El-Rufai talks with community leaders to discuss killings in southern Kaduna

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May 11, 2023

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, met behind closed doors on Thursday to discuss the killings in the southern Kaduna area with important stakeholders from the Atyap, Fulani, and Hausa groups.

The meeting also included representatives from the military, police, and other intelligence agencies, as well as observers from foreign organizations and other experts who had been involved in the Southern Kaduna issues’ arbitration and mediation.

Read Also: Senate approves Peace Corps Bill owner Dickson Akoh

Over the years, there have been concerns with land disputes, kidnappings, and killings. As a result of community leaders accusing one another, violence has recently increased in the Atyap chiefdom in the state’s Zango Kataf Local Government Area.

The gathering was a part of the state government’s final effort to find a long-term solution to the impasse that has for years shaken the state’s southern communities.

Some of the stakeholders highlighted that the concerns discussed would have immediate, long-term, and medium-term solutions in interviews with journalists shortly after the more than four-hour discussion.

They agreed that the discussion was productive and prayed that the next day would bring about a breakthrough.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Meyitti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria’s Kaduna State Chairman, Haruna Usman, told journalists that the parties who had been wronged and attended the conference had decided to resolve their disputes and coexist peacefully.

Intractable conflicts that are roiling the many communities in the southern part of the state, he claimed, could only be resolved via discussion rather than violence.

We are quite concerned about the governor who will be leaving us in a few days, he remarked. We hope to find someone who will pursue the peace initiative in the same way that he is. However, we have decided to resolve our issues.

“Disputes between people should be resolved via discussion rather than violence. Conflicts between people can only be resolved via talk, not with a gun.

Therefore, we are hoping that what we discussed today will serve as a guide and aid in helping us to resolve the situation in our respective sectors in the long run.

“We can’t wait to make sure that our separate neighborhoods are once again peaceful. I will visit Kafanchan the following week to speak with all of my stakeholders about providing the residents of Kafanchan with their full support so they may continue to live in peace.

We talked about how everyone in Southern Kaduna may live in harmony with one another since we realized that talking instead of using guns is the only way to resolve conflicts.

The Atyap, Hausa, and Fulani Communities also promised to settle their problems, according to Salim Musa Umar, Chairman of the Farmers/Herders Association, who also indicated that they will report back to the government in two weeks.

“Peacebuilding is a process, not a one-time thing. Communities have, in fact, proven to be strong enough. As they proceed, any problems should be discussed. It is not a situation that can be rectified in a few days.

The Atyap, Hausa, and Fulani have decided to settle their disputes. They have agreed to give the government a report in a week.

And if they are sincere, I have high hopes that they will work out their disagreements. Musa Salim. President of the farmers/herders association,” he continued.

The easiest and most important message to the people of Southern Kaduna, according to Bature Likoro, chairman of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Association Forum, is for people to understand one another and live in peace.

He commanded, “Let us all understand one another and live in peace.”

Senate approves Peace Corps Bill owner Dickson Akoh

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May 11, 2023

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The Senate has confirmed Professor Dickson Akoh, the National Commandant of the Nigerian Peace Corps, as the owner of the bill that the upper chamber, along with the House of Representatives, legislated on and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent last month.

According to a statement signed by Senator Ali Ndume in his capacity as the Senate’s sponsor, the bill seeks an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, which was then considered, harmonised, and adopted by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

It also stated that any other group or individual claiming to be the Nigerian Peace Corps is breaking the law.

The Senate’s recognition of Dickson Akoh’s Peace Corps as the legitimate body that approached it and the House of Representatives for consideration and passage of the bill stemmed from claims made by one Mustapha that he is the owner of the bill.

“The attention of the leadership of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has been drawn to different groups laying claims to the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps, which was harmonized and adopted by the two Chambers of the National Assembly,” Ndume said in a statement issued Thursday.

“The Bill, as passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly, is solely sponsored by the current Nigerian Peace Corps, led by Prof. Dickson Akoh as National Commandant.”

“Since the Bill was transmitted to Mr. President for his assent by the Clerk of the National Assembly on April 12, 2023, the Senate has been inundated with several entreaties as to the status of the Bill, particularly the organization that seeks statutory backing after Mr. President’s assent to the Bill.”

“To clarify, Part VIII of the Bill, titled “Dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and Savings,” explicitly states that the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria will be dissolved and transmuted to the Nigerian Peace Corps at the start of the Act.” The implication is that the Bill only sought to provide statutory backing to Nigeria’s existing Peace Corps, led by Prof. Dickson Akoh.

“Also, the title of the proposed Nigerian Peace Corps’s head is National Commandant, as contained in Part III, Section 11(1) of the Bill as passed, rather than Commandant General, as widely speculated.”

“However, Section 38 (8) of the Bill made adequate provision to accommodate individuals, groups, associations, or bodies that have shown or demonstrated interest in being absorbed as members of the Corps shall be absorbed subject to the mandatory basic training and orientation program of the Corps as prescribed on the commencement of this Act.”

“It is important to note that this Bill will not take effect until Mr President signs it into law.” As a result, any group claiming to be the Nigerian Peace Corps is currently illegal.

10th NASS: Female Rep condemns APC, Bemoans Women’s Exclusion

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May 11, 2023

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A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member representing Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Adewunmi Onanuga, has protested the exclusion of women in the zoning formula released by her party ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).

Onanuga said all the women who expressed interest in leading the 10th NASS were denied a chance by the APC in a guest appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Thursday.

“Three of us emerged with aspirations. The reason we wanted to put our hats in the ring is that we feel that the female gender needed to have a seat at the table of decision-making,” she said.

Not one woman, not two women, but “most likely three women in the leadership of 10 people” should be given an opportunity, the representative, who was successfully re-elected to the green chamber, said.

Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin received support from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) earlier this week for the positions of Deputy Senate President and Senate President, respectively. Additionally, Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu received the support of the ruling party for the jobs of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.

Onanuga said in a statement on Thursday, “We are requesting that whatever is left in the majority, at least one should come to a woman and two others. I don’t believe that asking for three out of ten is unreasonable.

“There are eight more seats in the House of Representatives after the two presiding seats were filled. Five for minority leaders and three for the majority. If we are to base our decision on the recent court victory for 35 percent affirmative action.

‘There Is No Balance’

The disgruntled candidate for deputy speaker claimed her party ought to have consulted its members before announcing any zoning formula.

“It’s critical that equity win out. There is no balance in the current state. 4-0 for presiding officers is not a good balance. We need to truly engage some more and recognise all those who are aggrieved. I am outraged, mainly for myself and for the (lack of) gender balance,” she stated.

INEC to announce candidates for next governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

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May 11, 2023

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According to the announcement made by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the list of candidates along with their biographical information would be made public on Friday for the governorship elections in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.

On Thursday, this information was included in a statement that was signed by Festus Okoye, who serves as the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee for INEC.

The statement claims that all 18 political parties have nominated candidates for the governorship race in Kogi, whereas only 17 parties have done so for the elections in Bayelsa and Imo States respectively.

The announcement went as follows: “Nigerians may recall that on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the Commission issued the agenda and calendar of operations for the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, lmo, and Kogi states held on Saturday, November 11, 2023. These elections were held on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Read Also: Angola overtakes Nigeria as continent’s leading oil production

“In accordance with the requirements of the law, political parties held their primaries and uploaded the names and personal information of their candidates and running mates to the INEC candidate nomination portal by the deadline of 6:00 pm on May 5, 2023.

“All of the political parties that are sponsoring candidates for the three elections have turned in the properly filled out Forms EC9 containing personal particulars accompanied by sworn documents, as well as Forms EC9B containing the names of their candidates,” the statement read. “The elections will take place on [the] dates specified by the Commission.

“In accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of section 29 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission is obligated to publish the personal particulars of the candidates on Friday, May 12, 2023, in the offices of the State Headquarters and the Local Government in all three states.

“We are appealing to the people of Nigeria to review the list. According to provision number 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, “any aspirant who participated in their party’s primaries and has reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by the candidate is false may challenge the nomination at the Federal High Court.”

Angola overtakes Nigeria as continent’s leading oil production

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May 11, 2023

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For the month of April 2023, Angola has surpassed Nigeria to become the leading producer of crude oil in Africa. According on information obtained directly and included in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ April 2023 monthly oil market report.

According to the research, Angola produced 1.06 million barrels of petroleum per day in April 2023.

Algeria and Nigeria both recorded the same number of barrels per day during the highlighted timeframe, at 999,000 for the month of April 2023 and 999,000 for the whole month. Nigeria has not experienced a lower output rate than this since the year 2023.

According to Nairametrics, data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that in April 2023, Nigeria produced 998,602 barrels per day of crude oil.

According to the OPEC report, total OPEC-13 crude oil production in April 2023 averaged 28.60 million barrels per day, a 191 thousand barrels per day decrease month over month. Saudi Arabia, Angola, and Iran saw the largest increases in crude oil production, while Nigeria and Iraq saw decreases.

Global tensions are still expected to increase in 2023, according to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. The organization made this claim in its monthly oil market report, which was made public on May 11. According to the research, OPEC expects the global oil demand to reach 101.9 million barrels per day in 2023. This estimate, however, is subject to several risks, including persistent geopolitical tensions and developments in the global economy, the research notes in one section.

The Nigerian government was recently given tax advice from KPMG Nigeria to explore for ways to improve its oil income. However, the fact that the nation would lose its position as the top African oil producer to Angola in April 2023 does not instill new hope in the oil sector’s ability to perform well in the first half of 2023, at the very least.

The Russia-Ukraine war resulted in increased oil prices in 2022, which benefited various oil and gas businesses as well as nations that produce petroleum. Nigeria, however, was unable to benefit from the price increase because of unacceptably high levels of crude oil theft in 2022, which caused the nation to lose up to 700,000 barrels per day, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Nigeria’s economy encountered difficulties gaining momentum in the first quarter of 2023, according to the OPEC MOMR, with company activity and consumer spending continuing modest, as well as significant input-cost inflation and lower employment levels compared to 2022.

Ex-lawmaker: Tinubu will treat everyone fairly

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May 11, 2023

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The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would not marginalize any segment of the country, whether they voted for him or not, according to Dayo Adeyeye, the national coordinator of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju.

In an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Adeyeye—a former spokesperson for the 9th Senate—gave the guarantee.

The Afenifere chieftain claimed that because Tinubu won his election with overwhelming support nationwide, he had no justification for marginalizing any region of the nation.

In five of the six geographical zones that include 31 of the 36 states of the Federation, he pointed out, the President-elect met the conditions set forth by the Constitution.

This indicates a significant spread across the nation, he said. Whoever becomes president of Nigeria must enjoy widespread support across the entire nation, according to the constitution’s framers. These criteria have been met by Tinubu.

Nevertheless, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration poses no threat to the populace in the few regions of the nation where it was clear he did not adhere to the constitution’s provisions.

“He is a man with a big heart, and he’s already said he’ll be fair to everyone of Nigeria. Therefore, the simple fact that some individuals didn’t vote for him wouldn’t stop him from implementing development projects in their communities in any way.

“Everyone should have peace of mind knowing that Tinubu’s government will treat all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria fairly.

“His government will provide for the needs of the residents of every region of the nation. Therefore, it is essential for all Nigerians to have faith that better times are coming for everyone. Tinubu will always be pro-Nigerians and will never have any animosity toward any Nigerian.

“He was elected president of Nigeria, and as such, he would work for all Nigerians, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or religion.

“He will guarantee the uniform development of the entire nation. Neglecting one region of the nation will set other regions back. In terms of social and economic progress, we must continue.

Tinubu’s first priority, according to Adeyeye, would be to deal with the problem of insecurity.

He stated, “Although present throughout the entire nation, insecurity is more chronic in some areas.

“As a result, locations where the issue has virtually reached intractable status would receive substantial attention.

“Once the issue of insecurity is resolved, it will spark tremendous social and economic activity that will have an impact on all economic sectors, simultaneously. Tinubu will use all available tools, including technology, to find a solution. The nation’s security architecture could also need to be decentralized.

When he served as governor of Lagos State, “I know that he has done well in terms of the security in Lagos State,” Adeyeye continued.

Ooni, ex-INEC commissioner congratulate Adeleke

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May 11, 2023

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and ex-National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Lai Olurode, on Wednesday, congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his election.

A congratulatory statement signed by Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, then urged Adeleke to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of the Osun people.

The royal father also advised Adeleke to be magnanimous in victory and lead with integrity, wisdom, and compassion.

The statement read in parts, “The House of Oduduwa is thrilled to extend her heartfelt congratulations to you on your remarkable and well-deserved victory as declared by the esteemed Supreme Court of Nigeria. This momentous ruling is a triumph for democracy and the will of the Good People Of The State Of Osun.

“The people of the state have placed their trust in you, and we have no doubt that you will work tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of citizenry. Your passion for public service, your vision for progress, and your unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people will undoubtedly guide you in the path ahead.

“Now that you have been finally affirmed as our Governor, you are urged to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of our people. We have full confidence that you will be magnanimous in victory and also, lead with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Your tenure is an opportunity to bring about positive change, uplift communities, and foster an environment of inclusivity, progress, and development.”

Similarly, ex-INEC national commissioner, Olurode, in his congratulatory message to Adeleke, noted that the governor had passed through difficult electoral and legal hurdles and advised him to quickly settle down to commence serious work of responding to the cries of the people in terms of infrastructural deficit.

In considering people for appointments, he also advised Adeleke to be all-inclusive and avoid winner takes all approach that may create instability.

Olurode equally commended the former governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for being a gentleman who never sought violence in his pursuit of electoral justice.

Senate Presidency: Allow incoming senators to exercise their constitutional rights – Group

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May 11, 2023

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According to the Amalgamated All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups, the race for President of the Tenth Senate is a constitutional matter, and senators-elect must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights to vote for leaders of their choice.

Dr Kailani Muhammad, the group’s Director-General, stated this on Wednesday at a news conference in Abuja on the issues surrounding the election of the 10th Senate President.

Muhammad, who is also the National Chairman of the Tinubu/Shettima Network (TSN), described the endorsement of Sen. Godswill Akpabio as the APC’s preferred candidate for the Senate presidency as rumours.

Read Also: Bola Tinubu meets APC’s consensus candidates for Reps leadership

“The rumors of endorsement are a total distraction from the tenets of democracy and must be rejected by all and sundry.” We must allow the senators-elect to exercise their free will.

“Senators-elect must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights to vote for aspirants of their choice in the Senate Chambers,” he said.

Following a meeting of the NWC on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the APC leadership reached a decision on the two key positions in the National Assembly.

Following the meeting, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated that the NWC reached a compromise on the zoning arrangement for the 10th National Assembly.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee met today, Monday, May 8, 2023, to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the president-elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other party leaders, and stakeholders on zoning arrangements for 10th National Assembly leadership positions,” Morka said.

“The NWC took note with respect of the outcome of the meetings held between the president-elect and the NWC leadership.” The NWC called for more and better consultation with relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the support of National Assembly leadership aspirants and party members across the country.

“The NWC was informed of the following zoning arrangement: Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) is the Senate President for the South-South; Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano) is the Deputy Senate President for the North-West; Hon. Abass Tajudeen (Kaduna) is the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the North-West; and Hon. Ben Kalu (Abia) is the Deputy Speaker for the South-East.

“We urge our party leaders, members, and all Nigerians to continue to work for our country’s peace and progress during and beyond the current period of leadership transition.”

Muhammad recalled that the APC leadership took a stand on the issue of zoning the 10th Senate presidency to the South-South about two days ago.

“Sen. Godswill Akpabio used this to claim that the party has chosen him as its preferred candidate for the prestigious position.” To set the record straight, there is currently no such thing as zoning in the APC.

“To allay Nigerians’ and indeed aspirants’ fears, our great party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Snooker, came out on Channels Television to debunk the statement, likening it to a damaging rumour.”

“Felix categorically stated that the party and aspirants are still talking with other stakeholders and negotiating to see how the issue can be resolved amicably so that the country can move forward.”

“Felix categorically stated that the party is working toward a peaceful resolution of the issue, in order to ensure a developed Nigeria free of rancor.”

Read Also: Randy’s father detained for allegedly impregnating, raping daughter for 3 yrs

“We recall the recent scenario during the APC primaries where President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, endorsed Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, as Presidential Candidate, but President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, eventually emerged as the winner,” he said.

A cross-section of senators-elect from various political parties have also rejected outside influence in their presiding officers’ election.

The senators-elect insisted on following the constitutional provisions on the emergence of presiding officers during the induction program organized for them by the National Assembly management in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

Senator-elect Ned Nwoko, who was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform to represent Delta North Senatorial District, said members of the 10th Senate would reject any attempt by the executive to pocket the legislature.

“The overwhelming majority of the senators-elect believe that we must be independent,” Nwoko said. That is the only way to hold the executive accountable.

“The legislature is not meant to be a tool for the executive. Some of us were already well-established before we came here. As a result, we are not cowards. We are very self-sufficient.”

Senator-elect AbdulRaham Kawu-Sumaila, a former minority leader in the House of Representatives who now represents Kano South on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has stated that any attempt to impose presiding officers on the 10th National Assembly will fail.

“When it comes to the Senate presidency, we should stick to the constitution.”

“The constitution contains a clear and express provision that allows members of the National Assembly to choose their presiding officers among themselves, regardless of party affiliation, religious or ethnic considerations.”

EFCC arrests former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman

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May 11, 2023

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained and arrested Sale Mamman, a former minister of power, in connection with an alleged N22 billion fraud.

Mamman, who served as a minister for President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) from 2019 to 2021, was reportedly detained on Wednesday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after showing up for questioning.

Mamman had been fired by Buhari in 2021 after a minor cabinet shuffle.

According to EFCC sources, the former minister is being questioned in relation to an investigation into alleged corruption totaling N22 billion during the execution of some power projects.

“The former minister is being held on suspicion of embezzling and diverting about N22 billion.

According to a source, “He is under investigation for allegedly conspiring to divert N22 billion and share among themselves with some ministry employees in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.”

The source claims that properties in Nigeria and abroad that were allegedly connected to the suspects were found during the investigations, and that millions of naira and dollars were also reportedly recovered.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesperson, did not return phone calls or a text message when our correspondent tried to get in touch with him for comment.

According to reports, the EFCC had opened an inquiry into the contentious $5.8 billion Mambilla Hydro Electric Power project contract with Sunrise Power in November 2022.

The Sunrise litigation on the project is the only issue delaying its start, according to the current Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu.

“The EFCC has taken an interest in the situation, and we have provided them with information on it. The power project’s history has been provided to them. Our attorneys have communicated with the anti-graft organization. We are powerless to take any action unless we can end the legal battle.

In a 2022 report, Aliyu stated, “I don’t think the investor will bring his money where there is an encumbrance.”