As the race for who becomes of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly gets tough, the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State in north central geopolitical zone of Nigeria have emerged as the top contender for the post abd he is highly rated for it as well .

Last week, a Non Government Organisation called Alliance for True Democracy met in the Federal Capital Territory and endorsed Gagdi for the office of the No 4 man in the country .

The group cited Gagdi’s pedigree which include : being the Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly and the Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

The group further added that apart from holding these posts,the law maker was also a member of Plateau State Library Board 2012- 2014 and Chairman of Federal Board, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA Makurdi 2012 – 2014; Chairman of Special Committee on peace, security and reconciliation Plateau State 2015; Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

It therefore based it’s argutments with wealth of experience at both State and Federal Legislate Houses, Mr Gagdi should be given the top post of the Speaker of the House of Representatives .

Another group routing for Hon.Gagdi to become the Speaker is the popular Middle Belt Forum
According to Okpani Mike Akatu Odeh,

“Hon.Yusuf Gagdi is one of the youngest law maker at the both the 9th and 10 Assembly respectively, as such he would bring about the much needed vibrancy in to the lower legislative House ..
Secondly, Hon Gagdi would be the link between millions of Nigeria’s youth and the legislators which would ensure that the wishes and needs of our teeming young men and women would be respected .

There is also the need to to do a balancing act in the National Assembly . Since the President is the South West, his Vice is from North East and with the President likely going to the South East or South South, the Middle Belt advocacy posited that it would be in the interest of national unity and cohesion to have the experienced Law Maker as the Speaker .

Okpani explains:
“If we are to have every geopolitical zone represented at the 10th Assembly, then we should do a balancing at. If the President is from the South West, the Vice President is from the North West the Senate President is from South, is only proper to have the Speaker from one of the Middle Belt State and it is in this regard we are calling on members of the HoR to please consider justice, equity and fairness by electing Hon. Gagdi as its Speaker.

Apart from the game of endorsements by prominent groups across the country that the astute legislator heads the Lower House, political pundits and legislative analysts have tipped Gagdi as the most suited for top job .

Dr Baba Adams of Institute of Leadership and Development, Nigeria added his voice to the debate .

Adams stressed that given the Law Maker’s long years of service at the National Assembly, coupled with the fact that most of the law makers in the 10th Assembly are first timers, there is the leader to have a leader who would guide them through the difficult processes of legislative workings .

A veteran journalist who had covered the National Assembly for years, Bashar Bello is of the opinion the legislator emergence as Speaker of the House would restore hope and unity in Nigeria as Christians who have been alienated as result of the Muslim Muslim ticket would be reassured that they are not marginalised .

Born on November 5, 1980, the 42 year lawmaker had served in various other capacities before his present position which included Legislative Aide to Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2006; member of Plateau State Library Board 2012- 2014 and Chairman of Federal Board, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA Makurdi 2012 – 2014; Chairman of Special Committee on peace, security and reconciliation Plateau State 2015; Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

He was a deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly before getting elected into the House in 2019.

By PHRANK SHAIBU

The people of Kogi State were shocked to the marrow when they woke up to news of Governor Yahaya Bello’s decision to anoint the Kogi State Auditor-General, Ahmed Ododo, as his preferred successor ahead of the primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After the sudden demise of Kogi APC governorship candidate, Abubukar Audu, during the poll, Yahaya Bello was pushed forward as the party’s candidate and he inherited 90% of former Governor Audu’s votes ahead of the rerun in which Audu already had an unassailable lead.

Without winning the APC primary, spending campaign funds or even needing to lobby anyone, Yahaya Bello, an ethnic minority, became governor of the confluence state. This could only have been possible by divine providence, reaping where he had not sown.

But many in the Igala nation were satisfied with the outcome since no one from the Ebira ethnic stock had ever been governor before. Despite becoming governor without the mandate of the people, Yahaya Bello’s tenure was far from impressive.

While seeking re-election in 2019, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, rolled up his babariga and went on his knees to beg the Kogi electorate to forgive the governor for his many failures including his inability to pay salaries.

Despite being the beneficiary of one of the most violent elections any state had ever witnessed which even culminated in the murder of PDP woman leader, Salome Obuh, who was burnt alive, the Igala nation stood with Yahaya Bello against their own son, Musa Wada, with the hopes that he would at least return power to the Igala people in 2023 but he has done the exact opposite.

For someone who rose to prominence by divine providence, one would have thought that Governor Bello would at least allow a fair and transparent process just as President Muhammadu Buhari did not stop him from contesting the Presidential primary of the APC last June.

The irony here, however, is that Governor Bello is now playing God, anointing his preferred successor while those who dare to defy his orders are intimidated. This has been Governor Bello’s modus operandi since assuming office. He decides who gets every political position in the state.
Governor Bello’s megalomaniacal attitude was even extended to the traditional ruler of Ebiraland, Okene, HRM Ohinoyi Dr. Ado Ibrahim, who was queried publicly and threatened with punishment for shunning a state event. This is most unbecoming for a man who rose to power by sheer providence.

Nigerians will not forget too quickly how Governor Bello vandalised tarred roads leading to the stronghold of PDP Kogi-East Senatorial candidate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in order to undermine her chances of victory.

With such a questionable legacy as governor including a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which has led to the forfeiture of at least 14 of his properties as well as a so-called visa ban by the United States for alleged electoral violence, the least Governor Bello could have done was to provide a level playing field for all interested aspirants to contest just as he was given a level playing field by the APC leadership in Abuja to contest the Presidency but he has failed to do so.

With Governor Bello shooting himself in the foot, this is the best time for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to get its act right. This is the time for the PDP to unite, look inward and pick a credible and popular candidate that can defeat the APC and Governor Bello.

Kogi State is in dire straits and is in need of investors which have since fled due to Governor Bello’s lack of foresight. Only recently, BUA Group, one of the wealthiest companies in Nigeria, said it would no longer be investing in Kogi State because there had been no visible effort by the state and successive governments to address the issues of access to the land that would enable BUA to utilise the land for its intended purpose.

Governor Bello’s overzealous and misinformed closure of Dangote Cement also scared off other intending investors. The PDP will thus need a business friendly, popular and accomplished candidate that can defeat Governor Bello and his lackey at the polls. This is not the time for the opposition to hand over its ticket to jokers, dancers and those with no meaningful track record that cannot even win an ordinary senatorial election.

For the sake of clarity, the Igala people remain the majority in Kogi State and no one who desires to step into Lugard House can do so without getting the votes of the Igala people. And so if Governor Bello has decided to play tribal politics by endorsing his kinsman as governor, his experiment will backfire if the Igala nation decides to go tribal as well. For taking the people of Kogi for granted, Governor Bello will bellow in agony once the last ballot is counted.

Phrank Shaibu, an indigene of Kogi State, writes from Abuja

-Fayose

Isaac Fayose, A younger brother to former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is having sleepless nights despite the loss of the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Fayose said the level of reception accorded Obi by Nigerians in the diaspora makes the APC feel Obi is still campaigning. Reacting to a video of Obi being received by Nigerians abroad, Fayose claimed that APC is wondering why a loser would be accorded such treatment. Fayose in a post on his Facebook said: “They are wondering what kind of man is Peter Obi, how can a perceived loser be receiving this kind of treatment for free?“This is why they are not comfortable, having sleepless nights, saying Peter Obi is a threat to them and democracy.

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“How can someone going about his normal activities be a threat to APC if not that they are not at rest, they have no peace of mind.”

recall that the older Fayose and former Ekiti Governor had earlier described Obi as a “hurricane” who changed the landscape of Nigerian politics.

Obi finished third in the February 25 presidential election with 6, 101, 533 votes.

He won in 12 states, the same amount as Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who was declared winner and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who came second. Obi also scored 25 percent of votes in 16 states.

“Obi was a man that turned around most of the things in our country. He exposed so many things. Obi came like a hurricane and did what no one had done.

“I’m not going to come out and condemn anybody. They have gone to court. Then let the court do justice in the matter,” Fayose said.

By Mike Odeh Akatu

A fresh attack on Atak’Njei community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has claimed eight lives.

Salama News report that the attack which which occurred at about 9pm last night, is coming weeks after a similar attack on Langson community in the same local government area that claimed 10 lives.

Atak’Njei is the community housing the Palace of the Atyap Paramount ruler, Agwatyap.

Reacting to the development, the National President, Atyap Community Development Association, ACDA, Mr. Sam Timbuwak Achie, condemned the attack describing it as barbaric.

He tasked all those saddled with the responsibility of securing the people to fish out those behind the series of attacks in Atyapland.

While confirming the incident, the Council Chairman, Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Sani Zimbo, said the injured are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals in the area.

END

By Mada Ibrahim and Mike Odeh James

Even as the Independent National Electoral Commission prepare for the runoff between the incumbent Governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri and the Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress,Aishetu Binani, the signs are very clear that Fintiri would still triumph .

Here are some of the reasons why voters choose FINITIRI over his rival

In recent times, Adamawa have not have a Governor that have focused on infrastructural development like Fintriri is doing currently.exchanging him for a fellow whose policies Adamawa people are not sure of is a major impediment to Binani .

Apart from the infrastructural development, Fintiri have invested much in human capacity starting from the rural areas to the urban centres in the state .Furthermore, salaries are being paid regularly, farmers get subsidies as well

More so, through out the country, APC has become very impervious to the suffering of the masses that in return the electorates do not feel the need to vote candidates of APC to power .Binani is also a victim of such lethargic feelings
“

AHEAD OF NEXT WEEK RERUN

Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri would be heading to the rerun election with the benefit of having two senators-elect and seven House of Representatives members-elect as fellow party men, while Binani has just one senator-elect and one House of Representatives member-elect on her side. The fact that the incumbent Governor have won for his party that number of seats during the polls shows that Fintiri clearly has the initiative .

Secondly, less than two weeks into the rerun, Binani’s party was embroiled in a deep crisis leading to the suspension Binani campaign organization, senator Ahmed Barata, the Director General of Binani’s Campaign Organisation .

He was suspended for the following reasons,:
Anti-Party activities during the 18 March, Governorship and House of Assembly Election.”

Impersonation of the party by appointment of agents in same election
being a principal actor in causing crisis at the polling unit between agent sent by the party and those you sent during the 18 March Governorship and House of Assembly Election.”

for withholding of relief food items sent to party faithful before election by the APC Governorship Candidate, Distinguish

Earlier on, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha was suspended but his suspension was quickly revoked .

Even as the spate of suspension continues in Binani’s party, internal struggles between the law makers would also work against the ambitions of the Senator Binani .Senator Elisha Abbo, the only senator which APC has in Adamawa state has vowed to work against his party due to the Muslim Muslim ticket adopted by Tinubu .Abbo’s camp have also taken that anger against Tinubu to include the lady senator .
Thus, Binani would be going into the supplementary election with her party, campaign team in tattered and diminished form .

Again, the odds are in favour of the incumbent as Fintiri has an unassailable lead in all the local government areas of the state before the election in Fufore was declared inconclusive .

According Alex David, it would be more difficult for Hajia Binani to mobilise the whole of the electorates in Fufore Local Government to vote only for APC .

David also is also of the opinion that even the incumbent gets less than 5% of the votes in that area , he would win resoundingly.

Two weeks into the runoff, Alex opined that the well-oiled political campaign team of Fintiri has traversed Fulfore in length and breathe leaving no stone unturned .It is would be such a herculean task to have him best in Binani’s backyard

Northern Christian Youths Professional Urge Nigeria To Unite, Shun Calls For ING.

As Christians worldwide as well in Nigeria are celebrating the Easter Festival in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ, the Northern Christian  Youths Professionals have extended warm wishes to all Nigerians on the event .

In a statement issued and signed by the President of the group Isaac Abrak and made available to journalists, the group  called on Nigerians  to reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and emulate theses virtues their  daily lives.

The group also seized the opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the outcomes of the Presidential and Gubnatorial elections adding that though the processes posed challenges, it however believed that there is light in the tunnel 

“We must also use this opportunity to reflect on the state of our nation and the challenges we face. In light of the Presidential election, we congratulate His Excellency Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. We believe that under his leadership, Nigeria can make significant progress in improving our economy and security.

It further appealed for Unity amongst Nigerians saying that President Elect Bola Tinubu would unite Nigeria s 

“We are aware that not all Nigerians voted for President Elect HE Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but we urge those who did not vote for him to put aside their differences and support him in his efforts to improve the lives of all Nigerians. He will now be responsible for the well-being of all citizens, and it is important that we all work together towards a better Nigeria.

As a Christian organization, we firmly believe in the power of prayer and the importance of leadership that upholds Christian values. We urge all Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs, to support President Elect HE Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Northern Christian  Youths Professionals further urged Nigerians  to distance themselves from calls by certain individuals not to handover power to President Elect Bola Tinubu come May 29, 2023

“However, we note with concern the recent calls by some individuals and groups to shelve the handover of power to President Elect HE Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“We call on all Nigerians to distance themselves from any person or group that calls for the subversion of the will of the people. We must all work together to tackle the various challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political unrest

. Ends 

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, called on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) to transmit its proceedings live.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, said this has become necessary to ensure transparency and openness in the conduct of the tribunal.

He said the move would make Nigerians feel a sense of belonging by keeping them abreast of the progress or otherwise of hearings of the petitions as critical stakeholders.

He said: “We have seen in other countries even within Africa like Kenya where proceedings on election petition sittings were transmitted live so voters would have the opportunity to see how justice is being dispensed.”

He also urged the PEPT to urgently commence sitting, ensure accelerated hearing of the case and speedily conclude the case within time statutorily allotted before inauguration on May 29, 2023.

He said: “We know as it stands, the All Progressives Congress is buying time with delay tactics so as to frustrate the case till after inauguration.

“This is geared towards allowing the APC to use incumbency powers to influence the judgement of the court.

“But we call on the Tribunal especially the Justices of the Appeal Court and Supreme Court to put Nigeria first before personal interest.

“The people want the proceedings to be transmitted live. They must listen to the call of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) by doing the case differently for the first time.

“We are aware from intelligence reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) has started putting threat calls across to a few Justices of the Appeal and Supreme Courts to blackmail and get them to delay the court processes to the advantage of the ruling APC.

“This was the same way the DSS intimidated and blackmailed the Independent National Electoral Commission to swing the results of the general election in favour of the APC.

“We dare say that with the subterranean threats and pressure being mounted on the judiciary, Nigerians are beginning to lose hope of getting true and unfettered justice in the election petition cases before the courts.

“In Kenya, the Supreme Court concluded hearing of an election petition case and gave judgement in two weeks and we believe that the judiciary in Nigeria can equally save time and earn the trust of Nigerians by working to terminate the case and give its judgement before the inauguration date.

“Let the Judiciary know that Nigerians are watching them closely, both locally and internationally. Therefore there is need for them to impartially adjudicate on the present election petition task before them without any modicum of compromise or resort to selling justice to the highest bidder the way the DSS would want them to so do.

“We also use this opportunity to call on the international community to help save democracy in Nigeria by prevailing on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency call the DSS to order and stop the agency from interfering in the electoral and judicial processes in the country.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, equally called on the DSS to stop being partisan but to concentrate on their constitutionally assigned duties.

He described as unfortunate a situation where the DSS has been turned to an errand boy of highest bidders through alleged illegal sale of information that recently manifested in leakage of personal telephone conversation between high profile Nigerians.

He added: “This is not what the DSS is meant to do but today the agency has become very porous with its agents being accused of selling classified information and taking part in clandestine blackmail activities to please the ruling party.”

Yesterday 5th Wednesday, 2023 witnessed the gathering of various interest groups in Enugu State, who converged to launch and publicly unveil a mandate protection movement for Barr Peter Mbah, the Governor-Elect of Enugu State, who contested and won the 2023 guber poll under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Though the move was Initiated by leading CSOs, the project attracted the interest of several pressure groups, professional associations, religious entities, youth and women pro-democracy networks among others. They officially launched the “Mbah Mandate Movement, also known as “M3GROUP” in its short form, created for the exclusive aim of driving widespread advocacies and leading civic actions to safeguard the mandate of Peter Mbah against all forms of existing and potential threats or distractions.

The stakeholders who initiated this project believe that Barr Peter Mbah deserved the victory he got at the polls on the 18th March, 2023. They affirmed that he was the best among the key contestants. According to the Convener and Lead Speaker of the group, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the need to defend the mandate of Peter Mbah is critical to the rapid development of Enugu State. He affirmed that Peter Mbah administration will engender a responsible government whose priority is to accelerate social and economic development for the sustainable well-being of Enugu State and its people.

“Tell me who else, if not Peter Mbah, his records of past performances have made him the most acceptable among the three key persons who contested for the 2023 Enugu guber seat. His victory was well deserved and the results of the polls reflected the will of the people. Look at his achievements in the private sector where he distinguished himself, as a pacesetter. His Pinnacle Oil and Gas proudly has over 8000 employees. His Peter Mbah Foundation has shown compassion to thousands of persons through various humanitarian interventions. Among other contestants, show me anyone of them who has such an enviable legacy. Mbah has come to serve and to move Enugu State to its next realm of development and Ndi Enugu are aware of this. Therefore, those who are making efforts to distract his focus are hereby advised to distance themselves from him. This is the reason stakeholders have gathered today to launch the Mbah Mandate Movement, also known as M3GROUP, in its short form. It is a widespread advocacy group whose aim is to safeguard the mandate of Peter Mbah”, Iyere declared.

Stakeholders at the event thanked Ndi Enugu for giving their votes and their mandate to Peter Mbah. They assured Ndi Enugu and Nigerians at large that Peter Mbah remains the best and safest hand Enugu needs at this point as Governor. They appealed to the conscience of all stakeholders and further reminded them of the need to prioritize the well-being of Ndi Enugu above other personal or collective interests. They said that the prioritization of the well-being of Ndi Enugu is the primary reason Peter Mbah has volunteered to serve as Governor. They appealed for the support of everyone and also cautioned against distractions.

It is worthy to indicate that Prof Chris Nwaokobia, was the keynote speaker at the event. He is a major ally of Peter Obi and one of the key leaders of the Obidient Movement. Prof Nwaokobia said Peter Mbah won the support of the “Obidients” because he has the ingredients they want to see in the Governor they desire for a new Nigeria. Also, popular Nollywood Actress, Patience Ozokwo (Mama G), who is also a known figure in the “Obidient Movement” shared the same opinion with Prof Chris Nwaokobia. According to Mama G, Peter Mbah possesses the Character, Competency and Capacity which will make him the best Governor to ever lead Enugu State. Several others who spoke at the event also aligned themselves with the views of Prof Nwaokobia and Patience Ozokwo.

Various and different interest groups attended the event. Scores of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) participated and they were led by Enugu Network of Civil Society Organizations. Several groups attended the event, including NBA, NUJ, PCRC, the Obidient Movement, NCFront, IPAC, CNPP, CRPP, TMG, League of Women Voters etc. Different youth and women groups, student organizations, religious entities and Artisan networks were among the participants. Stakeholders pledged their commitment towards safeguarding the mandate of Peter Mbah and have aligned themselves with the Mbah Mandate Movement (M3GROUP), as a vehicle for the same purpose.

…..

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo said that the ruling party should compensate the North Central by zoning the position of the Senate president to the region, for making massive sacrifices that saw the party cross critical turning points leading up to the February presidential election.
Nma Kolo, in a statement issued Tuesday, also said when the position is eventually micro zoned to the North Central, Senator Sani Musa from Niger State would be among the eminently competent persons for the job.

“It is only fair and decent that with the President from the South-West, Vice-President from the North East, the Senate Presidency should in the interest of equity and ordinary rules of decency be allocated to the North Central where Niger State is eminently qualified for the job,” Kolo said.

The APC chieftain recalled the massive sacrifice made by Niger State and Senator Sani Musa who was prominently aspiring for the National Party Chairman’s ticket, but had to withdraw in the interest of the party.”It is important to state here that Senator Sani Musa from Niger State was a frontrunner for the APC presidential ticket but in the spirit of rare sportsmanship, withdrew his aspiration which made the party primary election smooth and paved the way for a successful zoning of the presidential slot and subsequent emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from the South-West possible, ” he said.

He emphatically rooted for Senator Mohammed Sani Musa who currently serves as the Senator representing Niger East district in the 9th National Assembly as the most competent for the job from the North Central.

Kolo said Senator Musa, Chairman at Senate Services Committee from June 2019 to June 2023, has ample experience, impeccable integrity and is generally trustworthy and reliable.Kolo expressed the hope that the APC would zone the Senate Presidency to the North Central geopolitical zone, said Senator Musa who has been re- elected into the Senate may be the dark Horse to pick the position.

“We hope and pray that the party would zone the office to the North Central because it has proven to be APC stronghold especially Niger State that gave the highest votes in the zone,” Kolo said.

CG, NHFSS, Ambassador Dr Joshua Osatimehin Wole decorating the ACG, Amb. John Metchie with his new rank DCG, NHFSS, Technical services National Headquarters Abuja, Photo: BASHIR BELLO