As part of the efforts to build bridges and ward off the incessant attacks on the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, by the former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, the loyalists of the former Lagos State governor Saturday visited George in his Lugard Road, Ikoyi office to solicit support for the incoming President of Nigeria.

George, a fierce critic of Tinubu, had vowed to go into exile if the former Lagos State governor who was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general election.“I have not changed my mind, if he (Tinubu) is the president I will go.

“If Tinubu wins, by that time I will be 80 years old. What am I doing here? I will wish you people well,” George had told ARISE NEWS Channel in November 2022.

Speaking after Tinubu was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election, the PDP chieftain said although he was yet to decide on his destination, his self-imposed exile remains in the works.

In an apparent move to ward off further criticism, Tinubu’s loyalists and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos yesterday met with George.The delegation was led by the chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the foremost political platform in the state, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

The GAC is an influential group comprising critical stakeholders of the APC in Lagos State.It determines who gets what in Lagos politics. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, H Femi Gbajabiamila, who was supposed to be part of the delegation could not make it for undisclosed reasons.

Also on the delegation is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adoke Orelope-Adefulire.Though the meeting was closed-door, THISDAY was reliably informed that the APC leaders were seeking George’s support for Tinubu as he assumes power on May 29.

It was also gathered that the APC leaders were mounting pressure on George to cease further media attacks on Tinubu.

At the meeting, George said that he was happy that the delegation visited him and insisted that he had nothing personal against Tinubu.

Accompanied by former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor, and Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), among others, George, however, made it clear that because of his position and membership of an opposition party, he would not congratulate Tinubu until after litigations related to the election are concluded.

George who expressed appreciation to the delegation, admitted that “we had detailed discussions on the unity of this great state of Lagos. I must say we established the fact that the culture of Lagos is to accept and accommodate all kinds of people and tribes. And if you get to Lagos State, there is no known tribe in Nigeria that does not reside here. That’s what makes Lagos the commercial nerve centre of the whole of West Africa.“Secondly, on the details of us working together, because a divided house cannot stand, we will work together on this. And I’ve said I have absolutely nothing personal between me and Tinubu,” George added.(THISDAY)

Ladi Adebutu cried out over alleged threat to his life.

The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 election in Ogun State, Honourable Ladi Adebutu, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Adebutu, who spoke exclusively on Friday to Saturday Tribune from exile outside the country, said the alert became necessary following withdrawal of personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to him.

Recall that Adebutu polled 262, 383 votes in the last gubernatorial election as a runner-up to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who scored 276, 298 votes and declared winner of the poll.

However, the PDP candidate has since filed a petition before the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal challenging the declaration of Abiodun as winner of the election. According to him, since approaching the tribunal to challenge the conduct of the election which he believed he won, an admixture of persuasion and subtle threats had been employed to force him to withdraw the petition.

He said with his security details, particularly the DSS personnel, withdrawn and the police contingent attached to him scaled down considerably, he has been exposed to danger.

Specifically, he said he was in possession of credible intelligence that attempts were being made to either scurry him away through veiled kidnap or take him out of circulation. “God will not allow their evil plans for us to materialise. That is why I have decided to proceed on self exile for my own safety,” he said.

He urged the people of the state to keep praying for him, just as expressed the confidence that the judiciary will dispense justice in the petition filed by him.“The good people of Ogun State should remain calm and collected as there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Justice delayed is not going to be justice denied. That, I can assure them,” Adebutu said.

Dangerous weapons retrieved as Policemen arrest three minors for cultism.

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has arrested three teenagers for allegedly engaging in cult activities.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said this on his verified Twitter handle @benHundeyin on Saturday.

Hundeyin, who did not disclose the names of the suspects because they are minors, said they were arrested on Saturday in Ojo area of the state. “Police officers, attached to Iba Division arrested the teenagers,” he said.“The teenagers were arrested with weapons on them,” he said.

       
The Police spokesperson expressed worry over teens attraction to cultism.
He also referenced in his post the anti-cultism Act which prescribed 21 years jail term for convicted cult members and solicitations for an unlawful society.

The punishment, according to Hundeyin, also extends to anyone found to have attended meetings of a cult group or an illegal society.

FRSC reacts over its Commander’s Sharia statement on traffic offenders.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dissociated itself from an opinion published on different news platforms that it is seeking the introduction of Sharia Law to punish traffic offenders.

The opinion was credited to the FRSC Sector Commander in Bauchi State, Mr Yusuf Abdullahi. He was quoted as saying that the introduction of Sharia Law would curtail bad behaviour by motorists as most crashes were due to their negative attitudes.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem stated in Abuja on Saturday, however, that the opinion was baseless, unfounded and did not reflect the position of the FRSC. “The public is humbly called upon to disregard the entire content of the opinion as published.

“This is because it is baseless, unfounded and does not apply in FRSC’s operations and service to the Nigerian people,’’ he stated. Kazeem added that the Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu had recalled the Bauchi State Sector Commander to the National Headquarters, Abuja for necessary administrative action.
He stated also that by the statement, the sector commander had breached FRSC’s regulations and its Standard Operating Procedures.

“Without any reservation, it is important to inform the general public that the FRSC is a government agency with statutory responsibilities for road safety administration.“It is also sensitive to the country’s multi-religious as well as heterogeneous ethnic composition.

“It is important to state that the Corps is neither a religious nor sectional organisation, but a Federal Government agency established with a mandate guided by the provisions of an establishment Act.

“The FRSC is not guided by Sharia, Mosaic or customary law that contradicts the provisions of its establishment Act, or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ Kazeem stressed.

10th NASS: Two Governors, House Of Reps Official Linked With Picking Consensus Candidates.

As the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly looms next month, there are suggestions that two governors and a sitting principal officer might have manipulated the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s leadership choices in the Senate and the House of Representatives to favour their preferred candidates.

On May 8, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced the proposed leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to Morka, the positions of Senate President and Deputy, and Speaker and Deputy have been assigned to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Barau Jibrin, Tajudeen Abbas, and Benjamin Kalu, respectively.

However, inside sources in Abuja that spoke with Saturday Sun claimed that the governors influenced the selection process to reward their chosen candidates for their contributions during the presidential election. The principal officer, who is unlikely to return to the chamber, is also believed to have ensured his preferred candidates.

125 More Nigerians Arrive In Abuja, Number Of Sudan Evacuees Hits 2,371

A group of 125 Nigerians, who were escaping the conflict in Sudan, landed safely at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Saturday.

The evacuees arrived at 12.49 pm aboard a Tarco B737-300 aircraft from Port Sudan. This latest group of arrivals has increased the total count of Nigerians evacuated from Sudan to 2,371. Once they landed, the returnees went through processing conducted by immigration officials.

Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons also participated in assisting the returnees.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Saint Obi Is Dead.

Veteran Nollywood actor cum movie producer, Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, is reportedly dead.
This News platform learnt that the thespian died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the home of one of his siblings at 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada.

The tragic incident is yet to be made official following the disagreement between the actor’s siblings.

The corpse of the 57-year-old actor has been taken to the morgue at the Jos Uniniverty Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Saint Obi is said to have recently relocated to his sister’s home in Jos, the capital of the Plateau State, and has frequently been spotted being transported to the hospital for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

A son of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Olujonwo Obasanjo on Saturday endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidates for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, calling their selection the best decision.
Obasanjo backed Godswill Akpabio for the role of Senate President and Abbas Tajudeen for Speaker.

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the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC announced these candidates as part of the consensus zoning arrangement.
Despite some dissenters in both Chambers calling for a review of this arrangement, APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, urged for calm among the unsettled lawmakers.

He assured that the NWC would reconsider the zoning arrangement after consulting with President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, who is currently on a working tour of Europe.

Presidential Aides Move Out Belongings From Villa As Buhari Relocates To Glass House.

President Muhammadu Buhari has relocated from his official residence inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa to the Glass House ahead of the swearing-in of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This News platform reports that the Glass House is a temporary structure that has been the abode of outgoing presidents since 1991.

The President’s relocation also allows maintenance works on the residence in preparation for its next occupant.
Following Buhari’s relocation, presidential aides have also begun moving their personal belongings out of the seat of power to create room for Tinubu’s personal aides and key Presidency officials.
According to Saturday PUNCH, a senior State House source disclosed that the main residence of the president was being coated with white paint while some of its sections were being cleaned and fumigated.

Confusion As Emefiele’s Alleged Plot To Flee Nigeria.

The financial industry and Nigerians were hit with a report that President Muhammadu Buhari had granted Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele study leave.
Emefiele applied for study leave as a means to flee the country before the May 29 assumption of office by President-elect Bola Tinubu.

The report claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS), which attempted to arrest and detain Emefiele in the past over certain allegations against him, “kicked against the study leave reportedly granted to Emefiele as it means he will flee the country before May 29 when another government comes in.”
But sources in the presidency and the apex financial institution denied any study leave approval by Buhari.
Responding to The Nation in a short message on the topic, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “If the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been granted study leave, supposedly, by President Muhammadu Buhari, this is unknown to us.
“It is also unknown to the President’s Secretariat, headed by the Chief of Staff.”

10th NASS: Shettima Urges Aspirants To Step Down For Abbas, Kalu

In anticipation of the 10th assembly, vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima gathered the incoming House of Representatives members for a meeting on Friday.
The event, which included both returning and new lawmakers, took place at Shettima’s residence in Abuja.
The assembly was orchestrated by the Joint Task, a coalition of eight political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the meeting, Shettima urged the contenders for the speaker and deputy positions to potentially step aside in favour of Tajudden Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, respectively.
This News platform had earlier reported that Abbas and Kalu were selected by APC as the preferred candidates for the presiding officers of the House of Representatives.

Buhari Allegedly Grants CBN Gov, Godwin Emefiele Study Leave Ahead Of May 29.
Fresh reports have emerged that President Muhammadu Buhari has allegedly granted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele a study.
This News platform reports that the development is coming barely 17 days before the inauguration of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
It was gathered from SaharaReporters that the CBN governor allegedly used the said study leave as an opportunity to flee the country before May 29 when a new government would take over.
The report alleges that Emefiele’s bid to flee the country before May 29 is related to corruption and terrorism-financing allegations against him.

Tinubu And Buhari Abandoned The Country At The Same Time To Seek Medical Help – Atiku’s Camp.

A spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential campaign council, Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala has faulted the President-elect, Bola Tinubu’s trip to Europe.
Bwala lamented that it was unacceptable that President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, Tinubu were both absent from the country at the same time.
This News platform reports that Buhari extended his trip to the United Kingdom, UK, due to a dental procedure, while Tinubu travelled to Europe to engage with possible investors.
However, Bwala alleged that the President-elect travelled to Europe for medical purposes and not for business endeavours.
Bwala wondered the reason both leaders were seeking medical assistance outside the country when their needs could be met in Nigeria.

Buhari Moves Out Of Official Presidential Villa, Gets New Residence.

President Muhammadu Buhari has moved out of his official residence at the Presidential Villa and relocated to the Glass House.
This News platform reports that this was done ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect Bola Tinubu.
The Glass House has served as a transitional abode for the outgoing president and their spouse during the handover period.
The Glass House has also traditionally played a crucial role in the transition of power, providing a symbolic and practical space for the outgoing president and their spouse.
The relocation of the President was made known by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in a video on her Instagram page after showing the incoming First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu around the State House.

Court Receives Fresh Suit Seeking To Stop Tinubu’s May 29 Swearing-In.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has received a fresh application seeking for an order to stop the swearing-in of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s next president.
This News platform recalls that Tinubu was declared the winner of the February 25th presidential election on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Despite his affirmation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has scheduled May 29 for his swearing-in, candidates of other parties have maintained their ground in court that Tinubu did not win the presidential poll.
However, amid processings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and barely 17 days before the President-elect’s scheduled inauguration ceremony, five residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, have reportedly approached the Abuja chapter of the Federal High Court to halt the anticipated event.
The plaintiffs, in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/578/2023, applied for an order restraining the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, any other judicial officer and/or any other authority or person from swearing in any candidate in the February 25 presidential election as President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until it is judicially determined with finality or in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that such candidate has fulfilled the requirement of Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution.

I Am Not In Hurry But Must Be Nigeria’s President – Peter Obi.
Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, declared on Friday (today) that he is not in a hurry to become Nigeria’s president.
This News platform reports that the former Governor of Anambra State stated this during the launch of a book written in his honour: ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective’, held in Awka, Anambra State capital today.
Recall that Obi and other presidential candidates are currently in court challenging the victory of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was declared winner of the February 25th poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi, however, said on Friday that he was not in a hurry to become the next leader of the African Giant. Obi expressed confidence that he will become Nigeria’s president now or later.

Court’s Judgement On NBC Is Dead On Arrival – Information Ministry.
The Director of the Legal Department, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Nelson Orji, has described the Court’s judgement on Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as dead on arrival. This News  platform reported on Wednesday that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja stopped the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country
In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho voided the N500,000 fines imposed by NBC on 45 broadcast stations on March 1, 2019.
According to Justice Omotosho, NBC, not being a court of law, lacked the power to impose sanctions as punishment on alleged erring broadcast stations.
He held that the NBC Code, on which the commission relies to impose sanctions, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution which vested judicial power in the court of law.
The judge said the court would not sit idle and watch a body imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law.

Nigerian Army recruits 6,251 new Soldiers to fight crimes, insecurity – COAS.

Nigerian Army recruits 6,251 new Soldiers to fight crimes, insecurity – COAS

The Nigeria Army says 6,251 newly-recruited soldiers would be deployed to counter activities of criminal elements.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya made the disclosure on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State at the passing-out parade of the 84 regular recruits intake.

Yahaya noted that Nigeria was faced with numerous security challenges occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist agitators, religious extremists and other criminal elements.

“The army with the support of the Federal Government will continue to do everything possible to surmount the various security challenges confronting the country until Nigeria becomes safe for all.

“The adoption of cyclic training, which allows each recruit to undergo every aspect of training, has made you a strong force to be reckoned with,’’ Yahaya told the recruits.

He said with the passing-out, the strength and combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army would be enhanced with 6,251 well-trained men.

The COAS reiterated his commitment and support to improve the standard of training as well as the welfare of recruits, instructors and staff of Depot, Nigeria Army.

He tasked the new soldiers on loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others which he described as the core values of the Nigerian Army.

“You are expected to always do your utmost best to sustain these values through high professional standards in order to enhance your individual ability and our overall combat-readiness.

“I urge you to assimilate and retain the mental, physical and spiritual training given to you at this institution,’’ Yahaya charged. (NAN)

INEC Erred, Declare Me Winner Of Akoko South Reps Seat —PDP’s Kolawole Tells Ondo Tribunal.

Ondo: PDP Reps Candidate For Akoko South West And East Federal Constituency Seat, Arch Gbenga Kolawole Asks Election Petition Tribunal To Declare Him Winner
Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure, Ondo State Capital has adjourned for a substantive hearing on the petition filed by People’s Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate for Akoko South West and South East Federal Constituency seat, Arch Gbenga Kolawole against the victory of All progressives congress APC and its candidate Adegboye Adefarati in the last general election held on the 25th of February 2023.

The chairman of the tribunal justice Rose Soji adjourned the suit till may 27th year after the pre trial conference had been concluded.

In the suit,the Petitioners,Arch Gbenga Kolawole and PDP are seeking the withdrawal of certificate of return issued to the APC as well as its candidate Adegboyega Adefarati by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and declare PDP candidate Arch Gbenga Kolawole as the winner and issue him the certificate of return.
Counsel to the petitioner Barrister Tolu Babaleye noted that,as the time of conducting the national assembly election on the 25th of February,this year,the federal high court in Akure had delivered its judgement which nullified the APC fresh primary election instead of rerun primary election that produced Adegboyega Adefarati as the candidate of the party.

The federal high court judgement further elucidated that,the window for nomination of candidates for elections had closed which ran contrary to the electoral act saying as the time of conducting fresh primary election instead of rerun primary election ordered by the initial consent judgement of the federal high court.
In view of this,the APC had no candidate in the last general elections as both the party as well as its candidate Adegboyega Adefarati had been barred from participating in the last general elections.
Barrister Tolu Babaleye argued further that, declaring APC and its candidate Adegboyega Adefarati as the winner of the national assembly election for Akoko South West and East Federal Constituency by INEC is contempt of court since APC and its had been barred and there was no stay of execution on the federal high judgement that would have allowed APC to participate in the election then
While countering the position upon which the petition was based, counsel to APC Dr Olajide Ajana SAN filed a motion to discard the petition over incompetence and lack of jurisdiction.

Barrister Ajana SAN who cited different authorities to counter the Petitioners ‘s position at the pre trial conference said the Petitioners failed to follow section 134 of new Electoral act in filling the petition and therefore should be dismissed.

Also counsel to the APC Candidate Yinka Orokoto held the same view that the Petitioners case should be dismissed as the federal high court judgement upon which the Petitioners rely on had been vacated by the appeal Court.

Barrister O C Oke is holding a brief for barister Titilayo Osagie who is a counsel to INEC
However, counsel to PDP as well as its candidate Barister Tolu Babaleye vehemently opposed the motion to discard the petition with 4 paragraphs counter affidavits.
Ruling on the motion of the respondent APC,the chairman of three member panel of the tribunal justice Rose Soji ruled that Having gone through the application,the tribunal shall suspend a ruling until final judgement on this matter.

Tribunal thereafter adjourned till 27th of May 2023 for the commencement of the hearing on the substantive suit.
Apart from Justice Rose Soji who is the Chairman of the panel of election Petitions tribunal, Justice Aliyu Bapa and Justice Frank Onyiri are members.