APP Withdraws Petition Against Tinubu At Presidential Election Tribunal

May 10, 2023

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has applied to withdraw the suit against President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
The Counsel to APP, Obed Agu, also asked the court to strike out and dismiss the suit challenging Tinubu’s victory at the February 25 election presidential election.
Counsel to Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun, (SAN) did not oppose the withdrawal.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, subsequently dismissed the petition.
The tribunal commenced sitting in Abuja on Monday.

I’m Too Old To Serve As FCT Minister Again, Too Old To Start Demolition – El-Rufai

Greenbarge Reporters

May 10, 2023

“Even if I’m offered (the position of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory by Tinubu), I’m not coming to Abuja. As I said, I never repeat the class. There are many young people I know that I can recommend that would do an even better job than I did as minister of FCT.
“I’m too old for this. I’m too old for demolition.”
This was the position of the current Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, when he spoke yesterday at a policy conversation and book launch in Abuja, made it clear that he will accept to serve as FCT if offered by the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
There have been speculations that the outgoing governor will either serve as Chief of Staff or FCT Minister in the incoming government.
But El-Rufai, whom ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed FCT minister, said: “I have done my job. I’m done. I don’t look back.
“In fact, when I left FCT, the only time I visited FCT was in 2016. This was when my secondary school classmate was appointed minister and he said he wanted to see me, so I went there.
“Once I leave a job, I don’t look back. If I leave Kaduna in 19 days, I will only visit if necessary. “So, I don’t think about the FCT. I’ve done my bit. “I won’t comment on the performance of those after me.
“Even if offered, I’m not coming to Abuja. As I said, I never repeat the class. There are many young people I know that I can recommend that would do an even better job than I did as minister of FCT.
“I’m too old for this. I’m too old for demolition. Get a young man with blood in his veins or a young woman.”
The event was jointly organised by the Africa Programme of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Abuja-based Agora Policy.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, established in 1910, is one of the oldest and most respected think tanks in the world. It was ranked as the number one think tank in the 2020 Global Go-To Think Tank Index published by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Programme of the University of Pennsylvania, US.

Buhari On Supreme Court Verdict: Says People Want Good Governance, Whoever Is There

Editorial staff

May 9, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed satisfaction on the Supreme Court’s verdict on the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun State.

He said that the verdict is another milestone to show the important role of the judiciary in deepening the rule of law and democracy.

A statement today, May 9, by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted the President as reminding the political class and their supporters that the main task at hand is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, “where a prosperous, peaceful and stable Osun is guaranteed.”

Buhari called on all citizens and residents of the State, particularly its notable sons and daughters, to give the government of Senator Ademola Adeleke all the support it needs to ensure that programmes, policies, plans and aspirations fashioned to make individuals and businesses flourish succeed.

“Elections should be seen as the path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering. This is the time for inclusion and harmony in the State at the end of litigation.”

President Buhari expressed gratitude to the people of Osun for contributing immensely to the development of the nation, particularly through the State’s rich cultural heritage, the several historic sites and tourist attractions, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The President said that the government will continue to develop the boundless resources in the State of the Living Spring, complementing the roles of the government at the Centre on national development and prosperity.

Future Belongs To those That Have Positive Attitude To Life, Youth Minister Swears

Editorial staff

May 9, 2023

Against the backdrop of the saying that the future belongs to the youth or that youths are the leaders of tomorrow, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has insisted that tomorrow belongs to those who have positive attitude to life itself.

This was even as he called on the governments in Africa to increase the budget for youth development to about 30 per cent, and sustain funding of youth-centric policies and programmes.

Speaking today, May 9, at

the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit in Abuja, the minister emphasized that the future belongs not only to those that decide to have a positive attitude to life, but also to those with understanding that rigour must precede pleasure as well as those who embrace facts in a world of information.

‘‘To those who turn their skills into entrepreneurship: these are the youth that will navigate opportunities better and with an ocean, rather than drops, Africa will be truly unbeatable. “The time for African criticality in our approach to youth development has come.

‘‘We must be Africancentric in the programmes and initiatives we design and implement.

Sunday Dare said however that African Youth have come of age and can no longer be ignored, even as he recalled that this year has been designated the Commonwealth Year of Youth by leaders at the last CHOGM in Kigali, Rwanda.

He highlighted the exploits of the African youth in various spheres of endeavour – from technology, science, AI, robotics, E-commerce, digital marketing, creative arts to entertainment, saying:

‘‘From country to country, from continent to continent, the youth of Africa, wherever they find themselves, are making great impacts and standing up to be counted.’’

Declaring the Summit open, President Muhammadu Buhari said that young people around the world have proven that they have the capability to drive the change process, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of their communities.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the President said that his administration has heavily invested on youth development, createf formidable platforms through which youths can hone their leadership skills.

President Buhari pledged that Nigeria as a member of the Commonwealth would continuously create an enabling environment for young people to blossom and reach their potential.

‘‘I am very optimistic that with the breed of young people gathered here, actionable policy-decisions that will further enhance development and productivity of the youth will be reached for the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth to implement to further better the lots of young people of the Commonwealth.”

On initiatives to support the empowerment of young people, as the theme of the Summit is “Co-creating our common future leadership in the digital age in Africa,” the President said:

‘‘The digital Revolution is clearly upon us with the young ones leading the way in ICT, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, E-Commerce and the likes. Investments building a digital economy must proceed along with investment in the ideas, skills and enterprise of Our Youth.

‘‘In line with the key values of the Commonwealth, Nigeria over the years has invested heavily on youth development, created formidable and reliable platforms such as the Youth Parliament, National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria Youth Congress, amongst others, through which our young people and students can hone their leadership skills and make relevant contribution to the decision-making process especially on issues that border on their development and welfare.

‘‘Nigeria is committed to the actualization of the core values of the Commonwealth and firmly believes in the power of the youth as the driving force, in making a difference in the socio-economic development of their societies.

‘‘It is therefore a welcome development that this Summit has brought together young people from various socio-cultural and political backgrounds to further strengthen youth engagement and their full involvement in decision-making on issues that concern them, particularly in the areas of education, job creation, entrepreneurship, and digital economy.”

Nigeria is currently the headquarters of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) and 21 countries of the Commonwealth in the African Region are attending the four-day summit in Abuja.

President-elect, Tinubu , Rejoices With. Osun Gov, Adeleke, Over Supreme Court Verdict

Editorial staff

May 9, 2023

President-elect for Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Gov, Adeleke, over the Supreme Court verdict affirming him election as Governor of Osun State.

Tinubu advised the governor to now move quickly to unite the state.

In a statement today, May 9 by his spokesperson, Tunde Rahman,, the President-elect

said that with the final court in the land giving its verdict on the Osun governorship tussle, all must respect the judgement.

Asíwájú Tinubu also commended the immediate-past governor of the state, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for discharging himself creditably during his first term and for deepening democracy by pursuing his democratic rights peacefully to the end.

“I congratulate Mr. Ademola Adeleke over his declaration by the Supreme Court as the winner of Osun Governorship election.

“The apex court in the land has spoken and all of us must obey its verdict. It is the right thing to do for democracy and rule of law to continue to thrive in the land.

“I must also commend the immediate-past governor of the state, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for exercising his democratic rights as the constitution allows him to do.

Governor Oyetola discharged himself creditably in office. He lost the office but did not lose his integrity and reputation as the governor who brought efficiency, transparency and accountability to the business of governance.

“Now that the matter of the July 16, 2022 Osun State Governorship Election has been brought to a close, I urge Governor Adeleke to immediately settle down to work and continue from where the former governor left it. He should now move to unite the state. I also urge all the people of Osun to work for peace and progress in the state.”

We’ll Resist Moves To Restrict Medical Doctors From Taking Jobs Outside Nigeria – NMA

Greenbarge Reporters

May 9, 2023

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has vowed to resist moves being made through the House of Representatives to restrict fresh medical doctors from taking jobs outside Nigeria less than six years after qualifying.
In a communique after its 63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) held in Jalingo, Taraba State, NMA practically rejected the House of Representatives’ bill sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson, proposing to make it mandatory for fresh medical graduates to provide services to Nigeria for five years before getting full registration and license to practice or emigrate.
The Communique, signed by the association’s President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah and the Secretary General, Dr. Jide Onyekwelu, said the association would deploy all legitimate means at its disposal to resist any form of enslavement of the Nigerian Medical/Dental practitioners.
“Instead, the National Assembly should put pressure on government to address the ‘Push’ factors propelling brain drain which has led to the mass exodus of doctors and other health workers for greener pastures.
“The AGC/DM also called on the Federal Ministry of Health to jettison the idea of forced bonding of doctors via a policy directive as it is against natural justice, equity and good conscience, and shall be stoutly resisted by the NMA.
The communique called on governments at all levels to urgently address the various cases of violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria by declaring the act as a national emergency requiring robust action.
“The AGC/DM specifically called on the National and State Houses of Assembly to pass protective laws to stop the violence and safeguard the rights of healthcare workers.
“We also directed the management of health institutions to develop appropriate protocols in identifying and handling of potential cases of violence, develop effective communication strategy and promptly report cases of violence to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
“The AGC/DM directed the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) to follow up the case of the gruesome murder of Dr Uyi Iluobe to a logical conclusion.”
The Communique advised all Nigerian doctors and dentists to be conversant with the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8, 2004 laws of Federation of Nigeria and abide by all the ethics guiding the profession.
The communique advised Nigerians, especially medical and dental practitioners, to be conversant with both national and international guidelines for organ donations, harvestings and transplantation, including Assisted Reproduction Technology.
It wanted Nigerians to know that the details of the guidelines also vary from one country to another.
“Furthermore, the AGC/DM implored the Federal Government to protect poor and vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation for organ donation.
“We call on government to establish world-class health facilities in Nigeria and advise our leaders to shun unnecessary medical tourism.”
Source: NAN.

We’re Committed To Digital Job Creation For Youths, NCC Boss, Prof Danbatta Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

May 7, 2023

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has vowed that the Commission is fully committed to the effective and efficient implementation of the Federal Government’s policy direction in repositioning the youth for the digital era job opportunities through a programme tagged, Digital Job Creation for Youths (DJCY).
Professor Danbatta’s position is in line with one of the pillars of the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy ((NDEPS) 2020-2030), which is to further accelerate economic growth in digital literacy and skills.
According to him, over 2,000 Nigerian youths have so far, benefited from this programme from the Six Geopolitical Zones of the country while the ongoing edition has 600 youths being trained.
He said that the DJCY programme is designed to enhance the skills of youths across all the Six (6) Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria through customised training and offer of fully-loaded laptop computers with networking devices, to equip them for the purposes of engaging in different digital entrepreneurship businesses that they may chose.
The NCC Boss said that the beneficiaries of the programme are provided with free accommodation facilities for two weeks, during which resource persons in digital skills, business development and management, are engaged to retool them with their laptops to re-orientate them towards self-discovery, self-development, and self-employment.
“Some of the objectives of the DJCY include to remould youths with other skills with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency to fit into the digital economy as well as strengthen technical and scientific competences among the youths with a view to creating opportunities for self-employment. It is also designed to improve access to ICT-enabled services such as banking, and strengthen the ICT micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector of the economy.
“The DJCY relies on the provisions of NDEPS 2020-2030, which encourage the promotion of Digital Literacy and Skills through “massive training of Nigerians from all walks of life in order to enable them to obtain digital literacy and other digital skills.” Professor Danbatta said that hundreds of the participants in the previous two editions have reported gainful self-employments, using the laptops and Internet connectivity tools provided by the Commission.
“It is gratifying to note that the Commission has, through the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Ibrahim Pantami, received the commendations of the Federal Government for the way and manner it had efficiently and effectively designed and implemented this programme for the benefit of the Nigerian youths.
“The Commission restates its full commitment to this programme as a result of the positive feedbacks from the previous editions and the potentials it has in enhancing the digital opportunities of the Nigerian youth for the benefit of the nation’s digital economy.”

Max Air Plane, With 150 Passengers, Crash-Lands In Abuja; No Casualty

Greenbarge Reporters

May 7, 2023

A Yola/Abuja bound Max air plane, carrying about 150 Passengers, crash-landed today, May 7, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a burst tyre.
The aircraft, Boeing 734 seven series lost one of the rear tyres while taking off from Yola to Abuja.
A staff of the Yola international airport said, on condition of anonymity, that the pilot was notified of the mechanic fault but said he was not alerted in the plane’s cockpit.
Sources said that the afternoon flight on routine commercial services landed safely with the intervention of Abuja motor roaming machines.
“No casualties; it was as a result of the absence of one of the rear tires. “You know the rear tyres are two, and one of the right ttyres got removed while taking off from Yola and landing became a problem. It was heavy because of the passengers on board who were up to one hundred and fifty.
“The pressure was much and the plane couldn’t get balance until an intervention by ground staff.
“No casualties. Thanks to God, the plane landed safely,” the source said.

I Don’t Believe In Marriage – Actress Mellisa Osagie

Greenbarge Reporters

May 7, 2023

Actress Mellisa Osagie has said that she does not believe in the idea of marriage.
“I do not believe in the idea of marriage. I was almost married but I called it off. I believe in the idea of companionship.
‘If one is compatible with one’s partner, one does not need a ring to show that one is committed. It does not validate marriage,” she said, in an interview.
On the issue of older women that desire to have children out of wedlock when marriage is not forthcoming, Actress Osagie said: “Marriage as an institution has to do with bearing kids. Marriage or no marriage, it is very important for one to have a child.
“If not for now, at least for old age; even if it has to be done through surrogacy.”
She recalled some of the sacrifices she had made in relationships, saying: “the sacrifice I have made is giving my time.
“Time is something one can invest and never get returns on. The longest time I have spent in a relationship was four years. There was nothing to learn from that relationship. I just grew past it.”
Source: Punch.

Dino Melaye Picks Woman, From Igala As Running Mate For Kogi Governorship Contest

Editorial staff

May 6, 2023

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kogi State for the November 11 election, Dino Melaye, has picked a woman from Ankpa, the Igala speaking area, Hajiya Habeebat Deen, as his running mate.

The State chapter of the party announced the name of Habeebat Deen at a brief ceremony at the Abuja residence of a former governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris.

The running mate used to be a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly. She hails from Ankpa Local Government Area.

Speaking before the unveiling, Dino Melaye said that the choice was unprecedented by any major political party in the state, adding: “we will continue to do things that are innovative and different.”

Speaking at the event, retired General

Ogbeha congratulated Melaye for quickly and seamlessly nominating a deputy governorship candidate, saying that by the act “he (Melaye) has shown his gender sensitivity.

“It’s a divine choice. He has made a statement beyond Kogi State because it will generate a lot of interests, excitement and goodwill.”

Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was the PDP candidate for the 2023 Kogi Central senatorial election, said that it is natural for Kogi West to produce the next governor of the State while also praising the gender balance of the PDP ticket.

She said that carrying women along in governance would make a lot of difference, even as she promised to mobilise Kogi Central women for the PDP success in the November 11 governorship election.

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