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JUST IN: Court denies Shaibu’s request to invalidate Ighodalo’s candidacy

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the impeached deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillips Shaibu, seeking to nullify the February 22, governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

Asue Ighodalo was declared the winner of the party’s governorship primary election, which took place in Benin City.

In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho on Monday stated that Shaibu did not have the legal standing to challenge the outcome of the primary because he did not fully participate in it and was not present at the venue on the day it took place.

Omotosho further ruled that Shaibu’s lawsuit was premature as he failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanism within the PDP before resorting to court.

The judge emphasised that as a member of the party, Shaibu was obligated to follow its rules and regulations, which stipulate that an aggrieved aspirant must approach the party’s Appeal Committee before filing a lawsuit.

He stated that there was sufficient evidence indicating Ighodalo’s victory in the primary.

Details later…

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Home delivery of passports to start in June, FG assures Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerians no longer have to travel to the immigration office to obtain their passports, as home delivery of passports is set to begin in June.

This development was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday when he inspected the electronic gates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s new terminal in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo said the delivery will not include every location to avoid overloading and damaging the system.

He said the Nigerian Immigration Service would start home delivery in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Abuja.

He stated that for Nigerians in the diaspora, the home delivery service would initially launch in the United States and the United Kingdom, with preliminary testing to ensure its effectiveness.

The minister explained that the delay in implementing home delivery was due to a lack of data centres.

He noted that the NIS had been relying on a private company’s data centre and emphasised the need for a permanent solution to this problem.

“We have completed the whole solution but when we came on board, we realised that the data centre was not really there. We were leveraging on a private company data centre and we appreciate them for that assistance. We think that it is better to create a permanent solution to problems rather than quick fixes.

“We could have done it in February but we had to build our data centre from scratch to be able to keep the integrity of our data and national security intact. This is more important. It is disgraceful that NIS is 61 years old and NIS is a custodian of biometric data of Nigeria and we believe that NIS should be in charge of the data of Nigeria.

“It is not acceptable that this data is domiciled in a third party and that is why we have been able to do this,” he said.

H added that the data centre has been constructed and the passport delivery issue has been resolved.

“It is about national security and I can assure you that It is comparable with anyone you can find anywhere in the world.

“We have built the data centre, sorted the passport delivery solution and done the final presentation in terms of technology deliverables and the tracking solution which will all be embedded in the application we have so we do not create multiple lines of failure,” the minister said.

Speaking further, the minister stated that the final presentation of the electronic visa has been completed.

He added that it will reduce the visa processing time from 72 hours to 48 hours.

“The passport automation process is almost complete,” he added.

This announcement comes nine months after the minister initially declared that home delivery of passports to Nigerians would commence by February 2024.

In October, Tunji-Ojo stated that starting in February 2024, Nigerians would be able to have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, or any other location of their choice.

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FG Postpones Inauguration, Retreat For Federal Institutions’ Governing Councils

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Ministry of Education has postponed the inauguration and retreat for pro-chancellors, chairmen and members of governing councils of federal tertiary institutions.

A statement by the ministry signed by the Director (Press & PR), Folasade Boriowo, on Monday, said the development comes as a result of a federal government directive, following a State House Press Release on the 23rd of May 2024, calling for a comprehensive review of the membership of the nominees.

The inauguration and retreat were earlier scheduled for Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st May 2024.

“We regret any inconveniences this may cause,” the statement added.

The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, pro-chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, said public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country, as some states got just one nomination, while others got many.

“In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.

“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution,” Onanuga said.

He added that the review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.

In another development, the Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Tuesday, criticised the appointment of the nominees.

According to them, it was better for the Bola Tinubu-led administration to reinstate the earlier dissolved members.

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“We’re on standby” – Army reacts to Kano emirate tussle

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Army has reacted to reports by some media platforms that its men were directly involved in the ongoing Kano emirate tussle.

The news, Leading reporters understands, emanated from the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an ex-parte order, preventing Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The court also halted the implementation of a new law that abolished the four emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.

Despite the court order, Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as Emir of Kano, arguing that the judge who issued the order was not physically present in Nigeria to issue it.

Some news platforms then reported that the Army had been used in enforcing the court order to prevent Sanusi from being reinstalled.

In a statement by its spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army denied any involvement in the tussle.

Nwachukwu noted that the army’s only role was to ensure that there was no breach in security.

“Contrary to insinuations by the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association as published by Premium Times on 26 May 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army have not been involved in the Kano state emirate tussle and are not involved in enforcing any court order,” he said.

“They have only taken proactive steps to checkmate any possible breakdown or breach of the security that may be occasioned by the Kano Emirship tussle.

“The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors.”

The military said it would intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.

“All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general.”

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Tinubu: 30 million Nigerians to benefit from Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will create direct job opportunities for millions and positively impact over 30 million citizens.

Tinubu made this known on Sunday in Lagos, marking the commencement of the 700-km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several other initiatives to commemorate his first year in office.

During the flag-off ceremony, the president said the project is more than just a road, describing it as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for the country’s people.

He said, “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

The president urged public understanding, especially from those whose properties and livelihoods would be affected by the project.

“I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow,” Tinubu said.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”

Tinubu also hailed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said “This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

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Police uncover fresh plot to set Kano assembly ablaze

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Police Command says it has uncovered fresh plan by some hoodlums to unleash terror and set the state assembly ablaze.

The move is not unconnected with the recent emirate tussle in Kano State following a new law by the House of Assembly.

The commissioner of Police, CP Usaini Gumel disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday, May 26.

Gumel said the command uncovered plots to launch an attack on the Kano State House of Assembly and other prominent locations in the state.

CP Gumel noted that men of the force have been deployed to embark on a house-to-house search to fish out the miscreants plotting to cause unrest and destabilise the peace in the state.

“We have uncovered credible intelligence about some group of people who are considered as enemies of the state and miscreants who are trying to unleash terror in the state by embarking on targeted attacks at locations, particularly the House of Assembly and some prominent locations within the state capital. This intelligence has been verified by so many sources,” the police chief said.

“We have perfected plans to embark on serious patrols as well as detections particularly areas where we were informed that the miscreants are hiding. No hiding place for them.

“Whoever, under whatever guise is found to be planning to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State or feel that he/she can jeopardize the existing security settings in the State will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“We are going to embark on a house-to-house search for anybody who they are above the law,” CP Gumel however stated.

Meanwhile, sources say that the miscreants were mobilized and paid to destabilize and cause tension in the state.

According to a source, some targeted areas include residence of the Majority leader of the assembly, Lawan Hussaini who sponsored the repealed law, and a member representing Gwale among others.

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JUST IN: Robbers attack Abuja hotel as guests battle for life

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Robbers on Saturday night attacked a hotel in Abuja and left several visitors injured and some are still battling their lives.

Photos of the victims circulating online also revealed the extent of the attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the hotel located on 1st Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was attacked last night, with every visitor targeted and subjected to robbery, stabbing, and severe injuries.

One of the victims, a man who was in Abuja for a visa interview, is currently fighting for his life in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit of a nearby hospital.

The photo shows the extent of his injuries, with severe stab wounds and a desperate struggle for survival.

All efforts to get the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh were futile as calls and messages put across to her were not responded to.

Details shortly…

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BREAKING: FG sues 36 states at Supreme Court over local govt autonomy

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government has sued the thirty-six governors before the Supreme Court to ensure the autonomy of the nation’s local governments.

In the suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed on May 20, by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the federal government.

The federal government is praying the Apex Court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected leaders for local governments.

It also prayed the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the federation account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

It wanted an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.

Also, the federal government wants an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

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BREAKING: Many feared dead as mosque collapses in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Papa Ajao area of Lagos State as a mosque collapsed during afternoon prayer, resulting in numerous casualties.

Reports indicate that many people lost their lives, while others sustained injuries.

Rescue efforts are underway, with authorities and emergency responders working tirelessly to extract victims from the rubble.

The exact number of casualties and individuals trapped beneath the debris is yet to be determined.

As the situation unfolds, further details will be provided soon.

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BREAKING: Tension as Abuja-Kaduna train derails

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An Abuja-Kaduna has derailed halfway to the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, May 26.

The train with dozens of passengers on board departed Kaduna around 8:05am but derailed at Jere about an hour later.

It was gathered that efforts are being made to repair the train, with about three carriages off the tracks.

Details shortly…

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