The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has issued an interim order of injunction stopping the House of Representatives from reconvening its sitting until Friday when a motion ex-parte that was lodged before it by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, would be heard.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed who gave the order today, further directed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu and five other defendants in the matter, to appear before the court on that date to show cause why the reliefs being sought by the Speaker should not be granted.
The court ordered all the parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion before it, saying the order was necessary so as to preserve the ‘Res’ of the matter that was brought before it by the Speaker and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Moving the application yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Sunday Ameh, SAN, told the court that despite the pendency of a substantive suit that was filed by his clients last week Friday, he said that the defendants were still plotting to remove the 1st plaintiff, Tambuwal, as Speaker of the House. [myad]
Nigeria appears to be going deeper into security and political confusion about 144 inmates of prison in Koton Karfi in Kogi state were freed by gunmen who threw the prison open, just as some people were killed by unknown gunmen at an Islamic celebration in Adamawa state today. This was even as six Commanders of the Nigerian army fighting the insurgents in the North East are believed to be facing military inquest for deserting the battle ground, thus paving the way for members of the deadly Boko Haram to take over and occupy Mubi last week. Mubi has been described as the second largest towns in Adamawa state.
The state Controller of prison, dams Omale, told newsmen today that the prison came under attack of armed “external forces’’ between 9.30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
He said that 145 inmates were in the prison as at the time of attack, saying that 119 of the inmates were awaiting trial while 26 were convicts. Omale said that one of the inmates was shot dead during the confusion that followed the invasion.
The controller, however, said that 12 of the inmates were either re-arrested or returned on their own, adding that police and army personnel were quickly mobilised to counter the invaders, but the damage had been done before their arrival.
However, residents of the sleepy town, which is just a 25-minute drive to Lokoja, the state capital, claimed that the attackers held sway for more than two hours.
It would be recalled that the 50-bed prison facility built in 1934 was similarly attacked in February 2012 by unknown gunmen.
The report said that 136 inmates were set free while 27 were re-arrested during the 2012 attack.
Among those freed from the prison on Sunday night were armed robbery and murder convicts.
The four cells in the prison had their iron bars removed while the record office was thoroughly ransacked.
It was also observed that the ceiling of the building was shattered and the clinic turned upside down.
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi state, in company of his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Aminu Suley, later visited the prison to assess the extent of damage.
This was even as six military commanders, including an injured Lieutenant Colonel, were arrested by the military for withdrawing from Mararaba, Michika, Madagali, Mubi and later Vimtim when Boko Haram insurgents attacked the communities last week.
It was learnt that an unspecified number of soldiers were also in detention for allegedly abandoning the communities, thereby making it easy for the insurgents to have an upper hand.
A reliable military source hinted that the movement of five of the commanders had been restricted to the officers mess in a military formation, saying: “one of them, a Leutenant Colonel, is receiving treatment at the MRS in Yola for serious injuries he sustained when the car in which he was escaping somersaulted several times.”
He said the injured officer would join his colleagues in the officers mess on recovery.
“Today, the military authorities arrested five commanders around the Mubi axis of Adamawa State. The sixth is a Lt. Colonels. Some of those arrested were at Mararaba, Madagali, Michika and other locations. I think the military leaders are saying that the soldiers did not resist the Boko Haram when they invaded the place.”
The Defence authorities are said to have already commenced investigations into the activities of all its personnel in relation with the capture of Mubi, the second largest town in Adamawa State and other supposedly “fortified locations,” including Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh.
The insurgents had reportedly burnt Badeh’s residence, a clinic and a civic centre in the community on Thursday.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 23 people were killed today in a suicide attack on a Shiite religious ceremony in Potiskum, Yobe state in shooting by soldiers.
A suicide bomber was said to have blown himself up amid a large crowd of Shiite Muslims holding the annual Ashura ceremony to commemorate the murder of Imam Husseyn, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in Karbala 1,300 years ago.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but militants from the Boko Haram Islamist group, who have waged an insurgency in the region for five years, have been responsible for previous attacks in Nigeria.
Soldiers who deployed after the blast, in the Tsohuwar Unguwa area of the town, broke into the nearby Shiite seminary and opened fire on mourners who were sheltering from the blast, killing six, said Mustapha Lawan Nasidi, leader of the Shiites in Potiskum.
“A suicide bomber detonated explosives he was carrying among a large crowd of people commemorating Ashura near our seminary, Madrasatul Fudiyya, killing 15 people and injuring more than 50 others,” Nasidi said.
“To our shock, soldiers who deployed to the scene shortly after the blast broke into the seminary, where some people had taken shelter, and opened fire on them, killing six and injuring four others,” he said. [myad]
Kano Pillars have won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the third successive time. They now join Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland) and Enyimba as the only Nigerian clubs to have won the premier division three times on the bounce.
The Kano club emerged champions of the Nigerian top flight after defeating relegated Nembe City 4-0 on Sunday.
The League Management Company announced via its Twitter account: “It is technically official! Kano Pillars are Glo Premier League champions for a third consecutive season.”
Azeez Shobowale scored twice while Gambo Mohammed returning from injury after several weeks out with a thigh injury got among the goals. The prolific Adamu Hassan also scored as Kano Pillars ran over City 4-0.
Second-placed Enyimba could not keep up the pressure and force the title race down to the final day as they held Dolphins to a 1-1.
Chidiebere Okolie put Dolphins ahead after 54 minutes and Enyimba were left to toil before Mfon udoh scored 21 minutes later.
Kano Pillars, now on 65 points, have opened a four-point lead over Enyimba, making the final game between the two sides next Sunday just elementary.
Warri Wolves who could have also forced the title race to the final day played out a surprise a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Gombe United.
Nazim Abutrika gave Gombe United a shock lead inside the opening of the quarter of an hour. Chigozie Agbim saved a penalty off Gbolahan Salami to preserve Gombe United’s lead.
But Agbim could not keep out Oghenekaro Etebo’s stunner in the 64th minute. Wolves remain in third place on 60 points.
Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United are fourth and fifth respectively. Nasarawa United played a 0-0 draw at Rangers while goals from Marshall Okoro, Chisom Chikatara and Chima Uluocha helped Abia Warriors to a 3-0 win over Sharks. [myad]
Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme is gathering momentum as some prominent Isoko leaders in the state have promised to throw their weigh behind her even as the aspirant vow that she will make the state to be the best in the country. Speaking at a meeting with PDP elders, party leaders, youths and women in Oleh and Ozoro, the aspirant who was Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) made it clear that she will, as governor, design policies that will positively affect the lives of the people. “I’m going to use the resources to develop Delta State. I wll also bring smiles to the faces of the people and food to their tables.” She called on Deltans at home and abroad to give her the necessary support to enable her succeed. “I’m in the governorship race to help the good people of Delta State. Talk to your delegates to vote for God’s choice and you wll definitely see prosperity in the state. “Women are good managers. They are not greedy. God has blessed me so much. I have never held any position in the state. I have not done any contract in this state. I am not looking for money. God gave me positions at the federal level. I went out to bring good things to the people of Delta State. I have provided a lot for widows and unemployed persons in the state. I also paid tuition fees for Deltans.” Dr. Olejeme vowed that despite that her house was bombed as a way of scaring her from the governorship race, she is now bolder and more determined. She assured Deltans that with her as governor, they will have a say in the government of the day. “Anything meant for your local government shall be released. It will be no more business as usual” she promised.” The PDP Chairman in Isoko South Local Government, Chief Eneruvie Odi said that most Isoko sons and daughters at home and abroad would give the former NSITF chairman their support. “Dr. Olejeme is a shining example of humility and patience. She is a woman of impeccable character and robust conscience.” [myad]
Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has accused the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba of partisanship even as he made it clear that it was President Goodluck Jonathan that instigated the police boss to withdraw the security details of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.
In a letter to the Inspector General today, Falana said that the police boss, since his appointment by the President on July 31 has been involved in partisan politics to the detriment of law and order in the country.
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers state, Prince Tonye Princewill has described the party’s ward congresses held in the state on Saturday as a sham and that it is a weak beginning for the party in the state. According to him, the congresses were stage-managed by the faction of the former federal minister of state for education, Mr. Nyeson Wike. In a statement today, signed by his media assistant, Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu, Prince Princewill called on the National executives of the party to quickly resolve the Rivers State political troubles before they get out of hand. “The congresses had already been done. The panel had already been settled and the electoral umpire had already been compromised. All their planning was in vain. “For them, the congress was just an opportunity for the masses to fight and destroy things. They do not care if Rivers people die as long as they win. We do. We care; and that’s why we stayed clear. “The Rivers State Wike led PDP Exco don’t realize we are several steps ahead of them; none of the key aspirants were involved in the congresses. That should be a signal for the party. Our silence will speak louder than our words. In the end, PDP will both sit up and address this sham or they will lose us and loose Rivers state. Nothing is impossible. “Our people say the difference between a small snake and a big worm is teeth. Neither Amaechi nor Wike will deliver Rivers state because even the grass will reject them. It’s time to start afresh. It’s time for renewal. And all of their money and more will never change that.” [myad]
Fifteen gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State have called for the cancellation of the ward delegates congresses held in the state on Saturday.
In a joint petition to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ahmadu Mu’azu, the aspirants said the processes leading to the congresses were flawed and could not produce an acceptable outcome.
The 15 aspirants listed on the petition include Beks Dagogo-Jack, Hon. Bernard Mikko, Prof. Don Baridam, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Hon. Gabriel Pidomson, Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd.), Senator Lee Maeba, and Nimi Walson-Jack.
Others include Capt. Sunday Nwanko, Hon. Oseleya Ojuka, Chief Pawariso Horsfall, Sampson Ngeregbara, Dr. Silva Opusunju, Hon. Tamunosisi Jaja, Prince Tonye Princewill.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains have described the conduct of the ward congresses held on Saturday as impressive and successful even as they commended the party’s stakeholders for a job well done. Dr. Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Congresses Team, Chief Josephine Anenih, Senator James Manager, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe among others at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba today also saw the exercise as peaceful. Governor Uduaghan who is the leader of the party in the state, said that the peace that was witnessed during the exercise was as a result of maturity of party faithfuls in the state. According to him, it is a good development that aspirants for elective offices in the state were not taking their aspirations as do or die but that they were talking on ways to move the state forward. The governor particularly commended the Anenih’s led PDP team that conducted the Ward congresses in the state and advised members of the party to display the same level of maturity and peaceful engagements in the primaries and during the general elections. “There are other primaries to be conducted and we need to be peaceful. We must use this engagement process to make the state peaceful.” Dr. Uduaghan advised the aspirants to continue to tolerate one another as there is no way they can be one hundred per cent happy. “We have to learn to be patient, remember that one life lost, one property lost can never be replaced. “In this struggle for whatever position you are vying for, keep a window of friendship; don’t destroy the friendship you have so that when you get the ticket, you can reach out to the other aspirants for their support during the general elections.” Mrs. Anenih on her part, advised party members to maintain the existing peace and security witnessed during the exercise. “I am proud of the conduct of the ward congress in the state. You have done well. You people have made me proud. I want to thank the Chief Security Officer of the state for providing an enabling, secured environment for the peaceful conduct of the ward congresses and in particular, Deltans for engaging in peaceful discussions.” The Acting Chairman of PDP in Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena observed that the ward congresses were better than the previous exercises and that they were conducted without any disagreement or rancour. Senators Ifeanyi Okowa, James Manager, members of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, Ndudi Elemulu, PDP leader, Senator Patrick Osakwe, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei and former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe in their separate remarks commended the team from Abuja for doing a great job. They urged the Anenih-led team to carry on in the remaining congresses with the same spirit to ensure that the state remained peaceful. [myad]
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has advised members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that the ward congresses of the party across the state is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Each ward is expected to produce three ad-hoc delegates. The governor is worried about what he called ‘desperation of aspirants which has led them spending money where they are not supposed to. “What is important is the state party structure. You cannot work outside the state party structure, the procedure is clear.” Governor Uduaghan spoke at a meeting of aspirants for elective positions on the platform of PDP at the Party’s secretariat in Asaba today. He stressed the necessity for them keep not to spend money where they are not to spend money. “It is important that people go to the field for the elections whether it is by consensus or not.” The Secretary of the Party, Chief Solomon Ogba had said that the congress would hold in 270 Wards in the state. “In every Ward, there is a returning officer. We are also going to have state monitoring officers. “The issue of electing Ward delegates is a state affair, accreditation starts at 8 am. “I appeal that we should make this congress as peaceful as possible.” The Vice Chairman of the party (Delta South), Sir Simeon Efenudu, said the meeting was necessary to enable the officials and members of the party know what was expected of them. [myad]
“No Commander-in-Chief or General that is worth his salt will surrender his territory with folded arms and running heels.” This was the statement from the Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, over the reported Boko Haram’s overrun of Mubi and the hoisting of their flag in Adamawa state, which is the second largest town in the state. Atiku, who was abroad when the sordid incident took place in his home State on Wednesday, 29 October, told a group of journalists on arrival today: “with what I have gathered so far from online news reports and other sources from Mubi town, the situation is very unfortunate and undermining for our country.” Describing it as a tragic act and a worrisome affront to the corporate integrity of Nigeria, the visibly angry former Vice President added: “If the reports are true that the Armed Forces had abandoned their assigned duty posts a few days before the overrun, it was an indication that the attack was not sudden after all. If the Soldiers also left behind their ammunition and armoured carriers at the mercy of predatory insurgents, it raises a question of complicity in the sordid episode.” He said that is was most unfortunate that a situation arose were unsuspecting civilians who had relied on security agencies for their protection and were expecting an improvement in their security status as a result of the announced Ceasefire, were suddenly left defenceless and at the mercy of the marauders. Atiku frowned at the undercurrent of connivance that might have fuelled the sudden retreat of the military in the face of imminent invasion of a vital commercial town, less than three hours away from Yola the Adamawa State Capital. “On every occasion that leaders from the North East raised an alarm about the dangerous trend, we have either been ignored or called names. “If there is any iota of truth in the suspicion of the people that they were deliberately abandoned, then it becomes a dangerous trend and a bad omen for Nigeria and all Nigerians. Meanwhile, the former Vice President said he is heading for Yola to meet with those managing the displaced people and see what assistance he can render to reduce the sufferings of the people.
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