Arewa Times

A pro-Democracy and anti-sabotage group, on the platform of the Natives said it will embark on vigil on the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, until the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sworn in on May 29. 

The Natives said the sacrifice has become necessary to frustrate plans by some unscrupulous elements to form parallel government as it was reportedly threatened.

Addressing newsmen on  Friday in Abuja, during a Unity Walk to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Leader of the Natives, Hon. Smart Edwards, said his group will not tolerate parallel government or any act that could lead to chaos ahead of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration on Monday.

Hon. Edwards also expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure will no go beyond May 29, 2023.

According to him, those that are aggrieved as a result of the general elections should allow Court to make pronouncements instead of causing anarchy in the country.

He said: “We the Natives of this country will not allow saboteurs and the proponents of parallel government to cause chaos and instability in Nigeria. 

We will, however, embark on vigil on the streets of Abuja, the Federa Capital Territory, beginning from today Friday till Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sworn in on Monday, May 29. 2023.

“We will do this because of our conviction that Tinubu’s presidency will bring prosperity, development and unity of this great Nation. We call on all Nigerians to join us in this task of ensuring peace and stability of our dear Nation.”

On the reason for the Unity Walk, Edwards said: “We are here at Appeal Court today to state categorically that we the Natives of Nigeria will not allow the idea of parallel government. In fact, the idea should be dead by now and we warn strongly the proponents of this evil to perish the idea because Nigeria is not a Banana Republic where law and order does not exist.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure will never be extended beyond Monday, May 29. He is a democrat and will end as a hero.

“Our attention has been drawn to some incredulous persons who have been brainwashed into imagination of victory at 2023 polls, whose constant cantankerous and mischievous attempts to desecrate our electoral institutions and justify their judicial brigandage is becoming intolerable.

“We are alarmed that the constant constitutional murder perpetrated by these agents of destabilization doubtfully in the name of their principal is appearing to be subjugating, subversive and threatening coronation of unlawful acts, of which if left unchecked can snowball into a disaster, acts that makes their matters in courts unfounded.

“Their discontent like many can be acknowledged but it must not defeat sanity and the sanctity of our courts. 

“Our Courts are sacred institutions and their decisions are based on facts not fictions.

“To this end, we rise up again to be counted, in defense of our country, its courts and citizens, as we take a unity walk to the Appeal Court today, to confront the increasingly dangerous and perfidious acts of sabotage against matters that should only be left for Judges up to the Supreme Court to decide.”

While commending the outgoing government of President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring honours of GCFR and GCON on the President-elect and his Deputy, Edwards declared that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a day with history and shall be sworn in on Monday, May 29 unfailingly, adding that until the Supreme Court of the land rules otherwise, Tinubu will occupy the seat of the President.

“We would like to know if any Nigerian regardless of their status have such rights to promote anarchy and desecrate the Courts, threaten its Judges, advocate parallel government or open promote chaos. We will not allow it and such will not happen. 

“With them claiming knowledge of intendment, intentions, letters and interpretations of the spirit of the constitution and erroneously forcing it on the judiciary as expected outcome.

“We would like to inform these misguided persons that President Muhammadu Buhari is not available for compromise, he has earned the status of a statesman with international reputation. As a tested democrat and a hero. He is not a despot as they made many to believe. Buhari is not a tyrant nor a dictator. The President has earned all the accolades of the restorer of the June12 , apologizing to Nigerians on behalf of the Military so this President is not available for Interim Government. Not even Vice President Osibajo will commit himself to murder or ruin our democracy or arrest the judiciary on their behalf.

“On what planet are the promoters of a parallel government living?

“No one group or persons nor party should act as sovereigns, they are not and will never be. Hence we call on their sponsors to refrain from this unstable, insane and undemocratic act that will only expose them as political neophytes.

“We call on those who demonized President Muhammadu Buhari, called him dead and impostor Jubril of Sudan and a dictator to remember him today as the man who failed to islamize Nigeria, the man who honored the memory of June 12, the Fulani man that allowed freedom at the primaries of his party, the man who gave Nigeria a free and fair elections, hence he must be given the heroic privilege to handover power peacefully eroding all errors of 1983.”

By Matthew Denis Abuja

A business Mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Kubib Limited, Engr. Khadijat Kuburat Ibrahim has described the mother of the two Emirs of Kano Emirates, Hajia Maryam Ado Bayero has her role model who had lived an examplary life by possessing true virtues of a mother.

She made the disclosure during an interview with Journalists shortly after the launched of the Biography of the late Mother of the Emirs of Kano, Ado Bayero II and Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on Thursday.

Engr. Ibrahim said ” probably words cannot express my feelings because I’m from ilorin and she is my role model. This book that is being launched today I believe is going to change alot of people’s lives especially women to be humble, courageous and exceptional because of her virtues.

” In fact I don’t even know the words I can use to describe her personality but I’m just happy that this happened and it’s a success.

Speaking on low pace women participation in politics she stressed that it depends how people perceive the political Activities but she has more interest in Investment as a businesswoman and satisfied with her status.

She said ” I will like advice women that are into politics not to give up because women rule the world too but as for me I’m ruling the business life. “

Top Dignitaries at the event includes the Governor of Kano State, Dr Umaru Ganduje, Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Senators Godwin Akpabio and Senator Barau, other government appointees, Wife of Former Head of States, Maryam Abacha, Captains of Industries

Others were Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Saad Mohammed, the Ooni of Ile, Emir of Kano Ado Bayero and that of Bichi Among other monarchs.

By: James Udeh

Barrister Chuks Nwachuku Esq.
Solicitor to Abuja Residents and Voters has warned that if Nigeria proceed to install Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief under the present circumstances, Nigeria would be setting democracy up for overthrow.

Nwachuku in a press statement on behalf of his clients titled “BEFORE YOU OVERTHROW THE CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY” said section 134(2)(b) states that a candidate for the office of President at an election involving two or more candidates is deemed duly elected where the candidate obtains the highest votes at the election and at least 25% of the votes in each of two thirds of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Where no candidate meets this requirement, there should be a second election between the candidate with the highest votes and one out of the remainder who has a majority of the votes in the highest number of States. Where the requirement of spread is still not met, there should be a third election between the two which should be decided on a simple majority of votes. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not obtain the required 25% of the votes in Abuja but insists on being sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief.

Nwachuku further made the call to exercise discipline and obey the simple instruction of our Constitution. Section 134(3)(a) and (b) and proceed to a second election between Tinubu, as the candidate with the highest votes, and one of the other candidates that has the majority of votes in the highest number of States.

He implore the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief, the security chiefs and all other officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to be complicit in the overthrow of the Constitution by lending their support for the installation of Tinubu as President of this country on May 29th or any other day under the present election results.

See the Full Statement Below:

BEFORE YOU OVERTHROW THE CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY

I have a solemn and urgent duty today. It is to alert you to the danger that you are about throwing away our hard won democracy due to the culture of indiscipline, impunity and insensitivity that you have grown in recent years.

The Issue:

The issue is simple. The Constitution at section 134(2)(b) states that a candidate for the office of President at an election involving two or more candidates is deemed duly elected where the candidate obtains the highest votes at the election and at least 25% of the votes in each of two thirds of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Where no candidate meets this requirement, there should be a second election between the candidate with the highest votes and one out of the remainder who has a majority of the votes in the highest number of States. Where the requirement of spread is still not met, there should be a third election between the two which should be decided on a simple majority of votes. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not obtain the required 25% of the votes in Abuja but insists on being sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief.

The Threat:
Section 1(2) of the Constitution prohibits anyone or group from taking control of the Government of the Federation or any part thereof contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. It is the responsibility of all Nigerians, including the military to safeguard the Constitution. Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution expressly declares that the people are the true sovereign and the ultimate authority in the land from whom the Government derives the authority to govern through the Constitution.

The Constitution has therefore authorized each and every Nigerian in whatever position that he finds himself and with whatever means at his disposal to safeguard the Constitution by resisting any would-be impostor from power. The primary allegiance of our soldiers is to the Constitution, which is also the source of their own authority and standing as officers of the nation. They cannot be expected to give allegiance to anyone that is installed President contrary to the Constitution.

The upshot is that if we proceed to install Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief under the present circumstances, we would be setting democracy up for overthrow. The intervention, ostensibly to restore the authority of the Constitution, and democracy, might mean that this country might not experience democracy again for a long time.

We have the experience of late Earnest Shonekan and the Interim National Government that he headed that was sacked by a Lagos High Court for lack of constitutional foundation for guidance and certainty regarding the point that every High Court in this country is empowered to interpret the Constitution and may therefore sack Tinubu, if installed, with a simple declaration. That would set the stage for extra constitutional actions that would be justified with the excuse of restoring the authority of the Constitution. It would be the death of democracy in the country.

The Solution:
We need to exercise discipline to obey the simple instruction of our Constitution. Section 134(3)(a) and (b) instruct us to proceed to a second election between Tinubu, as the candidate with the highest votes, and one of the other candidates that has the majority of votes in the highest number of States. We should embark on that in earnest.

May 29th 2023 and after:

We are faced with neither the prospect of a vacuum in the office of President nor that of constitutional crises if we put off the planned inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Constitution expects us to do. His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCON, has the authority, nay, the order of the Constitution to remain in office to guard and guide the action while processes for the due emergence of his successor continue until that successor takes the oath of office. If we proceed to install Tinubu unconstitutionally, the Constitution would still continue to regard President Buhari as the President and Commander in Chief. Anything that is done contrary to the Constitution is a nullity. Four years as a tenure under section 135(2)(a) would become an issue only when there is a due successor available to take the oath of office.

We implore the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief, the security chiefs and all other officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to be complicit in the overthrow of the Constitution by lending their support for the installation of Tinubu as President of this country on May 29th or any other day under the present election results.

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal:

The PEPT as presently engaged has no constitutional basis. It is only when there is a valid declaration of a winner of the election that its jurisdiction can be invoked. The grounds for invoking it under section 134 of the Electoral Act are (1) non-qualification of the winner (b) invalidity of the election, and © failure of the declared winner to obtain majority of the votes. The issue of failure to secure 25% of the votes in two thirds of all the States and the FCT is not one of the conditions. It is left out because it is a constitutional issue that should be resolved before the PEPT is constituted. The Constitution demands a second election at the present time unless any petitioner before the PEPT can satisfy it that he fulfilled the requirements of section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution and should have been declared winner.

Conclusion:
We call on the intentional community not to encourage the overthrow of democracy and the possible institution of anarchy in the Nigeria with their support for the unconstitutional installation of Tinubu as the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the 29th of May 2023.

Chuks Nwachuku Esq.
Solicitor to Abuja Residents and Voters.

By Amina Abdullahi

The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN, North East zone has said that that major challenges affecting the economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management.

The group through its organizing secretary, Amb. Ibrahim Dangata Inuwa, during a press conference which held in Abuja and copy of the text made available to newsmen in Kaduna, hailed Admiral Dr. K. M Bushi following his recent book launch titled; “fundamentals of Nigerian public finance and accounting, stressing that there is no better time for the unveiling of the book than now because of the dwindling revenue Nigeria has been confronted with in the recent time.

According to Inuwa, the book will contribute immensely to the Society and the entire body of knowledge in Nigeria, adding that It is a fact that one of the “major challenges affecting economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management”.

The Youth group also stressed that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources but there is nothing much to show due to lack of effective management of revenue generated from exploration and exploitation of those resources.

They said, “the leadership of National Youth Council of Nigeria North-East Zone wish to use this medium to felicitate with Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi over the Unveiling of the book titled ‘’Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting’’. There is no better time for the unveiling of the book than now because of the dwindling revenue Nigeria has been confronted with in the recent time.

“There is no doubt that this book will contribute immensely to scholarly Society and the entire body of knowledge in Nigeria. It is a fact that one of the major challenges affecting economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources but ironically there is nothing much to show due to lack of effective management of revenue generated from exploration and exploitation of those resources.

“We are very much excited with the unveiling of this book because of the timing. Over time, government revenue has drastically dropped down and the only way out is to embrace some of the far reaching recommendations made by Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi in his book titled ‘’Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting”.

“Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi has distinguished himself in several respects. In the military, he has carved a niche for himself as a disciplined and integrity personified officer. He has conducted himself with dignity and respect.

“He is exemplary, he is an embodiment of Knowledge, he is a scholar per excellence, a role model, a prolific author, a beacon of hope to we the younger generations, a detribalized individual, a benefactor to underprivileged, a compassionate individual, a patriotic Nigeria to the core, a humble man to a fault.

“In short, we are short of words to describe this exceptional gentleman. His contribution to societal development cannot be over quantified. It takes a lot of sacrifice, tenacity of purpose and dedication for him to have put this important idea into a book. Despites his tight schedules as Chief of Naval budget and account, he is able to achieved this meritorious and praiseworthy feat in scholarly society.

“Although, we are not surprise because we are familiar with his antecedents as a goal getter and a resilient individual. We will ever be supremely and immensely proud of him. The entire youth of North east, particularly Taraba State where he hails from will continue to look up to him as a mentor, father and a role model.

“The leadership of National youth council of Nigeria North east zone will continue to identify with admiral Dr. K.M Bushi for a number of reasons. Chiefly amongst the reason is his unconditional beliefs in youth development and empowerment. He is a pacesetter in youth development in Nigeria. We are very much proud of his exemplary contributions to humanity and the body of knowledge especially in public finance in Nigeria.

“In conclusion, we are using this medium to call on high government officials both within and outside the military to emulate the sterling qualities of Admiral K.M Bushi. Government officials must brace up and wake up to their official responsibilities. They must lead by example if we must get it right.

“There is no doubt that admiral K.M Bushi has paid his Due as far as evolution of modern Nigeria is concern. No wonder he has several awards to his credit. We urge governmental officials at all level to live by example and be a role model like admiral Bushi. We appeal to Nigerian government to utilize human resources like Admiral Bushi for the overall benefit of the country.

“Finally, we are using this medium to thank profusely the chief of Naval staff, Admiral A.Z Gambo for his untiring support to Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi. We humbly urge him to sustain the support.We are calling on Nigeria Government at all level to procure this book titled “fundamentals of Nigeria Public Finance and Accounting for all government revenue generating agencies, Tertiary institutions libraries, Directors of finance and accounting and government auditors.

“This is because the core issues considered in the book encompasses budgeting and appropriation, financial recording and accountability, sources of public revenue, public expenditure management and controls, public financial reporting system, Taxation, pension and gratuity, public debt management, auditing and lastly public sector financial reforms in Nigeria”.

ENDS

Comrade Elliot Afiyo is the National President of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), the umbrella Organisation of 42 Northern youth groups founded in 1994 by the Northern Traditional, Military, Political and Religious leaders to propagate and protect the northern political and economic interest within the national interest.

Comrade (Dr) Elliot Afiyo is also the Secretary – General of the Association of West African Monarchs (AWAM), the umbrella body of Traditional Rulers in West Africa. In this interview with Journalists in Abeokuta, Comrade Afiyo bares his mind on the 2023 general elections.

Questions;

Comrade sir, since 1999, your Forum secured victories for Candidates you endorsed and supported at all levels since 1999. But in the last presidential elections, former vice president Atiku lost in spite of all your support and endorsement. What went wrong Sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

Thank you very much. I want to tell you categorically that Atiku did not lose the 2023 presidential election because there wasn’t any candidate that meets up with the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election. It was a conspiracy in dietriabe to declaring Tinubu as the winner of that election for fear of a rerun. 2023 presidential election was full of betrayals, conspiracies and deceptions

Questions;

But your Forum couldn’t make the difference like the previous elections since 1999.

Comrade Afiyo;

Our Forum performed the best ever since 1999. For the first time, our Forum faced the toughest and most challenging election and came out with good results especially in the North- East and North- West geopolitical zones.

Questions;

How tough was the election sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

You see, I held a press conference in Kano two weeks to the elections and drew the attention of our presidential candidate of an organised deception and betrayals. All the APC governors that promised to work for Atiku changed their minds three days to the elections because of the senseless and leucitic statement made by one of the Atiku’s campaign spokesmen that Atiku will investigate and jail them.

Secondly, the statement made by Atiku that he was going to restructure the country even at the detriment of his life, made the Fulani elites to work against him.

Thirdly, 85% of the people Atiku made as PCC members also betrayed him because the dollars given to them for logistics and mobilization, was only shared amongst and between them. They had erroneous and lithifying confidence that with or without mobilization, Atiku will win.

Fourthly, the people that were sincerely and honestly working for Atiku were side lined, barricaded, excluded and isolated. Thanks to some our patrons who saw all these things and decided to mobilise us and also gotten some assistance from international Organisations. These mobilisations coupled with our determination and commitments made the difference in the voting outcome.

We saw ourselves fighting against the collective decision of the Northern Governors, Fulani Elites and the Religious leaders from both the Islamic and Christian religions.

The Imams were heavily mobilised with millions of dollars while the statement made by Governor El-Rufai about the northern Christians population also encouraged and gingered the Christian clerics to mobilise Christians to waste their votes for Obi so as to prove El-Rufai wrong and teaches him and his cohorts a protogenetic and dangerous lesson. The ethnic angle was also given priority in some States like Kogi, Kwara and Niger. You can now see the forces NYLF faced and still ensured that Atiku won in the North.

Question;

Why Niger State?

Comrade Afiyo:

Whether you believe IT or not, Asiwaju has a link with the Nupes.

Question

Are you saying Tinubu did not win the 2023 Presidential election?

Comrade Afiyo;

I am telling you without fear of contradiction that Tinubu did not win the election that meets up with the constitutional requirements even after results were doctored. Prof Yakubu knew it and he made up his mind to announce a rerun. Thirty minutes to the announcement, he was summoned and the decision was changed. Alterations and doctoring of results were made, that is why he reluctantly staged a podiatric coup against democracy and Nigerians, by going ahead and announced Tinubu as the winner at about 4:am

Questions;

Sir, are you saying that Prof Yakubu staged a coup?

Comrade Afiyo;

Prof. Yakubu is a learn tic Coupist by every reasoning. Coups are normally announced at early hours of the day and that what was he did. I will not be surprised if Prof Yakubu is arrested and tried for treasonable felony in the nearest future.

Question;

But the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum supported Atiku?

Comrade Afiyo;

All these pressure groups are constituted for political relevance and financial patronage. They are far from translating to political victories. Unfortunately, the Aspirants and the Candidates patronize them at the detriment of the Youth groups. Some of these Individuals are not known in their localities. And if they are known, they cannot command political fellowship and followership which will translate to political voting and by extension, political victories.

Questions;

Sir, so you agree with Governor El-Rufai that they don’t control votes?

Comrade Afiyo;

I totally agree with him because he said nothing but the truth. How many of these Elders will secure a political victory for their Councillors not to talk of President? The Governors and the Youth Leaders control and determine the direction of voting in the North. The clerics are far politically better than these Elders.

The only aspect that I disagree with EL-Rufai is denigration and localisation of the elders by calling them ‘so called elders’ and his statement on the Northern Christians which has caused major division among the Northerners. If care is not taken or more awareness created, it will be very difficult for a Northerner to win presidential election in the nearest future in a free and fair elections unless that Northerner is a Muslim and must come from one of the minority tribes.

Question;

President Buhari said that Atiku lost the election because of over confidence and complacency

Comrade Afiyo;

That’s very true, over confidence in the sense that PCC members were doing what they feel like. Even the presidential Candidate and his running Mate were deliberately ignoring some stakeholders. The support groups were ignored and downgraded. The G5 Governors were termed and considered inconsequential. The Governor of Bauchi who is very popular and influential in the country especially the Northern Youth, was isolated not until I decided to take an action that maybe so devastating, before he was visited and invited for negotiation.

Let me tell you the truth, most of the key members of PCC of the PDP worked against Atiku because they have interest in 2027 and Atiku winning this election will block them. This is more reason why they pocketed the dollars, thereby frustrating the genuine efforts of Atiku’s supporters.

Another factor that causes complacency was the appointment of his spokesmen who were caucus members of the APC. These were people verily known with Tinubu, whatever they said were not given any serious consideration.

You can see Senator Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to PDP in 2015. The same Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to APC in 2019 and 2023. Spiritually, any Candidate that Dino becomes his or her Spokesman under PDP or APC, will never wins the election because he has used the same tongue to curse the Parties.

Question;

Sir, we read in some National Dailies prior to the elections that some Emirs threatened to assassinate you if Atiku wins the election in their States. How true is this statement?

Comrade Afiyo;

Absolutely true, two of them told our Co-ordinators that they will assassinate me if Atiku wins in their States. I personally called them to confirm the story and they affirmed it. These threats made me to relocate to one of the States and informed the Emir that I was in the State to ensure that Atiku wins in all the States. I called some of our Patrons who mobilised funds for us. When Atiku won in the State, I placed a call to the Emir who later invited me for a dinner in his palace. After the Dinner, he looked at me said “shege Batta jo”, and I smiled and said mi yeti barkama walla aibe”. And that was all.

Question;

Sir, we were also told that Tinubu’s camp is making overtures for you to join the team.

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, I will not join them until the final pronouncement by the Supreme court. In fact, the Northern Youth will never recognize Tinubu as President of Nigeria even after the swearing – in until the final pronouncement by the Supreme Court.

Question;

Are you saying that the inauguration ceremony should be stopped?

Comrade Afiyo:

Under common sense or literal reasoning, the inauguration should have been done after final pronouncement by the Court. But in a situation like this, one should not expect that to happened. Seriously, it is a major set- back to our Country. But I am quite sure that God’s will would prevail very soon.

Question

There was a story in one of the daily newspapers that you led a Team of investigation from UN and EU to visit the six geo- political zones and the Team was sponsored by one of your patrons.

Comrade Afiyo;

The Team was a fact-finding Team. I was just privileged to guide them.

Question;

What do we expect from you and your Forum from now?

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, let us allow the will of God to prevail. This is our only country that we can call our home. Enough of crisis and shedding of innocent blood. Let us all be law abiding and give maximum support to the security agencies. Sooner or later, Nigerians will definitely rejoice.

By: Elizabeth Ike

A group of purpose-driven youths from the North East Sub-region has vowed to resist the attempts of what it described as some selfish political elite from the Northeast have begun clandestine moves to scuttle the confirmation of the newly appointed Board management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Most especially the MD of the Commission and other new appointees of the board.

The group operating under the aegis of the North Eastern Youths Advocacy for Peace and Development (NEYAPAD) in a statement jointly signed by the national leadership of NEYAPAD comprising of Alh. Safiyanu Ya’u Existing, Hon. Abner Shittu, Hon. Tukura Kwayi, Engr. Suleiman Bakafada and Amb. Salahuddeen Shuaibu Planner in Gombe state noted that the move is not only unacceptable but a coup plot against the Nigerian Youths community.

The group said having followed meticulously the glowing antecedents of Engineer Hashidu right from his days at the Kano electricity distribution company (KEDCO) and until recently the Yola Electricity distribution company (YEDC) they are convinced that the accomplished technocrat now public servant has the needed skill and the know-how to drive the pilots seat in the efforts to restore the lost glory of the beleaguered North East Sub-region.

The group was also full of praises and adulations for the Executive Director of Humanitarian Affairs Hajiya Suwaiba Baba who they noted is a worthy ambassador of the women folk from Taraba state expressing optimism that the service-oriented Amazon will not falter in her new assignment.

While reaffirming its support to the new NEDC Management Team, the leadership of NEYAPAD Noted that the new management composition compromises of some of the best Brains in Nigeria’s private and public sector.

Speaking further the Leaders of the group vowed to activate the affiliate bodies of the organization which includes the National Youths Council of Nigeria to ground any politician or group of politicians from the sub-region further urging the Senate to rise to the occasion and not allow itself to be involved in the political war of any politician or group.

The Apex Youths organization dedicated to the Peace and Development of the geo-political zone reiterated its commitment to the growth, stability, prosperity, and peace of the sub-region calling on the political leaders not to involve themselves in acts and conducts that are inimical to the development of the society.
The group urged all aggrieved individuals to sheath their swords and give these energetic young men the chance to display their potential which will no doubt propel the region from its currently ravaged status to a revived developed region that will not only reunite displaced persons but attract investors from length and breadth of the world.

By Isaac Odeh

Gombe Athletics Association (GAA) plans to hold Inter-Primary Schools Athletics Championship in the State as highly experienced 11-man Organising Committee members made up of Sportsmen and women technocrats, Coaches and Media have been shortlisted.

Chairman of the committee is Mallam Musa Garba, Vice-chairman, Mallam Babawuro Mohammed.

Other members include, Mallam Mohammed Dawaki, Mallam Ibrahim Abubakar, Malam Sadiq Abubakar Ali, Mallam Kawu Mohammed, Mallam Sani Nuhu Abdullahi, media officer is Mallam Inuwa Mohammed, Prince Simon Ayuba Technical director, Mallam Ishaku Zanna and Mallam Haryana Isah secretary.

The committee will be inaugurated by the Chairman Gombe State AthIetics Association Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe on committee on May 30th, 2023.

Over 36 Inter-Primary Schools are expected to be part of the athletics championships.

The GAA boss has passion for the grassroots AthIetics sports and would want to build future Gombe athletes from the grassroots through the inter- Primary Schools Championship.

With the inauguration of the 11-man committee, it’s expected that the job of rebuilding Gombe State AthIetics would have commenced on a healthy fresh note.

By Bashir Bello. Abuja.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, has adjourned to June 19 2023 for the arraignment of Directors in five companies for money Laundering and breach of Public procurement law in relation to a multi-Billion naira contract in the Company Transmission of Nigeria CTN.

Among those arraigned is the Managing Director of Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmed Salihijo, and his company Velocity Nigeria Limited.

The four other companies are, Winslow Logistics, Equal Logistics, Sahams Crystal Investment and Antaser Nigeria Limited.

The judge Justice James Omotoso fixed the date after listening to both counsels.

The landmark case was instituted by Donnington Limited against the CEO and the four companies for their non declaration of the activities of their companies as specified under the money Laundering prohibition act of 2011 and punishable under the same act.

Donnington believes that it will step into the shoes of Nigeria’s Attorney General in instituting the matter due to noncompliance of the companies to Nigerian laws.

According to the company , ” Our country cannot condone contraventions of the money Laundering Act and non-compliance with statutory provisions by company Directors chasing a Government contract.”

Counsel to Donnington Limited ,Mr. Bala Sanga while speaking in an interview with journalists, said he filed a criminal charge against the five companies and revealed that “the companies broke the provisions of the law”.

*Says its time to focus proactive legislative duties

Honourable Blessing Onuh, has enjoined politicians to resist the culture of filing frivolous petitions that could distract public office holders from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The Lawmaker representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the charge at a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, pointing out that elections are over and is time for political stakeholders to begin to work together irrespective of political leanings.

Onuh, while acknowledging that elections petitions was an essential part of our democratic process, however warned that culture of filing frivolous petitions against political opponents was a distraction.

The Federal Lawmaker was reacting to the recent withdrawal of the suit instituted by Hon Alex Enokela Ogbe, against her victory in the February 25th National Assembly election.

Recall that Hon. Ogbe had on Friday, May 19th 2023, announced his decision to withdraw the case instituted against Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh, the APC and INEC in the 2023 election petition tribunal.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement personally signed himself, stated that the difficult decision was for the general interest of Otukpo Ohimini people.

Ogbe, while congratulating Lady Blessing Onuh, vow to offer his support and assistance to her where needed for the betterment of the people.

“We are using this medium to make known our intention to withdraw the case instituted against Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh of the APC, the APC and INEC in the 2023 election petition tribunal.

“We have taken this difficult decision for the general interest of Otukpo Ohimini people who we seek to serve.

“We will offer support and assistance to the house of representatives member elect Otukpo Ohimini where needed for the betterment of the people of Otukpo Ohimini.

“We pray God gives her the strength to meet the desires of the people of Otukpo Ohimini for which she represent,” he stated.

Onuh while applauding Mr. Ogbe’s decision to withdraw his petition, described his action as political maturity which speaks volume about the unity in Benue South.

The lawmaker who however, maintained that she won the February 2023 election conducted in a free and fair contest, enjoined him to work together with her and all Idoma progressives in the progress, unity and development of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal constituency.

In her words, “I acknowledge the withdrawal of the suit instituted against my victory by Mr Ogbe. However, I must state categorically that I won the February 2023 election conducted in a free and fair contest.

“I view the decision of Mr Ogbe as an act of political maturity which speaks volume about the unity in Benue South. I urge politicians to avoid frivolous petitions which is a distraction.

“I feel honoured by the humble demonstration of his sportsmanship and enjoin him to work together with me and all Idoma progressives in the progress, unity and development of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal constituency.

“Elections have come and gone, I want to emphasize that I represent the entire constituency irrespective of political leanings,” she stated.

*Urges EFCC, ICPC to launch probe

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Board and current management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) due to various accusations and counter accusations of corruption within the commission.

Frank said these counter allegations and infighting between the Management team and the Chairman of the Board of NDDC has once again opened up the ugly chapter of the past, where the infighting ends up derailing the overall performances of the commission thereby, short-changing the people of the Niger Delta, yet enriching some with personal gains.

In a statement released to newsmen Monday in Abuja, the Bayelsa born political activist also called on the anti-corruption agencies to quickly intervene and launch probe into some of the revelations of corruption allegations made by the Board against the Commission’s Managing Director.

According to Frank, the inability to properly defend the 2021, 2022 & 2023 budget in unison at the Senate is a clear testament to the fact that the board lacks the basic prerequisites to oversee the affairs of the NDDC.

He said the people of Nigeria Delta had hoped that the new board would grow to become the hope and fresh air to the region, “but alas we’re confronted with the same dilemma of corruption allegations and counter accusations by those responsible in managing the resources of the people.

“It is clear from the foregoing that the inability to work in unison for the overall good of the people will render the activities of the Commission in jeopardy.”

The statement added that the people of the Niger Delta are tired of being the scape goats whenever these infighting arises because of greed and selfishness.

“Following recent revelations of corruption in the NDDC and counter accusations of mismanagement between the recently inaugurated board and management of the commission at the Senate, it will be safe to conclude that the primary objective of piloting the affairs of the commission has suffered yet another setback in the twilight of this new management board.

“Furthermore, the fact that this expose, is coming at a time when all hands are supposed to be on deck in midwifing the rebirth of a new NDDC is very worrisome and embarrassing.

“Instead of harmonizing the blueprint for building a sustainable commission saddled with the responsibility of delivering first class interventions to the people of the Niger Delta, the NDDC is rather confronted yet again with weighty allegations of corruption by members of its own board whose tenure only began less than 5 months ago.

“The startling revelations by the Chairwoman and counter accusations by the Managing Director and his team has once again left a sour taste in the minds of all genuine stakeholders in the Niger Delta project.

“Most shocking is the allegation of inflating the MD’s imprest and the operation of several accounts as confirmed by the Executive Director Finance & Admin rather than maintaining a single account as stipulated by the Federal Government under the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“Going by these embarrassing scenarios of distrust and the inability to properly harmonize working relationships between the board and its members, it will be safe to recommend a total dissolution of the board to give way for a more proactive and people’s oriented board to midwife the NDDC into a world class intervention agency.

“It is noteworthy that even after a forensic audit was carried out by the FG, paving the way for the smooth operations of the Incoming board, we’re still confronted with the same quagmire bedeviling the commission.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, called on the National Assembly, EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate the accusations.

“I’m therefore calling on the National Assembly and the EFCC to urgently investigate these accusations of corruption in the NDDC by the board and come up with its findings for a proper recommendation to the Federal Government.

Uu”We have had enough of these embarrassing situations in the NDDC and the Niger Delta at large and every stakeholder has a responsibility in speaking out at this time whilst ensuring that the proper image of the Commission is maintained in delivering the dividends of the region to the people.”