UMUAHIA : TINUBU MINISTER WINS AS LABOUR PARTY OGAH LOSE REPS SIT
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Wednesday, nullified the election of Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency on grounds of non-compliance to the Electoral Act.
Delivering Judgement in the Petition tagged EPT/AB/HR/8/2023 on Wednesday in Umuahia, the three-member Panel 1 of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal said the candidate of the Labour Party did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“How a candidate is sponsored by a political party is both pre- and post-election, there is no evidence of giving 21 days’ notice to INEC by the respondent before conducting their primary election.
“No date of primaries was placed before us; no evidence of primaries and the 3rd respondent has always said it’s an internal affair of the party.
“We have tabulated and found out that the results computed by the petition are correct and the results computed by the 1st respondent are dis-countenanced,” the tribunal ruled.
Ogah had argued that the acceptance of the ministerial appointment of Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a sign that she had abandoned her petition. But the tribunal in her ruling dismissed the submission of the lawmaker.
We are of the view that Section 66 is not applicable to this scenario because the petitioner is not a lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The scenario prohibited by law is a person being a member of two arms of government,” the court ruled.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had on February 28 declared the Labour Party candidate, Ogah, as the winner of the Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency election with a total of 11,769 votes against the current Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who the commission said scored a total of 8,752 votes.
Not happy with the result, Onyejeocha filed a petition before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, seeking the nullification of Ogah’s election in seven reliefs contained in her petition.
TRIBUNAL JUDGMENT : ASIWAJU WILL DELIVER ON PROMISE – SANUSI
All Progressives Congress (APC) Stalwart in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Prince Lanre A. Sanusi (PLS) has described the judgement of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) as a “democratic expression of the true intent of Nigeria Constitution ”.
The Tribunal panel, led by Haruna Tsammani, on Wednesday dismissed the petitions of Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party’s Peter Obi and the All Peoples Movement (APM) against the victory of President Bola Tinubu of the APC in the 25 February.
The Tribunal also dismissed the case of double nominations against Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Sanusi, in is reaction after the judgement of the tribunal attributed Asiwaju’s victory to “the favour and grace of God and the magnanimity of the Nigerian electorates”, who he said freely gave him the mandate, adding that “God alone gives power to whosoever He chooses.”
The Awori born Prince of Lagos State commended the tribunal for upholding what he described as a ” freely giving popular mandate ” by Nigerians.
“I commend Nigerians and assure them that, PBAT will deliver on his campaign promises as contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Speaking on lessons learned, the US trained tax expert said the 2022 Electoral Act as amended would help do away with political gangsterism and rascality.
He said any appearance of political surmansault which relates to the interpretation of the electoral Act had come to an end with the current pronouncements by the PEPT because it has redefined the democratic processes.
PLS, as he is fondly called also expressed optimism on the various economic efforts of PBAT despite the current economic situation.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale revealed that President Tinubu Advised Ambassador Molly to ensure that U.S. policy is intentionally collaborative with independent African democracies at a time when they are under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside of the continent.
The President noted that American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments, such that the legitimate yearnings of Africans would no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking demagogues through unconstitutional takeovers of power.
“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address their specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families,” the President declared.
The Nigerian leader affirmed that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme successfully for the benefit of Nigerians and that he takes a queue from no nation, but will only advance the interest of the Nigerian state in his approach toward ECOWAS’ handling of the regional standoff.
“We know there is more we can do to incentivize large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy. We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that. President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership,” the U.S. Special Envoy said.
The President that the work of perfecting democracy is never done, even in developed democracies, as seen recently in America, as well as other emerging democracies in the world.
President Bola Tinubu has finally unveiled the list of his ministerial nominees. Out of the 28 names sent, seven of them are women.
This indicates that women currently represent 25 per cent of the ministerial nominees.
Betta Edu, the national women leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), is the youngest nominee. She is 36 years old.
Uju Ohanenye, APC’s sole female presidential candidate in the June 2022 presidential primaries, also made the list. She stepped down for Tinubu at primaries.
Stella Okotete, the executive director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, made the list.
Here is a list of nominated female ministers and a brief profile:
HANNATU MUSAWA
Hannatu Musa Musawa from Katsina state is the recently-appointed special adviser on culture and entertainment economy. She is the daughter of the late Katsina politician Musa Musawa.
She studied Law at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom; and holds Master’s degrees in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales; and Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
She is also a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, UK, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
BETTA EDU
Medical Doctor, Public Health Specialist, Harvard certified, MSc. London school (LSHTM), PHD Texila, politician, philanthropist, Godlover, Technocrat.
Betta Edu is from Cross River state and the youngest among the ministerial nominees. She is the national women’s leader of the All Progressive Congress and a former commissioner of health in Cross River state.
Dr Betta Chimaobim Edu (born October 27, 1986) is a result-oriented health policy and management expert with over twelve years’ professional experience building and leading teams in visioning, developing, and implementing life-saving health policies and programmes at national and state levels. Widely identified as one of the youngest politicians in Nigeria, she is best known for her works and revolutionary contributions in the health care system through innovation, prominent personality, purposeful leadership, and integrity.
In 2020, she became chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce.
In August 2022, she was appointed National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.
Dr Betta Chimaobim Edu, upon return to Nigeria completed her First school leaving Certificate and Common entrance in 1995 at Charles Walker International Nursery and Primary school. She further went on to have her secondary education at Federal Government Girls College, Calabar in 2001 where she obtained her West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate. In 2009, she proceeded to complete her first degree in medicine and surgery (MBBCh) from the, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to help people.
STELLA OKOTETE
Executive Director (Business Development) Nigeria Export – Import Bank Co Founder E’Girls Right Foundation, Politician, Banker, Philanthropist.
Okotete is the executive director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank. She is 39 years old.
Okotete, undoubtedly, possesses the required qualification, experience and all that it takes to head any export agency in the world, having served as Executive Director of NEXIM Bank for five years.
A public administrator and business development specialist, Okotete’s antecedents in demonstrating high level proficiency in enhancing organizational growth in the various capacities she has served in public offices are phenomenal.
As a member of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm from 2008 to 2011 when she served as Chairman, House Committee on Education, Okotete oversaw functions and activities associated with the State Government Free Education Programme in Agbarho, Ughelli, Orogun, Ogor, Agbarha, Evwreni and Uwheru, all in the council area.
Born on April 20, 1984, Okotete, who hails from Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, attended the Federal Government Girls College Benin- City, Edo State where she obtained her Senior School Certificate in 2000.
She thereafter proceeded to the Rivers State College of Art and Science, Rumuola, Port Harcourt where she obtained a Diploma in Law in 2002.
In her quest to further her education, Okotete attended Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City where she bagged a Bachelor of Art in International Studies and Diplomacy in 2006 and a Certificate, Emerging Leaders from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Boston, USA 2012.
UJU KENNEDY OHANENYE
In the last presidential election, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye from Anambra state was the only female presidential aspirant of the APC, who later stepped down for the President at the primaries.
DORIS UZOKA-ANITE
Doris is a career banker with over 20 years of experience at Zenith Bank, Nigeria. Despite studying medicine at the University of Benin, she pivoted into banking in 2002.
Uzoka-Anite was a former commissioner for finance and coordinating economy in Imo state. She holds some financial certificates from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Anite is a medical doctor by profession and holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter, specializing in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management.
In 2002, she made a career shift to the banking industry, rising to become the General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc and later becoming the youngest commissioner under Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
During her tenure as a commissioner, Dr. Uzoka was in charge of various critical functions at Zenith Bank, including Fixed Income and Currency Trading, Asset and Liability Management, Treasury Corporate Sales, and Financial Institutions.
She was responsible for the bank’s investment strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and managing risks.
Her banking career began in the Human Resources and Training department, and she later transitioned to Treasury in 2011.
She successfully handled roles in trading Fixed Income and Currencies, and eventually became the Treasurer of the bank.
Driven by her goal-oriented and customer-centric approach, Dr. Uzoka’s outstanding performance significantly contributed to the bank’s profitability, earning her several accolades and promotions within the organization.
Apart from her financial acumen, Dr. Uzoka possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, which she acquired through her human resources training. These skills have been instrumental in managing the diverse local and international relationships required in her role.
NKEIRUKA ONYEJEOCHA
Onyejocha was a House of Representatives member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State.
She was first elected in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), then Nigeria’s ruling party. Onyejeocha defected to the APC in 2018 after intense pressure from her former party leaders to drop her ambition for a return ticket to the house.
Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejocha born 23 November 1969 is a Nigerian politician and a ranking lawmaker in Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives. Constituency Kolonu Isuikwato / Umunneochi Federal Constituency Political party, All Progressives Congress, APC.
UPS FOR NIGERIANS AS GOOGLE OFFICIALLY ACCEPTS NAIRA AS A MEANS OF TRANSACTIONS
Google has partnered with Verve to make digital transactions on Google Play Store easier for Nigerians.
The firm noted that as from Wednesday, Nigerians could now use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store.
It stated that under its new partnership, Google would process Verve transactions within Nigeria, and the transactions would be undertaken in naira and treated as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions.
Google in Nigeria – celebrating the company’s presence in Africa’s largest market, Google confirmed that the ‘Nigerian-sounding voice’ was part of its new offerings to its Nigerian users.At the event, Google also announced several new products and initiatives, including a $4m fund for African youths and an app that teaches kids how to read.
Commenting on the development, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships, Google Play, Anthea Crawford, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians.
The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”
The Managing Director Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, added, “The integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide.”
Recall that in 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has explained the reason for the sudden disappearance of the newly launched e-naira speed wallet from Google’s play store.
The bank explained that the app’s disappearance was only temporary as it was undergoing an important upgrade aimed at tackling glitches noticed since its launch.
Director of Corporate Communications of the bank, Osita Nwanisobi, gave the explanation on Thursday in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state.
He was speaking at a CBN Fair for the southeast geo-political zone, which held simultaneously in Ebonyi and Abịa States.
The e-Naira Speed Wallet app had gone missing from the Google Play Store just days after its launch on Monday, 25th of October 2021.
Google in Nigeria – celebrating the company’s presence in Africa’s largest market, Google confirmed that the ‘Nigerian-sounding voice’ was part of its new offerings to its Nigerian users.At the event, Google also announced several new products and initiatives, including a $4m fund for African youths and an app that teaches kids how to read.“We are here for the long-haul,” Google’s Country Manager in Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan told journalists. “We want people to get the best out of the internet.”Google is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Founded by two Stanford University Ph.D. students in 1998, the company’s flagship product was Search. Today, people perform over 3.5 billion searches daily using Google.Its other products – Gmail, Youtube, Chrome, Maps, Translator, Android – are also used every day by billions of people. Android alone runs on more than two billion devices.For the last quarter of 2018, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, announced revenues of $31.84 billion.In Nigeria, Google is a household name, especially among young people with smartphones. For many, the company’s name is synonymous with the World Wide Web.But access to the Internet remains limited for the majority of Nigerians. In 2018, Google announced Google Station for Nigeria, a program to provide high-quality, high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots across five Nigerian cities.Google wants more Nigerians to get online and to have a valuable experience; this has shaped the trajectory of its product innovation and initiatives for Nigeria in recent years; based on the news from this year’s Google in Nigeria event, the trend is set to continue.
Tinubu vows to involve diaspora Nigerians in policy implementation
President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday that the government would make sure Nigerians living abroad are part of the policy-making process
He added that this would help deepen democracy in the country and ensure his administration enjoys the needed support from Nigerians in the diaspora.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President at the 2023 National Diaspora Day in Abuja, Tinubu noted that Diaspora support and contributions to national development were key.
Tinubu said, “Our country is emerging into a new dawn of dedicated efforts to ensure national development guarantees peace and promote prosperity for all our nation’s people.
“The ambition we have in this regard cannot be fully realised without the support, contribution, and participation of our brothers and sisters all over the world.
“As such, all deliberate efforts will be made in this administration to ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora community are involved in designing, implementing, and reviewing public policies, plans, and programmes.
“May I also let you know that this new democratically elected government is a Diaspora-friendly one. This will provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing support for the new administration and concretising our democracy, setting an example for other African countries to emulate.”
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, stated that Nigerians in the diaspora must be sustained towards achieving a developed country.
Lamuwa stated “We have entered a new phase of consolidating diaspora engagement to promote national development.
“This momentum must be sustained even in a dynamic world to bring about the rapid development of our great nation.”
In her remarks, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said, “Our theme is not only appropriate but a summary of the entire mandate of NiDCOM which is to engage and harness the talent, skills, resources and global exposure of Nigerians in the Diaspora for national development.
“Our interactions with the Diaspora community during this year’s National Diaspora Day celebrations, therefore are expected to mobilise the Diaspora to key into some of the programmes of the government and to chart improved and better ways on how to achieve the positive results for national development within the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the government.”
AMUWO-ODOFIN : TINUBU WILL DELIVER ON PROMISES, SANUSI APPEALS TO CONSTITUENTS
Prince Lanre A.Sanusi (PLS) has expressed optimism that the Nigeria’s President and leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will deliver in all his electoral promises as he appeals for more patience and understanding from members of his community.
PLS as he is fondly called gave this assurance while addressing key members of his party, the APC in FESTAC, Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency on Sunday.
He said, “I am here for Asiwaju. We are grateful for our great party. Thank you very much for all your support for the party in Amuwo Odofin. Despite the trying times, you all still held forth and calmed the people. There is nothing more I can tell you than to say to thank you on behalf of our party leadership. “
“We are here today. We are very grateful for our victory. We are very grateful for your support, and I can assure you that Asiwaju is going to deliver all his electoral promises. He was prepared for this, and I am convinced that Nigerians will surmount her challenges. Thank you very much indeed!” he added.
Sanusi stressed that the new task before Bola Tinubu after he took oath of office to lead Africa’s largest economy and most populous country is enormous, and the general expectations are high.
The task awaiting Mr Tinubu ‘’requires a lot of thinking and action,’’ says the Awori born Prince of Lagos State.‘’The best job for the Mr president is to give Nigerians a better economy, that he has pledged and promised to do, hence, I appeal to Nigerians and members of my Constituency to be a little more patient with Mr President,’’.
He said Nigeria needs to diversify it’s economy by investing more in non-oil sectors, including agriculture, which will help to reduce food imports and promote a strong economy.
President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the boards of all “Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies”, his office has announced.
“The dissolution does not, however, affect Boards, Commissions and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
The announcement was contained in a statement sent to the media Monday evening.
Read the full statement below.
June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU APPROVES DISSOLUTION OF BOARDS OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS, AGENCIES, INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its Constitutional Powers and in the Public interest.
The dissolution does not, however, affect Boards, Commissions and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
In view of this development and until such a time new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies are directed to refer matters requiring the attention of their Boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their respective supervisory Ministries and Offices.
Permanent Secretaries are directed, also, to route such correspondences to Mr President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Consequently, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to ensure compliance to the provision of this directive which took effect from Friday 16th June, 2023.
Permanent Secretaries are particularly directed to inform the Chief Executive Officers of the affected Agencies under the supervision of their respective Ministries/Offices for immediate compliance.
SHAKE-UP IN TOP MILITARY AS TINUBU SACKS ALL SECURITY HEADS, RIBADU BECOMES NSA
PUSH 24 INTERNATIONAL: June 19th, 2023
NEWSBREAKING: Tinubu sacks all Service Chiefs, Advisers, Comptroller General of Customs, names replacements
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from service as well as their replacements with immediate effect.
It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Cconstitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The newly appointees are
1 Mallam Nuhu Ribadu National Security Adviser
2 Maj. Gen. C.G Musa Chief of Defence Staff
3 Maj. T. A Lagbaja Chief of Army Staff
4 Rear Admirral E. A Ogalla Chief of Naval Staff
5 AVM H.B Abubakar Chief of Air Staff 6 DIG Kayode Egbetokun Acting Inspector-General of Police
7 Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye Chief of Defense Intelligence
Mr President has also approved the following appointments:
1 Col. Adebisi Onasanya Brigade of Guards Commander
Member -Elect representating Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the Labour Party, Hon Stella Foluke Osafile has sent greetings to her constituents as Nigeria celebrates her democracy day.
In a statement personally signed by her and made available to Push News 24 International, the LP candidate was seen also appealing for the prayers and support of her constituency.
Below is the full release:
JUNE 12: IT IS OUR DEMOCRACY DAY .
Dear Fellow Constituent
Firstly, I bless God for preserving our lives and making the thanksgiving of yesterday a reality. Seeing your beautiful faces in that large turnout yesterday gladdened my heart and encouraged me more towards what binds us together as a people than what divides us. Starting from the humor of the MC, to the powerful message for the day, to the dancing steps of our old and young, and many more, it has further strengthened my hope and confidence in the community and what we can achieve together as a people if we can stay united in the growth and development of our constituency.
Today is June 12, 2023. It is exactly 30 years today since Nigerians matched out in large numbers to the polling unit to exercise their civil right to elect their president in a peaceful atmosphere, and in which the late MKO Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was duly elected in an election that was rated as the most peaceful, free and fair election in our electoral history .
The annulment of that election result by then former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, didn’t go down well with the people, the international community and actually led to the deaths of many Nigerians across the country in a civil unrest that lasted for many years. The June 12 democratic exercise of that day is what led to the June 12 remembrance today.
It is a history of pain for every tenet and lover of democracy. It is a day in our history that must not repeat itself. It is bittersweet for many of us who witnessed such an experience, and this is why we must guard very well our electoral rights for the growth and development of Nigeria.
Today is Democracy Day as assigned in the Nigerian National Constitution as altered, and we must begin with the count of our gains and not just the horrible events of history.
Today, I am a product of the democratic govenrnace demand that many lost their lives 30 years ago. This is what you did for me by standing firm in that scorching sun of May 18, 2023, despite intimidation and harassment.
Our democratic process is emerging but still has a lot of issues to fix, and we must ensure we get better as we count our days by standing for a free and fair electoral process always.
As your honorable representative in the Lagos Assembly Chamber, I need your continuous prayers and moral support to deliver as expected. I promise, by the grace of God, to work with colleagues in the house in knowledge and idea sharing that will deliver legislative government to the Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 that I represent. I will defend your right to vote, your right to education, Medicare, and general constituency development.
God willing, we will be having our town hall meeting every quarter to discuss all our areas of concern as a constituency.
It is a new dawn, and we can only get better as a community, in Lagos State and in Nigeria as a whole.
Thank you all. I love you, and I bless God for your lives.
God bless the Amuwo Odofin Community.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
Hon Stella Foluke Osafile Hon representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, Lagos State.
