEBO MOTHIBA (Troyes)

The South African scored his first goal since December 2019 as he came off the bench to wrap up a 2-0 victory over Bordeaux from the penalty spot. Mothiba, 26, was loaned out by Strasbourg in January after signing an extension with the club until 2024 following two years wrecked by injury.

AFP

We’re More Than Capable’: Maguire Demands Man Utd Response After City Demolition

 

Harry Maguire says Manchester United must respond to their chastening loss at Manchester City by going on a relentless winning run if they are to have any chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

After finishing second last term and losing the Europa League final on penalties, the acquisitions of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo brought renewed hope that United could end their trophy drought.

But the season is turning into a nightmare, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer exiting in November and Sunday’s 4-1 loss at City leaving Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils 22 points behind the Premier League leaders.

United have dropped to fifth in the table and while they are just a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s men have three games in hand.

Captain Maguire, who said the players were “devastated” following their humiliating loss at the Etihad Stadium, is under no illusions about United’s uphill battle,

“We know it’s an important end to the season that we’ve got and a run of games where we’ve got to know that we’ve got to go on a run, and we’ve got to go and pick up win after win after win,” the centre-back told MUTV.

“We’re more than capable of doing it but we’ve got to show it on the pitch.”

Next weekend’s clash with fellow top-four rivals Spurs is followed by the Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid — matches that could see things unravel further for United.

Kevin De Bruyne goals either side of a Jadon Sancho leveller put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead at half-time on Sunday, before the hosts cruised in the second half, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice.

“It’s a disappointing result for the players, for the club, for the fans, for everyone involved,” said Maguire.

“We come into these games full of emotion, we give everything, we work tirelessly in the preparation, we look forward to the games and we had great belief that we could come here and get a result.”

AFP

Premier League To End Russian Broadcast Deal

 

The Premier League is set to cancel its television broadcast contracts in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, according to reports on Monday.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters last week said the current deal with Russia was “under review” due to the invasion.

Reports from Sky Sports and the Daily Telegraph claimed lawyers have been told to start the process of ending broadcast agreements with Russian partners.

An announcement is expected to come in the next few days confirming the contract cancellation, although the Premier League declined to comment on the situation on Monday.

The Russian television rights for the current Premier League season are owned by a company called Rambler and broadcast on streaming platform Okko.

That deal is reportedly worth around £6 million ($7.8 million) per year to the Premier League.

Match TV, owned by Russian energy giant Gazprom, is due to start a six-year deal from 2022-23.

But commercial deals with Russia in all sectors are under scrutiny and Masters recently told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit: “With regards to our broadcast contracts in Russia, clearly they’re under review.”

The English Football League, comprising the Championship and Leagues One and Two, is also expected to end its broadcast deal with Russia.

AFP

Strikes: Call ASUU To Order, FG Tells NLC

 

The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to advise its affiliate, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to abide by the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act and call off its ongoing strike.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 edition of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) in Lagos, today, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige also urged the Council to discuss as part of its agenda, a workable recipe that appropriately conciliates disputes with associations that are not properly registered as trade unions, to ensure that they fully abide, by the provisions of the law.

“What will be the relationship with workers’ organizations that are not properly registered as trade unions? The labour Act is there and it says the minister can discuss with them. But they don’t fully conform with legal provisions, especially in terms of style of negotiation and conciliation. NLAC should therefore come to the aid of the country here.

“Even though the Trade Disputes Act permits the minister to apprehend and deal with these workers that have not been registered as unions, you can also see that when dealing with them, you encounter problems because they do not fully understand the nuisances or obey the labour laws as it should be.

“If you are a union, you give adequate notice before proceeding on strike. If you are a union too and your strike is apprehended, you go back to your work while the necessary adjustment is made to give you justice. NLAC is expected to get the workers’ side of the tripartite live up to their responsibilities in this regard.”

The minister noted that some associations in critical sectors of health and education such as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA); National Association of Resident Doctors(NARD) are in actual fact, not properly unionized.

The Nigeria Medical Association is not a trade union; the National Association of Resident Doctors is not a trade union. They are associations of workers.

“The university teachers are registered under the Academic Staff Union of Universities and are affiliated to the Nigerian Labour Congress but that affiliation is only in name. It is not indeed, because they don’t obey the Labour Act as it concerns conciliation.

“For example, ASUU declared a month strike and called it a warning strike. It did not notify their employer, the Ministry of Education, nor did they notify me, the minister of labour that there is a breakdown in negotiation. I know that they had some discussions which were in limbo but I should be notified properly so that I can arrest the breakdown and bring it forward for proper conciliation.

“Now, I apprehended the dispute in consonance with the Labour Act. They came for conciliation, only for them to go back and continue the strike. This is illegal. The law is that once a dispute is apprehended, everybody returns to status quo ante. The law also says that if I arrest a dispute and the party or parties are not ready to confirm, I should transfer the dispute within fourteen days to either the Industrial Arbitration Panel or to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in line with section 17 of the Trade Disputes Act.

“But I’m concerned that if do this suo motu, this will not solve the problem of getting our children back to school outright

“So, I’m using this opportunity to plead with the NLC to which ASUU is affiliated, to call them to order, make them obey the law, to let them know what the Trade Disputes Act says and as university teachers who are even teaching industrial law, to abide by the law.

“They should call off that strike. That strike is not appropriately instituted. I have conciliated and made sure the issues in disputes have been decisively been dealt with.”

Ngige recalled the numerous benefits of the Council especially as they relate to the review of the labour laws and adoption of the various conventions of the ILO and commended the Federal Government for moving ahead with global best practices even while working to adopt the conventions.

The minister referred to Convention 102 which is on social security, listing the pillars to include comprehensive medical care, compensation for accidents at work, workers’ insurance and maternal health, saying the Employee Compensation Act 2010, National Health Insurance Scheme as well maternity and now paternity leave currently being accessed by public servants are in this direction.

He restated the commitment of the ministry to ensuring regular meeting of the council.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Labour and Employment and the chairman of the Council, Peter Tarfa said the meeting was a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to the regular meetings of the NLAC to strengthen the council in its role as the apex body, charged with the responsibility of ensuring industrial peace and harmony as well as sound labour administration practice.

He said “national industrial relation space” has remained turbulent despite the government’s effort, hence the need for the collective input of all stakeholders for a solution.

“These challenges will therefore require our collective efforts to resolve. To this end, the critical role of the council in promoting industrial peace and harmony must be reinforced to resolve long-lasting industrial disputes and enhance national productivity and economic development.”

He added the ministry has taken necessary steps to forward to the Federal Executive Council, two of the conventions recommended by the Council in in 2021 in Owerri viz Violence and Harassment in the World of Work Convention 2019 (No. 190) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No.187) He added that others were in progress.

He regretted the ravaging effects of COVID-19 on the economy which has compounded the challenges faced by the government and opened up more frontiers of industrial crisis.

“If we do not halt this ugly trend, attaining Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development and decent work for all would continue to be a mirage,” he said.

Goodwill messages were presented at the well-attended council by the Country Director of the ILO, Vanessa Lerato Phala, the NLC, TUC and NECA

Let Bygones Be Bygones, Acting APC Chairman Charges Party Leaders

 

Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has urged stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sheath swords and press on amicably ahead of the 2023 elections.

The governor, who on Monday declared himself the acting National Chairman of the APC, stated this at a meeting where he addressed state chairmen of the ruling party.

“By the time you get back, you will unite the party in your various states,” Governor Bello said.

“Please, please, please; let bygones be bygones. You have to bring everyone together, those that were for you and against you.

“What we want is a united, unified APC in your various states, because we have elections around the corner and we hope and pray that by God’s grace we will have a better result in 2023 than in 2019,” Bello charged the state party leaders.

He further urged the chairmen to remember those who elected them into office in their various states, adding that all steps they take must be ordered by the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

Earlier on, Governor Bello presided over a meeting of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. He told newsmen after the meeting that he is now the acting chairman of the APC, a post which he claims to have been holding for a while now.

His comments come amid reports that Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has been sacked as the chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee.

Multiple reports suggested that security agents had stormed the party’s secretariat ahead of the meeting but the Niger governor said there is no cause for alarm.

“Well, every time there is a major event, we beef up security. So, today, we had a major event because all the chairmen came with their supporters and there were too many people,” governor Bello said.

“So, to maintain law and order when you have too many people, you beef up security.”

He, however, said he does not know the whereabouts of Governor Buni and his current post in the party.

According to him, he has the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the party. He explained that they discussed the party’s convention during the meeting, expressing happiness with the work so far done to make it a success.

Osun PDP Holds Governorship Primary Amid Litigations, Allegations Of Bias

 The Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Osun State is set to elect its candidate for the July 16 Governorship election in the state.

About 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the delegates started making their way to the 10,000 capacity stadium in Osogbo, where the party is expecting more than two thousand delegates from across the state.

The security in and around the stadium is watertight with the heavy deployment of the police, DSS, Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, and other security agencies.

In the last couple of hours, some of the top contenders have pulled out of the race. Akin Ogunbiyi, Fatai Akinbade, Dele Adeleke, and Sanya Omirin have all withdrawn from participating in the primary.

This leaves Senator Ademola Adeleke and Dotun Babayemi in the race expected to be keenly contested.

Some of the party members have raised allegations of bias amid litigations which could have stalled the process, but the party says it will not be deterred from conducting the process that will ensure that a legitimate candidate emerges.

The Osun PDP primary is coming as the party renews its bid to retake Osun state after 12 years of losing the governorship seat to the APC.

In 2018 the PDP candidate polled 254,698 votes while the APC flagbearer polled 254,345. With a gap of 353, the exercise was declared inconclusive, the PDP eventually lost after a rerun election was conducted in some local governments.

President Buhari Celebrates Osinbajo At 65

 President Muhammadu Buhari has commemorated with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on his 65th birthday, describing him as a resourceful and a loyal public servant.

In a statement on Tuesday, by the Special Adviser to the President Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, on behalf of his principal, noted the worthy contributions of the Vice President to the development of the country and also his selfless sacrifice  in bringing the government closer to the people,

President Buhari  affirmed that Osinbajo has placed the people at the centre of governance by regularly advocating policies that support human development.

“As the lawyer and scholar turn 65, the President affirms that his loyalty and dedication to duty have been most exemplary, especially in supervising the economy, which involves regular interface with heads of public and private institutions, and other government structures to ensure synergy and harmony that put the welfare and wellbeing of all Nigerians first,” the President also said

“President Buhari extols Vice President Osinbajo’s courage, humility and resourcefulness, praying that the Almighty God will continue to grant him the strength, wisdom and good health to serve the nation and humanity.”

House Of Reps Rescinds Its Decision On Three Rejected Women Bills

 

Members of the House of Representatives have rescinded their decision on three bills earlier rejected in the process of the 1999 constitution amendment.

The bills are on indigenship, citizenship, and 35% affirmative action for women.

The bills will be recommended for consideration and will be part of the second batch of the constitution amendment to be presented in a couple of months.

The decision to revisit the bill follows earlier disapproval by women who stormed the National Assembly lamenting rejection of women-related bills.

The women, under the aegis of Nigerian Women Groups last week protested against the action of the lawmakers after rejecting all bills relating to women.

They had promised to return if the decision was not reversed.

The women during the protest last week said they were disappointed despite having assurances from the leadership of the house on the bills.

The groups demand that the Federal lawmakers take another look at the requests for 111 seats for women, citizenship, 35% representation in party leadership, more appointive positions in government, and vote in favour of these amendments.

Senate Moves To Amend Electoral Act, Despite Court Ruling

 

The Senate has moved to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, disregarding a Federal High Court order restraining the National Assembly from tampering with the newly amended Act.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan during plenary on Tuesday said the constitution stipulates separation of powers and the judiciary cannot stop another arm of government in performing its roles in a democracy.

Lawan said this during the first reading of the amendment of the Electoral Act during the legislative proceedings.

I find it very necessary to talk at this point because, with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, our governance system is based on the Presidential system of government where there is a clear-cut separation of powers and exercise of powers.

“The Judiciary under no circumstance can stop the legislature, the National Assembly from performing its legislative duties. We know what our due processes are.

“Just like we won’t venture in what the Judiciary does, the Judiciary should understand that we have our processes. I believe the members of the National Assembly know their work, know their onions, and would do what is right.

“This is due process, we are not doing anything outside the law. It is within our exclusive right to consider whatever request we receive from Nigerians either from the Executive or private members Bill,” Lawan said on Tuesday.

The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Monday, March 7, specifically barred all the defendants in the suit from removing section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act or preventing it from being implemented for the purpose of the 2023 general elections.

Ruling on an ex-parte application by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Justice Ekwo agreed with the counsel to the party, James Onoja, that the Electoral Act has become a valid law and cannot be tampered with without following due process of law.

Bamise’s Murder: Police Deploy Operatives To Ojota Ahead Of Planned Protest

 

Armed policemen have been deployed to the Gani Fawehinmi Park on the Lagos-Ikorodu road of Ojota over reported plans by some residents to protest the murder of 22-year-old Bamise Ayanwole.

Ayanwole went missing on Saturday, February 26, while heading home to Ota from Ajah. She boarded a BRT bus with number 240257 going to Oshodi at about 7 p.m. at Chevron Bus-Stop.

Sadly, her body was found dumped by the roadside, and an unidentified man reportedly informed officials of Ebute Ero Police Station on Saturday evening.

Information gathered by Channels TV, indicate that the policemen who have been on the ground from the early hours of today came with scores of patrol vans, anti-riot trucks and Black Marias.

However, there has been no protest around the area, and other places in Lagos.

The planned protest sparked fears of supposed attacks on BRT buses and their drivers. This has led to the absence of buses on the road. A tour around Lagos reveals empty BRT terminals.

Yellow-coloured commercial buses and motorcycles are taking advantage of the passenger crowd occasioned by the absence of BRT buses.

Court Sacks Speaker Of Ebonyi Assembly, Other Defectors

 

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly and other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to immediately stop holding themselves out as members of the assembly.

Justice Ekwo, in a separate judgement, had also sacked Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and his deputy, Eric Igwe, for defecting from the PDP.

The Judge held that the votes that brought them to office belonged to the PDP and that the legislators cannot hold on to the votes having chosen to defect from the party that nominated them.

Justice Ekwo also held that the votes cast for PDP in the 2019 election are not transferrable to the APC.

He restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or according any recognition to them as elected members of the House of Assembly.

Justice Ekwo further ordered that all monies collected from the period of their defection to the judgment date must be recovered from them.

Umahi Reacts To Court Ruling, Says Judge Lacks Powers To Remove Him

 

Governor David Umahi has reacted to the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja that declared his seat and that of his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe, vacant.

Governor Umahi said Justice Inyang Ekwo lacks the power to remove him from office and has put the judiciary on trial.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached the court, asking for Umahi’s removal after he defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 2020.

Citing section 221 of the constitution, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so that fresh elections can be conducted.

Justice Ekwo also ordered INEC to cease from recognising Umahi and Igwe as the governor and deputy governor of the Ebonyi State.

Delivering judgement in the case, the presiding judge, Justice ordered the governor and his deputy to vacate office, adding that their defection was illegal, null and unconstitutional.

APC Adopts Zoning Report Submitted By Committee

 interim caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress and Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, says the zoning report submitted by the committee led by the Governor of Kwara State has been adopted and will be released today.

He also said the National Executive Council meeting of the party will hold next week with President Muhammadu Buhari joining remotely.

The APC last Monday announced the postponement of its national convention to March 26.

It had earlier been scheduled to hold on February 26. But internal party wranglings and factions in several states have been speculated to be the cause of the delay.

Reacting to reports that there was division in the party, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, last week, said: “there’s no way you can have 22 Governors agreeing on every issue. You can have differences, but to call it division is taking it too far”.

Amidst talks of internal party crisis, on Monday (March 7), fresh reports emerged of the possible sack of the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni.

This followed comments by Governor Bello that he was now the acting caretaker Chairman of the party after he presided over a meeting of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee on Monday.

The governor also swore in the 36 state Chairmen of the party.

The inauguration was done at the party secretariat which witnessed a heavy presence of security officials.

Osun PDP Primary: Party’s Returning Officer Speaks As Parallel Election Holds

 

The deputy governor of Bayelsa State Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who is also the Chief Electoral Officer in the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship primary has reacted to the situation of parallel election holding in the state.

Mr Lawrence who is representing his principal, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri in an interview with Channels Television at the stadium said any other thing going on elsewhere is untrue and the election holding in the stadium is the only credible one.

“That cannot be true. Where the crown is, that’s where the king is This is where the crown is. This is where the King. Any other thing going on is not true,” Lawrence said in an interview with Channels Television.

Meanwhile, the election has been charactised with delay, as at 1:10pm voting has yet to commence.

Lawrence however assured that the election will be credible and all delegates will leave the venue, satisfied.

Man City Humiliate United, Extend Premier League Lead

 Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Manchester City reopened a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League by brushing aside Manchester United 4-1 at the Etihad on Sunday.

Defeat for United opened up a 22-point gap between the clubs and is another blow to their chances of just qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The Red Devils now trail Arsenal by a point in fourth, who also have three games in hand.

At the top of the table, Liverpool also have a game in hand to reduce City’s advantage to three points.

But Pep Guardiola’s men responded to the pressure applied by the Reds’ seven-game winning run in the league by bouncing back from two sub-par performances against Tottenham and Everton.

Just as in their meeting at Old Trafford earlier in the season, there was a gulf in class between the sides as City secured just a second league double over their local rivals since an Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008 swung the balance of power in Manchester.

United were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in attack, but it was defenders Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw, missing due to positive cases of coronavirus, whose presence was most keenly missed.

The visitors were breached by City’s first sustained attack as Bernardo Silva’s low cross found De Bruyne completely unmarked to sweep home from just inside the box.

Despite their dominance over United when it comes to finishing higher in the table in recent years, City had only won one of the last seven derbies at the Etihad.

United have consistently had joy on the counter-attack in that run and the pace of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga caused problems once more.

Sancho left City as a 17-year-old to make his name at Borussia Dortmund after growing tired of waiting for a pathway into the first team.

The England international took time to find his feet at United after returning to the Premier League for a huge £73 million ($97 million) fee.

But Sancho has been one of the few successes of Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell in charge and produced a stunning finish into the far corner on 22 minutes.

United captain Harry Maguire had to cope with more reports this week of members of his own team questioning whether he is of the required standard to lead the team.

More criticism is sure to come Maguire’s way as he was wrong-footed twice for City’s second.

Phil Foden looped the ball over his England teammate and when he was denied by a brilliant save from David de Gea, the loose ball finally found its way to De Bruyne to smash home.

Rangnick’s men then had to sustain a period of pressure just to get to half-time still in the game.

Foden fired wide from a perfect De Bruyne pass before more De Gea heroics prevented Riyad Mahrez from finding the bottom corner.

The one-way traffic continued after the break and only another day this season when De Gea was United’s best performer, prevented an even more embarrassing rout.

The Spaniard held onto De Bruyne’s fierce free-kick before Mahrez blazed over from the edge of the area.

But United did not learn their lesson as the Algerian was left unmarked at the edge of the box when he was picked out by De Bruyne’s corner and connected sweetly to find the far corner.

De Gea was forced into further saves from Mahrez and Joao Cancelo.

But even he could not stop Mahrez’s powerful effort to rub salt into United wounds in stoppage time after VAR ruled the City winger was not offside.

AFP