News

By Sumayyah M. Auwal

In Kaduna State, over 10,000 supporters of Senator Shehu Sani have decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)and pledged their support to Governor Uba Sani.

The party’s State Chairman, Emmanuel Jekada, applauded the decampees for returning to the APC. He promised to work with everyone to move the party forward for peace and the development of Kaduna State. He noted that the APC in Kaduna State is open to all, irrespective of any differences. 

It would be recalled that Shehu Sani’s withdrawal from the APC in 2019 resulted from the acrimonious relationship between him and the then-governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Their disagreements eventually led to Sani and his supporters leaving the APC.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his victory in the just-concluded Edo State governorship election.  

Okpebholo emerged victorious after a keenly contested race, defeating his main rivals—Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, noted that the APC candidate’s triumph underscores the growing popularity and confidence the people of Edo State have in the APC. 

He stated that the overwhelming support for Okpebholo reflects the party’s achievements and its commitment to governance rooted in the needs of the people. 

“It is with immense pleasure that I warmly congratulate our candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and indeed our great party for recording an emphatic victory. This success is a clear validation of the people’s trust in the APC-led administration and further solidifies the party’s influence across Nigeria, reaffirming its position as the party trusted by the people to drive national growth and transformation”. 

The Governor expressed confidence in Senator Okpebholo’s leadership capabilities, adding that his election represents an opportunity to rebuild and reposition Edo State towards sustainable development. 

He called on members of the opposition to graciously accept the olive branch extended by the Governor- elect, urging them to contribute positively to the future of Edo State. 

The NSGF Chairman also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a transparent and fair election that provided a level playing field for all contestants.  

He also applauded the nation’s security agencies for maintaining peace and order throughout the process, as well as the electorate for their peaceful and orderly participation in what was a highly anticipated election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman.

Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the plaintiff, North Central APC Forum, lacked standing to file the suit. 

The court held that the group was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and therefore not a juristic person.

Justice Ekwo ruled that Ganduje’s appointment or removal requires a national convention. 

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Ayuba Abdul, and group leader Saleh Zazzaga vowed to appeal the judgement, expressing no surprise at the outcome. 

The suit challenged Ganduje’s appointment, citing the APC constitution’s Article 31.5(1) f, which requires the chairman to hail from the North Central geopolitical zone.

Ganduje is from Kano State in the North West zone.

By Uzair Adam

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has expressed confidence that attempts to silence the labour movement will not succeed.

Ajaero, who has recently faced scrutiny from security agencies such as the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), stated that he will respond to a police summons on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Addressing workers and union officials in Lagos, Ajaero recounted his recent experiences, including an arrest and detention, which he described as an effort to weaken the labour movement.

Despite these challenges, he urged workers to remain united and resolute.

“On August 29, we answered the state’s summons regarding certain allegations, and on the 25th of this month, we will again comply by attending the police headquarters in Abuja,” Ajaero said.

He revealed that the NLC’s strength is rooted in its integrity and collective determination. “Our hands must remain clean, our hearts pure. Even when they come for us, they will find nothing to use against us.

While they may try to imprison our bodies, they cannot imprison our spirit,” Ajaero stated.

As the NLC prepares for upcoming challenges, Ajaero urged members to stay vigilant and united.

He also expressed gratitude to international trade unions and organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the UK, for their support during the NLC’s recent struggles.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, on his victory at the polls. 

On Sunday, Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having defeated other contenders for the position.

President Tinubu commends APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. He says the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. 

He urges Senator Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He encourages him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development. 

President Tinubu also praises other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy. 

The President urges all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels.  

In addition, the president commends the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years. 

“I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise. 

“INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country”, President Tinubu says.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bauchi State Police Command has arrested Dauda Saidu, a 21-year-old scavenger, for allegedly desecrating a grave at Yelwa Christian Cemetery in the metropolis and stealing iron rods.

Spokesman of the Command, Ahmed Wakil, revealed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was apprehended on September 20, 2024, over trespassing, vandalism, and theft.

“Saidu unlawfully entered the Christian cemetery in the Yelwan Kagadama area of Bauchi, damaging several graves and stealing iron rods in broad daylight,” Wakil stated.

During interrogation, Saidu confessed to the crimes, admitting he had stolen multiple iron rods and sold them to scrap buyers for ₦9,500, ₦12,000, and ₦5,500 in separate transactions.

He was said to have disclosed that the money was used to purchase Indian hemp and food for personal consumption.

“The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has directed that Saidu be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.”

“He also stressed the need for parental supervision and urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards.”

By Anas Abbas

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the state-level collation of results for the Edo State governorship election following the conclusion of voting yesterday.

According to INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, the commission has uploaded Polling Unit results onto the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and has received collated results from 192 wards. Collation has also been concluded in most Local Government Areas.

However, Haruna expressed concern over a reported threat to the INEC office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, which resulted in a stampede and injured one official. Additionally, some political actors and supporters demonstrated overnight at the State Head Office, attempting to disrupt the collation process.

Haruna emphasised that the collation will proceed according to the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations. He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process will not be tolerated and that the commission will invoke its powers to review results declared under duress.

The commission urged accredited party agents, observers, and media personnel to be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres and called on security agencies to maintain their vigilance and professionalism.

By Uzair Adam

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, led a protest early Sunday morning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City.

The protest, organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was in response to claims that the electoral results were being manipulated in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Arriving at the INEC office around 2:27 am, Iduoriyekemwen expressed concerns over the election outcome, which he believed was being skewed against the PDP’s candidate.

The protesters gathered outside while inside the INEC Conference Hall, party agents and journalists prepared for the collation of the results.

Iduoriyekemwen stated, “We have credible information that plans are in place to alter the results to benefit Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate. Our candidate is leading, and we will not accept any manipulation of the results.”

The police dispersed the protesters shortly after the group spoke to journalists.

Meanwhile, heavy security remained at the INEC office as observers and media personnel awaited the commencement of the official results collation.

INEC had already uploaded 97 percent of the election results to its Results Viewing (IReV) portal at the time of the protest.

Preliminary data suggested that the APC candidate was leading in Edo North Senatorial District, while the PDP was ahead in Edo South.

Edo state has 2,629,025 registered voters, with the highest number in Edo South (55.76 percent), followed by Edo North (27.98 percent), and Edo Central (16.27 percent).

By Uzair Adam

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, led a protest early Sunday morning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City.

The protest, organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was in response to claims that the electoral results were being manipulated in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Arriving at the INEC office around 2:27 am, Iduoriyekemwen expressed concerns over the election outcome, which he believed was being skewed against the PDP’s candidate.

The protesters gathered outside while inside the INEC Conference Hall, party agents and journalists prepared for the collation of the results.

Iduoriyekemwen stated, “We have credible information that plans are in place to alter the results to benefit Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate. Our candidate is leading, and we will not accept any manipulation of the results.”

The police dispersed the protesters shortly after the group spoke to journalists.

Meanwhile, heavy security remained at the INEC office as observers and media personnel awaited the commencement of the official results collation.

INEC had already uploaded 97 percent of the election results to its Results Viewing (IReV) portal at the time of the protest.

Preliminary data suggested that the APC candidate was leading in Edo North Senatorial District, while the PDP was ahead in Edo South.

Edo state has 2,629,025 registered voters, with the highest number in Edo South (55.76 percent), followed by Edo North (27.98 percent), and Edo Central (16.27 percent).

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP, member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo State.

Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and distability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9pm and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.

Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.

These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.

The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law.

The Police reassures the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urges citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published help lines.

By Uzair Adam

The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for Civil Servants met on Friday to discuss the new minimum wage template and concluded that the effective date for implementation would be July 29, 2024.

This decision was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued after the meeting in Abuja, which was seen by our correspondent.

The Committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also recommended that the wage award, which had been discontinued by the government, should be paid up to July 28, 2024.

In explaining the decision, the Committee noted that the government considered the country’s economic situation before finalizing these recommendations.

The MOU stated the need for the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to create appropriate salary templates for other salary structures.

It further stated that the Federal Government should take measures to alleviate the challenges faced by workers due to the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including considering tax waivers and other incentives.

However, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have criticized the decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, described the move as unfair and unacceptable.

Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, expressed disappointment.

He recalled that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had promised workers on May Day that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1, 2024, and said it was unfair for the government to change that commitment.

“The government should have stayed true to its word. Deviating from May is already questionable, but backdating it to July is particularly unfair given the economic challenges,” Etim stated.