| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Website Link/Page Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, 27th February 2020 | Thugs attack Kwara APC Chair and others | Thugs on Tuesday, February 25, attacked the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of the APC Kwara State Executive Committee in Shao, Moro Local Government Area of the State. The attack was said to have taken place when the Committee members visited the town to thank the members of the party for their support during the last general elections and to seek more support for the Abdulrazaq administration. It was learnt that during the attack, a bus belonging to the APC that conveyed the party chiefs was smashed by the thugs. It was further learnt that the development might not be unconnected with the crisis that began within the party shortly after it won the 2019 general elections in the State. One of the factions within the party is said to be loyal to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. However, a group said to be loyal to the Governor under the aegis of AA Support Group invaded the venue of the meeting, preventing the party Chairman and members of his team from holding the meeting. The State Vice Chairman of the party, Sunday Oyebiyi, described the attack as “unfortunate”, stating that it could lead to the disintegration of the party in the State. Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrazaq has condemned the attack. | Kwara State, APC | https://punchng.com/thugs-attack-kwara-apc-chair-as-crisis-deepens/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, 27th February 2020 | Court nullifies impeachment of ex-Kogi Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba | The impeachment of the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, has been declared null and void by a State High Court in Lokoja. Achuba was in October 2019 impeached by the State House of Assembly. However, Justice John Olorunfemi on Wednesday, February 26 faulted Achuba’s removal from office, describing it as a violation of the Constitution. The judge, while delivering the judgment, also stated that the nomination of Edward Onoja as the Deputy Governor did not follow due process. | Kogi State, Simon Achuba | https://punchng.com/breaking-court-nullifies-impeachment-of-ex-kogi-deputy-gov-simon-achuba/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 27th February 2020 | PDP hails Supreme Court verdict on Bayelsa poll | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the February 26 verdict of the Supreme Court on Bayelsa Governorship election. The party gave the commendation in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja. Ologbondiyan, however, noted that the elements and grounds for PDP's demand and those of majority of Nigerians for the reversal of Imo State Governorship election judgment were completely different from those of the Bayelsa State governorship election judgment. He stated that PDP’s demand on Imo was not in any way in the contestation of the authority and finality of the Supreme Court; it was rather a patriotic effort to assist the Supreme Court to affirm its infallibility by correcting the inherent mistakes in the judgment, which came as a result of the misleading presentation by the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated thus: “It is, therefore, instructive to note that the various election matters before the Supreme Court were brought on clearly distinctive grounds and each should be treated on its merit before the law”. He added that the grounds for the reversal of Imo judgment were unambiguous, constitutional and completely distinct from APC’s demands on the Bayelsa and Zamfara elections. The party, therefore, urged the Supreme Court not to "succumb to the threats and blackmail to push it or restrain itself from looking at the merit of the Imo case; correcting the mistakes and reversing the flawed judgment”. | Bayelsa State, PDP, Supreme Court | https://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-hails-supreme-court-verdict-on-bayelsa-poll/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, 27th February 2020 | Court okays Lagos Assembly probe of Ambode | A Lagos State High Court has dismissed a suit by former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, seeking an injunction to restrain the State House of Assembly from probing him over the purchase of 820 buses. The judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to stop the lawmakers from going ahead with the probe. Ambode instituted the suit against the State House of Assembly, its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the Clerk of the House, Mr A. Sanni. | Lagos State House of Assembly, Akinwunmi Ambode | https://guardian.ng/news/court-okays-lagos-assembly-probe-of-ambode/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 24th February 2020 | APC alleges plot to swap forged Deputy Governor’s NYSC Certificate | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged a plot by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to swap his (Ewhrudjakpo's) allegedly forged National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificates. He had presented the said forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for his Senate and deputy governorship elections. This is coming less that a week after the APC approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its judgment on the Bayelsa governorship election. APC in a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, disclosed that the party had already obtained the certified true copies of the allegedly forged NYSC certificates in anticipation of the plot. Warning the leadership and officials of INEC and NYSC not to allow themselves to be used to swap the alleged forged certificate, APC also urged them not to succumb to pressure from the PDP and its agents. The party stated that members of the public were already aware of the forgery case and decision of APC national leadership to continue to pursue all legal avenues to contest INEC’s decision to declare Diri as governor “having failed to meet the mandatory constitutional requirement to clinch the position”. In reaction to the allegation, Ewhrudjakpo described allegations that he forged his NYSC exemption certificate as baseless. Speaking through his counsel, Clement Bibisa Kekemeka in Abuja, the Deputy Governo admitted to an error in his NYSC Exemption Certificate but laid the blame on the Corps authority, who he said, misspelt his surname. Governor Diri also absolved Ewhrudjakpo of any case of forgery related to his NYSC discharge certificate. | APC, Bayelsa State, NYSC Certificate | https://guardian.ng/news/apc-alleges-plot-to-swap-forged-deputy-governors-nysc-certificate/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 24th February 2020 | Worry over presidency, APC silence on alleged Monguno, Kyari rift | Nigerians have expressed worry over the President Muhammadu Buhari's continued silence on the allegation by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-General Babagana Monguno (rtd), that Abba Kyari has illegally taken over the official responsibilities of President Muhammadu Buhari. Citizens were astonished by the startling revelation of the alleged role being played for Buhari by Kyari, who is the President’s Chief of Staff. The report published in an online news platform on Monday, Februyary 17, exposed the 'bad blood' within the Presidency. In a leaked memo purportedly written by Monguno, he accused Kyari of undue interference on matters bordering national security, among other allegations. Curiously, there has been no official communication and the Presidency has not commented over the matter. Neither of the presidential spokesmen, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, could be reached to comment on the matter. Also, other cabinet members have refrained from voicing their opinion over the saga. Meanwhile, some Nigerians who have been following developments in the villa, have blamed some of the administration’s missteps on Buhari’s seeming lukewarm disposition to governance. | Mungono, Kyari, Presidency | https://guardian.ng/news/worry-over-presidency-apc-silence-on-alleged-monguno-kyari-rift/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 24th February 2020 | Abacha loot: PDP urges National Assembly to probe Presidency | The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Assembly to save the nation by undertaking a forensic probe of the Buhari Presidency, following fresh reports of alleged plots by the Presidency to pillage the looted funds being repatriated by the United States. The party made this known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan. The Statement described the Buhari’s administration as “living a lie; parading as saints with a false anti-corruption posturing, whereas it has been swimming in a huge ocean of corruption and massive treasury looting”. The party also stated that the Presidency’s failure to give a direct response to the issues raised by the US Department of State only validated the “widely held position that the administration is not only irredeemably corrupt but also serves as a haven for corrupt individuals”. PDP added that its call was “predicated on the stinking reports by the US Department of State that the President Buhari-led government plots to funnel the repatriated money to certain individuals connected to the Presidency, including a particular State Governor allegedly involved in the initial looting of the money. The party also referred to a report which stated that the Buhari-led Government has been blocking attempts to recover part of the looted funds traced to Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum, who was reportedly indicted by the US for allegedly aiding in transferring billions of dollars out of the country during the military era, stating that it speaks volumes of the corruption and concealments going on in the Buhari Presidency. Part of the statement read thus: “From the report, it is clear that the Buhari Presidency has further smeared itself, and no longer commands the trust and confidence of stakeholders within and outside the country in its fight against corruption". | PDP, Presidency | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/abacha-loot-pdp-urges-national-assembly-to-probe-presidency.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 24th February 2020 | Edo, Ondo governorship: INEC warns Parties against fielding ineligible candidates | Ahead of the September 19 and October 10 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States respectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned the registered political parties against fielding ineligible candidates for the elections. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who gave the warning on Friday, February 21 in Abuja at the 2020 first regular meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), urged the parties to avoid rancourous primaries. Yakubu also stated that the Commission will display the personal particulars, including academic qualifications of all the candidates nominated by the parties for the Edo and Ondo elections. According to Yakubu, this will afford the citizens the opportunity to scrutinise the particulars of the candidates and take legal actions against those who present false information to the Commission. The INEC boss stated that this will help to check the new trend of courts determining the outcome of elections as observed in recent times. | INEC, Political Parties | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/edo-ondo-govship-inec-warns-parties-against-fielding-ineligible-candidates.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 24th February 2020 | Senate to Consider Bill to Create State Police | Following the rising wave of security challenges facing the country, a member of the National Assembly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West), has resolved to sponsor a bill for the creation of State police as one of the ways of addressing the security issues across the country. Ekweremadu, who is a former Deputy Senate President, as well as three-time Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee (2007-2019), also faulted the idea of community policing currently being canvassed by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to further alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police and other related matters (2020)” has been slated for First Reading at Tuesday’s (February 25) plenary of the Senate. The Bill seeks to establish the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commission for the states. Furthermore, the Bill is seeking to create a State police to maintain law and order at the State level. The Federal police, on the other hand, will be responsible for the maintenance of public security, preservation of public order and security of persons and property throughout the Federation, and also provide State policing for any State that is unable to operate a State police, until such a time it is able to establish one. Other provisions of the Bill, which seeks to address fears of possible abuse, especially by Governors, include a proposal for the appointment of the Commissioner of Police of a State by the Governor only on the advice of the National Police Service Commission and subject to confirmation of the House of Assembly. The lawmaker who spoke on the Bill, stated the failure of the current police arrangement was responsible for the formation of the South-west security outfit, Amotekun, and other security structures like Neighbourhood Watches/Vigilantes as states tried to find a way to fulfill the primary purpose of government, which is the security of lives and property. He described community policing as a distraction, saying that is not what Nigeria needs to tackle insecurity. On the issue of funding, the senator reiterated that it would not be compulsory for every state, but for those that could afford it. | Senate, State Police | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/24/senate-to-consider-bill-to-create-state-police/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 24th February 2020 | Deregistration of Political Parties: HDP files | Following the expiration of 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to rescind the deregistration of some of the political parties in the country, the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) is seeking a contempt of court order against the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu. The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Sanni Usman, stated that this was in connection to the INEC Chairman's disobedience to subsisting enrolled judgement order of perpetual injunction against the Commission, to his full knowledge under the hand and seal of Justice Afa Ademola of the Federal High Court on October 20, 2014 in a case between the party, INEC and the National Assembly. HDP accused INEC of deregistering political parties after using them to hike and waste over N240 billion tax payer funds, which was used for the 2019 general elections. HDP has also accused Prof. Yakubu of registering over 40 political parties by himself in less than two years in office, as a ploy to inflate election funding for the Commission. The party further alleged that despite the deregistration of political parties, INEC is planning to register another 100 political parties. | HDP, INEC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/24/deregistration-of-political-parties-hdp-files-contempt-charge-against-inec-chairman/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 21st February 2020 | APC returns to Supreme Court, seeks reversal of judgment on Bayelsa | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has returned to the Supreme Court asking the court to reverse its judgment disqualifying David Lyon, its candidate in the 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State. The party’s application was filed on Thursday, February 20 by its team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. The APC also wants the Supreme Court to set aside the interpretation in its judgment of February 13, and its subsequent execution by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They are also contending that court misinterpreted the November 12, 2019 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which it affirmed. The party argued that the Supreme Court acted without jurisdiction and denied it fair hearing when it proceeded to disqualify its governorship candidate. It further prayed the Supreme Court to set aside the portion of the judgment where it ordered INEC to declare as winner of the governorship election, the candidates with the highest number of lawful votes. The APC also argued that it was wrong for the Supreme Court to have voided its candidates’ participation in the election, when, the judgment by the Federal High Court, disqualifying its deputy governorship candidate, was stayed as at when the election was conducted. | APC, David Lyon | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-returns-to-supreme-court-seeks-reversal-of-judgment-on-bayelsa.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Friday, 21st February 2020 | Supreme Court stained my Integrity, says Senator Degi-Eremienyo | The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last November governorship election in Bayelsa State, Senator Biobarakuma Degi, on Thursday, February 20, stated that the Supreme Court judgment that nullified their joint ticket stained his integrity. Justice Ejembi Ekwo who read the judgment of the Supreme Court had declared Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, who was running mate to the APC candidate, David Lyon to have presented forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Degi-Eremienyo while speaking to journalists in Abuja on his travails, stated that the allegations against him were not proven. He stated thus: “The aim of this press conference is to defend my reputation which the Justices of the Supreme Court, whether consciously or unconsciously, subjected to scurrilous scandal, assault and unfair imputation. The judgment of the Supreme Court that I was not qualified to contest as the deputy governorship candidate of APC and my attendant disqualification adversely affected the governorship candidate of the APC with the result that our hard-earned victory, not just for ourselves, but our party and the majority of the good people of Baylesa State who have entrusted us with the mandate to democratically govern them, is threatened". Senator Degi who further claimed that he was denied fair hearing by the court added that, “The seeming discrepancies in my name, which I have adequately explained by an affidavit was not impeached by any evidence that the names were misspelled by the issuing authorities. The issuing authorities who are accessible by my accusers were not called to impeach my assertion in the affidavit explaining away these errors I stated which were not illegal". | Biobarakuma Degi, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/21/supreme-court-stained-my-integrity-says-senator-degi-eremienyo/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Friday, 21st February 2020 | Lagos Assembly backs Amotekun, set for Public Hearing | The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, 20th February backed the South-West Security Outfit, code-named Amotekun, and has fixed a public hearing for Monday, February 24, 2020. Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, subsequently committed the Bill to the House Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy for a public hearing. The House was acting in response to a letter from the State’s Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo on the amendment of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Law. The Majority Leader of the House, Sanai Agunbiade stated that the Bill would incorporate the concept of a more dynamic and more strengthened security platform than what currently obtains in Lagos State. Agunbiade elaborating on Amotekun Corps, added that, “It will have a commander and Amotekun Corps would bear harms with the permission of the police. They will co-operate with other security platforms in Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun States”. | Lagos State House of Assembly, Amotekun | https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-assembly-backs-amotekun-set-for-public-hearing-monday/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Friday, 21st February 2020 | House Seeks more Justices for Supreme Court | The House of Representatives has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to appoint more justices to the Supreme Court. The House made the call at plenary on Thursday, Febraury 20 following the adoption of a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Mr. Onofiok Luke. Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to appoint more justices to the Supreme Court, in order to accelerate the determination of cases and dispensation of justice”. The appointment of Supreme Court justices is an exclusive preserve of the President, who makes the appointment based on recommendations by the NJC and subject to confirmation by the Senate. Although the Supreme Court is supposed to comprise not more than 21 justices, there are only 13 justices in the court, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Muhammad. Moving the motion, Luke stated that the Supreme Court needed more justices for efficient and timely disposal of cases. Luke cited Section 230(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as prescribing the maximum number of the justices of the Supreme Court to be 21, while the court in its history has not had a full complement of the prescribed 21 number of justices. | House of Representative, Supreme Court Justices | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/21/house-seeks-more-justices-for-supreme-court/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 21st February 2020 | Forgery: Court orders DSS to investigate Bayelsa Deputy Govenor | An Abuja Area Court has ordered the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate a case of forgery filed against the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Ewhrudjakpo of the PDP was sworn in as Deputy Governor of the State when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pronounced Douye Diri as the elected Governor of the State following the Supreme Court judgment disqualifying the former Governor-elect, David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Before his swearing-in, Ewhrudjakpo, who was in the Senate representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, was charged to court on allegation of presenting a forged NYSC Exemption Certificate with code No: 139708 dated Feb. 2, 1998, on his nomination form to INEC. The plaintiff in the suit, Benjamin Youdiowei, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State alleged that Ewhrudjakpo was still in possession of the document which he continued to use as part of his credentials. At the hearing of the case, the court was told by Seidu Jibrin, counsel for the plaintiff, that the matter was fixed for the report of the police investigation as it was referred to the Wuye Police Station for further investigation on the last adjourned date. He alleged that the case file was moved from Wuye Police Station to the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters by some people who, he described as thought they were above the law. Delivering the ruling, the judge, Abubakar Sadiq held that the procedure was that, “if by any reason, Wuye Police Station is not capable to investigate the matter, they should have reported back to the court, so that the court can order another unit of the police to investigate the matter. We hereby terminate the order of investigation given to the police in respect of this matter and order the DSS to investigate it", adding that the DSS could take the matter to any court of their choice after the investigations. | Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, DSS | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/forgery-court-orders-dss-to-investigate-bayelsa-deputy-gov.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th February 2020 | No Democracy without Media, says Gbajabiamila | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday, February 19 stated that the current democracy being enjoyed by Nigerians was the outcome of the sacrifice and struggle by the Nigerian media without which, it would have been impossible to have democracy in the country. The Speaker who spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of the of the Green Chamber Magazine and official lapel pin of the House of Representatives, paid glowing tributes to the media for their sacrifice in being the current democracy to bear. The Speaker stated thus: “The country has long benefited from the work of dedicated media professionals; men and women possessed of incredible talent and abundant courage, who risked life and limb to tells stories that exposed malfeasance and abuse and held the powerful to account. I can say with absolute confidence, that this our democratic settlement could never have been achieved without the noble daring of the press. Those unsung heroes who understood the power of the written word and wielded it in passionate denunciation of the tyranny that sought to consume us all. I am now, as I always have been, a passionate believer in the value of a free and unfettered press. I am also, an unrepentant advocate of quality and honest journalism. Today, there are others, who have themselves discovered the power of the word to inform and enlighten, to motivate and inspire, and have continued in that noble tradition of holding the powerful to account". | House of Representatives, Media | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/20/no-democracy-without-media-says-gbajabiamila/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th February 2020 | Kwankwaso asks Supreme Court to review Kano Governorship Case | A former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has asked the Supreme Court to review the State governorship case. In its judgment in January 2020, the court had upheld the victory of the State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the State, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, had asked the court to annul Ganduje’s victory but lost from the tribunal up to the Supreme Court. Kwankwaso, who is the PDP leader in Kano, led some members of the party from the State to the national secretariat of the main opposition party, asking the leadership of the PDP to support the call for a review of Kano governorship election. Media aide to Yusuf, Mr. Ibrahim Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on February 19. According to him, Kwankwaso appealed to the National Working Committee of PDP to facilitate the process of the Supreme Court’s review on the Kano election case. He lamented that Kano people were “robbed of their mandate through voter disenfranchisement and manipulation of judicial processes”. Responding, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Suleiman Nazif, stated that the party has taken Kano as the major support base in northern Nigeria and will do everything within the confines of law to protect the its interests in the State. | Kano State, Kwankwaso, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/20/no-democracy-without-media-says-gbajabiamila/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 20th February 2020 | Insecurity: Buhari will not resign — FG | According to the minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, President Muhammadu Buhari will not resign over the security challenges in the country. Mohammed stated this in Abuja on Thursday, February 19 while addressing journalists. The minister was reacting to calls, from various quarters, for Buhari’s resignation over the rising insecurity in the country. According to the minister, "He has the overwhelming mandate of Nigerians to preside over the affairs of the country till the expiration of his tenure in May 2023”. Recall that the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, recently, asked President Buhari to resign because of the rising insecurity in the country. The minister also flayed some religious leaders for making “reckless” statements on national issues. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to sanitising the social media space. | President Buhari, Insecurity | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/insecurity-buhari-will-not-resign-fg.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 20th February 2020 | Why I resigned as Bayelsa Speaker — Obolo | Monday Bobou-Obolo has explained that he resigned as the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly on February 19 in line with the power sharing formula in the State. Obolo, who is representing Southern Ijaw Constituency ll, is from Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, same as the new governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was sworn in on February 14. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 19 out of the 24 members of the Assembly. The other members are of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obolo was elected Speaker of the State Assembly in September 2019 following the crisis that ousted the then Speaker, Mr Tonye Isenah. Addressing the house during an emergency sitting on February 19, Obolo stated that he resigned to allow another Senatorial District produce the Speaker to balance the power sharing formula in the State. Following this, the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, has been elected the new Speaker. | Bayelsa State House of Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-i-resigned-as-bayelsa-speaker-obolo.html |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, 20th February 2020 | Senate introduces Bill to create Rehabilitation Agency for repentant Boko Haram Terrorists | The Senate on Thursday, February 20 started the process of establishing an agency that would fully reintegrate repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the Nigerian society. The bill to establish the agency passed first reading at plenary. The proposed agency, according to the proposed legislation, would provide education for insurgents. It would also rehabilitate, de-radicalise and integrate the repentant insurgents in the country. The Bill is titled, ‘National Agency for the Education, Rehabilitation, De-radicalisation and Integration of Repentant Insurgents in Nigeria’. It was sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Yobe East Senatorial District, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam. | Boko Haram, Rehabilitattion, Senate | https://punchng.com/senate-plans-agency-for-repentant-boko-haram-terrorists-rehabilitation/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th February 2020 | CJN reconstitutes panel for Zamfara application, adjourns hearing | The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad has reconstituted a new five-member panel to hear the application filed by members of the APC in Zamfara State, challenging the Supreme Court’s judgement. The panel members are the CJN Muhammad, Justices Olukayode Ariwoola, Adamu Galinje, Inyang Okoro, and Uwani Abba-Aji. He also adjourned hearing of the matter to March 2, noting that the court’s records show that services of the court processes have not been effected on the 141st to 178th respondents to the matter. These respondnets are members of the faction believed to be loyal to Senator Kabiru Marafa. The Zamfara application, dated November 27, 2019, was brought by the APC faction loyal to former governor Abdulaziz Yari through their counsel, seeking a review of the consequential order of the apex court which on March 24, 2019 nullified the election of candidates of the party over failure to conduct a proper primary. | Supreme Court, Zamfara, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-cjn-reconstitutes-five-member-panel-for-zamfara-application.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th February 2020 | Supreme Court adjourns Ihedioha’s Application | The Supreme Court has adjourned hearing of the application filed by the former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha , seeking a review of the judgement of the court which nullified his election. The court adjourned hearing to March 2 . Counsel to Ihedioha and PDP, Kanu Agabi (SAN) asked for an adjournment to enable the parties conclude on the processes that are being filed and served. Counsel to Uzodinma and APC, Damian Dodo (SAN) did not oppose the application. | Supreme Court, Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/just-in-supreme-court-adjourns-ihediohas-application.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th February 2020 | Crack in Buhari’s team as NSA accuses Kyari of sabotage | The National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno has alleged that undue interference by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, on matters of national security has slowed down meaningful gains that Buhari had sought to achieve. In a leaked memo to the service chiefs, which was published on Monday, February 17 by an online platform, Premium Times, Monguno directed them (service chiefs) to desist from taking further directives from Kyari. According to Monguno, in the memo, Kyari’s directives to service chiefs were sometimes issued without the knowledge or approval of the President, a practice he described as adding to the government’s failure to contain insecurity. According to the Monguno, “Such acts and continued meddlesomeness by chief of staff have not only ruptured our security and defence efforts, but have slowed down any meaningful gain that Mr. President has sought to achieve”. Monguno further stated that the office of the Chief of Staff was “like a clearinghouse in the villa” that was responsible for any meeting with the President, including with the service chiefs. According to a former director in the Presidency, hierarchically, the chief of staff was the head of all political appointees of the President and somewhat higher in rank to the NSA but added that it was ‘not clear’ if he has the power to either call for or preside over a meeting with the security chiefs without the permission of the President. | NSA, Monguno, Abba Kyari | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/crack-in-buharis-team-as-nsa-accuses-kyari-of-sabotage.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th February 2020 | INEC declines Comments as Parties rejoice over Court Ruling on De-registration | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that it will not comment on the February 17 court ruling that barred the Commission from de-registering 31 of the 74 de-registered political parties. Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, told journalists that the Commission would not comment on the court ruling. However, relishing the euphoria of a Federal High Court ruling which restrained INEC, from delisting them, the political parties earlier de-registered by the INEC, have dedicated the victory to late human rights activists, Chief Gani Fawehinmi. The parties, at a press conference on Monday, February 17 in Abuja, shortly after the court ruling, also vowed to give the late legal luminary a posthumous award for laying the very solid foundation which enable them to win the court case instituted against the electoral umpire for wrongful de-registration. | INEC, Deregistration, Political Parties | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-declines-comments-as-parties-rejoice-over-court-ruling-on-de-registration.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th February 2020 | Nigerians in Diaspora cannot vote until we amend the Constitution – Gbajabiamila | Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has stated that constitutional amendment is required before Nigerians in diaspora can be allowed to vote. He stated this at the Diaspora Voting Stakeholders' Workshop in Abuja. According to him, millions of Nigerians, who reside outside the country, had as much a stake in the present and future of Nigeria as those who lived in the country. He stated thus:“Nigerians abroad use their resources to develop businesses and support family members here at home; they invest in their communities and support national development, so it is not strange that they are seeking to participate in the electoral process. But, before allowing diaspora voting, there is a need to plan well by first understanding the nuances, intricacies and the hurdles in front, before considering diaspora voting if Nigeria will get it right". Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who was represented by Dr Mohammed Lecky, National Commissioner of INEC, stated that the Commission was ready for diaspora voting. Yakubu, however, added that legislative backing remained a challenge. | Diaspora Voting | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigerians-in-diaspora-cant-vote-until-we-amend-the-constitution-gbajabiamila.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th February 2020 | Imo governorship: Uzodinma asks Supreme Court to dismiss Ihedioha’s Appeal | Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss an application filed by former governor of the State, Emeka Ihedioha, challenging the January 14 judgment which removed him from office. Ihedioha and PDP had in an application dated February 5, 2020, and brought through his counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), asked the apex court to set aside its judgement, contending that the court erred in arriving at its decision to nullify the March 9, 2019 election and declare Uzodinma winner of the election after he presented excluded results from 388 polling units. In a preliminary objection by his counsel, Damian Dodo (SAN), Uzodinma is contending that having ruled on the matter, the Supreme Court has become functus officio “and divested of jurisdiction over the same matter”. He further stated that the application “constitutes an invitation to the Supreme Court to sit on appeal over its final decision”. He added that the application “constitutes an abuse of court process” and “is against public policy”. He also stated that the appIication being a proceeding relating to or arising from election of a governor is barred by effluxion of time. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Civil Societies has called for a new panel to sit on the application by Ihedioha challenging the Supreme Court’s judgment. In a statement made on Sunday, February 16 and signed by Igho Akeregha, Livinus Ibiang and Ugochuckwu Hanks-Ezekiel Esq, the alliance asked the apex court to give clarity to Nigerians “as to what happened to the votes of the PDP and other parties in the 388 units tendered by the APC and its candidate”. | Supreme Court, Hope Uzodinma | ttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/imo-govship-uzodinma-asks-s-court-to-dismiss-ihediohas-appeal.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th February 2020 | Apex Court ruling: Sylva calls for calm in Bayelsa | Despite the Supreme Court judgement which upturned the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has urged the party supporters and people of the State to shun all acts of violence and lawlessness. Sylva, a former governor of the State and a chieftain of the APC, in a statement he signed, also apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, who were billed to attend Chief David Lyon’s inauguration before the Supreme Court judgement that voided the party’s victory. He stated that the leadership of the APC and its legal team were exploring every lawful option to ensure that the party’s victory was reclaimed. He added that, “In view of last Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement, I want to use this moment to call on all the people of our dear State, Bayelsa, to kindly shun all acts of violence and lawlessness. We should all remain faithful to and have confidence in, the wisdom and ability of the party leadership to provide direction at this very sensitive time. Once again, I call on all people of Bayelsa State irrespective of whatever differences there may be to eschew violence and respect the security measures put in place by appropriate authorities". | Timipre Sylva, Bayelsa, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apex-court-ruling-sylva-calls-for-calm-in-bayelsa.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th February 2020 | Senator Douye Diri sworn-in as Bayelsa governor | Senator Douye Diri has been sworn-in as the fifth democratically elected governor of Bayelsa State, alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo at a ceremony inside the Government House in Yenagoa. The swearing in ceremony was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri. The swearing in of Senator Diri followed the February 13 judgement of the Supreme Court, which sacked the former governor-elect, Chief David Lyon. The ceremony was attended by governors of Oyo and Bauchi States, Seyi Makinde and Bala Muhammad respectively, while some members of the National Assembly within and outside the State also attended the ceremony. In his inaugural speech, Governor Douye Diri described his ascension to power as the handwork of God, urging members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to be magnanimous in victory. Meanwhile the Police imposed a dusk to dawn curfew from 14th to 16th February in Bayelsa State, over the violent protest that erupted the State capital and other parts of the State over the Supreme Court's Judgement which ousted Lyon and declared Diri as the governor-elect of the State. | Swearing in, Senator Duoye Diri, Bayelsa State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senator-douye-diri-sworn-in-as-bayelsa-governor.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th February 2020 | APC demands fresh poll in Bayelsa | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded that a fresh governorship election be conducted in Bayelsa State. Speaking with journalists on Sunday, 16th February 2020 in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena, stated that the commendation of the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the Bayelsa governorship had exposed the opposition party as a fraudulent and two-faced party. The APC chieftain, who urged Nigerians to be wary of some politicians majorly in the opposition PDP, demanded that the rule of law must be adhered to in the case of the Bayelsa governorship. | APC, Bayelsa State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-demands-fresh-poll-in-bayelsa.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th February 2020 | Lawmakers insist Buhari sacks Service Chiefs | The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) of the House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack the heads of the nation’s security agencies as part of measures to curtail the rising insecurity in the country. This was contained in the communique of forum at the end of its 2020 annual retreat in Owerri, Imo State following the official inauguration of the YPF of the 9th National Assembly by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan. The retreat among others focused on constitutional review, electoral reforms, shrinking civic space and the Petroleum Industry Bill; as well as other issues of critical national importance. | Young Parliamentarians Forum, Service Chiefs | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lawmakers-insist-buhari-sacks-service-chiefs.html |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 17th February 2020 | Senate pledges Commitment to end Terrorism | Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on Sunday, 16th February 2020 restated the determination of the ninth National Assembly to find lasting solutions to the terrorism and insecurity in the country in collaboration with the executive arm of government. Lawan stated this in Malumfashi, Katsina State, at the constituency empowerment programme sponsored by representative of Funtua Senatorial District, Bello Mandiya. In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, Lawan commiserated with the people of Katsina State over the recent attacks by bandits. According to Lawan, “I assure you that we will continue to work with President Muhammadu Buhari till we something to find lasting solutions to the insecurity in our country. We will also ensure that government provides infrastructure across the country that will make life meaningful for all Nigerians”. | Senate, Ahmad Lawan | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-pledges-commitment-to-end-terrorism/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 14th February 2020 | Tension in Bayelsa as APC Supporters protest Supreme Court judgement | There is imminent chaos in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, as some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have started protesting over the judgement of the Supreme Court that nullified the election Chief David Lyon as governor-elect of the State. Several supporters of the party who gathered at the State Secretariat of APC on Friday, February 14 are expressing their displeasure over the judgement. Security personnel are being drafted to the scenes to forestall possible breakdown of law. | Bayelsa State, APC, PDP, Supreme Court | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tension-in-bayelsa-as-apc-supporters-protest-supreme-court-judgement.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 14th February 2020 | Imo Lawmakers endorse Supreme Court’s Judgement, say ‘Ihedioha didn’t win Poll’ | Members of the Imo State House of Assembly have stated that former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, was wrongly declared as the governor of the State as he did not meet the constitutional requirements to be so declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawmakers therefore asked the Commission to sanction the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Returning Officer for deceiving the Commission into announcing a wrong result. The lawmakers at a plenary on Thursday, February 13 threw their weight behind the Supreme Court Judgement which ousted Emeka Ihedioha and enthroned Senator Hope Uzodinma as Governor of the State. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, stated that in a motion raised by Hon. Kennedy Ibe, member representing Obowo State Constituency House passed a vote of confidence in the Supreme Court ruling, noting that with the Supreme Court ruling, of January 14, 2020, all issues surrounding the Imo governorship election of March 9, 2019, have been settled with Uzodinma as the legitimate governor of the State. According to the statement, the motion, which was supported by over 20 members pointed that Imo people are happy with the Supreme Court judgement that sacked Ihedioha and called for a stop of the incessant protests by elements who do not want the progress of the State. It further stated that Ibe moved that the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Returning Officer who returned Ihedioha as Governor be sanctioned for announcing him winner when they knew that Ihedioha did not meet the constitutional requirements. When the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, put the motion to vote, it received overwhelming support and was passed. | Imo State House of Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/imo-lawmakers-endorse-supreme-courts-judgement-say-ihedioha-didnt-win-poll.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Friday, 14th February 2020 | Oshiomhole: Supreme Court Judgement on Bayelsa lacks Fruit of Justice | The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the Supreme Court judgement on the Bayelsa election lacks the fruit of justice. A five man panel of the apex court presided by Justice Mary Peter-Odili had nullified the election of Mr. David Lyon as Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, barely 24 hours to his inauguration. The apex court sacked Lyon on the grounds that his deputy, Senator biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, presented false information to INEC in aid of his qualification for the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State. The apex court in the judgment delivered by Justice Ejembi Eko consequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo. Reacting to the judgement, Oshiomhole stated, “This judgement lacks the fruit of Justice. When justice is sacrificed on the altar of technicalities, it constitute a great danger”. | Bayelsa State, APC, Supreme Court | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/13/oshiomhole-supreme-court-judgement-on-bayelsa-lacks-fruit-of-justice/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Friday, 14th February 2020 | Benue Assembly gets New Deputy Speaker | The Benue State House of Assembly has sworn in a member representing Ohimini State Constituency, Chris Adaji, as its Deputy Speaker. Adaji of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) was returned elected in the January 25 supplementary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He defeated his opponent, Musa Alechenu of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), who dragged him to court to contest his victory at the 2019 elections. Recall that the Appeal Court in Makurdi had on November 7, 2019, nullified the election of Adaji, and ordered a fresh election in the affected polling units of the local government area. Adaji was the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly before his election was nullified. | Benue State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/14/benue-assembly-gets-new-deputy-speaker/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Friday, 14th February 2020 | South-West Governors, IG of Police meet, Adopt Amotekun | The Governors of the South-West States, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu and State Police Commissioners in the region, met behind closed doors in Lagos to forge a consensus on the regional security outfit, Amotekun, being promoted by the six States in the geopolitical zone. The meeting, which held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, followed the plans by the Governors to domesticate the operations of the South-West security initiative, code-named ‘Operation Amotekun’, in their various States. At the end of the meeting, the police rallied behind the governors to ensure the take-off of Amotekun. The governors’ meeting with the police top chiefs, which was hosted by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was attended by Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, heads of other security outfits in the six South-west States, Attorneys-general and Commissioners for justice, traditional rulers and community development committee representatives. | Amotekun, South West | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/14/finally-south-west-governors-ig-meet-adopt-amotekun/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Friday, 14th February 2020 | We’ll revisit Diaspora Voting, Reps reply Buhari | The House of Representatives has stated its readiness to re-open a Bill introduced in the 8th National Assembly seeking to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in Nigerian elections. The House stated that since the President, Muhammadu Buhari, had expressed his support for diaspora voting, the Bill would be revisited. Buhari had on Tuesday, February 11 stated that he was not against Nigerians in diaspora voting during elections. He noted that the National Assembly was required to pass relevant laws to give legal backing to diaspora voting. The President had made the statement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a meeting with the executive committee members of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, February 13, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, noted that issues concerning Nigerians in the diaspora was a concern to most leaders in Nigeria. According to him, “The participation of (those in) the diaspora in our economic growth is huge. The amount of remittances from the diaspora to Nigeria has given us a lot of assistance in increasing the Gross Domestic Products of the country. So, to care for them and to look into what is their interest should be a priority". | Diaspora Voting, House of Represntatives | https://punchng.com/well-revisit-diaspora-voting-reps-reply-buhari/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Sacked Oyo Council Chairmen return to Negotiation Table | The warring parties in the crisis rocking the local council administration in Oyo State have gone back to the negotiation table, with a view to exploring out-of-court settlement for peace to reign in the State. This development came few hours after the initial meeting hit the rock and the parties accused each other of non-commitment.They reached the compromise to return to the negotiation table when they appeared before Justice Mashud Abass of an Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, on Wednesday, February 12. Justice Abass has, however, adjourned the case to Friday, February 21, 2020, for the parties to return to court and give reports on the out-court-settlement.The judge, who lauded the parties for considering the option of amicable resolution of the matter, urged them to exercise maturity while discussing the option of amicable settlement. He also implored the parties to allow compromise so that they could reach amicable resolutions. The court stated that the report that would be given by the parties on the next day of adjournment would determine whether the out-of-court settlement would work or they would have to go the whole hog of litigation, adding that judgment would be given according to the law, and in line with judicial precedents. | Oyo State, Local council Administration | https://guardian.ng/politics/sacked-oyo-council-chairmen-return-to-negotiation-table/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Senate to consider 2014 Confab Reports in Constitution Review | The Senate on Wednesday, February 12 stated that it will consider the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference in its constitution review process. It had earlier constituted a 56-man Steering and Constitution Review Committee, headed by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege. Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Omo-Agege stated that it would also consider the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led committee on restructuring, in carrying out the constitution review assignment. According to him, “We will also consider the need for devolution of power, full Local Government fiscal autonomy, full autonomy of the judiciary in the area of administration of justice, youth inclusiveness in governance, gender parity or affirmative action”. He added that the committee will also consider inputs from stakeholders and different interest groups across the country. Omo-Agege underscored that the need for constitutional reforms has become necessary because of numerous challenges facing the country. He also stated that the committee would embark on far-reaching consultations with Nigerians across the six geo-political zones to aggregate their positions on current issues that require legislative action by way of constitutional reforms. | Constitution Review Committee, Senate | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senate-to-consider-2014-confab-reports-in-constitution-review.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Supreme Court Protest: PDP, APC supporters clash in Imo | An uproar was averted in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as a clash between youths loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was quelled before it degenerated. PDP youths under the aegis of Concerned Imo Citizens had mobilised for another protest against the January 14, 2020 Supreme Court judgement which ousted Emeka Ihedioha and declared Sen. Hope Uzodinma as the governor. But their APC counterparts had mobilised to counter the protest. The APC youths set up bonfire with tyres to prevent the protesters from coming out of the Ugwu Ekwema Hall where they had assembled along Egbu road. However, the APC youths were chased away by the protesters, who continued their action. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the convener of the Concerned Imo Citizens, Kingsley Onwubiko, stated that the Supreme Court judgement which declared Uzodinma as the governor had not only destabilised the State but brought agony to people. He insisted that the people would continue to protest until the justices of the apex court set aside what be described as a great injustice to the people of the State. | Imo State, PDP, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/s-court-protest-pdp-apc-supporters-clash-in-imo.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Marafa’s APC faction tackles Yari over Persecution Claim | A faction of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, loyal to former Senator Kabiru Marafa has berated a former governor of the State, AbdulAziz Yari and members of his camp over their claim that members of the All Progressives (APC) are being victimised by Governor Bello Matawalle. It will be recalled that Yari and some members of the party had on Tuesday, February 11 visited the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole in Abuja, where they accused Matawalle of persecuting their members. But in reaction to Yari’s faction claims, Chairman of the Marafa-led faction of the APC, Surajo Garba Maikatako, in a statement described the claims as being aimed at causing confusion in the State. He, however, called on the Chief Bisi Akande-led reconciliatory committee of the APC to find the root cause of the crisis in the party in Zamfara State. The statement also read thus: “The fact is, APC remains divided. Our faction is back to court, challenging the outcome of the party congresses conducted in 2018 and Yari’s faction cannot win election in Zamfara State today”. | Zamfara State, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/marafas-apc-faction-tackles-yari-over-persecution-claim.html |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Ondo APC Faction rejects Akande, Akinyelure Peace Committee | A faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has rejected the Chairman of the newly-inaugurated APC National Reconciliation Committee, Chief Bisi Akande. The factional leaders, under the aegis of APC Unity Forum, after a meeting in Akure on Wednesday, February 12 alleged that Akande, who is the former Governor of Osun State and the first interim Chairman of the party, was working against their interest. The meeting was held in the house of former Deputy Governor and Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Alhaji Ali Olanusi. The meeting decried the replacement of the Senate President with Akande as the Chairman of the party’s reconciliation committee and passed vote of no confidence on the former Osun State governor as Chairman of the committee. The leaders stated that it was earlier agreed that the State party executive should be dissolved but the governor, through some of their leaders, blocked the dissolution that was jointly agreed on in the presence of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The aggrieved leaders, who also passed a vote of no confidence on the just-concluded APC primary elections for the upcoming local council chairmanship election, urged the national leadership of the party to do justice first in Ondo APC “instead of searching for peace,” warning that “this is because if justice is done, peace will naturally return, as peace without justice is like a peace of the grave yard”. | Ondo State, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/ondo-apc-faction-rejects-akande-akinyelure-peace-committee/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, 13th February 2020 | Edo Government condemns Violence, says Bomb Explosion, others plot to destabilise State | The Edo State Government on Wednesday, February 12, faulted claims that Governor Godwin Obaseki was behind the political violence that resulted in the bombing of residences of perceived political opponents within the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, who spoke with journalists in Benin City, stated that violence in the State, was a confirmation that persons with a history of violence had joined the APC. Ohonbamu added that the State remained peaceful and warned all political actors perpetrating violence to desist from doing so to allow peace reign in Edo. However, a former Deputy Governor of the State, Pius Odubu, frowned on the rising insecurity in Edo State occasioned by the political crisis in the State chapter of APC. Reacting to the bomb explosion at the residence of APC Secretary, Lawrence Okah and other party leaders, Odubu described the incident as undermining State security. According to him, “The recent bomb attacks and other forms of violence against members of the APC in Edo State represents a brutal affront on the security of life and property. | Edo State, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/edo-government-condemns-violence-says-bomb-explosion-others-plot-to-destabilise-state/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | 18 Parties back INEC’s de-registration of 74 Parties, raise Committee | Eighteen political parties backed the de-registration of 74 parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the development will sanitise the electoral process in the country. The parties also constituted an interim management committee for the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), chaired by the National Chairman of African Action Congress (AAC), Dr Leonard Nzenwa, to steer the affairs of the council pending the election of a new executive. A communiqué signed by leaders of the 18 parties after an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, February 11 in Abuja, stated that the interim committee would commence work immediately with INEC and other stakeholders and the National Assembly, with a view to ensuring that the electoral reform processes are elaborate and conclusive. | Political Parties, INEC, De-registration | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/18-parties-back-inecs-de-registration-of-74-raise-cttee.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | Oshiomhole decries Persecution of Zamfara APC Chieftains | National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has condemned the persecution of chieftains of his party in Zamfara State. Speaking while receiving a delegation of the State APC in Abuja, led by a former governor of the State, Abdulaziz Yari, he stated that steps were being taken to address the way the party was being treated in the State. The Zamfara State APC Chairman, Lawal Liman, had earlier stated that the PDP-led government in the State was persecuting their members. Meanwhile, former governor of the State Abdulaziz Yari has debunked the allegation levelled against him by former gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the State, Sani Shinkafi, that he was fomenting crisis in the State. Shinkafi had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Department os State Services (DSS) and the Presidency, demanding Yari’s arrest over allegation of inflammatory statement. Yari threatened to seek legal redress, following that. | APC, Zamfara State, Adams Oshiomhole | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/oshiomhole-decries-persecution-of-zamfara-apc-chieftains.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | Political appointees barricade Bayelsa Government House over unpaid Salaries | Political appointees from the Rural Development Areas (RDAs) of Bayelsa State on Tuesday, February 11 barricaded the entrance to the State Government House over their unpaid two months salaries. Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the political appointees stated that they were on a peaceful protest to demand for their December 2019 and January 2020 salaries. Mr Wilson Oruwori, the RDA Chairman of Kaiko-Ibeawa in Odioma Community, Brass Local Government area, explained that their appointment took effect from Oct. 15, 2019, when the State was preparing for the November 16 governorship election. He further explained that: “Our appointment was supposed to be from October 15, 2019 to February 2020, but now, the governor is making a pronouncement that he had terminated our appointment since December 16, 2019. So, we are here today on a peaceful demonstration to demand for the immediate payment of our two months salaries, that is, December and January”. | Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/political-appointees-barricade-bayelsa-govt-house-over-unpaid-salaries.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | N525bn alleged theft: APGA seeks speedy Prosecution of Sen Orji | The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has called for the speedy prosecution of the former governor of the State, Senator Theodore Orji, over allegation of N525bn theft. The party expressed its joy and stated that the present Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe was a huge blessing to Abians, as it would help correct the false narratives consistently peddled by Abia State government and the lawmaker. The party, in a statement by its publicity secretary, Ebere Uzoukwa enjoined Abians to remain strong and vigilant as the EFCC continues with its investigation aimed at returning all looted Abia funds, as well as, bringing perpetrators of financial crimes against Abians to justice. APGA called on the former governor and his son, who is the current speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, to step down from their legislative duties and face their matters with the EFCC. | APGA, Theodore Orji, EFCC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/n525bn-alleged-theft-apga-seeks-speedy-prosecution-of-sen-orji.html |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | Senate threatens to sack evasive MDA Heads, rejects Defence by proxy | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday, February 11 threatened to sack heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) that had been spurning its summons, seeking their clarifications on allegations of unathourised spending contained in the recent report from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation. The Committee Chairman, Mathew Oroghide, during their investigative hearing in Abuja, noted that some of the queries bordered on expenditure embarked on without authorisation or budgetary provisions. On the continued evasiveness of the MDAs, he stated: “If you were to spend money without authorisation, the regulation says you should be removed from office. That is what we are going to tell the President of this country. The executive must ensure that you are removed from office”. Those agencies that failed to turn up at the hearing on February 11 include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); National Pensions Commission (PenCom); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Others were the Head of Service of the Federation and the Debt Management Office (DMO), while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director was represented by the Chief Finance Officer, Umar Ajiya, just as the Accountant General also sent a representative. Oroghide stated that his Committee would not accept defence by proxy – a situation where heads of the agencies would send representtives to appear for them, insisting that they must defend their queries themselves. The Chairman explained that the hearing was held following the 2015 report on the MDAs sent to the National Assembly by the Auditor General of the Federation two years ago but which had not received attention before now due to certain exigencies. He noted that reports for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were outstanding. | Senate, MDAs | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-threatens-to-sack-evasive-mdas-heads-rejects-defence-by-proxy/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | PDP protests, petitions UN, EU, France over alleged dictatorship in Nigeria | Worried about what it described as “increasing abuse of democratic principles and institutions in Nigeria”, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, February 11 embarked on peaceful protests to the offices of the United Nations (UN), European Union (UN) and the French embassy. Supported by leaders of the party in the National Assembly, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Ibrahim Tsauri, who led the protest asked the trio to intervene in what he termed “murder of democracy and miscarriage of justice in the country”. The party, in a petition, asked the international community to prevail on the Federal Government to “preserve democratic institutions and ensure that votes of the people count at all times”. The protesters further reminded the international community that most of their reports on election observation in the country recently had turned out negative, asking them to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently review and sign into law an electoral Bill “that will ensure that the votes of the people count”. Addressing journalists after the submission of the document at the European Union, the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the party, Senator Suleiman Nazif, expressed PDP’s dissatisfaction at the alleged “intimidation of the legislature and judiciary, which has made it very difficult if not impossible to have a credible electoral system”. He also demanded that the recent Supreme Court’s ruling on the Imo governorship election be reviewed to deepen democracy in Nigeria. The PDP also flayed the seeming inaction of the current administration on the high wave of killings, banditry and kidnapping, particularly the lastest incident in Auno, Borno State by insurgents. However, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George and a founding member of the ruling party, Prince Tony Momoh, condemned the protest with George describing his party’s action as "applying medicine after death". | PDP, Protests | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-protests-petitions-un-eu-france-over-alleged-dictatorship-in-nigeria/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | Pressurise National Assembly to make Diaspora Voting reality, Buhari advises Nigerians | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, February 11 advised Nigerians abroad to mount pressure on the National Assembly to amend the relevant laws with a view to making diaspora voting a reality. Speaking at a meeting with the executive committee members of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia (NICE) in Addis Ababa, the President stated that it was his wish for Nigerians in a foreign land to fully participate in the choice of leaders during elections in the country. Responding to a request by the leader of NICE, David Omozuafoh, on the issue, Buhari asserted: “I have said it severally that I am not against it. However, you will need to convince the National Assembly to amend the relevant laws to make diaspora voting a reality”. The President told the meeting that his government was committed to the protection and prosperity of law-abiding Nigerians at home and abroad, urging all to be good citizens and worthy ambassadors of the country. President Buhari also encouraged them to be the best in all their legitimate engagements in their host country, reminding them: “While you are out in the Diaspora, do not forget home as you represent some of the best human assets that Nigeria possesses”. | Diaspora Voting, President Buhari | https://guardian.ng/news/pressurise-national-assembly-to-make-diaspora-voting-reality-buhari-advises-nigerians/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 12th February 2020 | APC to seek review of Zamfara judgement | The All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State has stated that it will approach the Supreme Court for a review of the judgement awarding its victories in the 2019 general elections. The immediate-past governor of the State, Abdul-Azeez Yari, disclosed this on Tuesday, February 11 in an interview after leading the APC in the State to a meeting with the National Working Committee of the party in Abuja. Yari stated that the decision to approach the apex court for a review followed the protest against the judgement nullifying the victory of PDP's Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo State. According to Yari, “The apex court decided to award our gains to the PDP which has never happened before. We are also seeking the apex court to review this judgement because it is purely injustice to us”. | Zamfara State, APC | https://punchng.com/apc-to-seek-review-of-zamfara-judgement/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 11th February 2020 | Bayelsa Governorship: Supreme Court upholds Lyon’s Nomination | The Supreme Court has upheld the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which produced David Lyon as the candidate of party for the 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State. A five member panel of justices led by Justice Mary Odili on Tuesday, February 11 also dismissed the appeal by an APC governorship aspirant, Heineken Lokpobiri, challenging the nomination of Lyon as the governorship candidate of the party for the election. The Supreme Court held that the appeal has become statute barred by the provision of Section 285 (9) of Nigerian Constitution 1999, having been brought 14 days after the expiration of time. The panel unanimously held that the cause of action which arose after the primary on September 4, 2019 lapsed on September 17, 2019. | Bayelsa State, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bayelsa-govship-supreme-court-upholds-lyons-nomination.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 11th February 2020 | Secondus leads NWC members to court over Lagos crisis | National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus on Monday, February 10, appeared before a Lagos State High court in a suit challenging the special congress of the party, which produced Mr. Deji Doherty as PDP Chairman in Lagos State. Justice Taofikat Oyekan-Abdullahi had summoned Secondus and Senator Ben Obi, who chaired the congress committee, to appear before it to explain why they should not be committed to prison custody for defying an order of the court, which prohibited the congress and required that status quo be maintained. The court had on November 12, ordered that all parties should maintain peace, and status quo with regards to the special election being planned by the party to elect new executives. Dr. Adegbola Dominic insisted that he remained the Chairman of the party and challenged the proposed congress in court. Justice Oyekan-Abdullahi expressed dismay that the Lagos chapter of the PDP proceeded to conduct the special election despite knowledge of the case and pending application for interlocutory injunction. However,Secondus was accompanied to the court by a team of members of the National Working Committee of the party, where he defended the choice of Doherty as the party’s Chairman in the State. However, the judge ruled in favour of the respondents. | PDP, Uche Secondus | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/secondus-leads-nwc-members-to-court-over-lagos-crisis.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 11th February 2020 | Akande replaces Lawan as APC reconciliatory Committee Chair | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, February 10 disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the party have reviewed the membership of the party’s National Reconciliation Committee (NRC). It will be recalled that the party has been enmeshed in crises in many States including Edo, where the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole hails from. Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, spokesman of the party, in a statement made available to journalists stated that the newly constituted 12-man committee will be headed by former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, while Sen. John Enoh will serve as the secretary. Akande will replace Ahmad Lawan, the Senate President as the Chairman of the NRC. Issa-Onilu added that the committee is empowered to address grievances of party members across the country and resolve existing conflicts, all with a view to fostering unity, strengthening the party for better governance and ensure unity of purpose within the party. | APC, Edo State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/akande-replaces-lawan-as-apc-reconciliatory-committee-chair.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 10th February 2020 | Ihedioha begins Legal Proceedings to Reclaim Imo Governorship Seat | The legal tussle between the sacked Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his successor, Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is likely to commence this week at the Supreme Court, as the former governor is set to file a motion for accelerated hearing of the matter. A member of Ihedioha and PDP’s legal team told journalists in Abuja that Uzodinma, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been served their application for an order to set aside the judgement of the Supreme Court, describing the judgment as a “nullity’’. | Ihedioha, Supreme Court | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/10/ihedioha-begins-legal-battle-to-reclaim-imo-governorship-seat/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 10th February 2020 | Group urges Rivers Assembly to pass 35% Affirmative Action Policy into Law | The Stakeholders' Democratic Network (SDN) has charged the Rivers State House of Assembly to pass 35 per cent affirmative action policy into law, lamenting that it still suffers set back, as there is no law backing it. SDN insisted that if there were laws on the 35 percent affirmative action policy, the nation would have had more women in politics. It made the call during the presentation of a “Research Report on Women’s Political Participation and Representation in the Niger Delta” at the weekend in Port Harcourt. Although in Rivers State, a woman is the Deputy governor and several women are Vice Chairmen in the 23 Council Areas of the State, the group argued that women should not always take second place as they could take the lead. The Programme Manager of SDN, Florence Ibokabasi urged the government and political parties to be committed to the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action and introduce policies that could encourage women to enter politics, which according to her, would give women access to key decision making roles and also elevate them to elective positions. | Rivers State, 35% Affirmative Action | https://guardian.ng/politics/group-urges-rivers-assembly-to-pass-35-affirmative-action-policy-into-law/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 10th February 2020 | Edo APC faction opposes parallel Primaries | Consequent upon the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2020 Edo gubernatorial election, the factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Col. David Imuse (rtd), has ruled out parallel primaries by the ruling party contrary to widespread insinuations in certain quarters. According to Imuse, the crisis facing the Edo State chapter of the political group would be a thing of the past when nominations end in June, adding that the exercise would be successful. He further stated that, "We have always stressed to our people that there is no need for violence. We have told all those perpetrating violence that it would not be in their interest”. On the alleged suspension of his rival, Anselm Ojezua, Imuse maintained that “a vote of no confidence was passed on him by the required majority of the State Working Committee”. He added: “That decision was ratified by the National Working Committee of the party. Going by that, he stands removed from office and also suspended. He is not a member of the APC”. On the upcoming exercise, Imuse asserted: “Those saddled with the responsibility of conducting the primaries would in due course let the party know if anything like parallel ones were possible”. | Edo State, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/edo-apc-faction-opposes-parallel-primaries-as-ize-iyamu-mulls-endorsement/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 10th February 2020 | House seeks more Funds to enhance Efficiency | Despite the N128 billion approved for the National Assembly in the 2020 budget, the House of Representatives has stated that paucity of funds hampers the House from carrying out its assignments. The spokesman of the House, Hon. Ben Kalu, while addressing journalists in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to make more funds available to the legislature to boost its efficiency. According to him, the House has been operating on the same budget for the last 10 years. He stated that various committees in the House were struggling with funds, but expressed optimism that the leadership of the House was doing something about it to ensure that the committees fulfill their obligations. He stated that: “I will still join my voice to the voices of those who are sincerely asking for more funds for the National Assembly. I do nott want to know how the public will react; because sometimes the public reacts in ignorance. Nobody takes time to do a critical analysis that is unbiased. And it is high time we started changing this narrative and begin to let people know the truth". | House of Representatives, Minority Leadership, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/10/house-seeks-more-funds-to-enhance-efficiency/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 10th February 2020 | Ekiti APC accuses Fayose of mismanaging N400m for Road Construction | Ekiti State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the immediate past governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, to explain how he spent N400 million meant for the reconstruction of the Ekiti portion of Ado-Akure road. Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Ade Ajayi, asked the former governor to first explain why the contractor handling the road project was sacked. The ruling party expressed surprise that the former governor could be describing the road as deplorable when he allegedly misappropriated the N400 million set aside for its reconstruction. Fayose had raised the alarm over the deplorable state of the road, urging the Federal Government to urgently fix it. The APC further accused Fayose of either abandoning or inflating the cost of the few roads he reportedly constructed in the State during his tenure. It stated that all the roads across the State were riddled by potholes, which the Kayode Fayemi-led administration had been fixing. Meanwhile, reacting to the allegation, Fayose challenged the ruling party to show evidence of the allegation or keep quiet. The former governor’s media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, stated thus: “The issue we are talking about is the deplorable condition of Ado-Akure Road. Even Fayemi himself can no longer ply the road with the level of security and the sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that he uses. On the allegation that somebody mismanaged funds, if they have any evidence that Fayose committed any financial infraction as governor, they should inform the ‘EFCC chapter’ of their party". | APC, Fayose, Fayemi | https://guardian.ng/news/ekiti-apc-accuses-fayose-of-mismanaging-n400m-for-road/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 10th February 2020 | APC, group laud Ajimobi’s Nomination as Deputy National Chair | Chairman of the APC in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke and the National Leader of the Nigerian Progressive Youth Coalition (NPYC), Bolaji Afiz Repete, on Sunday, 9th February, commended the leadership of the APC for nominating former governor Abiola Ajimobi as the Vice National Chairman of the party (South). They described the nomination as a step in the right direction of unifying the party. The Oyo APC and the group leader in separate statements signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, stated that Ajimobi’s consideration was the right tonic the party needed in positioning itself for future elections. The APC Chairman stated that the party leadership in the State was fully in support of Ajimobi’s nomination. Repete, in his statement, flayed members of the party allegedly kicking against Ajimobi’s nomination. He appealed to the aggrieved members of the party in the State to shelve their grievances, adding that the doors were open for willing members who wished to come back with the genuine interest of developing the party in the State. | APC, Ajimobi | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-group-laud-ajimobis-nomination-as-dep-national-chair.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 7th February 2020 | INEC to create new Polling Units before 2023 Elections — Yakubu | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sttaed that it will create more Polling Units (PUs) across the country before the 2023 general elections. This is coming six years after its botched attempt to create 30,027 additional units. Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Thursday, February 6 in Abuja, when he received the Geographic Information System (GIS) support equipment donated by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECEC). INEC had in August 2014 proposed to create additional 30,027 PUs, with the northern region getting 21,615, while the southern region was to get 8, 412 units. This led to an uproar, forcing INEC to jettison the plan. However, Yakubu at the ceremony, while appreciating the support of the development partners, stated that the equipment would assist the Commission in the area of delimitation of constituencies which is one of its constitutional responsibilities. | INEC, Polling Units, 2023 general Elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-to-create-new-polling-units-before-2023-elections-yakubu.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 7th February 2020 | Senate constitutes Constitution Review Committee | Senate President Ahmad Lawan has constituted a 56-member Constitution Review committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege. The committee is composed of all the eight Principal Officers of the Senate, one Senator each from each of the 36 States and two members from each of the six geo-political zones. Members of the committee, including the Principal Officers who will also serve as the steering committee members. Lawan noted that every State was represented in the committee to reflect the yearnings of all Nigerians. He, however, stated that Senators who are not members of the committee could still participate by way of giving submissions and advice they feel strongly about for the committee to succeed. Lawan further stated that the committee would engage not only members of the National Assembly and other statutory bodies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Civil Society groups but also Nigerians. He urged members of the committee to open up to public opinions, expert advice and Civil Society organisations in order to produce a credible and acceptable Constitution that works for Nigerians. | Senate President Ahmad Lawan has constituted a 56-member Constitution Review committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege. The committee is composed of all the eight Principal Officers of the Senate, one Senator each from each of the 36 States and two members from each of the six geo-political zones. Members of the committee, including the Principal Officers who will also serve as the steering committee members. Lawan noted that every State was represented in the committee to reflect the yearnings of all Nigerians. He, however, stated that Senators who are not members of the committee could still participate by way of giving submissions and advice they feel strongly about for the committee to succeed. Lawan further stated that the committee would engage not only members of the National Assembly and other statutory bodies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Civil Society groups but also Nigerians. He urged members of the committee to open up to public opinions, expert advice and Civil Society organisations in order to produce a credible and acceptable Constitution that works for Nigerians. | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senate-constitutes-constitution-review-committee.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 7th February 2020 | INEC fixes dates for Edo, Ondo governorship elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while briefing newsmen in Abuja, stated that the Edo governorship election will hold on September 19, while that of Ondo will hold October 10. “The tenure of the governors of Edo and Ondo States will end on 12th November 2020 and 24th February 2021 respectively. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 25(8) of the Electoral Act 2010, elections cannot hold earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of an incumbent governor. “Accordingly, the Commission has fixed Saturday 19th September 2020 as the date for the governorship election in Edo State and Saturday 10th October 2020 for Ondo State”, he stated. | Edo State, Ondo State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-fixes-dates-for-edo-ondo-govship-elections.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Friday, 7th February 2020 | Mixed reactions as INEC deregisters 74 Political Parties | Following the deregistration of 74 political parties, the country now has 18 political parties as against 91 registered parties that participated in the 2019 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced the deregistration of the political parties at a press briefing on the status of political parties and conduct of some off-cycle and by-elections.Yakubu, however, stated that one of the political parties, Action Peoples Party (APP), has filed a suit in court and obtained an order restraining the Commission from deregistering it, and so remained registered pending the determination of the case by the court. He also stated that the 18th party, which was a new political party, Boot Party (BP), registered by court order after the 2019 general elections, will also continue to exist. Prominent on the list of de-registered parties are National Conscience Party (NCP) founded by the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi; Peoples Coalition Party (PCP) that came third in the 2019 presidential election; KOWA party and Fresh Democratic Party (FDP), which has presented a popular pastor, Rev. Chris Okotie, as its presidential candidate since its formation in 2006. Yakubu further stated thus: “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) vests in INEC the power to register and regulate the activities of political parties. You will also recall that in 2018, the Constitution was amended. In addition to the extant provision for the registration of political parties, the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution (Section 225A) empowers the Commission to deregister political parties”. | INEC, Political Parties | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/mixed-reactions-as-inec-deregisters-74-political-parties.html |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Friday, 7th February 2020 | Court stops Edo PDP Congresses | Edo State High Court sitting in Ekpom has restrained the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting congresses across the councils of the State on Saturday, February 8 following a motion filed by some PDP members. The interim injunction also includes an order retraining the PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from announcing, publishing and recognising the results of ward congresses earlier conducted by the party. In granting the order, the presiding judge, Justice Joy Inneh, stated that the applicants satisfied the guidelines for the grant of the order sought. The hearing of the case was adjourned till February 24. | Edo State, PDP, Congresses | https://guardian.ng/news/court-stops-edo-pdp-congresses/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 6th February 2020 | Makinde explores out-of-court Settlement with sacked Oyo Local Government Chairmen | Strong indications have emerged that an amicable resolution of the ongoing crisis rocking the Local Government administration in Oyo State is now in sight as Governor Seyi Makinde has opted for an out-of-court settlement. The Governor had instituted a case against the 68 Chairmen of the 33 Local Government and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), all of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after sacking them on May 29, 2019 inauguration. The sacked Chairmen were elected on May 12, 2018 in an exercise that PDP boycotted, on the ground that there was a court injunction against the conduct of the poll which was not vacated before the exercise. But the APC claimed that the injunction was vacated two days to the election. The PDP alleged further that the law that set up the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), which conducted the council poll, did not give the Commission power to conduct election into the LCDAs, which the party argued has rendered the election illegal. But relying on the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and a letter written to the Governor by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), the sacked Chairmen forcefully resumed duties in the 33 LGAs and 35 LCDAs of the State after Makinde had appointed caretaker Chairmen for the council areas in December 2019. | Oyo State, Local Government Administration | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/06/makinde-explores-out-of-court-settlement-with-sacked-oyo-lg-chairmen/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 6th February 2020 | PDP begins preparation for States, Zonal Congresses | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated that it has commenced preparations for State and Zonal congresses. The party explained that it was set to commence the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to conduct congresses where new executives would be elected at the Zonal and State levels. A statement made by on Wednesday, February 5 by the PDP National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) disclosed that the commencement of the sale of forms was approved by the 88th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held recently in Abuja. The statement further read that, “The four-year tenure of our Excos in some of our States shall be expiring at various times this year, and as such, the party shall be performing its constitutional duties of electing new executives at the State and Zonal levels accordingly”. | PDP, Zonal Congresses | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-begins-preparation-for-states-zonal-congresses-2.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 6th February 2020 | Adeyeye, Olujimi bicker over request for Verdict Review | A former Senator who represented Ekiti South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, has explained why he decided to seek a review of the Court of Appeal judgment which replaced him with Senator Biodun Olujimi at the Senate. The appeal court, in its judgment of November 2019, validated the outcome of the Justice Danladi Adeck-led Election Petition Tribunal that ousted Adeyeye and declared Olujimi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Adeyeye the winner of the February 23, 2019 senatorial election, following which Olujimi, who was occupying the seat, approached the tribunal and got a favourable verdict. Dissatisfied with the judgment, Adeyeye sent a petition to the Appeal Court President, Justice Binta Bulkachuwa, seeking a review of the judgment. He described the mathematical computation of the results as error-ridden. Adeyeye stated that the review being sought bordered on the reversal of the appeal court judgment, describing the verdict as a travesty and abrasion of the rule of law. But, Senator Abiodun Olujimi countered the position of Adeyeye, stating that she got undeserved and perverted justice. | Ekiti South Senatorial District, Adebayo Adeyeye, Biodun Olujimi | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/adeyeye-olujimi-bicker-over-request-for-verdict-review.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 6th February 2020 | We are doing our best to attract Projects to our People — Ekweremadu | A former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has denied allegations that National Assembly members within Enugu West Senatorial District abandon constituency projects which they initiated to the area. He emphasised that such allegations were false, insisting that all constituency projects initiated in Enugu West Senatorial District would be completed on schedule. The lawmaker spoke on Wednesday, February 5 in Enugu while inspecting ongoing projects initiated in the area by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Chief Toby Okechukwu. He insisted that contrary to speculations that constituency projects attracted to the area had been abandoned, National Assembly members from the area do not abandon projects, adding that, “We are doing our best to attract projects to our people and will ensure that every project started by us will be completed”. | Enugu West Senatorial District, Ike Ekweremadu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/were-doing-our-best-to-attract-projects-to-our-people-ekweremadu.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 6th February 2020 | Kano Assembly leader was impeached | was a matter of urgent public importance and that all members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had agreed on the matter. The motion was adopted by the members and the Majority Leader was asked to step-down. Gurjiya was one the lawmakers recently sworn in following the conclusion of the January 25 re-run elections in the State. Gurjiya added that the decision to remove the majority leader followed the agreement of 23 of the 28 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the 40-member parliament. Seconding the motion, the member representing Sumaila State Constituency, Zubairu Hamza Massu, stated that the APC members in the House agreed to the impeachment motion of the Majority Leader and had already elected the Deputy Majority Leader, Alhaji Kabiru Hassan Dashi, to replace him. He added that Tasi’u Ibrahim Zabainawa had also been elected as the new Deputy Majority Leader of the House. No reason was given for the impeachment. Muhammed Guriya when asked why they wanted Madari out, stated that the House had the power to remove with or without any reason. | Kano State House of Assembly, Majority Leader, Impeachment | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-kano-assembly-leader-was-impeached.html |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 5th February 2020 | Delta State: APC Crisis deepens | The crisis in the Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has worsened as the State Chairman of the party, Jones Erue, and his deputy, Elvis Ayomanor, have continued to disagree over party matters. Erue had directed the party's Publicity Secretary, Sylvester Imonina, to suspend Ayomanor and seven others for alleged gross misconduct and acts contravening the party’s constitution. However, the Deputy Chairman insists that the said suspension is illegal. The suspension letter was dated January 26, 2020, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the letter, the suspension followed a Resolution dated January 18, 2020 by the Erue-led State Working Committee (SWC) of the party. In another letter written by the Deputy Chairman’s group, Chidi Okonji (APC Delta State Secretary) and his assistant, Ese Agiri, described the suspension by the Erue-led APC group as unconstitutional. | APC, Delta State | https://guardian.ng/politics/delta-apc-crisis-deepens-as-chairman-deputy-fight-dirty/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 5th February 2020 | Police arrest, quiz Suspects over Oyo Local Government Crisis | Two persons have been arrested by the men of the Oyo State Police Command in connection with the crisis rocking some Local Government council areas in the State. Local Government councils in Oyo State have been emeshed in controversies since the dissolution of the elected council Chairmen in the State by Governor Seyi Makinde in May 2019. One Dotun Shomefun was said to have been arrested by the police on Monday, February 3 in connection with the crisis that ensued in Iresaadu in the Surulere Local Government Area of the State, leading to the death of Isah Azeez, while Ibrahim Raji, aged 30, was arrested in a related development at Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. The police in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Olugbenga Fadeyi, revealed that it will commence detailed investigation into the unfortunate incident with a view to preventing a recurrence of violence and bringing the perpetrators to justice. | Oyo State, Local Government Administration | https://punchng.com/police-arrest-quiz-suspects-over-oyo-lgs-crisis/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 5th February 2020 | Shuaibu insists on Oshiomhole's Apology as ground for Reconciliation | The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, has stated that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, must apologise if he wants true reconciliation in Edo State chapter of the party. Shuaibu stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 4, where he represented Governor Godwin Obaseki at a meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum. When asked if it was not illegal to ban a lawful gathering of the APC supporters in an APC governed State, he stated that no rally could hold in the State without the Governor’s permission. A faction of the party led by the suspended State Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, and some other members loyal to Oshiomhole have been engaged in a war of attrition over the control of the State party machinery. Fourteen members-elect of the Edo State House of Assembly who have pledged allegiance to Oshiomhole, have still yet to be inaugurated. Obaseki had rejected the Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led APC Fact-Finding Committee set up by the party’s National Working Committee to deal with the situation in the State. He also objected to the composition of the Senator Ahmad Lawan-led APC National Reconciliation Committee which has yet to begin sitting. | APC, Edo State | https://punchng.com/oshiomhole-must-apologise-if-he-wants-reconciliation-shuaibu/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 5th February 2020 | INEC seeks more police patrol of its offices in Delta | Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, on Tuesday, February 4, appealed to the State Police Command to enhance patrol arouns the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in all Local Government Areas of the State. He stated this as part of measures to prevent theft and wilful arson by criminals. Omorogbe, who visited the State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba with the Commission’s management team, lamented the recent arson at INEC’s Local Government offices in neigbouring Anambra and Imo States. In a statement issued by INEC Acting Head, Voters Education Project, Bukola Ojeme, he expressed appreciation to the police command for coordinating the efforts that culminated in the successful implementation of the security architecture, during the 2019 general elections. Omorogbe pledged to enhance the synergy between the Commission’s legal department and the police for effective prosecution of electoral offences going forward. He also informed the Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Muhammed Inuwa, of the admission of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independnet Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) as members of the Inter agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), as part of measures to deepen transparency and prevent malfeasance in the electoral process. CP Inuwa pledged to enhance police patrol of the Commission’s Local Government offices, stressing the need for close working relationship between the police and INEC. | INEC, Delta State | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-seeks-more-police-patrol-of-its-offices-in-delta/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 5th February 2020 | Six Imo PDP Lawmakers deny defecting to APC | Six Imo State House of Assembly members have denied dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on tuesday, Fedbruary 4, they faulted the claim of the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly that they had decided to defect from their party to APC. The six lawmakers include the former Deputy Speaker, Okey Onyekamma (Mbaitoli), Frank Ugboma (Oguta), Anyadike Nwosu (Ezinihitte), Tochi Okereke (Ngor Okpala), Philip Ejiogu (Owerri North) and Solomon Anukam (Owerri Municipal). Faulting the Speaker’s position, they stated thus: “The news of our purported defection to the APC from the PDP remains as shocking to us as it is to our various constituencies who demonstrated their respective resolves for our continuous representation of their interest on the platform of the PDP. It is on record that we were voted across party lines, hence we stand on their mandate for effective representation in the Imo House of Assembly". | Imo State, Defection | https://guardian.ng/news/six-imo-pdp-lawmakers-deny-defecting-to-apc/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 4th February 2020 | Obaseki demands Oshiomhole’s Arrest, as Edo APC Crisis worsens | The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State degenerated on. Monday, February 3, as the State government revealed that it had petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, and the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Binchi, demanding the arrest and prosecution of the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, for consistently perpetrating the breakdown of law and order in the State. The Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Phillip Shaibu made this known in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists, after a meeting of the Good Governance Steering Committee set up by the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), which was held behind closed door. He noted that the “suspended” National Chairman needs to seek the governor’s consent as the leader of the party in the State before holding any political rally. He added that Oshiomhole has continued to hold rallies in the State without seeking the governor’s approval. Shaibu stated: “We banned rallies; the IGP in a letter also suspended rallies. Oshiomhole disobeyed the orders of the State government; he disobeyed the orders of the IGP and feels that he is above the law. For us, we have officially come now to drop our petition with the IGP to the effect that Oshiomhole is not above the law". | APC, Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, Adams Oshiomhole | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/04/obaseki-demands-oshiomholes-arrest-as-edo-apc-crisis-worsens/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 4th February 2020 | APC’s Claim on Insecurity misleading, Propaganda — PDP | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that claims by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that President Muhammadu Buhari is winning the war against insecurity is misleading and mere propaganda. The APC had in a statement on Monday, Febraury 3, faulted criticisms directed against the President, stating that it was confident President Buhari would end insecurity in the country. But the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan stated that the ruling party’s statement was an attempt to allegedly deny the reality on ground. According to Ologbondiyan, “When they say the President is winning the war against insecurity, we would like them to provide an evidence-based response devoid of falsehood and propaganda". | APC, PDP, Insecurity | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apcs-claim-on-insecurity-misleading-propaganda-pdp-2.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 4th February 2020 | We are investigating Anambra, Imo INEC office fire — INEC | National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Enlightenment and Information Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Festus Okoye, has stated that the electoral body has launched an investigation into the fire incidents that engulfed the Commission’s offices in Anambra and Imo States. The two offices of the Commission were said to have been razed down in Orlu in Imo State and Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra. The Orlu fire incident which happened in the early hours of Monday, February 3, wrecked the entire building and caused serious pandemonium in the area. Okoye, in a statement stated that the Commission will get to the root of the matter. | INEC, Fire Incidents | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/were-investigating-anambra-imo-inec-office-fire-commissioner.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 4th February 2020 | We will not drop Social Media, anti-Hate Speech Bills — Senators | Sponsors of the Social Media and anti-Sate Speech Bills on Monday, Febraury 3 rejected calls for the withdrawal of the Bills in the Senate. The Prohibition of Hate Speech Bill and Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill were sponsored by senators Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North Senatorial District) and Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East Senatorial District), respectively. At a Town Hall meeting on Social Media and anti-Hate Speech Bills organised by the African Independent Television (AIT) in Abuja, many in the audience who spoke at a panel session reprimanded the senators for sponsoring the Bills and demanded that the Bills be dropped. They requested that efforts should be made to make laws that would address the myriad of problems bedevilling the country. But the lawmakers insisted that Nigerians would align with them on the Bills if they go through the contents. The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan had earlier stated that the ninth National Assembly is open to ideas on the Bills and others before it. | Senate, Social Media Bill, Anti-Hate Speech Bill | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/we-wont-drop-social-media-anti-hate-speech-bills-senators.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 4th February 2020 | Re-run Elections: INEC rejects Allegations of Bias | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected allegations that it was biased during the January 25 court ordered re-run elections in parts of the country. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, stated on Monday, February 3 in Abuja, that the Commission conducted court-ordered re-run elections in 30 constituencies in 12 States of the Federation and made declarations and returns. According to him, “The Commission conducted the court-ordered re-run elections under very difficult circumstances, occasioned by the desperation and unwholesome activities of some of the political actors bent on compromising and disrupting the process, thus endangering the safety of the staff and attempting to secure their pre-determined outcomes. It is therefore unhelpful and counterproductive to profile senior staff of the Commission operating in any part of the country and paint them with the brush of partisanship just to score political points”. He added that, “Decisions of courts and tribunals are final and the rule of law dictates that all authorities and persons give effect to them". | INEC, Re-Run Elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/re-run-elections-inec-rejects-biased-allegations.html |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | We cannot amend Supreme Court Verdict on Uzodinma — INEC | The judgment of the Supreme Court, which sacked Emeka Ihedioha as the Imo State governor and declared Hope Uzodinma as the winner of the 2019 Imo governorship election was clear and has been implemented, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has stated. The Commission, which stated that it would not speculate on any issue about the apex court’s verdict, also stated that it was not in a position to review, amend or add to it. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the clarification in an interview with journalists in Abuja. Okoye was reacting to insinuations that the Supreme Court judgment, which brought Uzodinma to power, was constitutionally defective as he reportedly did not get the spread of 25 per cent of the votes in two-thirds of the Local Government Areas in Imo State, according to Section 179 (2) (a) and (b) of the 1999Cconstitution (as amended). He stated that, “The Supreme Court of Nigeria, being the final court in governorship petitions, has given its verdict. The Commission is not in a position and is not permitted to review, amend or add to the judgment. | INEC, Imo State | https://punchng.com/we-cant-amend-supreme-court-verdict-on-uzodinma-inec/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | I am not intimidated by Sponsored irritants, says Omo-Agege | Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has described the failed litigation seeking to disqualify him as a public officer over his alleged conviction in the United States of America as “a mere distraction from sponsored irritants”. Omo-Agege stated that the failed attempt to remove him as Deputy Senate President could be traced to the 2023 political intrigues. It will be recalled that Justice Othman Musa of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Bwari Abuja, dismissed the suit challenging his eligibility to run for public office over an alleged conviction in the United States of America. The court held that the case against Omo-Agege in the United States was merely a non-criminal trial and awarded N1million fine against the claimants, an Incorporated Trustees of Patriotic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, for wasting the time of court. Omo-Agege who spoke on the issue in Abuja when traditional rulers, elders and religious leaders from Urhobo nation visited him, indicated that he has put all such distractions behind him. | Senator Omo-Agege | https://guardian.ng/news/im-not-intimidated-by-sponsored-irritants-says-omo-agege/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | Fire guts INEC Office in Anambra | On Sunday, 2nd February 2020, there was a fire outbreak at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The fire outbreak was reported to have started at about 12.30 p.m. from a burning bush near the INEC building, gutting parts of the office, while fire fighters battled to save what was left of it. Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident. Seven people were reported to have escaped with varying degrees of injuries in another fire incident in Onitsha, Anambra State. The fire, which began at 10.30am. emanated from a faulty gas cylinder which exploded in a residential building, engulfing the entire building. | INEC, Anambra State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/03/seven-injured-as-fire-guts-inec-office-residential-building-in-anambra/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | Local Government election: Otukpo PDP Faction kicks against Consensus Candidate | A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State has kicked against the endorsement of the Council Chairman, George Alli, as a consensus candidate of the party in the forthcoming council election. The group staged a protest to the party’s State Secretariat in Makurdi, the State capital, expressing shock over the current Council Chairman’s purported endorsement aired repeatedly on a radio station. In a statement signed by some members of the group- Owoicho Anyebe, Patrick Ogbole and Inalegwu Ogbe, the group argued that three other Chairmanship aspirants of the party had bought their nomination forms, were duly nominated, screened and passed, and wondered why those aspirants would not be allowed to participate in primaries for the emergence of a popular candidate for the election. Part of the statement read that, “We therefore disagree in entirety with this decision of the so-called caucus who are bent on destroying the party that was painstakingly built. It is not a decision and wish of the majority of the members of PDP in Otukpo area and does not in any way represent their aspiration”. | Benue State, Local Government, PDP | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/lg-election-otukpo-pdp-faction-kicks-against-consensus-candidate.html |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | National Assembly urged to amend Constitution to compel Governors to conduct Local Governmet Polls | A former Anambra State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Okoli Akirika has called on the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to ensure seamless succession of democratically elected Local Government officers in the country. Akirika who was reacting to the Supreme Court judgement that barred State governors from appointing caretaker committees in place of elected officers, to run the affairs of local government. Despite the apex court judgement, he stated that there is lacuna in the Constitution which governors capitalised on to appoint caretaker committees to run Local Government affairs. Akirika who was the former State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, stated that the lacuna in the 1999 Constitution must be addressed. According to him, the Constitution clearly states that State governors shall put every machinery in place to ensure the existence of democratically elected government in Local Government Areas, but the same Constitution did not say such system must be in place and how. | Local Government Administration | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/amend-constitution-to-compel-govs-conduct-lgs-polls-n-assembly-urged.html |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 3rd February 2020 | House Minority Leadership Crisis: Chinda expresses Shock over Plot to Suspend him | Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, stated that he was surprised at reports making the rounds that the leadership of House of Representatives was plotting to suspend him and three others. The planned suspension follows the conclusion of an investigation by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The House had mandated the Committee led by Hon. Kolawole Lawal to investigate the lawmakers for parading themselves as leaders of the PDP caucus in the green chamber. The decision of the House to investigate the matter was consequent upon the adoption of a motion by Hon. Ben Igbakpa, who alleged that Hon. Chinda and three others were falsely parading themselves as leaders of his party, thus violating the standing rules and orders of the chambers. Chinda, while reacting to the reports on Sunday, 2nd February 2020 however, expressed optimism that the Speaker of the House of Representatives would not succumb to the pressure to suspend him for playing his role as leader of PDP caucus, adding that he and members of his faction have been discussing with the Speaker. He advised his other colleagues who may likely be suspended along with him to prepare for eventualities, noting that in the event that it happens, the suspension would amount to setting a bad precedent. | House of Representatives, Minority Leadership, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/02/03/house-minority-leadership-crisis-chinda-expresses-shock-over-plot-to-suspend-him/ |