THE TOP STORIES:IGP COMMENDS OFFICERS, COMMANDERS FOR PEACEFUL POLLS … As NPF Reviews 2023 Electoral Process.
…. Assures Of Effective Collaboration With INEC For Expeditious, Transparent Prosecution of Electoral Offenders.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, on Monday 27th March 2023, met with Strategic Police Managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other Tactical Commanders at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi mnipr mipra, in a statement made available to journalists, is to evaluate Police performance during the 2023 General elections, highlight lessons and strengths, and dissect complex dynamics for subsequent optimal performance.
He equally assured of effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously and transparently prosecute the 781 electoral offenders apprehended from a total of 489 major electoral infractions across the nation, as all Commands were tasked with submitting casefiles centrally at the Electoral Offences Desk, Office of the IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for coordinated processing to INEC Legal Section.
The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, charged the Strategic Police Managers to readjust strategies and operations towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and refocus policing attention on routine law enforcement duties. He similarly, and firmly, admonished all political actors and their supporters to submit to democratic norms, peaceful means, and legal procedures in advancing their interests as the Police and other security agencies shall not tolerate the resort to incitement or any act designed to threaten our national security.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Suspends the National Chairman, Ayu, with immediate effect.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of its National Chairman, Ayu, with immediate effect. This decision was made public through a tweet by Vanguard Newspaper on their official Twitter handle.
The news of the suspension has come as a surprise to many Nigerians, as Ayu was appointed as the National Chairman of the party just a few months ago. However, the reasons behind the suspension have not been made public by the party at the time of writing this article.
The decision to suspend Ayu with immediate effect is likely to trigger a fresh wave of political turmoil within the party, as many members are expected to take sides in the ensuing power struggle. It is also likely to have wider implications for the opposition’s fortunes in the 2023 general elections, as the PDP struggles to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It remains to be seen what the PDP’s next move will be in the wake of this suspension. Will they try to reconcile with Ayu and bring him back into the fold? Or will they move ahead with a new leadership team? Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the PDP needs to find a way to put its house in order if it hopes to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party in the next election.
In conclusion, the suspension of the PDP National Chairman, Ayu, is a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape. It is a clear indication that the opposition party is still struggling to find its footing and overcome its internal challenges. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining how the party navigates this latest crisis and whether it can emerge stronger and more united in the face of mounting political pressure.
Tinubu Raises Alarm On Plot To Dump Him For An Interim Govt
The Nigerian President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has alerted of alleged plots by antagonists to truncate the transition process and his swearing-in on May 29.
Tinubu raised the alarm in a statement by his Director of Public Affairs Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN this weekend.
In the statement issued Saturday in Abuja, the President-Elect noted that those who had taken to the streets protesting against his mandate wanted an Interim National Government.
Part of the statement reads: “We have watched with great concern the condemnable activities of some persons and groups who are desirous of truncating our democracy.
“For reasons best known to them, these persons have remained embittered that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner of the 2023 General Elections. Repeatedly, but unfortunately, these misguided individuals have called for either the cancellation of the results or that the President-elect should not be inaugurated on the 29th of May, 2023.
“We wish to reiterate and emphasise that these positions are not in tandem with our constitutional provisions or our electoral laws. We would have taken these as mere wishful thinking, however, because of their implications for national security and public order, we have therefore considered it necessary, if not expedient, to call them to order.
“We are aware of the intentions of those engaged in these treasonable and subversive acts. We also know those involved in the many plots being contrived to undermine the transition in particular and democracy in general. They are fixated on an Interim Government. They have done it in this country before and it threw the country into avoidable crises for many years and they want to do it again. They are bent on delegitimizing the new government. Some have made treasonable insinuations and openly called for military take-over. It is for these reasons that they are desperate to incite the people against the incoming Government.
“It is perplexing to see that those contesting the results want to be in the courts and on the streets at the same time. However, if their intention is to truncate the inauguration of the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, they should immediately bury the thought. It is gratifying to note that the President has set in motion steps for the actualisation of the swearing-in ceremonies. In this regard, the Presidential Transition Council has remained focused and committed to its Terms of Reference in respect of organizing a hitch-free handover.”
The statement noted that on many occasions after the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the election, his public speeches and utterances centred on reconciliation, forgiveness and a greater vision for Nigeria.
It added that the President-Elect knew the sponsors of the violent protests against his mandate from within and outside Nigeria, promising to work closely with security agencies to apprehend them and bring them to book.
Keyamo added, “He has pledged fairness as the basis for his present and future engagements. He has unequivocally stated that he would not accord favour to those that supported him, and neither would he mistreat those who did not vote for him. This is statesmanly and patriotic.
We all watched the President-elect as Governor of Lagos for eight years. He never undermined any person or tribe. He championed people-oriented policies. It is common knowledge that he is a welfarist and a pacifist. This is even more so that millions of citizens have spoken through the ballot box in his favour.
“By being declared winners, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima are legally entitled to be inaugurated into office as provided for by law and as we have practised since 1999, whilst those who feel otherwise have the right to seek legal redress in court. Why should their situation be different from what we have practised since 1999?
“Those who are dissatisfied with the declaration must conduct themselves within the ambits of the law. Nigeria is not a lawless country and should not be portrayed as such no matter the frustrations as presently being exhibited by some bad losers.
“Those who are stoking the embers of hate, division and falsehoods as well as peddling misleading narratives through some compromised media outlets should detract from such. It amounts to campaigning after elections. Hate speeches, fake news and propaganda at a time like this are needless because Nigerians have already made their choice. Those who are bent on scuttling the process will ignite the fire of destruction and run away. But they should not even start.
“We simply wish that peace reigns in the country. It does not make sense that some persons who should know better are encouraging violence and are so determined to achieve that.
“We know these persons and their sponsors from within and outside Nigeria and we shall be working closely with the security agencies to apprehend them and bring them to book. Our concern is that everyday Nigerians who are unaware of the evil intentions of these persons should not be used as cannon fodders. Enough is enough. Their continuous determination to dare us should cease forthwith. We are not lacking in capabilities and capacities. Our silence should not be taken for cowardice. We should come together for the peace of our beloved country. It is better.”
2023 election worst in Nigeria’s history – Gani Adams
ĪAare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has said the conduct of 2023 general election leaves so much to be desired.
Adams flayed politicians for whipping up ethnic sentiment and failing to abide by the rules of the electoral process.
The founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, also urged all Yorubas, elders, monarchs, socio-cultural groups, etc., to look beyond politics and strengthen the bond of unity.
A statement the Yoruba One Voice (YOV) issued on Monday said Adams addressed a virtual international conference attended by participants from six continents.
At the conference themed “Decolonizing Yoruba land: Speak up, speak out”, Adams stressed that the struggle for decolonization of ancestral land must be a collective effort.
The Grand Patron of the diaspora organization urged the indigenes to “wake up from their slumber and take their pride of place among other races in the world”.
Iba Adams maintained that the Yorubas are where they are currently “because they lost touch with the core values that are key to the progress of our race”.
The high chief said although the people have unique culture, tradition, language, dressing, food, among others, civilization came and slowed down “the glory”.
“Our language, culture and tradition have gone into extinction. The religious institution has also failed to re-invent the true gospel of God.
“The political class has done everything to divide us along political lines and politicians have failed to play by the rules,” he fumed.
On the general elections, Adams said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu are facing global condemnation for failing to ensure smooth conduct.
The traditional leader noted that the failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, to transmit election results electronically betrayed the hope and trust of Nigerians.
“The electoral umpire organized the worst election in the history of Nigeria. The entire system is mired in distrust; we continue to witness untoward happenings across the country,” Adams added.
2023 Elections; IPOB tells Igbos in Lagos what to do to MC Olumo, other ‘thugs’
In response to the threat being issued to the Igbos in Lagos, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged the Igbo residents to defend themselves and their businesses when next they are attacked.
The Pro-Igbo group said the Igbo residents should not allow themselves to be victimised by thugs led by the former Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, chairman Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo.
IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said threatening Igbos in Lagos State was a threat to the entire Biafra.
In a statement by Powerful, IPOB lamented the silence of Yoruba leaders over the attack on Igbos and their businesses in Lagos State.
Powerful insisted that the silence of Yoruba politicians over the attack on Igbos in Lagos State has shown that the age long bitterness can’t be healed.
He insisted that the silence of Yoruba leaders was an indication that they agree with the plot to eject Igbos from Lagos State forcefully.
According to Powerful: “The Indigenous People of Biafra led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu condemn the numerous abductions and attacks on Ndigbo, resident in Lagos by the notorious thugs and criminals led by MC Olomo.
“In the interim, we encourage Ndigbo to form gallant groups to defend themselves from the tribal vagabonds and political thugs. Yoruba criminals and cultists recruited by the politicians are pushing the Igbos and expecting us to react and we must respond to them shortly.”
FG Fixes New Date To Begin National Population Census.
The Federal Government has stated that the population and housing census will commence on May 3, 2023.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director-General, Garba Abari, made this known in an interview with journalists in Abuja.
Abari said the census would commence on May 3 and end on May 5, a year after the government announced that it would conduct the exercise after the general election.
The NOA boss said the exercise would capture every person, household, and structure for national planning and project execution purposes.
He said the change in the date was due to the postponement of the gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections, adding that the census and the 2023 elections as major national events with significant importance.
Why I Rejected 100 Million Offered To Me To Step Down For Yobe Speaker – 33-Year-Old Fish Seller Opens Up
A 33-year-old fish seller, Lawan Majakura has disclosed a reason for rejecting the 100 million naira offered to him to step down for the speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Ahmed Mirwa Lawan, after winning in the 18 March House of Assembly election.
Majakura, in an interview with Daily Trust, disclosed that Lawan’s representative approached him twice to shelve his ambition and end his campaign.
He said he was initially offered N18m before the bid was increased to N100m but he rejected both offers.
The 33-year-old house member-elect said his village people, who were mostly farmers and fish sellers, bought nomination forms for him and funded his campaign throughout the electioneering process.
‘Drama Don Start’ – Festus Keyamo Reacts To Ayu’s Suspension From PDP.
The spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, Festus Keyamo has reacted to the suspension of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu from the party.
It was earlier reported that Ayu was suspended by the Executive Committee of the party in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, with immediate effect.
Ayu’s suspension from the party was disclosed by the secretary of the committee, Banger Dooyum.
According to Dooyum, Ayu was suspended for anti-party activities after passing a vote of no confidence on him.
He further stated that ayu’s anti-party activities during the governorship election in the state led to the defeat of the party in his ward and local government area.
The National Chairman of the PDP was also accused of not paying his annual dues as enshrined by the party’s constitution.
The documents which endorsed the suspension of Ayu were signed by twelve out of the seventeen exco members.
Keyamo in his reaction to the development in a post on his Twitter account on Sunday claimed that drama has started in the PDP.
Nigeria Is Not Yet A Democracy – Sam Amadi Declares.
A former chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has said Nigeria is not yet a democratic nation.
It was gathered that the political analyst was reacting to the outcome of the 2023 presidential and national assembly elections.
He said the outcome of the 2023 general elections was not entirely a reflection of the people’s choice, while noting that the conduct of the elections has further destroyed the public trust and participation of Nigerians in subsequent elections.
Amadi, who is the director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, made these assertions when he spoke at the 2nd Ariyo Dare-Atoye Memorial Election Management and Governance Dialogue series held in Abuja.
The analyst also alleged that there were obvious indicators that the elections were overtly flawed, adding that the fundamental principles of democracy were omitted during the conduct of the elections.
Anambra People No Longer Rent Houses To Us – Fulani Herdsmen Lament.
Fulani herdsmen in Anambra State, under the aegis of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), have cried out over the treatment they are getting from residents of the state.
According to MACBAN, its members are being denied accommodations in the South-East state, causing hindrances to their traditional business.
Leader of MACBAN in South East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, disclosed this to journalists during the weekend after attending Governor Charles Soludo’s one-year Anniversary in office. To back the group’s claim while addressing dignitaries at the event held in Akwa, the state capital, Siddiki cited Anaku, Umueje, Omor, Igbakwu, Omasi, Umumbo, Umuerum and Ifite-Ogwari all in Ayamelum local government council of the areas of the state as places where MACBAN members have been denied accommodation.
He called on Governor Soludo’s government to intervene urgently for peace and oneness. Siddiki said his members have a cordial relationship with the indigenes in spite of “some cases of misunderstanding.”
A Lot Of Candidates Will Waste More Of Their Money In Court – Baba-Ahmed.
The spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said a lot of the presidential candidates who lost in the February 25 election are going to waste more of their money in court.
Baba-Ahmed stated this while reacting to the petitions filed by some candidates at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, had approached the tribunal to seek the nullification of the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25 election
Also, the presidential candidates of the (Action Alliance), Solomon Okangbuan, and his Allied Peoples Movement (APM) counterpart, Princess Chichi Ojei, have sought the nullification of Tinubu’s victory.
In a chat with The PUNCH, Baba-Ahmed said a lot of the flagbearers are just going to waste more of their money at the tribunal and other levels of courts.
He stated that many of the candidates know they have lost fair and square but it has become a Nigerian tradition that almost every politician who loses an election must go to court.
Diya Was Known For His Brilliance, Discipline – Buhari Mourns Ex-Chief Of Staff.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the former Chief of General Staff, Oladipo Diya, was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills, and discipline.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Femi Adesina, the President said Diya displayed the above virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.
Buhari paid tribute to General Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigeria military and dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division,
Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff, and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
The President saluted the former Chief of General Staff for his love, belief, and loyalty to the country he cherished so much and fought gallantly on the frontlines to defend her unity.
Buhari, who expressed sadness over Diya’s demise, extended heartfelt condolences to the late retired general’s family, friends, and colleagues on behalf of the Federal Government, and the people of Nigeria.
He prayed that General Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and may his contributions to the nation never be forgotten.
It’s Not True – Army Chief Denies Allegations In Reuters Report.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has described as false a Reuters reports that accused soldiers of allegedly killing children in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
The army chief dispelled an investigative report by Reuters last December when the details of the report allegedly revealed how the Nigerian military operated a secret programme, terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies of women who were freed from Boko Haram terrorists in the region.
Yahaya, while speaking during a Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East), said the Nigerian military is one of the best in the world whose operations are guided by rules in line with fundamental human rights.
The Nigerian army boss who denied claims that the military allegedly aborted over 10,000 babies by women and girls rescued from insurgents advanced that Reuters was only “acting a script” to undermine the military’s dominance over the Boko Haram insurgents.
DSS Must Arrest Fani-Kayode, Police Protecting Him – Atiku Says, Hails UK.
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has praised British envoy, Ben Llewellyn-Jones for naming the Director New Media of the Bola Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, among those making inciting comments.
In a statement on Sunday, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, said the Department of State Services ought to invite Fani-Kayode as his rhetoric could set the country on fire.
Shaibu maintained that Fani-Kayode’s claim that he would make Nigeria ungovernable if Tinubu is not inaugurated as President on May 29, 2023, was infuriating and is deserving of the attention of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Atiku’s aide, however, noted that the UK Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, deserves special commendation for pointing out that Fani-Kayode had been making inciting comments and ought to have been cautioned by Tinubu, his boss.
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