PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribubal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel's exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflects the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa's largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.

The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our Government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

 

Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale 

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 6, 2023

President Tinubu Encourages Indian Investors: Seize the Opportunity as Nigeria Attracts $14 Billion in New Investments at Nigeria-India Economic Roundtable.

President Tinubu Encourages Indian Investors: Seize the Opportunity as Nigeria Attracts $14 Billion in New Investments at Nigeria-India Economic Roundtable.                By: Olamide Akinwumi.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference, celebrated the remarkable commitment of Indian investors who pledged nearly $14 billion in new investments. The President's message to these investors was clear: "Do not procrastinate; Nigeria offers the best returns on investment today."

Among the significant investment announcements was Indorama Petrochemical Limited's commitment to invest $8 billion in expanding its fertilizer production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State. Jindal Steel and Power Limited also pledged $3 billion for investments in Nigeria, a result of discussions with President Tinubu during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi.

Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, Founder of SkipperSeil Limited, announced a $1.6 billion investment in establishing twenty 100MW power generation plants across Northern Nigeria, aiming to add 2,000MW of new power capacity in the next four years.

Additionally, a $1 billion agreement was approved to enhance the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to achieve 40% self-sufficiency in local manufacturing and defense equipment production by 2027, through a partnership with India's Military-Industrial Complex.

Bharti Enterprises, a prominent Indian corporation with diverse interests, expressed its commitment to invest an additional $700 million in Nigeria, with immediate implementation plans.

President Tinubu emphasized that these agreements must lead to real industries and job creation in Nigeria, highlighting his administration's dedication to improving the macroeconomic and investment climate. He assured investors that Nigeria is open for business and that he and his team are ready to address any challenges.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, praised the investments and explained President Tinubu's eight-point strategy, focusing on growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and more, all underpinned by the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.

Ministers from both countries signed agreements for digital transformation, education technology, and infrastructure development. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), committed to sending a high-level delegation to Nigeria, solidifying the cooperation between the two nations.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with industry leaders from India and Nigeria. Following the roundtable, President Tinubu met individually with top investors to ensure their success in Nigeria.

President Tinubu's leadership and efforts to attract capital to Nigeria have received strong support from Indian investors, reflecting renewed hope for a diversified and prosperous Nigerian economy.

NPFL Postpones Kick-Off; New Start Date to Be Announced Shortly.

NPFL Postpones Kick-Off; New Start Date to Be Announced Shortly.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL has postponed already scheduled kick-off for this weekend as no new date has been given.

It is the third time the kick-off date has been shelved since the original date of 26 August. The 8 September kick-off is shelved as a press statement indicated the need to have the Nigeria premier Football League members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

There has hardly been any season in the past 20 years that the Nigerian league kicked off on a first announced date.

According to a press statement, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo”, Owumi told NPFL Media Wednesday morning.

He said the postponement has been communicated to the clubs so they can stand down travel plans already made.

“Note therefore that there will be no flag-off game this Saturday, September 9 as originally planned”, the letter to the clubs read. He said a new kickoff date will be communicated in a few days.

Tribunal nullifies Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party Election in Abia. – Declares APC Nkeiruka Onyejeocha winner.

Tribunal nullifies Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party Election in Abia. – Declares APC Nkeiruka Onyejeocha winner.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia the Abia State Capital has nullified the election of Hon Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party,representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency on grounds of non compliance to the electoral Act.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in February 28th declared the Labour Party Candidate , Amobi Ogah as the winner of the Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency election with a a total of 11,769 votes against current Minister of State for Labour and Employment Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha Chidubem who the commission said scored a total of 8,752 votes.

Dissatisfied with the result, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha filed a petition before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, seeking the nullification of Hon Amobi Ogah’s Election in seven reliefs contained in her Petition

Delivering Judgement in the Petition tagged EPT/AB/HR/8/2023 on Wednesday in Umuahia, the three member Panel 1 of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal said the candidate of the Labour Party and Member Representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency Hon Amobi Ogah did not comply with the provisions of the electoral Act.

“How a candidate is Sponsored by a political party is both Pre and post election, there is no evidence of given 21days notice to INEC by the respondent before conducting their primary election”

“No date of Primaries was placed before us, no evidence of Primaries and the 3rd respondent has always said it’s an internal affairs of the Party”

“We have tabulated and found out that the results computed by the petition is correct and the results computed by the 1st respondent is dis-countenanced ”

Hon Amobi Ogah who had argued that the acceptance of the Ministerial appointment of Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a sign that she has abandoned her petition .

However the Tribunal in her ruling dismissed the submission of the Lawmaker.

“We are of the view that section 66 is not applicable to this scenario because the petitioner is not a Lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the scenario prohibited by law is a person being a member of two arms of government” the court ruled.

Governor Oyebanji Set to Commission Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal.

Governor Oyebanji Set to Commission Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal.

In an exciting development for Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji is gearing up to officially open the much-anticipated Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal. The commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023, and it promises to be a momentous occasion.

According to a statement by Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, the event will take place at the impressive new bus terminal Complex, located on Ijoka road, and it's set to commence at 4 pm.

Adding to the significance of this occasion, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. Dr. Fayemi will have the honor of cutting the ribbon, officially marking the opening of this state-of-the-art complex.

This remarkable project, the Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal, initially initiated during Dr. Fayemi's administration in 2021, stands as one of the legacy projects for the region. What's truly commendable is that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has taken the baton, ensuring its successful completion and immediate readiness for public use following the commissioning.

This bus terminal project is a vital component of the urban renewal efforts in the region and is closely aligned with the Infrastructure and Industrialization pillar of the Oyebanji administration's development agenda.

This event follows closely on the heels of the recent commissioning of the Traditional Rulers council chamber, underscoring the BAO administration's unwavering commitment to finishing all unfinished projects from the JKF 2.0 administration, adhering to the continuity mantra.

Stay tuned for the grand opening of the Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal, a significant step forward in the region's development and a testament to the dedication of the government to serve its people.

Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday nullified the victory of Sen. Abubakar Ohere as the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election.

The court further declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan as the actual winner of the February senatorial election

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, who read the unanimous judgement of the three-man panel, said Ohere results were inflated in nine polling units of Ajaokuta Local Government Area (LGA) while that of Natasha was intentionally reduced in the areas by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as three other polling units result that was deliberately not entered for Natasha in the same LGA.

The court after making the proper correction, declared Natasha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the poll having polled 54,074 against Ohere

We didn’t Lose Any Life to Flooding in Ekiti — Oyebanji.

We didn’t Lose Any Life to Flooding in Ekiti — Oyebanji.

...Condoles victims, promises safer actions against reoccurrence.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, today denied the rumour that five people were drwoned by flooding that affected some sections of Ado Ekiti capital city, on Tuesday.

Areas ravaged by water after over five hours of torrential downpour include: Ureje Bridge along Polytechnic road, Eminrin Estate, Ilupeju avenue, Elemi, Ita Eku, Basiri, among others.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, accompanied by  the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko and other top government functionaries, gave the denial, on Wednesday, while visiting the affected areas to assess the level of destruction caused by the incident.

Oyebanji, who regretted the level of havoc wreaked by the flood, assured that his government would map out life-saving mechanisms to mitigate destruction of property in areas submerged by water.

Reiterating that no life was lost in all the flood ravaged areas visited, Oyebanji said: “Our people should discountenance that rumour that five people died. Nothing of such happened. We have it on good authority that those who fell victim were saved by divers. So, our people shouldn’t panic.

“It was to avoid flooding that this government embarked on aggressive dredging of Ureje and Elemi Rivers early this year. We also channelised many drainages in Ado Ekiti. If not for that proactive actions, the wreckage could have been worse and more destructive.

“We sympathise with those that were affected by this flooding. My government won’t abandon them. We will take quick steps to address all your issues. We will surely come to your aid because the welfare of the people is paramount to Governor Biodun Oyebanji”.

Oyebanji warned Ekiti residents against unwholesome practices like reckless dumping of refuse and sewages inside canals and erection of buildings on waterways, describing these as actions that were exacerbating flooding in the state.

Also corroborating the Governor’s position, the diver, who rescued the five victims at Ureje Bridge, Chief Kolawole Falajiki, who was one of those that received the entourage, clarified that the victims were saved while being washed away by water, contrary to the rumour being peddled on social media.

“Nobody died , we ensured we saved all those that were caught in the web of flooding. Commuters numbering over 800 were trapped here at Ureje bank. They were witnessed to my story that nobody died”.

Falajiki alongside spokesmen of Ureje and Eminrin estate: Mr Tayo Olawuyi, Rasheed Akanbi and Alhaji Shine Salami, applauded the state government for dredging the river earlier in the year, saying the havoc could have been more disastrous if not for that well conceived action.

“The only way we can overcome this flooding permanently is for the government to blast the rock that is raising the water level inside Ureje River. That was why the water was overflowing the high bridge that connects Ado Ekiti to Afe Babalola University.

“Another way is that they should use concrete to channel the water downslope. These are the permanent solutions to the challenge”.