Court Asks INEC, AGF To Show Cause Why CBN Boss, Emefiele Cannot Contest Presidency

May 9, 2022

Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to show cause on why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele should not be allowed to contest the presidential election slated for next year.

This is contrary to report trending in social media to the effect that a Court refused Emefiele’s request to restrain the INEC and the AGF from his presidential ambition. Justice Mohammed has only summoned INEC and AGF to appear in court on May 12, to show cause on why status quo antebellum, should not be granted to the CBN Governor.

The case, instituted to seek clarification about Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act as amended, 2022, which according to the Counsel to the CBN Governor, Mike Ozekhome, does not affect him, being a public servant and not a political appointee, and thus, he could run for the post of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without vacating his position as the CBN Governor. Specifically, the Judge has summoned INEC & AGF to show up in the court on May 12 to explain why Emefiele should not be allowed to run. Emefiele, through the suit, sought seven reliefs from the court, one of which was to declare him qualified to contest for the presidential post.

The reliefs include: “A DECLARATION that the Plaintiff can only be governed by or subject to the provisions of section 137 (1) (g) and 318 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), which require a public officer seeking election into a political office to resign, withdraw or retire from his appointment at least 30 days to the presidential election, rather than by the provisions of section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 or the guidelines, rules, criteria, measures or conditions made by the plaintiffs political party or any political party,” read the court filing.

“A DECLARATION that the Plaintiff can participate in the primary election of a political party and is entitled to vote and be voted for as candidate of any political party of his choice for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for the election to the office of President or any other office under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Having heard the Plaintiff, the court directed the Defendants, including INEC and AGF, to come to court on Thursday, 12th May, 2022, to show why the order for maintenance of status quo ante bellum should not be granted. The Court also ordered the Plaintiff to deliver all processes to the Defendants, including a hearing notice.

Petroleum Minister Joins Presidential Market

Greenbarge Reporters

May 9, 2022

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Tmipre Sylvia has joined the market of presidential aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2023 elections.

From Left to Right in the above picture: Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District at the National Assembly Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva, Chairman Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Denis Otiotio and leader of The Good People of Nigeria group, after the procurement and presentation of APC presidential nomination form to him, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, today, May 9.

Another Virus, Monkeypox, Discovered In U.K, Linked To Nigeria

Editorial staff

May 9, 2022

Another virus known as monkeypox, has been discovered in the United Kingdom by that country’s. Health Authorities. The officials said that monkeypox is a virus passed from infected animals such as rodents to humans, in someone with a recent travel history to Nigeria where they are believed to have caught it.

The Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

It said that the virus can be spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person and can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth.

The UKHSA said that monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people and is usually a mild “self-limiting illness” and most people recover within a few weeks, adding tha severe illness can occur in some cases.

“It is important to emphasise that monkeypox does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the general public is very low,” Dr. Colin Brown, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at the UKHSA, said on Saturday.

“We are working with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) to contact the individuals who have had close contact with the case prior to confirmation of their infection, to assess them as necessary and provide advice. UKHSA and the NHS have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.”

The patient is being treated in a specialist isolation unit at St. Thomas Hospital by expert clinical staff with strict infection prevention procedures, added Dr. Nicholas Price, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital.

As a precautionary measure, UKHSA experts said they are working closely with England’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) and will be contacting people who might have been in close contact with the individual to provide information and health advice.

This includes contacting a number of passengers who travelled in close proximity to the patient on the same flight to the U.K.

The UKHSA said people without symptoms are not considered infectious but, as a precaution, those who have been in close proximity of the infected passenger are being contacted to ensure that if they do become unwell they can be treated quickly.

The first-ever recorded occurrence of the monkeypox virus in the U.K. was in 2018, and since then a handful of cases have been confirmed by health authorities.

We’re No Longer Going To Withdraw Flight Services – Nigeria’s Airline Operators

Editorial staff

May 9, 2022

Domestic airline operators, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have called off their planned suspension of flights which is billed to commence tomorrow, May 9.

A statement by the President of AON, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina and endorsed by other members said that they have succumbed to the appeal by stakeholders and the federal government for them not to withdraw their services.

”The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.

“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”

Gombe Governor Allegedly Hunting For Journalists Considered As Enemies Of The State

Editorial staff

May 8, 2022

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is said to be hunting for journalists who are considered to be enemies of his government.

Information has it that no fewer than three journalists have either been arrested, harassed or intimidated over trumped-up charges of libel and defamation, after publishing what clearly were investigative stories.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is also said to be trailing some journalists who are believed to have gone underground to avoid his persecution.

It was gathered that the Publisher of Daylight Reporter, Dahiru Hassan Kera, has been declared ‘persona non grata’ in Gombe and has since fled the State.

Kera, who has not stepped his foot into the state for several months now, has also gone into hiding, after receiving Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s open threat to ‘deal’ with him, a family member said.

The publisher’s persecution started after his online newspaper published a syndicated report on Gombe’s huge debt profile, under Inuwa Yahaya’s administration.

Other media platforms like The Peoples Gazette, Premium Times and Sahara Reporters equally published statements by various groups, condemning the ‘ballooning’ debt profile.

In a phone chat, Kera described the Governor’s resolve to hound him as ‘political persecution since he did not bother to go after any of the other newspapers.

“Aside from the harmless publication of the debt profile story carried by my newspaper, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is not comfortable with my decision to contest for a seat in the Gombe State House of Assembly, at next year’s elections,” he said.

According to Kera, while two former Governors and five eminent politicians both in Gombe and other parts of the country made attempts to placate Governor Inuwa Yahaya, he disregarded their interventions by sticking to his gun.

“It was because of the Governor I could not visit my elder brother at a Gombe Hospital when he was bedridden while battling a terminal ailment, prior to his death on April 21, 2022.

“And not only that, I still could also not attend his funeral the next day he was buried, as I did not know the trap Governor Inuwa Yahaya may have set for me if I dare visit the State,” he added.

Another journalist in the State that ‘got more than he bargained for’ in the hands of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a reporter with the Voice of America, VOA, working in Gombe.

In a short recorded telephone conversion audio between the Governor and the VOA reporter, a visibly angry Inuwa Yahaya threatened to ‘deal’ with the VOA staff, over a story the reporter did, which the Governor did not find palatable.

Elaborating on the incident, Abdulwahab Muhammad, the reporter in question, however said that the Governor did not make good his threat.

He said: “During Governor Yahaya’s first 100 days in office, I interviewed him, and took him up on what informed his decision to retrench over 4,000 youths whom his immediate-predecessor in office, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, recruited into the Gombe State private security network.

“But the Governor, while responding said that those recruited got the job in order to assist in furthering former Governor Dankwambo’s political agenda ahead of the 2019 polls. According to him, those recruited could have joined the Police or Army if they were interested in uniform work.

“So, in balancing the story, I also interviewed the Gombe State PDP PRO, who not only criticised the Governor’s action but went further to describe his first 100 days as ‘Black Days’ for the State. It was not long after my report was out that the Governor, perhaps having come across it, called and started saying all sort of things.”

Sani Labaran, a social media influencer, had recalled the ‘gruesome’ brutality he also suffered in the hands of two thugs and Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s official driver, last September.

According to the social media influencer, the persecution meted on him by thugs allegedly ‘working’ for the Gombe State Government may not be unconnected to the fact that he has made a series of posts on social media, criticising some anti-masses policies of the Governor.

Labaran, said: “Around September last year, I was at a mechanic stand to fix my car, when three persons who rode in a jeep having a Gombe Government House plate number, invaded the mechanic shop.

“They instantly descended on me, kicking, slapping and brutalising me with sticks and other hard objects they were wielding. They smashed and inflicted deep cuts on my head, in the process.

“I would later be detained on the orders of the State Government for 11 days, before regaining freedom, eventually. The cruelty and horrible torture I received at the Police station where I was detained, made it difficult for me to walk, and urinate easily, after my release. A surgery even had to be performed on me.”

Several attempts to reach any top official of the Gombe State Government were unsuccessful.

Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director General, Press Affairs at the Gombe State Government, did not answer multiple calls to his phone line.

He also did not respond to a WhatsApp message forwarded to him, at press time.

Source: PRNigeria.

Presidency: I’m Not Interested – INEC Boss, Prof. Yakubu

Editorial staff

May 8, 2022

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu has washed his hands off the presidential ambition attributed to him in the current justle by politicians to get.

In a statement today, May 8, Professor Yakubu described the news going round about his intention to contest the 2023 presidency as “a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.”

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urges him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.

“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles.

“The chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or ill-will against, any political party or candidate.”

Versity Closure: Ngige Blames ASUU For Not Taking Advantage Of His Open-Door Policy

Editorial staff

May 7, 2022

Minister of Labour and employment, Chris Ngigi

The minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has blamed the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for not taking advantage of his open door policy, even as he fixed next week for the resumption of negotiations with a view to ending the prolonged closure of Nigerian public universities.

The minister, who spoke at a meeting with the striking National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) said that the multiple industrial disputes in the education sector could have been averted if the unions in the sector had taken advantage of his open door policy like the health unions.

According to him, the open door had culminated in the peace currently enjoyed in the health sector.

The minister decried the rivalry between the two education unions, saying that everybody is important in the university system.

He gave assurance that the government is tackling all the disputes in education sector holistically, knowing fully well that none of the unions could function effectively without the other.

“If you are from any union, you don’t need to book appointment to see me. The doctors started using that advantage, JOHESU also did the same.

“That is why the Health Sector is quiet. But the education unions don’t take advantage of my open door policy.

“We don’t have to cry over spilt milk. Let us look at your issues to see the ones we can handle immediately, the ones we can do in the medium term and the ones we can do in the long term.

“There are certain ones that are over and above me that are not in my hands to do.

“My job is to prepare an agreement after conciliation on what you have agreed with your employers, the Federal Ministry of Education, put timelines and monitor them, to see whether the results will be there,” he said.

He added that, as a conciliator, he managed the unions in measured steps.

“That is why I want to take all of you holistically and I ask for your cooperation. When I finish with you today, I will continue with ASUU next week.

“I have met NASU and SSANU yesterday and they were happy. I want you people to be happy as we leave here.”

Ngige said that what is causing the rumpus in the industrial milieu is economic, bordering on money and welfare, including old arrears and 2009 renegotiation of Conditions of Service.

“I believe that we should talk frankly to ourselves, knowing fully well that the economy is not good and that you should have money that can take you home.

“With an open mind, we will arrive at something. Once we arrive at something, it will be done.”

He said that the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement would not be immediate because the education ministry had put in place a committee to handle it.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejo remphasised that all the issues in dispute are basically economic, in the sense that everybody wants improved conditions of service.

Adejo said that while government agreed that workers should enjoy better conditions of service, constant industrial actions were worsening the situation.

“In 2000 when this agreement was signed, N400,000 was equivalent to 3000 dollars. Today, that N400,000 is less than 400 dollars. Because of this consistent trend, we are reducing productivity in the economy,” he said.

Ngige added that, the things that would help us to generate more money to meet these demands had been taken away.

He called for the speedy resolution of the disputes to enable the children to return to school.

Also, NAAT President, Ibeji Nwokoma, said that ordinarily, they would not have gone on strike, but they were compelled to do so because the education ministry didn’t help matters in the issue.

He said they embarked on strike as a last resort to draw government attention to their plight.

Source: NAN.

Presidency: I Have Not Decided Yet, CBN Gov. Emefiele Tells Supporters

Greenbarge Reporters

May 7, 2022

Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has rejected the presidential nomination form allegedly bought for him by a group of farmers to contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2023.
Emefiele, who took to his verified Twitter handle today, May 7, said that he had not yet decided to run for the presidential contest.
He thanked the farmers for considering him worthy and that when it is time for him to declare, he would do so in compliance with extant laws and with his personal money.
“I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct.”
Reports that Emefiele joined the race for Nigeria’s presidency had sparked reactions with many calling for his immediate sack by President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that his action was in gross violation of CBN Act, the Public Service Act and the constitution, all of which require the CBN Governor not to be politically exposed.

My Concern Is Well-being Of Nigerians, Not Nnamdi Kanu Issue, Buhari Tells Igbo Leaders

Editorial staff

May 6, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has again frowned at the agitation by Igbo leaders and Southeast stakeholders for the release of the leader of a proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Responding to appeals by traditional, religious and political leaders in the region for the release of the detained leader of the outlawed IPOB, when he visited Ebonyi State during the week, the President said: “I have listened carefully to the various appeals from the elders to the traditional leaders regarding a wide range of options, and as I have said previously, this matter remains in the full purview of the courts where it will be properly adjudicated.

‘‘My worry is for our hardworking and innocent civilians, for whom life is already tough and would like to earn a decent and honest living.

‘‘There are many that fit this profile and the government owes them that obligation to protect lives and property.”

The President expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, reiterating his directive to security agencies to ‘‘flush out’’ those perpetrating violence in the land.

‘‘I will once again repeat, no one has the right to carry an AK-47, and anyone seen in any part of the country doing so and is not a law enforcement officer is a threat to our peaceful coexistence and should be treated as such.”

President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government would deploy its strength to protect innocent and hardworking Nigerians from terrorists and those causing break down of law and order in the South East region.

‘‘I must register my deep and grave concern with regards to the deteriorating state of security affairs in this region.

‘‘In the last 48 hours, I have been informed of the latest in the round of brutal actions carried out by gun-wielding terrorists, who prey on innocent and hardworking citizens, unfortunately, these barbaric acts were visited upon those who have committed their lives to protect their fellow citizens.”

The President paid tribute to members of the Nigerian armed forces who recently lost their lives in the region.

This was even as Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi called on the Southern leaders to work towards finding a political solution in resolving some challenging issues, warning that the region is at ‘‘crossroads.’’

“On this issue of a political solution, I have never believed in IPOB’s method of operation, I disagree with them but we have gotten ourselves to a very terrible and pitiable solution.

‘‘Some of us warned that we will get to this situation and some were playing politics with it.

“Mr. President, we are at crossroads. I have been to you and I have begged you for a political solution. Surprisingly and graciously you granted that. You said our people should initiate that and at the forefront is Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer.”

The Governor advised the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo to meet with elder statesman, Mbazuluike Amaechi, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South East, the Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and few others to initiate the political solution.

The Governor said that he believed strongly in the demand for the presidency to be zoned to the South East region on the basis of fairness, equity, justice and morality.

Governor Umahi, who is also a presidential aspirant, commended some leaders from outside the region for expressing their support for the next president of Nigeria to emerge from the South East.

The Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers, Eze Charles Mkpuma and CAN Chairman, South East, Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, also spoke in favour of President of Nigeria of South East extraction come 2023.

The leaders while expressing support for a united Nigeria, appealed to the President to grant pardon and release the IPOB leader, urging other agitators to cease all forms of hostilities.

Atiku In Laughing Match With Bode George In Lagos

Greenbarge Reporters

May 6, 2022

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar in what looks like a laughing match with a chieftain of the PDP, Chief Bode George at a meeting of Atiku with the Lagos PDP leaders and delegates in Lagos today, May 6, 2022.

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