The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to the various wards and polling units in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
DSIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sunday Emiakpo, confirmed this in a chat with newsmen at the legislative chamber of Warri South Council.
He said they began the distribution as early as 5 am this morning.
He mentioned that youths in the area attempted to force their way into the location where the electoral materials were kept.
Emiakpo said, “The youths attempted to force their way in up to three times. We had to invite the soldiers to clear them before we came in.”
“One of them said he wanted to come and inspect the materials, but I told them the DSS has taken records of everything. I told them, if you want to inspect anything, other party officials have to be here. If I do that, they will say I have done something funny with you. I said I was not going to allow that if they’re not complete.”
According to Emiakpo, “WRO in Warri South have their materials separate. We don’t want anybody to hijack them. The rule is that all candidates contesting the election will be together; they come with their own electoral officers.”
“At the end of the day, after an argument, they were boasting, but they were boasting for themselves. The man who came claiming to be a member of APC does not have a tag to identify himself.”
“I told the DPO that this man does not have a tag to identify himself. That was the only issue we had. Apart from that, we don’t have any challenges. Everything is going on peacefully.”
Delta LG poll: DSIEC begins distribution of electoral materials to polling units, wards
Delta LG poll: DSIEC begins distribution of electoral materials to polling units, wards
LG autonomy: Afenifere frowns at Supreme Court judgment
The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has berated the Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local government areas.
A statement signed by the leader of the group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, said the ruling has done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state.
The statement is entitled: “Tinubu and the Grand Conspiracy Against Democracy and True Federalism in Nigeria.”
According to the statement, “Afenifere views the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Federal Government on the so-called local government autonomy as a sheer judicial conspiracy in cahoots with the Tinubu administration against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism.
“Rather than interpret the constitution to uphold its elementary but overriding federal principle, which recognizes only a two-tier federal structure of the central government and federating states, the Supreme Court played to the gallery and wittingly allowed itself a most retrogressive declaration that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Afenifere makes bold to say that in line with its negotiated basis of existence, Nigeria is a “Federation consisting of states and a Federal Capital Territory”. as affirmed by Section 2 (2) of the 1999 constitution.
“While Afenifere frowns at corruption and misuse of public funds at levels of government, it condemns in most unmistaken terms the subjugation of the states and their constitutional roles, including the local government system, to the whims and caprices of the federal government by any means including obvious manipulation of the federation account as in the present case.”
The group said that the 1999 constitution, which, in spite of its flaws, gives life and power to the Supreme Court, provides in Section 162 and particularly subsection (6) that each state shall maintain a special account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account” into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the government of the state.
LG autonomy: Afenifere frowns at Supreme Court judgment
LG autonomy will tackle poverty, insecurity – Ex-NULGE official
Former National Publicity Secretary, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Abdulrahman Maina-Yaji, has said the Supreme Court judgment that granted autonomy to local governments will address poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
He made this statement in Maiduguri while reacting to the landmark judgment.
He said all those who worked toward it deserved commendation in promoting good governance and enhancing democracy.
Maina-Yaji, who is now the Mutawalli of Michika and Kakaki of Mubi Emirate of Adamawa, said “the judgement is a big relief to majority of Nigerians.
“President Bola Tinubu as an experienced administrator who understands the vital position of local governments as third tier of government closer to the people, deserves commendation for actualising this dream.
“In fact, to us as stakeholders in the local government, it is the judgment of the millennium, it signifies the return of life to the third tier of government.”
He recalled that NULGE had been pointing out that the growing poverty and insecurity at the grassroots was aggravated by lack of autonomy to local governments, as chairmen remained helpless due to poor funding.
He urged stakeholders to sit up and ensure that the judgement was enforced to the latter, by thwarting any move by any governor to compel his cronies who emerge as council chairmen to continue to open council purses for such governors to exploit.
“I want to draw the attention of elected chairmen not to be tempted by any governor to use another means to siphon money.
“As veterans of local governments, we will mobilize council workers and other stakeholders to ensure that apart from statutory deductions, any chairman that gives out money to the state will be petitioned to EFCC.
“We will not just allow this judgment to be frustrated by anyone by putting all necessary mechanisms to ensure its implementation to the fullest for maximum results,” he said.
LG autonomy will tackle poverty, insecurity – Ex-NULGE official
Dapo Abiodun celebrates Wole Soyinka @90
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as a literary icon and a voice for social justice and human rights, whose legacies straddle the entire world.
Abiodun, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday today, described the first African Nobel Laureate winner in Literature as “An icon, a literary giant, and a global ambassador of Nigeria.”
He added, “Congratulations to Professor Soyinka on reaching the incredible milestone of 90 years! Throughout his lifetime, he has not only become a literary icon but also a voice for social justice and human rights.
“His contributions to literature, theatre, and activism have left an indelible mark on the sand of history. Here’s to celebrate his remarkable achievements and wish him many more years of inspiration and impact,” the governor said.
The governor noted that Soyinka has made immense contributions to the development of literature, culture, and democracy in Nigeria and across the world through his gifted art of writing and activism.
Abiodun commended the legendary playwright, poet, and essayist for his unwavering commitment to the fight for social justice, human rights, and good governance over the past six decades.
He said Soyinka’s legacy as a fearless, principled, and cerebral public intellectual will continue to inspire generations of both born and yet unborn Nigerians and Africans.
Abiodun wished the revered scholar many more years of good health, wisdom, and fulfilment ahead as he celebrates his landmark 90th birthday.
Nigeria scores legal victory as P&ID to pay judgement costs in Pounds Sterling
In a significant legal victory for Nigeria, the United Kingdom Court of Appeal has ruled that Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) must pay the country’s legal costs associated with their failed gas processing contract dispute, and crucially, those costs must be paid in British Pounds Sterling (GBP).
This was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant to the President on Communications and Publicity, Office of the AGF, Kamarudeen Ogundele, on Friday.
Ogundele stated that the AGF lauded the U.K Appellate Court’s decision that rejected P&ID’s request to pay the judgment cost in Naira which would have reduced the legal cost by a wide margin.
He described the request to pay the fees in naira as another desperate attempt to defraud Nigeria, saying the court’s refusal is another victory won against corruption.
“The Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef O. Fagbemi, (SAN) is delighted at a report just received from our UK solicitors on the latest victory recorded by Nigeria in its fight against corruption and extortion by litigation hawks. Consequent to our success in defeating the fraudulent USD 11 billion claim by P&ID last year, Nigeria is continuing its efforts to recover its substantial costs from P&ID and its vulture fund backers.
READ ALSO:Reps summon Umahi, Edun, Fagbemi to explain procurement process on Lagos-Calabar Highway
“Today (being the 12th day of July 2024), the United Kingdom Court of Appeal validated Nigeria’s claim for the post-judgment costs to be paid in Pound Sterling (GBP), which P&ID tried to reduce drastically by claiming that Nigeria should only be entitled to recover its costs in Naira, which evidently will produce a much lower cost.
“This was another misconceived and desperate attempt by fraudsters to deprive the Nigerian people of hard-earned public revenue. As a government, we are very determined to recover these costs and make P&ID and its US funders pay for their scam so as to serve as a deterrence to others of their ilk. We commend the dedication and tenacity of our legal team for this accomplishment,” the statement read.
This decision comes after a tumultuous legal battle. P&ID, a British Virgin Islands-registered company, initially secured a $11 billion judgement against Nigeria in 2019 at an arbitration tribunal in London. Nigeria vehemently contested the award, arguing the contract was a sham and P&ID had no real investment in the project.
A Win on Two Fronts
The latest ruling holds a double win for Nigeria. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, hailed the decision, highlighting the importance of the currency used for payment. By demanding the costs be paid in Pounds Sterling, Nigeria avoids significant devaluation due to exchange rate fluctuations.
A Blow to P&ID’s Finances
The ruling is a substantial financial blow to P&ID. The exact amount of legal costs is unknown, but it is likely to be a significant sum. This decision, coupled with the ongoing legal challenges to the original $11 billion judgement, puts P&ID’s financial viability further in question
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LASTMA denies involvement in man’s death by suicide
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has distanced itself from the discovery of a man’s body hanging from a tree not far from its offices on the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
In a statement issued on Friday, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo, addressed rumors circulating online suggesting the agency was involved in the man’s death.
“Several speculations were made by sympathisers present at the scene,” Adebayo said. “Some said he was dressed like a motorcyclist (okada rider), while some speculated he was a tricyclist (Marwa rider).
He also debunked the rumours circulating on social media, insinuating that the deceased’s vehicle was impounded by officers of the agency.
The statement further clarified that the body was discovered early Thursday morning by passersby who immediately reported it to the Shagamu Road Police Station.
READ ALSO:Bus driver jailed 12 years for killing LASTMA officer
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized, “Our operatives are not responsible for the dead body found hanging by the gate of the estate.
“Some even believed he was brought to the scene by his killers during the wee hours of midnight, and stage managed it, to give it the semblance of suicide because the victim’s leg was touching ground.
“For brevity, no one could really identify him as either an okada or Marwa rider from amongst several operators of okada and Marwa who visited the scene.”
The cause of death and the man’s identity remain under investigation by the police.
The post LASTMA denies involvement in man’s death by suicide appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Gaza: Netanyahu reverses on key Israeli concession in ceasefire talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed a key Israeli concession in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
CNN reports that Netanyahu is now demanding that armed men be barred from returning to northern Gaza during an eventual ceasefire.
According to the report, Israel had previously agreed to allow Palestinians unrestricted access to northern Gaza during an eventual ceasefire.
However, the Prime Minister told his negotiating team this week to demand that armed men be barred from northern Gaza as part of any ceasefire and hostage deal, a source told CNN.
The new demand could potentially upend progress in hostage negotiations and raise further questions about Netanyahu’s commitment to Israel’s own proposal for a deal that has become the basis for detailed negotiations.
Talks resumed in the Qatari capital, Doha, last Friday between Israel and Hamas over the weekend.
Hamas agreed to compromise on a major sticking point for Israel, that the Jewish state commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before signing an agreement.
Gaza: Netanyahu reverses on key Israeli concession in ceasefire talks
Ex-Rep rejects membership of Edo APC gov campaign council
A former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Pally Iriase, has declined his membership of the National Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo State governorship election.
Iriase, whose name was included in the list released on Friday, said he was not consulted before he was included in the team and that he has since stepped aside from politics.
In a statement on Friday, Iriase wished the APC a successful campaign and a peaceful election and urged everyone to respect his desire to be excluded from the council.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the fact that my name is included in the list of appointees into the National Campaign Council for the governorship election in Edo State by the All Progressives Congress.
“I appreciate the National Working Committee for finding me worthy of the appointment. But, I hereby reject the appointment for the following reasons:
“I was never consulted. I have for several years stepped away from partisan politics, and I do not intend to change my mind.
“I do not want my associates, friends, admirers, and family to see me as a hypocrite.
“While wishing APC a successful campaign and a peaceful election, I strongly urge everyone to respect my desire to be excluded from partisan politics.”
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Russian oil depot gutted by fire after Ukrainian drone attack
An oil depot was gutted by fire on Saturday in Russia’s Rostov region after a Ukrainian drone attack, its governor, Vasily Golubev said on Telegram.
“After a drone attack, a fire broke out in a petrol refinery in the Tsimlyansky district,” Golubev wrote, adding that there were no casualties.
The area is hundreds of kilometres from the front line.
Russia’s defence ministry meanwhile announced that its forces had downed four Ukrainian drones — two in Rostov, one in the Belgorod region adjoining Ukraine and another in Kursk which is up further north.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have used drones, including larger self-detonating craft with ranges stretching hundreds of kilometres extensively throughout the conflict, which began in February 2022.
AFP
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Two die in Ogun road crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Saturday, confirmed the death of two persons in a road accident on the Ikorodu-Ogijo Sagamu Expressway.
The Public Education Officer, Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe, confirmed the accident in a statement made available to journalists.
According to Okpe, the accident which involved a silver Toyota Camry, with registration number EPE602JD, and a yellow Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number AA938YE, occurred at about 5.30 pm on Friday.
She said, “Three male adults were involved in the crash, two out of the persons involved were killed, while the third passenger was unhurt.
“The corpses were handed over to the families of the deceased.”
She added that loss of control as a result of speeding was the cause of the accident.
The FRSC Sector Commander, CC Anthony Uga, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and advised motorists to avoid speed and ensure full attention while driving.
Uga urged owners of trucks to ensure they install speed limit devices on their vehicles.
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