Sunday, November 12, 2023

ODODO WINS KOGI STATE ELECTION, DEFEATS AJAKA AND DINO MELAYE

The State Returning Officer, Prof. Johnson Urama, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, declared Ododo as the winner at 10:23pm on Sunday.

Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 46,362 votes.

Melaye had on Saturday, raised the alarm over “filled result sheets” in the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of the North Central state. The PDP candidate also called for the suspension of the exercise over violence and vote buying. INEC subsequently suspended election in nine wards in the local government area.

INEC said fresh polls will be conducted in 59 polling units in the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of the state on November 18, 2023 in line with its principle of the margin of lead.

The total number of registered voters in the affected polling units was put at 15,136, one that was insignificant to the about 200,000 votes gathered by the APC candidate ahead of his closest rival – Ajaka.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

BUHARI ASKS OPPOSITION TO WORK WITH TINUBU, HAILS SUPREME COURT VERDICT.



As said by Buhari in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu, minutes after the Supreme court dismissed appeals by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar.

“Now that we have arrived at the last bus stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima and the APC government,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

“Let them allow the Government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”

He noted that the judgment is a welcome relief to him and to a majority of the citizens of Nigeria.

Buhari believes that the verdict is “a reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority”.

Buhari expressed worry over the low voting percentages all over the country, especially in urban areas, calling for a change, given the acceptance and vibrancy of democracy in Nigeria.

“He wishes the President and his team a successful term in office,” Garba Shehu’s statement read.

IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER, TINUBU SAYS.


STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. 

The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour. 

There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter. 

While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation's judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives' Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today's judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.

The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country. 

In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria 

October 26, 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NINE INEC RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS

By powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine (9) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:

Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner

President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 25, 2023

Source: NTA NEWS 

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP IN THE MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY SECTOR.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of two new Chief Executive Officers in Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in line with the recommendations of the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola:

Managing Director / CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) — Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji

Executive Secretary / CEO, Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) — Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima

Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a graduate of Banking and Finance and holds a Master's degree in Public Administration and Business Administration. He is an Economist with industry experience of more than 28 years before he entered the public service. In the public service, he first reversed the downward trajectory of the Osun State Investment Company Limited before serving as the Osun State Commissioner of Finance for eight years.

Mr. Akutah Ukeyima is a graduate of Law and holds a Master's degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He most recently served as the Head of the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

President Bola Tinubu tasks the new appointees in this vital sector to faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda's Blue Economy strategy.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 25, 2023

Source: NTA NEWS

Monday, October 23, 2023

PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU APPLAUDS NIGERIA'S LANDMARK VICTORY ON P&ID CASE

 


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded today’s judgment delivered by Judge Robin Knowles of the Business and Property Court in London, awarding a landmark victory to the Federal Government of Nigeria over a firm known as Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited.

Following Judge Knowles’ dismissal of the $11.5 billion (USD) value of the award plus accumulated interest, previously won by P&ID over a failed 2010 deal to allegedly build a gas processing plant, on the grounds that the award was obtained by fraud, President Tinubu commends the UK Court for prioritizing the merits of the case above all other considerations.

“This landmark judgment proves conclusively that nation states will no longer be held hostage by economic conspiracies between private firms and solitarily corrupt officials who conspire to extort and indebt the very nations they swear to defend and protect.

“Today’s victory is not for Nigeria alone. It is a victory for our long exploited continent and for the developing world at large, which has for too long been on the receiving end of unjust economic malpractice and overt exploitation.

“Nigeria is appreciative of the tremendous efforts of the defense team and acknowledges the role of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General in the process of defending Nigeria’s interest in this case,” the President stated.


Source: NTA NEWS

LADELE AJAO GIVES SCHOLARSHIP TO SIX LOYOLA COLLEGE STUDENTS IN IBADAN, PROMISES TO DO MORE.

 


Wednesday, 11th of October, 2023, Ladele Ajao visited his alma mater, Loyola College, Ibadan. He was warmly welcomed by the Principal, staff members and students. He spoke with the students at the assembly ground, where he went in retrospect of his days in school. 


In his speech, Ladele spoke about how the institution, Loyola College provided him and several others the fertile ground for their dreams to flourish,  instilled discipline, tenacity in them aside studies.


"Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the discipline, the exceptional educators, and the kindness that define this institution. Discipline is the backbone of success, and Loyola College instilled in me a strong sense of discipline that has guided me throughout my life. Whether it was adhering to a rigorous study schedule or respecting the values and rules of this institution, discipline has been a cornerstone of my journey."

He showered praises on the staff members of the school, for not only being classroom teachers to them, but also dedicated their times in imparting knowledge into them in academics and character. "Our teachers, the torchbearers of knowledge, played a pivotal role in shaping not just my academic understanding but also my character. Their dedication to imparting knowledge and nurturing our growth has left an indelible mark on my life. I am forever grateful for their guidance and mentorship."


Ladele praised his friends who have given unflinching support to the educational journey of few students.

"I want to express my gratitude to some incredible individuals who have been instrumental in this journey for years. With my influence, I told your stories to Dr Hammed Oluwaseyi Musibau in Australia, Michael Felix Nyeche in Australia, and Engr Meadows Ayokunnu in the United Kingdom, they were deeply moved by your stories and your potentials. These three friends took it upon themselves to support three students in their educational journey, from secondary school through to their university education, in which they have not deterred from. They have generously covered the costs of transportation, uniforms, and books of these three students, and also entrusted me with gifts to deliver to them."

He made it known to the students that, the act of giving back to the alma mater is not only limited to him but other old students, who had done a thing or another for the school as well for the students and many others will still do. Which he implored the students to imbibe such culture in the future.

He furthered in his speech by giving scholarship to six less privileged SSS 3 students, who have demonstrated commitment to their studies and excelled in their academic pursuits. The six students will be supported for their final external examinations, WAEC and two students amongst them who excelled in their exams will be sponsored for the JAMB examinations, as it is very important to get into higher institutions learning in Nigeria.

Mr Ajao did not stop there, he also promised to give a full scholarship to a student out of the two, who has the highest score in the JAMB examination throughout his year in any federal university of his choice. "I want to commend these students for their hard work and dedication. Your passion for learning and your commitment to your chosen fields have brought you to this moment, and I have no doubt that you will continue to shine brightly in your academic journeys", Mr Ladele said.

In his closing remarks, he admonished the students not to forget the importance of giving back, supporting education and nurturing culture of excellence.

"As we celebrate these chosen students today, let us also be reminded of the importance of giving back. By supporting education and nurturing a culture of excellence, we can collectively contribute to the progress of our community and our nation. I once again say congratulations to these students. May your pursuit of knowledge be fulfilling, and may you continue to inspire others with your dedication and determination. Thank you."