Abia Governor-Elect, Otti, Asks His People Not To Panic Over Kangaroo Judgment Sacking Him

May 19, 2023

The governor-elect for Abia State, has asked the people in the State not to panic over his purported sack in what he called “kangaroo judgement” by a Federal High Court in Kano.
Otti who spoke with Vanguard in Abia, while reacting to the judgment earlier today, May 19, said that arrangements for his swearing- in on May 29 were on full gear as planned.
He said that the antics of the enemies of democracy cannot truncate the will of Abians.
A Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice M N Yunusa, had reportedly nullified the candidature of Otti and all the candidates of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia and Kano States.
The court ruled that their emergence was not in compliance with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Court, in Suit No FHC/KN/CS/107/2023 filed by Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim against the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ruled that the failure of the Labour Party to submit its membership register to the INEC within 30 days before their primaries renders the process invalid.
“The party that has not complied with the provisions of the electoral act cannot be said to have a candidate in an election and cannot be declared winner of an election; this being so, the votes credited to the 1st defendant is a wasted vote.”
This was even as a human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, said that no court can nullify the candidacy of a person duly elected into office on the ground that he was not validly nominated.
“No court can nullify the candidacy of a person duly elected on the ground that he was not validly nominated, after election.
“Once an election has been conducted, the issue of nomination pending in any court becomes academic and any order arising therefrom will be in vain.
“Should you fail to successfully challenge the nomination of a candidate before the conducted of election, it becomes “otilo”, otiose and academic after the conduct of the election.
“In fact, save for qualification issues, you cannot raise it at the Tribunal.On Wednesday, the Labour Party had accused a “breakaway group” of the party led by acting National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa of approaching a court in Kano State to seek the nullification of the party’s recent electoral victories.
The LP’s acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, who raised the alarm in a statement, said: “the Labour Party has been informed of an illegal attempt by a breakaway group in the party, led by Lamidi Apapa to misguide a Kano state High court to invalidate all the elections won by the Labour Party in the just concluded general election.”
The party spokesman alleged that “the suspended National Legal Adviser and a key member of the disgraced Apapa group, Samuel Akingbade Oyelekan, on Wednesday while the Presidential Appeal Tribunal was sitting in Abuja with all attentions focused on it, clandestinely sneaked out of Abuja to Kano state where he in collaboration with some members of the other political parties asked the court to invalidate all the elections won by the Labour Party, particularly, the national assembly in the 36 states and FCT on the ground that we didn’t submit register of voters to INEC.”
According to him, Akingbade, who presented himself as representing the Labour Party, did not oppose the motion, thus forcing the helpless judge to reserve judgement for Thursday, (yesterday).
Ifoh went asked the judiciary and all law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to note that Akingbade and loyalists of Apapa’s had ceased to represent the party.

BREAKING NEWS: Court Sacks Abia Governor-Elect, Alex Otti, Questions His Candidature

Greenbarge Reporters

May 19, 2023

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice M . N Yunusa has sacked the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti and all the candidates of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia and Kano States.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the decision of the court to sack the Governor-elect and nullified his candidature of the LP was based on the fact that his emergence as candidate did not follow the provision of the 2022 electoral Act.
The judgment was delivered in the early hours of today, May 19.
The Court in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/107/2023 filed by Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim against the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ruled that the failure of the Labour Party to submit its membership register to the INEC within 30 days before their primaries renders the process invalid.
“The party that has not complied with the provisions of the electoral act cannot be said to have candidate in an election and cannot be declared winner of an election; this being so, the votes credited to the 1st defendant is a wasted vote,” the Judge ruled.

Source: partly DAILY POST.

Buhari Offers Automatic Jobs To 65 Ex Corps Members At NYSC 50Th Anniversary

Greenbarge Reporters

May 19, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Highlighting the achievements of the scheme since its establishment 50 years ago, at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award at the State House Conference Centre, today, May 18, the President said that out of the 65 recipients, 52 individuals received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically challenged ex-Corps Members, recognized under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.
In addition to the employment, President Buhari also disclosed that both groups would be awarded scholarships to pursue their education up to the Doctorate Degree level at any university of their choice within the country.
He announced a cash prize of N250,000 for each of the top award winners, and N200,000 for other award recipients, including the physically challenged ex-Corps members under the NYSC’s Hope Alive Programme.
The President issued a directive to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education to ensure adherence to the employment offer and the granting of scholarships.
President Buhari used the occasion to pay tribute to Corps Members from the batches being honoured, who lost their lives under various circumstances while serving the nation.
‘‘But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees. May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines. The Nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity.”
The President sympathized with the ex-Corps Members that sustained varying degrees of disability during the service year, acknowledging their significant sacrifices for the progress of the country and assuring them that the nation stands in solidarity with them.
‘‘Your labour shall not be in vain.”
The President congratulated the founding fathers, past and present managers of the NYSC on the Scheme’s Golden Jubilee, commending their enduring faith, which has maintained NYSC as a vital platform for mobilizing the youth towards national unity and development.
President Buhari praised all Nigerians who have answered the call for National Service in the past fifty years for their patriotic zeal and commitment to the NYSC mandate.
He stressed that it has justified the purpose for its establishment as an interventionist agency, with a core mandate to foster national unity across the country, thereby breaking down ethnic suspicions and divisions.
‘‘The multiplicity of marriages contracted over the years by Corps Members, cutting across the boundaries of ethnicity and religion in no small measure, justifies my assertion.”
President Buhari expressed his deep appreciation to General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, the founding father of the Scheme, who conceived the idea of the Corps and brought it to fruition on May 22, 1973.
‘‘The NYSC has continued to afford successive batches of Corps Members as the veritable platform to make meaningful contributions, in the various spheres of our national life.”
The President commended the Corps Members for their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by producing and distributing essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and providing food and other relief materials to the needy people across the country.
He also applauded their discipline and neutrality when serving as ad hoc personnel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including during the 2023 General Elections, which contributed to enhancing the credibility of the electoral system.
President Buhari acknowledged the Corps Members’ contributions to the successful implementation of Social Intervention Programme,s such as N-Power and the School Feeding program through beneficiary enumeration.
‘‘I hasten to state without equivocation that with the quality of youths such as these, the future of this country, which rests upon their shoulders, is guaranteed. I give kudos to my dear diligent, patriotic and virile youths. You have done very well; and the Nation is very proud of you.
‘‘The success story of the fifty-year-old noble Scheme will be incomplete without conspicuous mention of your outstanding contributions.”
President Buhari recognized the crucial role of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program in diversifying the national economy towards a more production-oriented model, even as he assured of the government continue support for youth initiatives.
He highlighted the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with a budget of N75 billion, as an example of empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting youth-related activities and fostering a better Nigeria.
The President commended the NYSC Management for its efforts in revenue generation and encouraged them to sustain their commitment.
He also appreciated the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers implemented by the NYSC and recognized the support of the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, who donated a well-equipped ambulance for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinic.
President Buhari called on individuals and corporate bodies to emulate this gesture to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially in rural communities.
On the ongoing discussions on the need to reinvent the NYSC through the establishment of a Trust Fund, President Buhari said he has been ‘‘briefed adequately’’ on the matter and commended the Management for the initiative.
He pledged his support for any genuine effort aimed at assisting the Scheme in achieving its time-tested objectives.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, while commending the former corps members chosen for the Presidential Honour, said their sacrifices and commendable contributions, reflect the positive values they embodied during their service year.
“By distinguishing yourselves among hundreds of thousands of Corps members, you embody the nation’s pride and serve as a source of inspiration for other young people in Nigeria. Your strong sense of discipline, selflessness, dedication to work, exceptional community service, innovation, and leadership qualities enhance our hope for the country’s future. I am confident that this Award will motivate you to render even greater service to our homeland.
“To the current Corps Members and other young individuals, it is my sincere hope that you will emulate these awardees by embracing higher ideals of patriotism. In everything you do, always prioritize Nigeria and let it manifest through sacrifice and dedicated service to our beloved nation,” he said.
Sunday Dare listed the N75 billion NYIF, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), and the National Young Farmers’ Scheme (NYFS) as enduring legacies of the Buhari administration’s deep commitment to the well-being and development of Nigerian youth.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development has actively pursued initiatives such as Digital Skills Acquisition, Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (DEEL), as well as the Work Experience Programme (WEP), among others, for the benefit of our youth.
According to the Minister, the progress achieved through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program of NYSC is being consolidated by the current management.
He advised corps members and other young people to participate in these programs, which will enable them to become self-employed and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

Respect Our Cultures, Traditional Institutions, Buhari Tells UK, Sri Lanka Diplomats

Editorial staff

May 18, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, Richard Hugh Montgomery, to always uphold the noble standards of diplomacy, like his predecessors, by respecting the traditional institutions in Nigeria.

The President, who received Letters of Credence from the United Kingdom High Commissioner, and his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Velupillai Kananathan, said that relations with both countries will be further consolidated, with their consideration for local culture, traditional rulers, and institutions.

“I like the way our traditional rulers and institutions are being respected, in spite of the changing times, education, and rising materialism.

“There is a lot to learn from our culture, and the traditional institutions are the custodians, and they should be respected by all,’’ President Buhari told Ambassador Montgomery and Ambassador Kananathan, in separate meetings.

The President told the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom that the diplomatic relations, spanning many years, had been sustained on mutual respect for cultures, assuring that all courtesies will be extended to him to make his stay in Nigeria memorable.

President Buhari said the cultural exchange, through education and training, with Britain had been on for many years, recalling that he had military training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in England, from 1962 to 1963, and Mechanical Transport Officer’s Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom, 1964.

The President told the British diplomat that a good understanding of cultural differences, and respect for institutions paved the way for most of the successes of the United Kingdom, noting that previous diplomats had established relations with the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Shehu of Borno, and Emir of Ilorin, the ancient gateway to the North.

“In one of my meetings with King Charles III, he asked me an interesting question if I had a house in England, and I replied that I don’t have a house, not an inch, anywhere outside Nigeria,” he said.

The President told the Sri Lankan diplomat that the participation of women in politics and governance in Nigeria had steadily increased over the years while referring to the first female Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

“Recently, we got close to having the first female governor in Nigeria,’’ he added.

In his remarks, Montgomery said the United Kingdom had always held Nigeria and its cultural institutions in high esteem, while relating the best wishes of King Charles III, as Nigeria prepares for the handover ceremony on May 29th.

The High Commissioner noted that the monarchy had been an integral part of the British system, and it had remained a major attraction and source of honour.

“We have had a long, productive dialogue over security, economic partnership, home affairs, and other issues,’’ he said.

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka told the President that the country continues to share its skills and experience with the Nigerian military in tackling insurgency.

Kananathan assured that he will consolidate the efforts of his predecessor, by strengthening relations on energy projects, which had already started in East Africa.

Tinubu To Be Conferred With Highest National Honour As President

Editorial staff

May 18, 2023

The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be Conferred With the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) next Thursday, May 25.

The highest national honour is given to only the number one citizen of the country, which President, shortly before taking over the mantle of leadership.

A programme of events leading to, and the inauguration of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, released by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said that Shettima will also receive the next highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) the same day.

The programme shows that there will be valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at the Council Chamber of the State House.

It said that a public lecture and Jum’at prayers will be conducted on Friday, May 26, whereas on Saturday, 27, the former President of Kenya, Uhuru M. Kenyatta will deliver an inauguration lecture on the topic: Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja.

Just before the inauguration and dinner/gala night on May 29, there will be inter-denominational church service on May 28 at the National Christian Center (NCC) in Abuja.

Court Throws Seun Kuti Behind Bars Over Alleged Assault On Police Officer

Editorial staff

May 18, 2023

A Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has remanded Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti for additional four days for allegedly slapping a police officer.

Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatubosun gave the ruling after listening to an application by Simon Lough (SAN).

The ruling means that Seun will remain in police custody till May 22.

Lough told the judge earlier that the extension is to allow further investigation into the case.

Seun is charged with assaulting a police officer.

He allegedly committed the offence on May 13 on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State.

The police charged him with slapping an inspector after driving dangerously on the bridge and deliberately blocking a moving police vehicle.

Source: NAN.

Bountiful “Agbado” Season Is Here With Us, By Fredrick Nwabufo

Editorial staff

May 18, 2023

The time is ripe; the hour is nigh, when a new government takes the saddle — the government of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It comes bearing good tidings and a message of Renewed Hope. It comes on the wings of the stork betokening blue skies, luscious green and a clam of the deep.

What an auspicious time. What a profitable season. Agbado is here, and Agbado is here. Yes, it is the season of one of Nigeria’s staples – corn. It is also the season for a New Nigeria.

What is it about ‘’Agbado’’ that is taking over the faddism?

When President-elect Tinubu said Nigerians would not have to import food because ‘’Agbado’’, cassava, ‘’Ewa’’, and ‘’Garri’’ are produced locally, I believe he did not expect his candid and brilliant intervention on food sufficiency for Nigeria to be the fodder for uppity memes.

To everyday Nigerians ‘’Agbado’’ is a staple food which they live on, but to the stuck-up class, ‘’Agbado’’ is not sexy; they would rather like to have conversations on pizza, burger, lasagne, and all other synthetic foreign junk.

In a country where people struggle to feed, it is a show of synoptic ignorance to mock Agbado, cassava, ewa and dodo. These are Nigerian staples. In policymaking, addressing hunger is pivotal. Governments have fallen over scarcity and high cost of bread. Foodology is at the nucleus of existence.

Over the years, Nigerian governments have designed different policies to ensure food security for the country. In fact, agriculture has been a centrepiece of Nigeria’s policy thrust since the 1960s. The country’s agriculture blueprint includes policies foregrounded in surplus extraction and export adaptation in 1963; the National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAAP) in 1972 by the General Yakubu Gowon-led government; Operation Feed the Nation in 1976 by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s government; a Green Revolution in 1980 by the Shehu Shagari administration; Goodluck Jonathan’s Growth Enhancement Scheme which revolutionised Nigeria’s agriculture value chains under the then Minister of Agriculture Akinwumi Adesina; and President Muhammadu Buhari’s more recent follow-up on rice production as a centrepiece of economic growth.

Agriculture provides employment for 35 percent of Nigeria’s population, according to the World Bank, and it is a principal contributor to the local economy. Nigeria is blessed with about 70.8m hectares of agricultural land, but the country is yet to actualise its full potential in agriculture. So, it makes sense that a presidential candidate is speaking on Nigeria’s food security with some gravitas.

Any government which fails to plan on agriculture and food security will have a crisis in its hands.

Nigeria’s maize production was at its highest since 1960 in 2021, according to US Department of Agriculture. The rise was due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s halting of forex for maize importation. Maize is a cash crop. A raw material for lots of our products. In processed form, it is consumed as pap, cornflakes, custard, etc. And about 60 percent of Agbado produced in the country is used for poultry feed.

Agbado is considered as the most consumed staple food in Nigeria. According to Babbangona (an NGO which specialises in agriculture), an IITA Nigeria Food Consumption and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2003 showed that Agbado is the most consumed staple food in households about 20%, followed by cassava – 16.5%, rice – 11.9%, and cowpea grain – 11.8%.

Also, it said agriculture contributed 22.35 percent of total GDP between January and March 2021, increasing nearly one percentage point over the same period in 2020. Agbado alone accounts for 5.88 percent of Nigeria’s agricultural GDP.

Nigeria is the largest producer of Agbado in Africa — with over 33 million tons, followed by South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. So, why would anyone mock this elixir of the masses? Mocking Agbado or anyone speaking on its pride of place is tantamount to mocking millions of Nigeria who live on the staple food.

Beyond being a favourite snack, ‘’Agbado’’ has morphed into some sort of political identity. Post a photo of yourself snacking on roast corn on social media, and you will be summarily sentenced as a supporter of Tinubu. Supporters and admirers of Jagaban are now identified by what they choose to snack on. If you share a photo of yourself masticating Agbado, then you must be a Tinubu boy. It is a good badge to wear. We must embrace it. I am not too shy to say I have corn in my back pocket. By the way, Agbado is a healthy snack – and nutritious too.

Coincidentally, Agbado is the symbol of one of the parties (ANPP) which merged with the ACN, the CPC to form the APC. So, it is all in order.

Identifying with ‘’Agbado’’ is nothing to be mortified about. Agbado rings a bell for the masses. It is relatable. It represents food on their table and escape from the quotidian realm of hunger.

We must talk about feeding the nation. We must talk Agbado.

A new beginning for Nigeria is in the wings. I hear the joys of expectations from fellow citizens; I see the longing and desire for change. Our earnest prayers and wishes for a peaceful and progressive Nigeria will not be undone.

It is a bountiful season of Agbado. And may the land flourish.

God bless Nigeria.

By Fredrick Nwabufo, Nwabufo is a media executive.

Buhari Rewards Youth Corps Member, Celebrating NYSC At 50

Greenbarge Reporters

May 18, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari, handing over an insignia of honour as a reward for an outstanding participant while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the presidential villa, Abuja, today, May 18, 2023.

President Buhari in group photography with the NYSC members and officials.

Tinubu Must Be Sworn-In On May 29 Whether Anybody Likes It Or Not – Sultan Of Sokoto

Greenbarge Reporters

May 18, 2023

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has made it clear that whether anybody likes it or not, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn-In on May 29 as President of Nigeria.
He insisted that nothing can stop the inauguration.
The Sultan, who spoke yesterday, May 17, at a roundtable engagement with traditional and religious rulers which was organized by the World Bank in Abuja said: “there must be change because in the next few days or weeks there will be a new government; what can we contribute to that government to stabilize?
“Whether anybody likes it, it must take place. A new government is coming on May 29, so what can we do besides prayers, because we believe in the Almighty. We believe in God that gives and takes.
“After that so what? What do we do to help the government stabilize and move the country forward?”
He advised Nigerians to be united and work towards ensuring equity and justice
Source: Daily Post.

Inflation: You Got Your Facts Wrong, Presidency Tells Guardian Newspaper

Greenbarge Reporters

May 16, 2023

The presidency has expressed worry that the Guardian newspaper has always been at its best when it comes to twisting politically sensitive facts, especially about President Muhammadu Buhari, to suit its preconceived notions.
A statement today, May 16, by a presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu said that in one of its highest fallacies, “the paper, this morning, is tying the rise of inflation to its 17-year high to the person of the President, Muhammadu Buhari who leaves office in exactly two weeks from this day.”
Garba Shehu said that anybody “who promotes this kind of thinking is telling the whole world that they either don’t know what is happening all over the world or they are not paying attention to the facts.”
According to him, the stubbornly high inflation is a world-wide problem and that no nation is immune to it since the global economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Inflation was boosted everywhere by the COVID-19 lockdowns with severe impact on national economies due to the dislocation of manufacturing and supply chains.
“This is what led to fewer goods and the rises in prices of those goods reaching the market.
“Considering that Nigeria relies heavily on imports for essential products like petroleum, cooking oils, fertilizers, crop chemicals, and others, international price fluctuations significantly impact local prices.
“The government, unless it chooses to disregard the principles of free trade, has limited maneuverability in this regard.
“France, which enjoyed a stable average inflationary regime of 4.1 percent from 1960-2022 is today reporting price increases of up to 1,080.36%.
“At 10.1 percent, UK inflation is at a 41-year high. Ghana’s inflation rate had hit a two – decades high of 54.1 percent before a recent decrease.
“Turkey’s rate is 45 percent, Pakistan has also reported an alarming high inflation rate comparable to countries with similar profiles.
“The war in Ukraine meant a rocketing in foodstuff prices leading to fear of famine in many countries, never mind inflation!
“While Nigeria’s reported inflation rate of 22 percent is undoubtedly high and worrisome, it would be incorrect to suggest that the Buhari administration is not making efforts to address the volatile global cost of living crisis.
“President Buhari has consistently prioritized efforts to control inflation and continues to do so.”

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