The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the participation of 17 political parties in the upcoming Edo governorship election slated for September 21st.
According to a statement today, March 27, by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, the 17 parties successfully submitted their candidates’ nomination forms before the March 24th deadline.
Olumekun mentioned that the personal details of the candidates and their running mates would be made public by the commission on March 30th, as required by Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“The commission shall publish the personal particulars by displaying copies of Form EC9 along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate at the State headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo,” he stated.
Olumekun urged Nigerians to examine the documents closely once published, emphasizing that any discrepancies could be challenged in accordance with Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2022, through a petition filed in a Federal High Court.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has quashed rumors circulating on social media regarding a potential decrease in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In a statement released today, March 27, by NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company clarified that there were no plans for price adjustments and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
“The NNPC Limited wishes to clarify rumours suggesting a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) at its retail stations nationwide. The company asserts that these reports are false and urges Nigerians to disregard them entirely.
“NNPC Ltd. reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the current sufficiency in petroleum products supply across all its retail stations in the country,” the company stated.
President Bola Tinubu has announced scholarships up to the university level for all the children, including the unborn, of the Nigerian Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State recently on March 14. The President, who announced this at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, today, March 27, directed the military authorities to ensure that the benefits of the departed are paid to their families within 90 days. The President also declared that the federal government would provide houses in any part of the nation to the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers. At the event attended by some state governors, the military hierarchy, and families of the deceased, the President conferred posthumous National Honours on the 17 fallen heroes. Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa and Captain U. Zakari were given the award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporals Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bulus Haruna, Sole Opeyemi, Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Clement Francis, Abubakar Ali, Adamu Ibrahim, Hamman Peter, and Ibrahim Adamu, were conferred with the honour of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). President Tinubu vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account even as he commended the military for not embarking on a reprisal attack on the community. “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice. “The elders and chiefs of Okuama also must help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men. “I wish to commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks on Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.” President Tinubu sympathized with the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces and prayed God Almighty to comfort the bereaved. “It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families. “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognize your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and insurrectionists. “While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities. We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance, and harmony will reign. ‘‘Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting,” the President said. President Tinubu advised the Armed Forces not to be discouraged by the death of their fellow compatriots but to honour their memory by rededicating themselves to the service and defence of the nation. “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. ‘‘There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted new economic management teams named “Presidential Economic Coordination Council” (PECC) and “Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce” (EET) with him as chairman while the chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum; business top brass, technocrats in both private and public sectors as well as others are members. In a statement today, March 27, the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelare said that the PECC is made up of distinguished leaders and key government officials, including him, the President as chairman. Others are Vice-President as Vice-Chairman, the President of the Senate, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Others are Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Minister of Power, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Minister of State, Gas, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Works. “The PECC will also comprise key members of the organized private sector, with the following members joining for a period not exceeding one (1) year, subject to the President’s directive: (1) Alhaji Aliko Dangote (2) Mr. Tony Elumelu (3) Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu (4) Ms. Amina Maina (5) Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir (6) Mrs. Funke Okpeke (7) Dr. Doyin Salami (8) Mr. Patrick Okigbo (9) Mr. Kola Adesina (10) Mr. Segun Agbaje (11) Mr. Chidi Ajaere (12) Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu (13) Mr. Rasheed Sarumi “In his determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies, President Bola Tinubu has established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET) with a mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan. “The taskforce comprises key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the President’s collaborative approach toward achieving economic resilience and growth. “The EET is now mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration. “The EET will meet twice weekly and is composed of the following members: (1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (Chairman of the EET) (2) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (3) Minister of Power (4) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (5) Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (6) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (7) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (8) National Security Adviser (9) Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (10) Governor of Anambra State (11) Governor of Ogun State (12) Governor of Niger State (13) Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (14) Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (15) GCEO, NNPC Limited (16) Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (17) Special Adviser to the President on Energy (18) Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist (19) Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist.” The statement said that the Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, serves as the working group under the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the President. “The EMT traditionally meets monthly or as required, but will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s mandate (six months). “The EMT is composed of the following officials: (1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman) (2) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (3) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (4) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (5) Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (6) Minister of Works (7) Minister of Labour and Employment (8) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (9) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (10) Minister of State, Gas (11) Minister of Power (12) Minister of Transportation (13) Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development (14) Minister of Marine and Blue Economy “The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any Federal Minister or Head of Agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy. “The President’s formation of the PECC, under his Chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET, led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance. The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.” The statement said that over the next six months, the EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the administration’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives.
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has asked for immediate release of the Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, who was abducted from his home in Lagos twelve days ago by some military officers. In a statement today, March 27, jointly signed by President, IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, IPI stressed that the time to act in this matter is now. The International Press Institute said that its finding revealed that Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who, in turn, reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa. The IPI recalled that armed men in two unmarked vans arrived at Olatunji’s home in Lagos on March 15 and that the men, two of whom wore military-style uniforms, introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Army and forced Olatunji to go with them. The statement said that Olatunji’s captors refused to tell his wife, who witnessed the arrest, where he was being taken to. IPI said that for the past eleven days, the embattled journalist has been kept incommunicado, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his whereabouts. “IPI Nigeria has received inquiries about this matter from all over the world. The Institute has also contacted the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation seeking information on Mr Olatunji and demanding his release. “All efforts in this direction have so far failed. “IPI is therefore calling on President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian military authorities to immediately release Mr Olatunji or charge him to court if he has committed any offence. The international community should also pay attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military. The rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time. This also conforms with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.” The IPI, which called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by directing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to release the journalist, reminded the authorities that Nigeria had continued to rank low in the comity of nations in the area of upholding human rights. IPI said that the action of the military has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military may be keeping some vital information away from the public, concerning the journalist’s safety.
Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has confirmed that he was invited by the security agencies in respect of the lingering insecurity in the country. In a statement today, March 26 March, titled “ONLY ONE PERSON IS ABOVE THE LAW: THE INNOCENT!” Dr Gumi said: “Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm. “Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying -each in his own sphere- to tackle the monster bedeviling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect. “We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace. I thank you for your concern. “May Allah continue to protect us all from all evil. Amin.” The nation’s minister of information, Mohammed Idris had, yesterday, March 25, said that Sheikh Gumi had been invited by security agencies for questioning over his controversial comments which, according to some, had been seen as supportive of bandits. Confirmation by Gumi, of his interrogation by security agencies is coming in the wake of reports that he has been banned for life from entering Saudi Arabia.
A Kano High Court has sentenced a Chinese national, 47 year old Frank Geng-Quangrong, to death by hanging for stabbing to death his Nigerian girlfriend, 22 year old Ummukulsum Sani. Frank, who lives in Railway Quarters Kano, was convicted on one count charge of culpable homicide. Delivering judgment today, March 26, Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. “The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent. I hereby find him guilty. “I hereby recommend mercy by the Kano State Governor on behalf of the convict,” he ruled. Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, had informed the court that the convict committed the offence on September 16, 2022, at Janbulo Quarters, Kano. He said on the same date at about 9 pm, the convict stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house situated at Janbulo Quarters Kano for an undisclosed reason. “The victim was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” he said. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution presented six witnesses to prove their case against the defendant and four exhibits. According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provision of Section 221(b) of the Penal Code. The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented the defendant to defend himself, and one other witness and tendered five exhibits. Dan’azumi urged the court to recommend the defendant for a prerogative of mercy pursuant to Section 313 of ACJL. In his testimony, Frank said: “I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self-defense after she grabbed my testes.” He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in its judgment. Frank had stormed the residence of Ummita in September 2022 and stabbed her to death during an argument. He had fled the scene but was subsequently arrested by the police and arraigned. Speaking shortly after the judgment, the victim’s mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision. Source: NAN.
The President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Chief Emeka Rollas, has refuted the circulating rumour regarding the death of popular actor Zack Orji.
Social media platforms were flooded earlier today, March 26, with false reports of Zack Orji’s demise. However, Chief Emeka Rollas took to Facebook to dismiss these rumors, affirming that Zack Orji is alive.
In his Facebook post some hours ago, the AGN president urged the public to disregard the misinformation spread by individuals who take pleasure in disseminating fake news. He condemned the act as wicked and unacceptable, emphasizing that Zack Orji will continue to live and proclaim the goodness of God.
This clarification comes in the wake of the recent passing of another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, who succumbed to kidney disease. Before this incident, Zack Orji had been the subject of news reports regarding his health, with rumors suggesting that he had collapsed and was in critical condition.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the Federal Government is currently Interrogating a controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in respect of his statements in relation to the recent Kidnapping of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State. The Minister, who was responding to questions from State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting today, March 25, insisted that Sheikh Gumi cannot be above the law of the land. The minister who denied the fact that ransom was paid to the kidnappers to set the kidnapped schoolchildren free, said that Gumi must be held accountable for his actions and statements. According to him, the government’s position reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards negotiating with bandits and underscores the importance of upholding law and order in addressing security challenges. “Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems the security agencies are up and doing. Sheik Gumi or any other individuals are not above the law, if he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded. “There is nobody that is above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has been also a guest of security agencies to answer questions. When you make remarks especially remarks that borders on our national security it is incumbent on our national security to think further and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.” Gumi had offered to negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the Kidnapping of the Kaduna schoolchildren. The Minister said that President Tinubu had directed that the kidnapped schoolchildre should be safely returned to their parents without any financial concessions to criminal elements. “As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid.” He expressed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and all those who played crucial roles in securing the students’ release. Idris said that President Tinubu has charged security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the menace of kidnapping across the country. “The Council was briefed on the School of children Kuriga Kaduna State, and Sokoto. Mr President and members of council were happy to note that as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or had been rescued from these captors and as usual and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President no ransom was paid. “The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs and all security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families. “Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country. “Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished.”
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has finally come up with the amount of over N8 million to be paid by Muslims wanting to perform pilgrimage in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia this year, 2024. A statement today, March 24, by the Commission’s spokesperson, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara said that new registration for 2024 Hajj from today, 24th of March will attract the full sum of N8, 225, 464.74 from the Adamawa/Borno axis. “From the North zone, fresh depositors will pay N8, 254, 464.74 whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8, 454, 464.74 as Hajj fare. “All categories are to pay within the same deadline.” The statement said that those who have earlier deposited the sum of N4. 9 million will have to balance up with N1,918,032.91. They are 48, 414 Muslims from across the country. Part of the statement goes thus: The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in. This show of support gives the Commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise. At this juncture, the Commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements. It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory time line released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavored to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry. However, non to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024. Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks. These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge. What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government. Federal Government saw wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies including persuading cost reductions. Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline. This had remained the Commission’s dilemma. To make matters worse, now about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9 million and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission. Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation. Commendably, government’s policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost. The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceeding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equatible spread of the Federal Government’s intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate. Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024.The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after. Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status. While the Commission regrets the short notice, it has become inevitable due to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s stern warning to Nigeria regarding the delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework. Before now, NAHCON had pleaded for an extension which had been reluctantly granted and now the Ministry’s patience is wearing thin. As for those who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj, they are advised to formally request for refund from their states which will be treated with all seriousness. The next four days are crucial for stakeholders, especially those willing to intervene in support of their pilgrims, to take necessary actions and ensure smooth Hajj arrangements. NAHCON remains committed to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and seeks cooperation from all parties involved.
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