PHILIP SHUAIBU REJECTS IMPEACHMENT AS EDO DEPUTY GOVERNOR, SAYS IT’S ILLEGAL
PHILIP SHUAIBU REJECTS HIS IMPEACHMENT AS EDO DEPUTY GOVERNOR, SAYS IT’S ILLEGAL The embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has rejected his impeachment by the state House of Assembly, describing it as illegal. The assembly impeached Shaibu on Monday following reports by Justice S.A.Omonua,- led seven-man panel investigating the impeachment petition against the deputy governor. The panel in its reports said the allegation of perjury was not proven beyond reasonable doubt by the complainant against the Deputy governor while that of disclosure of government official documents was proven beyond reasonable doubt against the Deputy Governor. Reacting to his impeachment, Shaibu in a broadcast shared on his official X handle, vowed to seek redress, saying “We will fight this injustice with every strength in us for the sake of Edo State and the future of Democracy”. He said, “I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on our very democratic principles. “It is a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment came because of my ambition to contest the 2023 Edo State Governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. “An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “It is a sad reality that those in power seem to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my love to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty”. The former Deputy Governor alleged that the members of the State Assembly had “chosen to forsake their oath of office and participated” in his impeachment.He said history “will judge you harshly for your betrayal of people who elected you to represent them”.
UNSEEN POWER BROKERS CONSIDER PETER OBI, EL RUFAI JOINT TICKET IN 2027
UNSEEN POWER BROKERS CONSIDER PETER OBI, EL RUFAI JOINT TICKET IN 2027 According to insider sources, dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration has fueled discussions among unseen power brokers, who are now considering a joint presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai. These Unseen Power Brokers are considering Peter Obi and El-Rufai Ticket to Challenge Tinubu in 2027. With the 2027 presidential elections looming on the horizon, where ambitions collide and alliances shift like desert sands, a new political narrative is emerging, with power brokers in the North reportedly mulling over a strategic alliance to unseat President Bola Tinubu. The rationale behind this proposed alliance stems from a belief among the power brokers that Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, is renowned for his widespread appeal and political strength across various regions of Nigeria, including the Southeast, Southwest, South-South, and parts of the North Central. However, his reach into the Core-Northern states, according to sources familiar with the situation, is deemed insufficient without a strong partner from the north. According to PIDOMNIGERIA’s findings, the Obi and El-Rufai partnership is viewed as the most potent force capable of ousting Tinubu from power in 2027. PIDOMNIGERIA wrote: “In Nigeria’s politics, there are unseen power brokers. They check the strength and weaknesses of candidates before forming alliance. “From a very reliable source, as i was informed, the Obi and El-Rufai combo that is being proposed is the only formidable force that can flush Tinubu out of power in 2027. That is why it is being considered at the moment. “According to what I gathered, the power brokers believe Obi has a cult followership, general love, acceptance, and political strength to pull massive votes around SE, SW, SS, and around some North Central states. But he needs a formidable force to sell and drive his candidacy into the Core-Northern states. “Firstly, a hard-line Muslim with political strength to market Obi around the KKK states in the north so he could be accepted. Secondly, someone who is well educated and smart enough to checkmate Peter Obi because of trust issues between both regions.” “Thirdly, someone who will automatically succeed Peter Obi to become president, banking on Peter Obi’s political support. They found that person in Nasiru El-Rufai. The plan is to adopt another political party and see to the reality of this plan.” “It is left to both men to either accept or reject the proposal.In 2023, the Obi/Kwankwaso combo did not work, as both men want to be president. Kwankwaso refused to be a vice presidential candidate to Peter Obi.”
I’VE NO PLAN TO LEAVE LABOUR PARTY – PETER OBI, SAYS HE’S INTERESTED IN NIGERIA’S SUCCESS
I’VENO PLAN TO DUMP LABOUR PARTY – PETER OBI, SAYS HE’S INTERESTED IN NIGERIA’S SUCCESS Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election has denied that he was planning to leave the party. A former spokesperson for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, had said Obi was planning to leave the Labour Party and join a former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Bwala, who made the allegation in a post on his X handle, said Obi was planning to leave the Labour Party following the current crisis in the party with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatening to take over the party. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, joined the Labour Party in May 2023 in the buildup to the 2023 general elections following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obi was absent at the party’s national convention during which Julius Abure was re-elected as the party’s national chairman. During an X Space session, Obi said that he didn’t attend the event because the party’s leadership failed to heed his appeal for wider consultation with relevant stakeholders before the exercise. He was reacting to media reports following his grouse with the leadership crisis and speculations that he might defect before the 2027 election. After donating a borehole to a ram market in Tike Pantami, on Sunday, Obi denied the allegation, saying, “No, there is no such thing.” The former Anambra governor urged the people to unite, saying he believed in peace. “Our concentration should be on peace and I believe that we will resolve all situations,” he said. Reacting to reports that he and former Kaduna governor, Nasir E-Rufai would soon be joining the Social Democratic Party, Obi said he was “more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow”. He said, “We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society and given a better life.” Regarding the recent hike in electricity tariff for Band A customers, Obi called for the provision of remedy, especially in poor areas. He noted that “everywhere in the world those living in Band A areas pay more while those in rural areas are subsidised”. Meanwhile, Peter Obi, has said that he is more interested in Nigeria’s success today than in the future. This follows speculations on social media that he was looking to make former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, his running mate in the 2027 polls. But Obi, while speaking with journalists in Gombe State shortly after donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami on Sunday, insisted he was not looking far ahead. When asked about a possible collaboration with El-Rufai, he said: “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow. “We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. “My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and that’s my concern.” There have been several reactions from social media users after a large crowd welcomed the former governor of Anambra state and candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Gregory Obi in Bauchi state. In the video that was shared on the official X handle of Dr. Moses Paul, one of the team members who followed Obi to the state, the residents were seen expressing joy after seeing him. In the post that Dr. Moses Paul made on his page, he said after Peter Obi installed a borehole in the Sabon Layi area of Bauchi state, he also extended aid to approximately 100 individuals. He wrote on his page; “After the events in Gombe,…
2027 PRESIDENCY: TINUBU, EL RUFAI ON WAR PATH, SET FOR POLITICAL SHOW-DOWN
2027 PRESIDENCY: TINUBU, EL-RUFAI ON WAR PATH, SET FOR POLITICAL SHOW-DOWN In an unfolding political drama, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is reportedly gearing up for a legal showdown with President Bola Tinubu. This battle, according to insiders, is set to take place in judicial courts over allegations labeling El-Rufai as a ‘security risk’, and in the broader court of public opinion, potentially shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The roots of this confrontation trace back to El-Rufai’s rejection for a ministerial position by the Tinubu administration, citing security concerns—a move that has sparked widespread discussion and is seen by many as a public snub to the former governor. El-Rufai’s subsequent engagement with the political opposition, including meetings with Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders and a visit to Senator Abdul Ningi, signals his pivot towards opposition ranks. Despite El-Rufai’s significant role in aiding Tinubu’s ascent to the presidency—mobilizing support among northern governors and facilitating electoral victories in key southwestern states—his sudden exclusion from ministerial appointment has caused a stir. The decision, based on a purported failure to pass a security clearance, has left political circles in shock, considering El-Rufai’s influential contributions to the APC’s success. El-Rufai, known for his strategic acumen and international connections, is not taking this setback lightly. A source deep within the Ex-Governor’s Camp, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed; “You think Mallam will allow this tag to abide on him? I can assure you that he is going to clear his name in court.” “El-Rufai is a man who has many contacts internationally and he is not one to allow his reputation to be smeared by the reason given by the Senate of being a security risk,”. Confidants of the former governor reveal his intentions to clear his name through legal action and to assert his influence in shaping public opinion against the current administration as the 2027 elections approach. His past criticisms of Tinubu and bold declarations about overcoming political godfathers add layers to their complex relationship. Having once dismissed Tinubu as not being his preferred leader, El-Rufai’s current stance could redefine his political trajectory and influence within Nigeria’s volatile political arena. It can be recalled that in a Webinar to commemorate the 60th Birthday of Rauf Aregbesola in May 2020, El-Rufai had said that Tinubu was not ‘his man’. Quoting the Petite Kaduna Politician: “I want to congratulate my brother, Ogbeni (Aregbesola), on his birthday. You know I’m your man any day. I’m not Asiwaju’s man and you are Asiwaju’s man, but I am your man any day. Asiwaju and I have differences but you and I have no differences.”It’s also a known fact that Tinubu’s relationship with Aregbesola is no longer what it used to be as both men are enstranged now following the latter’s criticism of the former during the build-up to the 2023 Presidential Election.
FUBARA PLOTTING TO OBTAIN COURT ORDER TO DECLARE RIVERS ASSEMBLY ILLEGAL – APC; ALLEGATION BASELESS, STATE GOVT
FUBARA PLOTTING TO OBTAIN COURT ORDER TO DECLARE RIVERS ASSEMBLY ILLEGAL – APC; ALLEGATION BASELESS, STATE GOVT The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of plotting to procure an interim order of Court, which will declare the present Rivers State House of Assembly illegal. APC caretaker committee chairman in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, who made allegation while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the contemplated court order also intended to render null and void, all the laws which the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House vetoed against the governor. Okocha stated that Fubara intended to leverage on the interim order to appoint caretaker committees for the 23 local government areas in the state. He said: “I want to use this opportunity to inform Rivers people and Nigerians of the move by the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to procure interim orders from judges that I will not name here, but I will put in my petition to the NJC. “What is the intention? He wants to procure interim order stopping the implementation of the laws he was vetoed over. He wants to procure an order to announce as illegal, the Rivers State House of Assembly, as constituted and led by Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule. “The governor is in the business as we speak and I speak with all authority because the walls have ears. We live in their kitchen, we live in the parlour, their sitting room. We live in their bedrooms. These are the plans that are on. You may get this plot confirmed before Monday next week. “He is doing that so that he will now leverage on the interim order to go ahead to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils against the warning of the man he says he respects, the President.” The APC caretaker chairman said the party, as the leading opposition in the state, will do everything legitimate to ensure that the plot does not come to fruition. Okocha said: “But, let’s put it clearly here that we will stoutly, vehemently oppose such negative subterranean moves by a man who ought to protect the dignity and integrity of a state called Rivers State. “I have said that Rivers State cannot be turned to a pariah state because of the actions of one person. Rivers State is a state to be reckoned with in the comity of states, duly respected and regarded.” But, when contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, described the allegation by the APC as baseless. Johnson said the APC was only panicking due to the show of organic love for the governor by the people of the state.He said: “Baseless! They are panicked because they know their fall is near. Rivers people spoke yesterday (Wednesday) through the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and that organic love expressed, threw the camp of the factional acting Party chairman of APC into this feverish situation.”
FRESH CONTROVERSY OVER 13 VACANT PLATEAU ASSEMBLY SEATS
FRESH CONTROVERSY OVER 13 VACANT PLATEAU ASSEMBLY SEATS As confusion continues to trail 16 vacant seats in the Plateau State House of Assembly, the 13 candidates of the Labour Party (LP) assembly election have vowed to press on for the enforcement of the court judgments they secured against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) The candidates had prior to the February 2023 election, the candidates had secured a court judgment that the commission should include their names and party logo on the ballot papers which were omitted from the list of candidates for the election. Contrary to the judgment, INEC went ahead to conduct the election without implementing the judgement. Speaking, spokesman for the aggrieved LP candidates, Honourable Henry Yunkwap of the Shendam constituency, explained that the INEC did not allow them to participate in the election, despite court orders.. According to him, there are two subsisting judgments that the INEC has refused to comply with until the candidates finally got an injunction stopping the Speaker of the State House of Assembly from swearing in either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) laying claim to the seats. “We feel surprised, which is why we are dragging the matter with the INEC. The commission didn’t do well for us, despite a court order. It is either the INEC conducts another election or faces contempt of court charge. “We want justice and fairness to be done. The action is against democracy. We are appealing for justice to be done to the 13 constituencies of the Labour Party that were disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Already, we have two judgments against the commission.” Meanwhile, the APC has threatened to take a legal action against Governor Caleb Muftwang and the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly for their alleged refusal to swear in the 16 APC lawmakers affirmed by the Court of Appeal.The party, in a statement, stated that it would no longer tolerate the deliberate ploy to continue to frustrate its members from being sworn.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- April 3, 2024
- 62 views
FAYE, SENEGAL’S NEW PRESIDENT: FROM PRISON TO PRESIDENCY
FAYE, SENEGAL’S NEW PRESIDENT: FROM PRISON TO PRESIDENCY Senegal’s new President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was sitting in a prison cell just a few months ago, a relatively unknown figure outside his opposition party, Pastef. But, everything changed for him when the party’s firebrand leader, Ousmane Sonko, who was also detained, was charged with insurrection in July and barred from running in elections to succeed President Macky Sall. That cleared the way for Faye to emerge from the shadow of his former boss and eventually from prison, to become Senegalese new President the same day he celebrated his 44th birthday. It was an unlikely climb to the top for an unlikely national figurehead. Faye was a tax inspector before he became Sonko’s trusted lieutenant, and Pastef’s secretary general. Where Sonko is charismatic, with a verve that has attracted thousands of the country’s jobless youths to his anti-establishment movement, Faye cuts an austere figure. Sonko’s endorsement of his former deputy in the run-up to the delayed election was crucial, but a little short on rabble-rousing emotion. “My choice of Diomaye is not a choice from the heart, but from reason. I chose him because he meets the criteria that I have defined. He is competent and has attended the most prestigious school in Senegal,” Sonko said in a video message. “No one can say he is not honest. I would even say that he is more honest than me. I entrust the project into his hands,” Sonko said. According to Faye’s biography on his campaign website, he was often the top of his class growing up. He graduated from high school on Senegal’s southern coast in 2000, then studied law and got a master’s degree from Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University. In 2004, the devout Muslim passed the competitive entrance exam to Senegal’s National School of Administration, which trains the former French colony’s top civil servants, where he specialised as a tax inspector. He was arrested in April 2023, a few months before Sonko was also held, and charged with contempt of court and defaming magistrates, charges Faye had denied. Crucially, unlike Sonko, he was not barred from running in elections. Convinced that Sonko’s detention and the banning of Pastef were part of a ploy by Sall’s government to eliminate strong rivals from the election, all accusations rejected by the government, several party members, including Faye put their names forward. Faye eventually made the cut while still in prison, despite a late challenge from ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba to have his candidacy rejected by the Constitutional Council. A coalition of more than 100 parties, and some political heavyweights, including former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, joined Faye’s campaign under the banner “Doimaye mooy Sonko,” which in the local Wolof language, means ‘Diomaye is Sonko.’ Thanks to a general amnesty law passed shortly before the vote to ease political tensions, Sonko and Faye left their prison cells in Dakar earlier last month, accompanied by thousands of supporters, who danced and chanted through the night. Both hit the campaign trail, crisscrossing the country and drawing thousands to their rallies and caravans. A 36-year-old part-time driver, Sidy Lamine Badji, who voted for Faye, rejected criticism that the candidate who lost a municipal election in his home town in 2022 was inexperienced in government affairs. “This is false. He has dignity. I believe in his promise and that he will not betray us,” Badji said, his voice choking. Faye has declined to say what role Sonko might play in any future government, and has insisted he would be his own man. “Why do we want to focus on just one person in a government when I have a coalition that includes more than 120 people?” he said, brushing off…
- Foreign Affairs
- April 2, 2024
- 55 views
TRUMP WANTS BIDEN TO APOLOGIZE FOR DECLARING EASTER SUNDAY ‘TRANSGENDER OF VISIBILITY’
TRUMP WANTS BIDEN TO APOLOGIZE FOR DECLARING EASTER SUNDAY ‘TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY Former President Trump has called for an immediate apology from President Joe Biden to millions of Christians and Catholics for proclaiming Easter Sunday as Trans Visibility Day. Trump campaign said that the action is part of the Biden administration’s ‘years-long assault on the Christian faith.’ Trump’s demand for an apology from President Biden came after prominent politicians and conservative commentators declared outrage over the ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ on the most solemn Christian holiday. House Speaker, Mike Johnson posted on X saying that “The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’—is outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.” Biden sparked fury over the week by declaring March 31 “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which this year is also Easter Sunday. However, Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, called it “appalling and insulting” that Biden “formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as ‘Trans Day of Visibility.’” Leavitt said Biden’s announcement is an example of his administration’s “years-long assault on the Christian faith.” “We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and the White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” she said.Leavitt also accused the Biden administration of banning religious egg designs in its Easter Art Event, which part of the White House’s Easter traditions that include the annual Easter Egg Roll.
I WON’T LEAVE LABOUR PARTY – REPS UMEHA
I WON’T LEAVE LABOUR PARTY – REPS UMEHA Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, has said he was not going to leave the Labour Party, the platform on which he was elected to the House. Speaking during an interactive session with some members of his Constituency on Easter Sunday, Representative Umeha said he had no reason to leave the Labour Party. According to him, “I was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and when I wanted to contest election on the platform of the party to go to the House of Representatives, they denied me ticket. God presented the Labour Party. I contested on its platform and won. Why then will I be leaving the party?, he asked. “Besides, our people have been in PDP for 24 years, and the party did not do anything for us”, he lamented. Umeha disclosed that his primary goal was how to ensure proper representation of the people of his with quality legislation and providing them with the much needed infrastructural support, through his Constituency projects. The federal lawmaker disclosed that he was in good rapport with his Governor, though they belong to different political parties. “I have good relationship with Governor Peter Mbah, even though we are in different political parties. We discuss. He respects my view, and we are all working for the good of our people, ” he explained. Umeha berated some members of the Labour Party in the Enugu State House of Assembly who, some few days ago, decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, and said the lawmakers had cheapened themselves. According to him, “the former LP House of Assembly members presented themselves as if they had enough supporters who would decamp along with them to the PDP. They were given money to mobilise the people, but when the Governor realized that they lacked home support, he quickly cancelled the event that was scheduled to take place at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, and the lawmakers became like orphans”.
SETBACK FOR UZODINMA AT TRIBUNAL, WITNESSES GIVE CONTRADICTORY TESTIMONIES
SETBACK FOR UZODINMA AT TRIBUNAL, WITNESSES GIVE CONTRADICTORY TESTIMONIES A star witness for Governor Hope Uzodinma at the ongoing election petition tribunal in Abuja has admitted that the votes garnered by the Governor exceeded the number of accredited voters. Barrister Akolisa, who appeared before the Justice Oluyemi Osadebey-led panel on Friday, said that votes recorded for Governor Uzodinma in the Form EC8D result sheet issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exceeded the number of accredited voters on the certified Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) report. During cross-examination, he noted that the number of voters in the result sheet must tally with accreditation in the BVAS but could not fathom why there was a huge disparity in this case. Also the principal of Mgbidi High School, where Governor Uzodinma allegedly obtained his controversial WAEC result was in court to give her testimony. The school official, Lillian Ozoemena, brought to the tribunal a rubber stamp which she brandished as the official stamp of Mgbidi High School as her only means of identification. However, she could not produce any evidence to back up her claims that Uzodinma passed through the school. During cross-examination by the counsel to Sen. Anyanwu, Mrs Ozoemena said she was at the tribunal on her own and not in her official capacity contrary to the deposition in her witness statement. The principal also said she was neither the Principal nor teacher at Mgbidi High School in 1982, discrediting her attempt to authenticate the controversial document. The tribunal has adjourned the matter for the adoption of the written addresses of both parties to April 24, 2024. Recall that INEC declared that Uzodinma won the governorship election by polling a total of 540,308 votes and his opponent Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP scored 71,503 votes. Mr Anyanwu and the PDP have challenged the outcome of the election, praying the tribunal to withdraw the Certificate of Return that was issued to Governor Uzodinma and declare Anyanwu as the duly elected Governor of Imo State. They also alleged that Uzodimma submitted forged WAEC certificate to INEC in aid of his qualification to contest the governorship poll. It can be recalled that in 2013, Festus Keyamo sued the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, over an alleged certificate forgery Uzodinma, then a senator representing Imo West at the National Assembly. According to Keyamo, inquiry and investigation into the names and persons that graduated from Mgbidi Boys’ High School in 1982 revealed that Mr. Uzodinma was not a graduate of the school in that year.