Author Archives: News All Around

By: Martin Kanje

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the immediate arrest of the former miniister of Aviation and for him to be thoroughly investigated on the role he played in the Nigeria Air Scandal.

A statement issued by the National President of AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima said that Nigeria is not a banana Republic where anything goes, stressing that the likes of Hon. Sirika and his cohorts should not be let go of the embarrassment caused Nigeria as a nation.

Shettima recalled that the recent revelation by the interim Managing Direvtor of the so called “Nigerian Airline” Captain Dapo Olumide, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Aviation, where he disclosed that the Nigeria Aircraft used for unveiling of the Nigeria Air was rented from Ethiopian Airline was a slap on Nigerian faces, hence perpetrators should not be allowed to go Scott free.

He observed that rather than the former aviation minister going round media houses giving unsatisfactory explanations, the EFCC should wade into the matter urgently by arrestimg him for proper questioning and prosecution.

” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already started demonstrating that it is no longer going to be business as usual in Nigeria, he should also go a step further by given an immediate order to the anti graft agency to bring Former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika to book to serve as deterrent to others going forward.
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“The action of Hadi Sirika amounts to deception and breach of trust that should not go un-punished, He must be made to face the law, particularly in the face of absolute disregard to the rule of law and entire justice system by proceeding on the unveiling against the order of a competent court of law.

“This national embarrassment and waste of resources incurred on the country would have been averted if he had listened to advices, yet Hadi Sirika went ahead knowing it was a charade, to deceive Nigerians and allegedly pocket billions to himself”.

AYCF President said, in the event that the EFCC fail to yield to this national call and do the needful with immediate effect, the forum would be left with no option but to take legal action against the former Minister untill he is made to pay for the embarrasment he has caused the country.

” We will also mobilize CSOs, activists, NGOs, Students and others to take to the streets across the country until he is brought to book. But we hope we will not be pushed to the wall to take such action, enough of this embarrassment, we must get it right in Nigeria “.

ENDS

Two subpoenaed witnesses of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 Presidential election on Thursday in Abuja admitted at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to transmit results of the election after the collation.

The witnesses, Mr. Friday Egwuma and Ms. Grace Timothy both Adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that the BVAS machine allocated to them developed system error immediately results of the Senate and House of Representatives aspects of the poll were freely transmitted. This is a confirmation of the allegations that has trailed the presidential component of the February 25 election that the results were not transmitted in real time via BVAS in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.

In their subpoena evidence, the two workers of the electoral body explained that they had to resort to other means of getting the results across when it became clear that the BVAS machines would not help them.

Egwuma was a Presiding Officer in a polling unit in Abia State while Grace Timothy served INEC in Plateau State.

Apart from the failure of the BVAS machines to transmit the presidential election results, the two witnesses admitted that voting went smoothly in their respective places of work.

They were led in evidence by Atiku’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN.

Under cross examination by Mr Abubakar Mahmud SAN, who stood for the electoral body, Egwuma explained he resorted to off line system in place of the BVAS machines.

In her own testimony, Grace Timothy told the Court that the greatest challenge she experienced during the election was the uploading of the presidential election results into the I-Rev portal.

The witnesses were also cross examined by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, who stood for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Earlier, Tinubu and APC had vehemently kicked against the bid by Atiku to engage the ad-hoc staff to give evidence in his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku in the bid to establish the alleged irregularities against the election had subpoenaed three ad-hoc workers of INEC to give first-hand account of their experiences as they related to the presidential election of February 25.

He had specifically requested them to offer explanations on how the results of the presidential election results were transmitted and carried out.

However, Tinubu, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, objected to the use of statements made on oath by the witnesses to be tendered at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in aid of Atiku’s petition.

The grouse of Tinubu and the APC was that the statements of the ad-hoc workers were not front-loaded at the time of filing the petition.

Olanipekun, SAN who cited several provisions of the law against the use of the witnesses argued that since they were subpoenaed by Atiku as the petitioner, he ought to have front-loaded their statements on oath along with the petition.

He asked the court to reject the witnesses and discontenance their statements on grounds of violating the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Tinubu’s arguments against the subpoenaed witnesses were adopted by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who stood for the APC and Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN who appeared for INEC.

However, Atiku’s lead counsel, Chris Uche, SAN asked the Court to dismiss the objections on the grounds that they were utterly misplaced and misconceived.

Uche argued that the objections by Tinubu, APC and INEC were deliberate ploy designed to delay proceedings.

The senior lawyer insisted that the statements of the subpoenaed witnesses could not have been front-loaded along with the petition because they have not been summoned at the time of filing the petition.

He asked the Court to discontenance the objections of the three respondents and hold that they are not regular additional witnesses envisaged in the law cited by Olanipekun.

Although the Court stood down for ruling, the Presiding Justice of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, on resumption, announced that ruling in the objections had been reserved.

Justice Tsammani, however, ordered that the evidence of the three subpoenaed witnesses be taken and the respondents to cross examine them.

Meanwhile, further hearing in the petition has been adjourned to June 9.

…Says Appointment well Deserved

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has congratulated the Former Governor of Benue State and Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume on his recent appointment as the new Secretary to the Federal Government.

In a congratulatory Message signed by the National Chairman of Interim Management Committee of ALGON , Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, Senator George Akume’s track records of performance and leadership prowess earned the appointment by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led All Progressives Congress government .

Hon. Abubakar ,who is also the Chairman Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory,Abuja in the statement, described Senator George Akume as a true patriot inclined to the true essence of rational development.

“We are super excited at the news of your appointment.”he stressed.

While expressing the readiness to work with him for growth and development of the 774 Local Government Areas across the country, Hon.Abubakar prayed that God Almighty, who has exalted him to the height should give the grace; power and wisdom of old to oversee the affairs of the new office for betterment of the nation at large.

…Read Full Text of the Congratulatory Message by the National Chairman, Interim Management Committee of (ALGON)

Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON)

Congratulatory Message

The Executives and Members of the Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), under the leadership of Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi and the entire 774 local Governments and Area Councils, heartily felicitate with the most Distinguished Sen. (Dr.) George Akume on Federation (SGF) as the Secretary to the Federal Government.

Your track records of commitment, style leadership qualities, pedigree and in-depth capacity while serving as the executive Governor of Benue State, two-term Senator of the Federation and Hon. Minister of Special Duties cannot be overemphasized, therefore too worthy to mention.

You are a true patriot inclined to the true essence of rational development, we are super excited at the news of your appointment.

While we look forward to working with your office for the betterment of the local government, especially at the
grassroots level; we pray that God Almighty, who has exalted you to this height, will give you the, grace, power and wisdom of old to oversee the affairs of your new office to the betterment of the nation at large.

We Celebrate You.

Congratulations Once More, Most
Distinguished.
Sen. (Dr.) George
AKUME
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (5GF).

Signed by:
Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi
National Chairman- IMC

Group under umbrella of Muslim League of Nigeria (TML) has called on Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress and other labour unions to shelve the planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday in protest of the pronouncement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

The group also urged Nigerians, especially the workers across the 36 states of the country to consider the long term merit of removing the fuel subsidy above the demerits.

According the Muslim group, the payment of over 12 Trillion Naira on Subsidy to few cabals under guise of subsidy over the past 4 years is not only ridiculous, but insensitive to economic realities.

“As a group of religious leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure we always pray for progress and development of our country as well as messages of peace and unity to our adherents.”The group stated .

In a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Muslim League of Nigeria (TML), Sheikh Musa El Yakoob
and Mallam Mustapha Harris, the group said,”We can’t fold our arm and pretend all is well, when we see impending tension and crisis brewing that are capable of destroying the existing peace.

“We are not unaware that Nigerians continue to writhe in agony over sudden hike in the pump price of petrol and soaring cost of good and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy.”

Similarly, Forum of Nigerian Christian Leaders(FNCL) also called on labour unions to consider the economic implications of embarking on nationwide protest on Wednesday.

In the statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Pastor James Adeleke; Vice Chairman ,Pastor Moses Onuoha
Secretary ,Pastor Eziekel Kanyip and Asst. Secretary ,Pastor Garba Dickson,the Christian group urged President Tinubu to convey an enlarged stakeholders meeting with markers; entrepreneurs, labour unions and other pressure groups to discuss and reach amicable resolutions on the matter.”

“We reliably gathered that the NLC insisted on the announced plans to down tools from Wednesday, if the pump price is not reversed, but are appealing to the unions to consider exhausting all tools of lobbying and negotiation to avoid subsequent hardship the strike action will cost the country.

“While we appeal to President Tinubu to remain focused and committed to his campaign promises ,we are calling on him to see the labour unions more as partners than enemies”.

The much anticipated Global ministers classrooom with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds today and tomorrow. This Programmme will equip millions of ministers and Christian Leaders across the nations of the world.

According to Mr. Olajide Babasola, Media Manager of the International School of Ministry arm of Loveworld Incorporated, organizers of the historic event, “it is going to be an awesome experience at the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris and to participate actively, invitees are encouraged to follow the instructions on this link http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/ISMGlobalMinistersCell”.

Speaking Further , Mr. Babasola listed some Effective Guidelines in Preparation for the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris Stating that, “You wouldn’t want to miss out on any part of the program, reason we painstakingly drafted this guide to guide you in the course of the program.”

The Global Ministers Classroom is a 24hour event, and you can can participate while at home via http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org

Finally, you are to inform them that they are expected to converge the following day, The grande finale will be on Saturday 2:00pm, GMT+1 with our man of God, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny.

God bless you richly and we wish you a resounding and victorious GMC.

Kawai Bebbeji

……

The leader of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima has pleaded with the Former Governor of Zamfara State and frontline Senate Presidential aspirant, Senator Abdulaziz Yari to concede the Senate President to the Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday morning, Shettima hinted that allowing a South Easterner and a Christian to be the Senate President will help to strengthen the unity of the country.

He said the partnership between Senator Yari and Senator Kalu is well accepted in the North and have received silent endorsements across the country.

According to him,” We are happy with the strong partnership between the North and South in Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

“We are aware they are yet to formally announce to Nigerians on who becomes the Senate President and who becomes the deputy.

“We are happy that the two are ready to accept the decisions between the two groups.

“We also know that Yari has an upper hand in the partnership since he has about 42 Senators while Kalu has about 27 senators making the partnership to have 69 Senators in their fold. But we are appealing to Yari to consider the future of the country in this critical time and accept the Deputy Senate President position. There is actually no difference between the Senate President and Deputy Senate President since the two are presiding officers.

“We only think that for religious balancing and for peace and unity of the country, the South East deserves to produce the Senate President. Senator Uzor Kalu is a detribalized Nigerian who has built relationships across all regions. He is very close with President Tinubu and his family. He is close to the North and the South South.

“He would make a good senate president because of his capacity, competence and experience. He is very peaceful and patient and It is only right that Yari consider this appeal and allow Kalu to be the Senate President in their joint ticket. The North will hold him in high esteem and would forever acknowledge his unwavering commitment to unity of the nation.” He said.

ENDS

Millions of seasoned Ministers and Pastors from around the world would participate in the two-day Global Ministers’ Classroom (GMC) with Pastor Chris, an interdenominational program organized under the auspices of the International School of Ministry for Prayer, Fellowship, Strategy, and the Word.

The program is open to all Ministers of the Gospel – Church Leaders, Pastors, Ministry Leaders and Executives, Ministry staff, and all categories of Church Workers. The first edition of the program which was held in 2018, was born out of the desire of the man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc D.D, to have a platform through which the Holy Spirit equips and imparts Ministers of the Gospel for remarkable and transformational impact in Ministry. Over the years, classroom attendance has increased; from 8 million in 2018 to 78 million in 2022 with participating Ministers from 239 Nations of the world.

Today, the GMC has become one of the tools that have helped millions of ministers of the Gospel around the world to become effective in their work and walk in ministry; and to fulfill God’s calling upon their lives. Indeed, in these unprecedented times, the Global Ministers’ Classroom will strengthen Ministers’ desire to fulfill their role in evangelization and making disciples of nations.

This year’s 24-hour edition with the man of God, Pastor Chris, is scheduled to commence on Friday, 2nd of June by 2 pm GMT+1 and ends on Saturday, 3rd of June. There will also be teachings from seasoned Senior Ministers of the Gospel, impact testimonies from previous program attendees, Question and Answer segment, where participants will have their questions answered by the man of God in real-time, and lots more. It promises to be an extraordinary time of revelatory teachings and impartation for greater works in these last days.

“Ministers of the Gospel, prepare for the program and pray about it….it is the Spirit’s call; it is a moment of mobilization; God is mobilizing His Army; He is getting us ready for the final phase for the work of the Church in this world.” Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, Dsc DD.

The event will also be broadcast live in all major languages of the world; to allow many more ministers of the Gospel to participate in the program.
Registration for the program is on and free; so go ahead to register yourself, Ministers, and Christian leaders in your sphere of contact via
http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/NigeriaGMC/

Ministers who have attended previous editions of the program recount their experience and testimonies of the impact of the program thus:
“I attended GMC 2022, and experienced a tangible increase in the anointing of God’s Spirit in my personal life and Ministry. My church has also experienced increased growth tremendously ever since”- Pastor Martinis Marinko from Croatia

“Through the teachings at the GMC, my leadership capacity was greatly increased. I became more committed to the vision of global evangelism, which led me to travel to countries such as Singapore and Bangladesh, to host Ministers Conferences for the training and equipping for more ministers for phenomenal ministry impact”.- Pastor MV. Thomas from India

“Following my participation in the GMC, the fire and passion to win more souls for Jesus was greatly stirred. I held a crusade in Nairobi, Kenya and packed out the stadium. Thousands of souls received salvation and many miracles were recorded. This brought about an increase in my church growth” – Pastor Judah Kalinga from Uganda

“After one of the editions of the GMC, I hosted the largest Ministers Conference in my country. I have also experienced notable increase in my personal finance, church growth and leadership capacity”.- Pastor Isaac Zirebwa from Zimbabwe

The 2023 GMC is just a few days away! Ministers of the Gospel from every nation on Earth will converge in this global online assembly, and be transported by God’s Spirit to fresh and new levels of effectiveness in life and ministry.

To register for the program, kindly log on to
http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/NigeriaGMC/
and invite other Ministers of the Gospel and Christian Leaders in your world.

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Friday’s decision of the Supreme Court on the double nomination case against the joint ticket of the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached Court to invalidate the joint ticket.

Reacting to the judgement through a statement, Timi Frank said the court that is meant to be the last hope of the citizenry has become a place of the highest bidder, wondering whom Nigerians offended.

According to the activist, one would be tempted to ask if there is hope in the ongoing Election Petition Tribunal? Would we be surprised if the aggrieved parties are at the end of the day described as busy bodies?

He said: “It is a sad day in Nigeria. The court that is meant to be the last hope of the citizenry has become a place of the highest bidder. Who did we offend as a country? Where in the world do you see judges jump into the arena in delivering judgments? Why would you not decide the cases on their merit.

“This rulling has clearly shown that they are partisan. The hope of the country has been dashed by this singular act. Why would our courts decisions be premised on sentiments?

“One thing I will say to our judicial officers today is; many days for the thief but one day for the owner.

“My hope is that, God will one day, rescue Nigeria from the shackles of these justices, whereby they will no longer determine who governs us as we expect that our elections will be manned by men and women of integrity, unlike Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and his cohorts.

“It is a fact that in Nigeria of today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rulling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) will beg people to go to court because they know our courts have been compromised.

“What happened to the days of Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Tabai and many more? – Who stood against the military and many odds to deliver very sound judgments that were seen to be fair and just.”

While asking Nigerians not to lose hope, Timi Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said Nigerians should not relent and not be defeated in the face of injustice in the country.

“Are Nigerians surprised? I would say No. I only thought, the Supreme Court will take a cue from Kenya to redeem their image as men of integrity.

“In the past few weeks, I have read where the Chief Justice of Nigeria charged the Justices and other judicial officers to be fair and just to all in the delivery of their judgments. As good as this may sound, we would not be deceived with the tomfoolery.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said more than that, yet administered the worst election in the history of Nigeria.

“We as a people, reject today’s judgment in it’s entirety as it epitomizes compromise and it’s a show of shame to Nigeria and the entire world.

“It is good to state at this point that our spirit as Nigerias is very high. We shall not relent and we will not be defeated!

“We shall await the outcome of the Election Tribunal.
It is another opportunity to do the right thing in order to be remembered as Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Oputa , Justice Aniogolu and the likes or do the wrong thing and have your names and that of your family destroyed forever.

“Posterity will judge all of us at the end of the day.”