| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Page No/Weblink | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, June 10, 2019 | NASS: APC Govs back Lawan, Gbajabiamila | Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC have endorsed Sen. Ahmad Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the position of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively. Chairman of the forum and Kebbi state governor, Atiku Bagudu said the governors are of the firm belief that the leadership of the party took the right decision when they opted to support Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the principal offices. | 9th Assembly leadership, APC, Lawan, Gbajabiamila | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/nass-apc-govs-back-lawan-gbajabiamila/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, June 10, 2019 | Atiku vs Buhari: Tribunal resumes hearing today, as panel gets new head | The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja will today resume proceedings on the petition challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23 presidential election. The tribunal had on May 22, adjourned further hearing on the case the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, lodged against the outcome of the presidential poll, after President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, recused herself from presiding over the panel. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), Atiku, Buhari., Bukachuwa | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/atiku-vs-buhari-tribunal-resumes-hearing-today-as-panel-gets-new-head/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, June 10, 2019 | I’ll neutralize banditry, terrorism, kidnapping – Buhari | PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has for the umpteenth time vowed that his administration will not relent in its fight to neutralize bandits, Terrorists and kidnappers in the country. President Buhari has also expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of scores of people in the banditry attacks on Saturday in three communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to the President's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Graba Shehu, “The President prays for the quick recovery of all those injured and assures that his administration will not relent in the fight to neutralise terrorists, bandits and kidnappers around the country,” | Presidnet Buhari, Sokoto State, banditry, terrorism | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/ill-neutralize-banditry-terrorism-kidnapping-buhari/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, June 10, 2019 | Buhari accepts Onnoghen’s voluntary retirement, seeks appointment of Justices for Supreme Court | PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has written the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, on the appointment of additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. President Buhari has also accepted the voluntary retirement of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Sunday. | President Buhari, Onnoghen | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/buhari-accepts-onnoghens-voluntary-retirement-appoints-5-justices-for-supreme-court/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, June 10, 2019 | 9th NASS: Speakership candidates talk tough | As the nation awaits the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly tomorrow, the Speakership candidates, in various chats, unveiled their agenda and mission and remained upbeat on their chances of winning. Those who spoke were Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha from Abia State, South-East; Hon. Jide Olatubunsun from Oyo State, South-West; Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State, South-West; Hon. John Dyegh from Benue State, North Central; | 9th National Assmebly, Speakership Candidates | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/9th-nass-speakership-candidates-talk-tough/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 10, 2019 | APC Adopts Omo-Agege for Deputy Senate President | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the positions of Deputy Senate President and Hon. Muhammed Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for the ninth Assembly. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday following the emergency meetings of the NWC held on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 of June 2019. | Deputy Speakership race, House of Representatives, APC, 9th Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/10/apc-adopts-omo-agegea-for-deputy-senate-president-wase-deputy-speaker/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 10, 2019 | Ebonyi REC Confirms Probe by SPIP over Alleged Electoral Fraud | The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ebonyi State, Prof. Godswill Obioma, has confirmed that the Special Investigative Panel (SPIP) has invited him over a bribery allegation involving an INEC staff and other alleged electoral irregularities during the March 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state. Obioma, who confirmed the incident, noted that he was not arrested as alleged, but was only invited by the panel following an allegation that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) connived with some INEC staff to reduce votes of President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. | INEC, REC, electoral offences | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/10/ebonyi-rec-confirms-probe-by-spip-over-alleged-electoral-fraud/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, June 10, 2019 | Kogi guber election: APC, PDP in war of words | Soon after Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello’s declaration for a second term, there has been serious opposition from his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).PDP has been very consistent in its move to frustrate Bello’s reelection bid, based on its stance that Bello does not deserve a second term in office due alleged abysmal performance. | Kogi Governorship race, Yahaya Bello, APC, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/kogi-guber-election-apc-pdp-in-war-of-words/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Youths make inroads as State Assembly Speakers emerge | In some States, various circumstances favoured young men and first-time legislators to emerge as speaker or deputy speaker. Thirty-two-year-old Adebo Ogundoyin, the member representing Ibarapa East Area council has emerged Speaker of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly. Ogundoyin emerged unopposed after the Governor of the State, Seyi Makinde, inaugurated the 9th Assembly with 32 other members. Abok Nuhu Ayuba, an APC member has emerged the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly. Abok is 34 years old and a first time lawmaker representing Jos East Constituency. | State Assembly, Speaker, Youths | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/youths-make-inroads-as-state-assembly-speakers-emerge.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | NASS leadership: PDP endorses Ali Ndume, Umar Bago | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the party has, after extensive consultations with critical stakeholders, adopted Senator Ali Ndume and Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago for Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives of the ninth national assembly to be inaugurated today. The PDP, in a statement issued at 1:30am on Tuesday by its National Secretary, Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsauri, said the final resolution on Senator Ndume and Hon. Bago was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, state governors as well as senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP. | NASS Leadership, Ndume, Bago | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-nass-leadership-pdp-endorses-ali-ndume-umar-bago.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Dino Melaye can’t defeat me — Gov Bello | Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has likened the ambition of Kogi Central District senator-elect to challenge him at the November 16 governorship election as an indication of his readiness to “pass through the eye of the needle”. The Governor, who spoke with journalists in Abuja shortly after the meeting of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) on Sunday night, voiced confidence about his victory at the coming poll. | Kogi Governorship race, Yahaya Bello, Dino Melaye | ttps://www.dailytrust.com.ng/dino-melaye-cant-defeat-me-gov-bello.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Secondus: Presidency, APC arm-twisting N/Assembly officials | National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has alleged that the Presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) are arm-twisting the technocrats of the National Assembly to fashion out favourable ways to enable them hijack the 9th Assembly. Secondus in a statement, yesterday, by his Special Adviser on Media, Ike Abonyi, said the executive was trying to take over the 9th Assembly so as to realize “their long held aspiration of hijacking the legislature” which he claimed began in August last year during the “state sponsored stealing of the Senate mace and the aborted illegal seizure of the 8th Assembly.” | Uche Secondus, PDP, APC, Presidency, National Assembly | www.dailytrust.com.ng/secondus-presidency-apc-arm-twisting-n-assembly-officials.html | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Atiku Seeks Speedy Trial as Bulkachuwa Appoints Replacement | The legal teams of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his party in the petition challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23 presidential election, yesterday hinted that it would seek accelerated hearing of Atiku and PDP’s petition at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Speaking to THISDAY on the replacement, in Abuja, the senior lawyer said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that we need accelerated hearing and that comes without saying so. He said the presidential election tribunal is time bound, with only 180 days to conclude the hearing and deliver judgment, adding that, “We have already done half of the time.” | Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal, Atiku, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/11/atiku-seeks-speedy-trial-as-bulkachuwa-appoints-replacement/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Buhari Signs June 12 Bill into Law | President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at the Presidential Villa, signed the Public Holidays Act Amendment Bill into law. Enang said that the Act declared June 12 of every year as public holiday and Democracy Day in Nigeria. “It amends the Public Holidays Act which now removes May 29 of every year as a public holiday and now makes it June 12, democracy as a public holiday in Nigeria henceforth. “By this Act, May 29 is no more a Public Holiday,’’ he said. Buhari had on June 6, 2018, declared June 12 to be the new Democracy Day in commemoration of the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993. The Federal Government had earlier on Monday declared June 12, as a public holiday, to commemorate the nation’s National Democracy Day. | National Democracy Day, June 12, Public Holiday | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/11/buhari-signs-june-12-bill-into-law/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Six Imo Lawmakers defect to PDP | Six members of the Imo State House of Assembly yesterday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Five of the lawmakers defected from the Action Alliance (AA), while one of them decamped from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The AA defectors are, Mike Iheanatu (Aboh Mbaise), Victor Onyewuchi (Owerri West), Ken Agbim (Ahiazu Mbaise), Lloyd Chukwuemeka (Owerri North), Bruno Ukoha, (Ezinihitte Mbaise), while Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano) defected from APGA. This was communicated to the House in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Chinedu Offor, and read at the plenary yesterday. | Imo State House of Assembly, Defection, PDP | https://guardian.ng/news/six-imo-lawmakers-defect-to-pdp/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Senate: Ohuabunwa’s supporters protest alleged “stolen mandate” in Abia | Scores of supporters and members of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa’s constituency, yesterday, held a peaceful protest, demanding what they called “restoring the stolen mandate” of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North) whose case is at the tribunal. The protesters took the protest to Abia State Government House where they ventilated their grievances before marching to the State House of Assembly. Spokesman of the protesters and the Director General of his Campaign MAO Organisation, Chief Ndubuisi Eke, who spoke at the Government House gate, said they came to draw the attention of the governor to the injustice. According to him, it was a gross injustice for INEC to issue certificate of return to the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Orji Uzor Kalu, who was allegedly never declared winner of the contest. | Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Abia North, INEC | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/senate-ohuabunwas-supporters-protest-alleged-stolen-mandate-in-abia/ | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | Anambra Central: Ekwunife not eligible to contest election – Umeh | Senator Victor Umeh, who contested the February National Assembly election on the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, said yesterday that Senator Uche Ekwunife of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who was declared winner for Anambra Central senatorial zone by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not eligible to contest the election. Umeh, who is challenging the declaration, said his petition before the tribunal was hinged on the fact that Ekwunife did not emerge from any party primaries and therefore, was not eligible to contest in the election in the first place. | Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Victor Umeh, PDP, INEC | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/anambra-central-ekwunife-not-eligible-to-contest-election-umeh-2/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Tinubu Congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila | The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has congratulated Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and their deputies on their election, urging them to see the offices entrusted in them as sacred.He urged the new National Assembly leaders to do all within their powers to not only nurture and deepen the institutions of the legislature but also the country’s promising democracy. Their task now, he said, “is to compliment and support President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his administration’s progressive agenda and truly take the country to the Next Level with detailed, timely and progressive legislative initiatives and restore a sense of patriotism to the exalted offices they now occupy”. | Tinubu, APC, NASS Leaders | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/13/tinubu-congratulates-lawan-gbajabiamila/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Governance Structure: ACF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Disagree on Obasanjo’s Position | Nigeria’s major socio-political organisations, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have disagreed on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation of imbalance in the nation’s governance structure. Reacting to the election of Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate president, Obasanjo had decried the imbalance in the governance structure of the country, saying President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is driving the country towards “disaster and instability”. He expressed concern that Lawan, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad and Buhari came from what he called the core north. He said giving the key positions in the country to a particular region did not reflect geographical diversity. But while Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo backed the position of Obasanjo, the ACF faulted the former president. ACF said Buhari should not be blamed for Nigerians’ decision to elect people from the North into offices. | Obasanjo, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/13/governance-structure-acf-afenifere-ohanaeze-disagree-on-obasanjos-position/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | After Issuing Certificate of Return to Okorocha, INEC Says It Will Challenge Court Order | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wednesday said despite its decision to issue a certificate of return to Rochas Okorocha as a senator elect, it will still appeal the court order that compelled it to issue the certificate. According to INEC, in obeying the judgment, “the Commission is demonstrating once again its longstanding commitment of complying with all orders of court, including those with which it may have reservations. “However, the Commission must put on record its very profound concerns about the likely consequences of this judgment for our electoral process in particular and our democracy in general. Obviously, persons who seek elective offices could perceive in this judgment an irrelevance of due process and acting | Rochas Okorocha, Certificate of Return, INEC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/12/after-issuing-certificate-of-return-to-okorocha-inec-says-it-will-challenge-court-order/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Buhari: We Will Lift 100m Nigerians Out of Poverty | President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday set a 10-year target for Nigeria to lift at least 100 million of its people out of poverty.The president, in his inaugural address for a second term in office delivered in Abuja, said his administration would thenceforth begin to lay the foundations for accomplishing the poverty redemption goal by offering a leadership with a sense of purpose. He had deferred the inaugural address till yesterday, after his formal swearing-in for a second term in office on May 29, to give colour to the maiden celebration of June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day. | Buhari, Democracy Day, Inaugural Address | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/13/buhari-we-will-lift-100m-nigerians-out-of-poverty/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Gowon, Obasanjo, other ex-leaders absent from June 12 celebration | It was meant to be the celebration of a democratic milestone witnessed by people of the home country and leaders of other nations. But yesterday’s Democracy Day left many observers puzzled as none of Nigeria’s former leaders attended. Although the names of Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida and Yakubu Gowon were included in copies of the programme shared to guests at the Eagle Square Abuja venue of the event, nobody caught a glimpse of any of the past leaders. President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were however joined on the occasion by top government officials, and foreign leaders: President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz; President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; President of Liberia, George Weah; President of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso; and President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo. | Democracy Day, June 12 | https://guardian.ng/news/gowon-obasanjo-other-ex-leaders-absent-from-june-12-celebration/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Democracy Day: Govs hail Buhari for recognising MKO Abiola, urge unity | President Muhammadu Buhari has received praise from governors for legalising June 12 as the country’s official Democracy Day in honour of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola. Buhari on Monday signed into law the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill, making June 12 a public holiday in the country. It also becomes the country’s official Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which hitherto was a public holiday. | Democracy Day, MKO Abiola, June 12 | https://punchng.com/democracy-day-govs-hail-buhari-for-recognising-mko-abiola-urge-unity/ | |
| vPunch Newspaper | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | DSS stops June 12 rally in Ibadan, arrests three | Men of the Department of State Services on Wednesday stopped a rally of the Yoruba Summit Group in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The rally was scheduled to hold in front of the Government House, Agodi Arcade. The security operatives in about five buses arrived at the venue at 7am and barricaded the area. Three people, including a sound system operator contracted to provide services at the event, were whisked away to the state headquarters of the DSS at Aleshinloye. A public affairs analyst and state Coordinator of the Oodua Coalition Against Insurgency and Kidnapping in Yorubaland, Dr Tunde Hamzat, and a female activist identified as Princess Oyeronke, were among those arrested. Akinpelu said the botched rally was tagged o to ge (enough is enough) to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day. He added, “The rally was called to address the issue of insecurity in the land and safeguard Yoruba people who are becoming endangered in the land through incessant kidnappings and wanton attacks on their farmlands. | DSS, Ibadan, Rally | https://punchng.com/dss-stops-june-12-rally-in-ibadan-arrests-three/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Democracy Day: Elected officers must be accountable —Sanwo-Olu | Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday said the philosophy behind June 12 must continually be celebrated by ensuring that elected officers were accountable and every Nigerian treated equally. Sanwo-Olu said this at the maiden June 12 Democracy Day celebration, with the theme “Democracy and Restoration of True Federalism in Nigeria”, organised by the State Government in Lagos. The Chairman of the occasion, Rtd. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, said the essence of June 12 would be lost, if the people were not made the fulcrum of governance. He also called for restructuring that would result in having local and state police. “The President should not listen to those who have kicked against restructuring, and look into the political, physical and territorial re-alignment. “Those against it are enemies of peace and they will stop us from joining the rest of the world in the race toward development, human dignity and comfort. | Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu, June 12 | https://punchng.com/democracy-day-elected-officers-must-be-accountable-sanwo-olu/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | Electoral Act, PIGB, others set to face fresh legislation | The Electoral Act Amendment, the Constitution Amendment Bills, and the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) are among the many bills likely to face fresh legislative action as the 9th National Assembly gets ready for business, Daily Trust reports. But while the Constitution Amendment Bill, which contained several other bills, will go through a whole new process, the two other bills alongside 45 others rejected by the president may enjoy some waivers. Sen. Ahmad Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina) said it is automatic for bills to be reconsidered by the next Assembly when they were not signed into law or the previous parliament could not conclude work on them. | Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Constitution Amendment Bills, PIGB, 9th Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/electoral-act-pigb-others-set-to-face-fresh-legislation.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | PDP picks Abaribe as Senate Minority Leader | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leadership has picked Sen Eyinnaya Abaribe from Abia State as the Minority Leader of the 9th Senate. Also, the PDP has picked Sen Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba State as Deputy Minority Leader, Sen Philip Aduda (FCT) as Minority Whip and Sen Clifford Ordia (Edo) as Deputy Minority Whip. The decision was reached at a meeting with the PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus in Abuja last night. Though the PDP was yet to make the decision official, it was gathered that it would be communicated to the Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who will read it at plenary on July 2. | NASS Leadership, PDP | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-picks-abaribe-as-senate-minority-leader.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | INEC opposes Atiku, PDP’s application for access to server | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied being in possession of the server where results of the February 23 presidential election results were uploaded. INEC’s position was made known at the ongoing Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja challenging the outcome of the election. Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had through their lawyers led by Levy Uzoukwu (SAN) asked the tribunal to compel INEC to grant them access to the server and smart card readers used in the conduct of the election. But counsel to INEC, Yunus Ustaz Usman (SAN) in a counter affidavit asked the court to dismiss the application. “They are asking us to bring something we don’t have,” he said. He drew the attention of the tribunal to its judgment on March 6 granting PDP access to inspect only election materials without the server. Counsel to President Muhammadu Buhari, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lateef Fagnemi (SAN) both asked the court to dismiss the application for failing to prove the existence of the server. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), INEC, INEC Server, APC, PDP, Buhari, Atiku, | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-opposes-atiku-pdps-application-for-access-to-server.html | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | APC to Tribunal: Dismiss Atiku’s Petition, He’s Ineligible to Run | The All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday asked the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, to strike out the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, against the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. It said the petition was defective, ab initio, because the former vice-president and PDP candidate “is not a Nigerian by birth.” Counsel to the APC, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called on the tribunal to declare Atiku ineligible to run for the presidency while responding to the petitioners’ motion seeking the striking out of APC’s reply to the petition.He said: “My Lord, I am opposing this application on the qualification of the first petitioner (Abubakar). I am standing by the proof we have supplied in our reply. The APC, which is the third respondent in the petition, reiterated its submission that Atiku was not a citizen of Nigeria by birth and ought not to have even been allowed in the first place to contest the election. Counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Chris Uche (SAN), argued that historic records showed that the former vice-president was a citizen of Nigeria by birth. He, therefore, urged the panel to disregard Fagbemi’s submission by granting the application. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), APC, PDP, Atiku | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/14/apc-to-tribunal-dismiss-atikus-petition-hes-ineligible-to-run/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | Court Fixes July 12 for Judgment in Suit against Acting CJN’s Appointment | Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja Thursday fixed July 12, 2019 for judgment in a suit seeking to stop the appointment of Justice Tanko Muhammad, as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). (CJN). Justice Ekwo fixed the date shortly after parties made their final submissions for and against the suit. The suit was filed by the Board of Incorporated Trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation, an advocacy group. The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/420/2019, urged the court to declare that Justice Muhammad, having made himself available as a tool that was used in the violation of the constitution, especially with regards to the alleged illegal removal of the former CJN, is therefore not a proper and fit person to be recommended for appointment to head the judiciary. But, in his response, Justice Muhammad who has been on acting capacity as CJN since January 25, following the suspension of the then CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, now retired, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the plaintiff lacked the necessary locus standi to file the suit in the first place.But the plaintiff in his argument submitted that he has every legal right to institute the suit. | Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/14/court-fixes-july-12-for-judgment-in-suit-against-acting-cjns-appointment-2/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, June 14, 2019 | INEC Records over 1,689 Litigations from 2019 General Election | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it recorded over 1,689 court cases arising from the 2019 general election. The electoral commission has disclosed its preparedness to partner with the leadership of the ninth National Assembly in subsequent electoral amendments in the country. INEC’s National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, Mohammed Haruna, said this Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, during the state-level post-election review retreat. Haruna said more than 890 of the cases were pre-election matters arising from the conduct of political party primary elections, while 799 were election petitions at the various tribunals across the country. According to him, the pre-election cases indicate that political parties need to put their acts together in order to deepen the nation’s democratic process. He also said that the cases before the election petitions tribunals showed that much still needed to be done to improve on the electoral process. “We are here to review what we did for this year’s general election with a view to improving on our subsequent outing. | INEC, 2019 General Election Review, Election Petition | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/14/inec-records-over-1689-litigations-from-2019-general-election/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Friday, June 14, 2019 | Democracy Day: Opposition bashes Senate for rejecting motion to discuss Buhari’s speech | The Senate on Thursday rejected a motion seeking its nod to debate the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari on the Democracy Day. But the opposition parties led by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Campaign for Democracy have faulted the All Progressives Congress-dominated Senate‘s action. They said it was a bad omen for democracy, adding that the senators should show courage so as not to encourage dictatorship. The majority of the senators at plenary overwhelmingly voted against the motion when the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who presided over the session, subjected it to voice vote. The motion was moved by Senator Istifanus Gyang (Plateau-PDP), who came under Order 52 of the Senate standing order. Gyang had sought the leave of her colleagues to present the motion which he described as a matter of public importance. He said, “The matter of urgent national importance that I am bringing before this Senate has to do with the Democracy Day speech of President Muhammadu Buhari on the 12th of June, 2019. This speech is already in the public domain. I am asking that in view of the interest it has generated, we should debate it.” Lawan had to cut short the speech of the lawmaker when he asked him to seek the consent of other senators to entertain the motion. Most of the members of the All Progressives Congress-dominated voted against the motion and it was consequently shut down. | 9th Senate, Inauguration Speech | https://punchng.com/democracy-day-opposition-bashes-senate-for-rejecting-motion-to-discuss-buharis-speech/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Friday, June 14, 2019 | Ninth House of Reps hold first plenary session | The ninth House of Representatives on Thursday held its first plenary after members were inaugurated on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. The Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) swore in Rep. Musa Sarki-Adar (APC-Sokoto) who was absent at the Tuesday’s inauguration. The oath of office was administered by the Clerk of the house, Mr Patrick Giwa at plenary in Abuja. He also mandated the clerk to notify the President, the Senate and the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria that the House had elected Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase as presiding officers and could now receive communications. The House at its maiden plenary entertained two motion of Urgent Public Importance bothering on security and environmental hazards. Rep member Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) moved a motion on the need to urgently address erosion and floods ravaging Nkpa and surrounding communities in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State. Rep. Muraina Ajibola (PDP-Oyo) moved a motion on the need to address the spate of killing and kidnapping across country. Members unanimously voted in favour of the motions and Gbajabiamila ruled that the resolutions be forwarded to relevant agencies for implementation. | 9th House of Representatives, first plenary | https://punchng.com/ninth-house-of-reps-hold-first-plenary-session/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Friday, June 14, 2019 | Ninth Assembly: Senate to officially inform Buhari, international bodies, others of commencement | The ninth Senate, on Thursday, resolved to write an official letter to President Muhammadu Buhari informing him that a quorum of the Senate had assembled and its presiding officers had been elected. The upper chamber also resolved to inform international parliamentary bodies, that a quorum of the Senate of the ninth National Assembly has assembled and ready to receive any communication. The decision followed a motion by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Senate President, at plenary presided over by Senate President Ahmad Lawan in Abuja on Thursday. Moving the motion, Omo-Agege urged, “That the Senate should send a message to Mr President, the Commander-in-Chief informing him that a quorum of the Senate has assembled and that the Presiding Officers of the 9th National Assembly of the Senate have been elected. He urged the Senate to also send a message to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and his Deputy, Mr Idris Wase, congratulating them on their election and informing them that the Senate had elected its Presiding Officers. Omo-Agege listed the international parliamentary bodies, which letters would be written to, to include the African Union, Common Wealth Parliamentary Association and Inter-Parliamentary Union. | 9th Senate, first plenary | https://punchng.com/ninth-assembly-senate-to-officially-inform-buhari-international-bodies-others-of-commencement/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, June 17, 2019 | Controversy intensifies over EU election report | The recently released report of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria on the 2019 general elections continued yesterday to attract different interpretations. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in what looked like a sober reflection, said yesterday that it had resolved to review party registration guidelines, proponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said the report (considered damning in some quarters) had vindicated the party and INEC. The EU EOM specifically described the elections as marred by severe “operational and transparency shortcomings” but said, in response to a question from a journalist, that it had to rely on the results provided by INEC. The EU EOM had, at the weekend, faulted the election processes, saying only few of its post-2015 election recommendations were implemented in the last poll. | 2019 General Elections , European Union Election Observation Mission | https://guardian.ng/news/controversy-intensifies-over-eu-election-report/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, June 17, 2019 | I’m being targeted for arrest, says Atiku | Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised the alarm of a plot to arrest him. This was contained in a statement, yesterday, by his spokesman, Paul Ibe. Due to the insistence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 ballot on accessing a server used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), his enemies attributed a comment on “mass protest” to him to prepare ground for his incarceration, The Guardian gathered. Ibe said: “I wish to emphatically state that such a statement did not emanate from Atiku Abubakar or his privies. “It is the work of mischief-makers who want to mar his spotless pro-democratic record and lay the groundwork for their threatened actions against him on false charges of being a threat to national security. | Atiku, PDP, INEC Server | https://guardian.ng/news/im-being-targeted-for-arrest-says-atiku/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, June 17, 2019 | Kogi Polls: Ex-governors’ sons map strategies to displace Yahaya Bello | With barely five months to the November 16 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, the elderly sons of two former governors of the state, the late Prince Abubakar Audu and Ibrahim Idris, are said to be oiling the wheels of their fathers’ political structures to displace the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello. Both Ibrahim Abubakar and Mohammed Abubakar Audu believe that the safest pathway to rescuing the ‘Confluence State’ is to “adopt and complete the developmental strategies” initiated by their parents, stressing that people of Kogi State deserve more than “the culture of violence and impoverishment they have been subjected to in the past three and a half years.” Although he has not formally declared his intention to contest the November 16 poll, the son of late Prince Abubakar Audu, Mohammed Audu said the fact that his father’s political family has remained intact shows the possibility that any member of the family could take up the gauntlet and restore Kogi to its pride of place among the comity of progressive states in Nigeria. | Kogi Governorship race, Yahaya Bello, Mohammed Audu | https://guardian.ng/politics/ex-governors-sons-map-strategies-to-displace-yahaya-bello/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 17, 2019 | INEC Seeks Mandate to Deregister Dormant Parties | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans a proposal for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to enable it reduce the plethora of political parties in the country, which it said created for it a logistics nightmare during the 2019 general election. According to the Commission, during the election, the large number of parties which made it to design very long ballot papers, confused many voters, particularly the less educated. If the situation persists, said the Commission, not only will the logistics nightmare persist, it would continue to put less educated voters in a dilemma. The position of INEC was made known at the weekend by its National Commissioner on Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, in an address in Makurdi, Benue State capital. He said the commission was planning a review of the process of registering and deregistering political parties as well as how the parties choose candidates for the general election. According to him, INEC is pushing for amendments to the Constitution and review of guidelines on party registration and deregistration to empower it to tighten up the registration process and delist parties that were “mere platforms” for political jobbers. | INEC, Political Parties | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/17/inec-seeks-mandate-to-deregister-dormant-parties/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 17, 2019 | PDP Considers Dogara as House Minority Leader | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has mandated its members in the House of Representatives to select their principal officers and inform the party of their decision today. The party, according to a reliable THISDAY source, met the House members last Friday and mandated them to select their principal officers like the Senate had done in a cordial atmosphere. However, THISDAY gathered that former speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, is being tipped as the natural choice to fill the slot of minority leader. “In any case, as former speaker, he has assumed leadership naturally and has been the one co-ordinating our members in the House,” a reliable party source said, adding: “He is good to get it except he declines the offer.” THISDAY reports that the meeting was presided over by the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, saying the party chose the option to avoid allegation of imposition of the PDP principal officers on members. | PDP, National Working Committee (NWC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/17/pdp-considers-dogara-as-house-minority-leader/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 17, 2019 | INEC declines comment over server controversy | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not comment on the controversy surrounding its alleged central server. Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the purpose of this was to avoid running afoul of the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja. According to him, by dwelling on this very contentious issue that is before a court of law, any journalist involved will be liable to sanctions by the tribunal. “The Tribunal gave this warning in its inaugural speech. It is not acceptable that we continue to discuss what is clearly subjudice. PDP has made a case and it is being argued in court. Why is it now being canvassed in the media? Is the purpose to influence the decision of the court? Let us exercise some discretion please and allow the court to take a decision,” Oyekanmi told reporters. | INEC, Server Controversy | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-declines-comments-over-server-controversy.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 17, 2019 | Imo: Appeal Court strikes out Anyanwu’s suit against Ihedioha | A Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo state has upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court which dismissed a suit filed by Senator Sam Anyanwu, challenging the emergence of Imo state governor, Emeka Ihedioha, as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election. Ihedioha had, at the party’s primary election held in Owerri last October, polled 1,723 to defeat Sam Anyanwu, who got 1,282 votes. Dissatisfied with the result, Anyanwu had approached the court seeking to nullify the victory of Ihedioha, saying he should be declared as the authentic winner of the primary election instead. The plaintiff had accused Ihedioha of engaging in over voting, thuggery, which he alleged, swayed the polls in favour of Ihedioha. But delivering the judgement, Justice Raphael Chikwe Agbo, reaffirmed that the Anyanwu did not convince the court on the prayers he sought. He said from the allegations of the plaintiff, the court could not establish the fact in his claims and therefore dismissed the suit for lack of proof. | Court of Appeal, Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Sam Anyanwu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/imo-appeal-court-strikes-out-anyanwus-suit-against-ihedioha.html | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, June 17, 2019 | Appointment of Principal Officers delaying offices, seats allocation to lawmakers | The delay in the appointment of principal officers by political parties may affect the allocation of offices and seat numbers to the Ninth National Assembly members before their resumption on July 2. Investigations by Punch's correspondent on Sunday revealed that the management of the National Assembly had awarded a multimillion-naira contract for the supply of office furniture, rugs, refrigerators, television sets, photocopy machines and desktop computers among others. The Director of Information in the nation’s parliament, Rawlings Agada, told the correspondent on the telephone that all the items needed to make the lawmakers’ offices functional would be provided before their resumption on July 2. “The management has perfected necessary plans to ensure that as soon as they resume, they will get their offices.” He said the process for the allocation of seats in the chamber had started but noted that it could only be completed on time with the timely appointment of principal officers. “The appointment of principal officers has to be done before all these processes would be completed. The announcement has to be done before every other thing, “ Agada added. | NASS, Principal Officers | https://punchng.com/appointment-of-principal-officers-delaying-offices-seats-allocation-to-lawmakers/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, June 17, 2019 | No zoning of Senate Leader, others yet –APC | The All Progressives Congress says it has yet to complete processes for the selection of remaining principal officers for the 9th National Assembly. The party said the arrangement would be made public when it was concluded by the leaders of the party. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said this in response to an inquiry by Punch's correspondent on whether the party had zoned the positions of the majority leaders, chief whip and their deputies for the Senate and House of Representatives. He said, “We will come out clearly when it is time. As we have always been transparent in the manner we run the party, when we come into the final stage, the public will get to know.” Issa-Onilu, however, said it was within the rights of individuals to declare interest in the positions. “But it must be noted that the party will consider all interests in filling the positions. When we get to the stage, the party will take a stance. But as of now, there is no final decision,” he stated. | NASS Leadership, APC | https://punchng.com/no-zoning-of-senate-leader-others-yet-apc/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | INEC: We Only Experimented with Server in 2018 | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday insisted that the results of the 2019 general election were not transmitted electronically to its server, stressing that the Commission only experimented with the technology during some staggered elections held in 2018. The Commission said that the clarification was necessary because of rising controversy on the transmission of the 2019 Presidential election results from States to the INEC server. Speaking during the post-election retreat organised by the Commission for its staff and ad hoc staff engaged in the last general elections in Osun State, INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Solomon Soyebi, explained that many factors forced the Commission to drop the idea of electronic transmission of the results to a central server. He explained: “We piloted the use of transmission of election results electronically in Sokoto, in Anambra, even in Osun. What happened was that we were trying to experiment to see the desirability of such technology in our electoral process". He maintained that the late release of INEC’s budget for the 2019 elections and controversy over the Electoral Act, among other reasons, forced the Commission to jettison the idea of using the technology to transmit results to the central server. | INEC Server, 2019 General Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/18/inec-we-only-experimented-with-server-in-2018/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | S’Court Fixes July 5 for Judgment on Osun Gov Tussle | The Supreme Court yesterday reserved judgment till July 5 in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) suit challenging the election of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC), Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, as Governor of Osun State. While Oyetola, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in their submissions urged the apex court to dismiss Adeleke’s appeal for lacking merit, the PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on the other hand is laying claim to the governorship of the State on the grounds that INEC could not cancel and conduct a supplementary election without an order of the court. | Osun Election Petition Tribunal, Supreme Court, Ademola Adeleke, Adegboyega Oyetola | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/18/scourt-fixes-july-5-for-judgment-on-osun-gov-tussle/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | European Union observers meet Lawan, submit election report to Senate today | The European Union Election Observation Mission ((EU EOM), will today, meet with Senate President Ahmad Lawan and officially present its report on the 2019 general elections to the upper chamber of the National Assembly. The emergency meeting had been communicated in a letter signed by the leader of the delegation, Ketil Karlsen, wherein it had been agreed for the panel to meet with the Nigeria’s number three citizen at 12.30p.m in Abuja to deliberate observed flaws with a view to conducting better elections in the future in consonance with the bloc’s practical solutions. The observers, had in its final report, described this year’s governorship, federal and State Assembly elections as highly flawed.The EU Chief Observer, Maria Arena, had while unveiling the report in Abuja said: “The mission concluded that the systemic failings seen in the elections, and the relatively low levels of voter participation, show the need for a fundamental electoral reform.” | EU Delegation, European Union Election Observation Mission, Senate | https://guardian.ng/news/european-union-observers-meet-lawan-submit-election-report-to-senate-today/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | Osinbajo, Gbajabiamila meet on executive, legislative cohesion | Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila met yesterday in All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s quest to foster common interest between the Executive and Legislature. The meeting, which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and Gbajabiamila’s first official visit since his election on June 11 and the beginning of the ninth National Assembly, was aimed at confronting the challenges facing the country through cohesion of both arms of government. Fielding questions from State House Correspondents after their closed door, which lasted for about one hour, Gbajabiamila said the focus was to address how the executive and legislature could collaborate to make life better for all Nigerians. He said: “The executive and the legislature can collaborate to make life better for Nigeria and Nigerians. It wasn’t a personal meeting. You can call it a hybrid between the personal and official but it’s mostly official”. “As I have said, the reform will be dished out in piece meals so as not to shock the system. But they will be reforms that will be for the benefit of the country. We expect the cooperation of all facets of government, including the executive and you- the journalists and our constituents”. On whether he will carry the opposition members along in appointing heads of committees, Gbajabiamila said: “The committees would be unfolded in the next few weeks and you will see how we intend to carry everybody along. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now, but you can be assured that they would be carried along.” | Osibanjo, 9th Assembly, Gbalabiamila, APC | https://guardian.ng/news/osinbajo-gbajabiamila-meet-on-executive-legislative-cohesion/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | 2019 polls: INEC to implement EU/EOM, IRI/NDI recommendations in Kogi, Bayelsa guber elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will implement sections of local and foreign observers’ recommendations on the 2019 General Elections that required the commission’s administrative action. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said this yesterday in Abuja, when the International Republican Institute (IRI)/National Democratic Institute (NDI) submitted their report for the 2019 general elections to the Commission. According to him, the implementation of the recommendations would begin with the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa States Governorship elections. He however said that it would work with other relevant institutions on aspects of the recommendations that required consequential action beyond the mandate of the Commission. Yakubu who said IRI/NDI observed the 2019 General Elections on the invitation of INEC commended them for submitting their report in good time. Speaking earlier, leader of IRI/NDI Observer mission and NDI Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director for Central and West Africa, Chris Famunyoh, said they were at the INEC headquarters to thank the Chairman for inviting the two organisations to observe the elections. | INEC, IRI/NDI, 2019 General Elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-polls-inec-to-implement-eu-eom-iri-ndi-recommendations-in-kogi-bayelsa-guber-elections.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | INEC assures better outing in Kogi Gov’ship election | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will address identified challenges and lapses in the 2019 General elections and consolidate on the successes recorded to ensure it delivers credible, free and fair election in Kogi State come November 16. National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa States, Malam Mohammed Haruna, gave the assurance yesterday in Lokoja while declaring open a one-day retreat on the 2019 state level post-election review in Kogi State. He said the essence of the retreat was to review the operational framework put in place by the commission in the last general elections to see where it got it wrong and make sure that such did not occur in future elections, especially the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States. He said the retreat would also provide a platform for knowledge sharing amongst staff and key stakeholders in the LGAs and state level; as well as identify success factors in the election with a view to consolidating and sustaining them. Also speaking, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Prof. James Apam identified security challenges as one of the major problems that faced the conduct of the last General elections in the State. He, however, expressed optimism that the post-election review meeting and other subsequent stakeholders’ meetings would go a long way in proffering solutions that would ensure better outcome in the November 16 Governorship election in the State. | INEC, 2019 Kogi State Governorship Election | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-assures-better-outing-in-kogi-govship-election.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | INEC to resume continuous voter registration – Gombe REC | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it would resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for eligible prospective voters ahead of the 2023 General Elections. The Gombe State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Umar Ibrahim disclosed this on Monday in Gombe while receiving a service achievement award conferred on him by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He said the Commission is concluding preparations and will soon resume the CVR for Nigerians that turned 18 and others that couldn’t register when the last registration exercise was suspended in August 2018. The REC also implored the NANS to re-echo the Commission’s call on students and other eligible voters to register and acquire PVCs in order to perform their civic duties by participating in elections. While commending the leadership of NANS for finding him worthy of the award, he said he had dedicated the award to INEC staff and other stakeholders that made the 2019 elections in the State a success. | INEC, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Gombe | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-to-resume-continuous-voter-registration-gombe-rec.html | |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | Omo-Agege says Senate will cooperate with Buhari to succeed | The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, on Monday promised that the new leadership of the Senate would do everything possible to ensure the actualisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘Next Level’ agenda. He also said he would not begrudge any of his colleagues over the incident involving him in the 8th Senate. He said the 8th Senate had become part of history and that the focus now was for all serving senators in the 9th National Assembly to improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians through necessary legislative interventions. He said, “We shall give the required collaboration to the executive arm of government and help in putting in place the needed enabling environment for the execution of the ‘Next Level’ agenda. “There are certain commitments that I made to my colleagues which I would reiterate. I would be fair to everybody. “Every law, bill or motion and activities of the 9th Senate will be viewed against the prism of what will be in the best interest of the nation. “I don’t think anyone will feel offended with what we intend to do in accordance with the ‘Next Level’ agenda. “We are going to be interested in legislation that will positively impact on the lives of Nigerians. | Omo-Agege, 9th Senate | https://punchng.com/omo-agege-says-senate-will-cooperate-with-buhari-to-succeed/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | Ondo APC begins reconciliation of aggrieved members | The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has commenced moves to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. The party’s chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, disclosed this in Ikare Akoko, headquarters of the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the State, when he led other members of the State Working Committee to the Local Government Areas on Monday. Adetimehin said the party leadership would not encourage divisions within its ranks. He identified indiscipline and lack of commitment to the wellbeing of the party as threats to the development of the state chapter. He said, “We need to promote and ensure discipline within the party. We would not allow anybody or group to divide the party. “I also wish to urge every leader and member to be open and state whatever grievances they might be having against one another within the system.” | Ondo APC | https://punchng.com/ondo-apc-begins-reconciliation-of-aggrieved-members/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | 2019 polls: IPAC to meet next week to review EU Report | A coalition of 91 political parties in Nigeria under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Monday said it would call a meeting next week to review the 30 recommendations of the European Union in its report on the 2019 general elections. Among the issues to be reviewed is the recommendation about the increase in the participation of women in Nigerian politics. Chairman of IPAC and National Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance, Peter Ameh stated this when he received a delegation of European Union Observers Mission in Nigeria, who observed the 2019 General elections led by Maria Arena. Ameh said, “IPAC is going to meet next week to review the EU recommendations and we are going to call a conference of all political parties and see if there are things that need to be added. You know there are diplomatic ties between EU and Nigeria; they will try to be careful not to make it look like they are interfering in the sovereignty of Nigeria to conduct its own affairs.” | IPAC, European Union Election Observation Mission, Women's participation | https://punchng.com/2019-polls-ipac-meet-next-week-to-review-eu-report/ | |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | APC stakeholders oppose Bello, demand direct primary | All Progressives Congress’ stakeholders in Kogi State have called on the National Working Committee of the APC to ensure that the party’s candidate for the November 16 Governorship election in the State emerges from a direct primary poll. The stakeholders made the call at a meeting attended by 17 out of the 20 governorship aspirants in Abuja on Monday, 17th June 2019. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Senator Alex Kadiri said they decided to come together following reports that an “illegal committee” loyal to Governor Yahaya Bello was planning to use an indirect primary election to pick the party’s candidate for the polls. He said, “We want to reiterate that APC Kogi State is divided and because of the division we went to court. The case is still in court and we have not been able to fast-track the judgment like the one in Zamfara State. “What Governor Yahaya Bello and his people are doing now is all illegal because the committee they are working with has no legal standing. “But as we are preparing for the primary, we want it known that we the leaders of the APC and the 20 aspirants of our party are opposed to Yahaya Bello’s contrived method of doing the primary. “He cannot be a judge of himself, this is irresponsible. We are saying that the Kogi State primary must be a direct primary where all members of the party from all the Local Government Areas will choose who they want as their Candidate.” | Kogi APC, 2019 Kogi Governorship Election | https://punchng.com/apc-stakeholders-oppose-bello-demand-direct-primary/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, June 21, 2019 | Aspirants reject indirect primaries for Kogi governorship election | Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, key stakeholders of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have frowned at the purported endorsement of indirect primaries for candidates jostling for the governorship ticket of the party. The spokesperson of the aspirants of the party, Ben Adaji, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, said the purported endorsement of indirect primaries was a decision of the governor and his handpicked appointees and does not reflect the collective position of the people. According to Adaji, the people of Kogi State are in dire need of a credible leader who would work to restore the glory of the state and not take any kind of imposition of candidate in the people. “Any attempt to impose the incumbent governor on the party, as stated by him, would be suicidal for the party and may result in the replication of the Zamfara State experience for the party. | Kogi APC, 2019 Kogi Governorship Election, Yahaya Bello | https://guardian.ng/politics/aspirants-reject-indirect-primaries-for-kogi-governorship-election/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, June 21, 2019 | Buhari allegedly under pressure to pick only APC ministers | The Presidency may have acceded to the alleged request of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) to only pick ministers with leanings to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to investigation.It was gathered yesterday that the decision may have been informed by the need to avert the 2015 incident where President Muhammadu Buhari picked his cabinet without recourse to the political party. A chieftain, who craved anonymity, yesterday said: “Rest assured that the mistake of 2015 where the real party men were sidelined would not happen again. We have learnt our lessons. The party is deeply involved in the selection process. “I won’t tell you the criteria we are using but all I know is that virtually all of them would not be strange faces to us. Those who worked for the victory of the party would not suffer in vain this time around.” | Buhari, APC, Ministers | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-allegedly-under-pressure-to-pick-only-apc-ministers/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, June 21, 2019 | Paucity of funds threatens ninth House of Reps’ takeoff | An alleged paucity of funds is threatening the smooth takeoff of the Ninth House of Representatives billed to reconvene on July 2.It was learnt that about 183 first termers of the 360-member House are yet to be paid their statutory allowances to afford them decent accommodation within Abuja and settle down to discharge their legislative duties. The Guardian learnt that some of the lawmakers are already grumbling as the N3.5 million to be allocated to each of them for accommodation for the entire four-year period would only afford houses in far-flung Lugbe and Gwarinpa areas of Abuja. Highbrow residential areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Jabi and Utako districts are prohibitive and way above the accommodation budgets of the honourable members. A member of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Media and Publicity, Mr. Leke Abejide, who confirmed the development in an interview with The Guardian urged the authorities to wade in to save his colleagues from facing the harrowing experience of loitering around Abuja without accommodation. “We have not been paid a dime for our accommodation as we speak. Everybody is still hanging around. It is the National Assembly that is supposed to provide accommodation under the monetisation policy. But unfortunately, they have not monetised it yet, not a dime has been paid. “The so-called welcome package they are talking about has not been paid. Except something is done urgently, members would have a lot of problems. Even now they are having problems because some are looking for accommodation or where to stay,” he said. | 9th House of Representatives, National Assmebly | https://guardian.ng/news/paucity-of-funds-threatens-ninth-house-of-reps-takeoff/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 21, 2019 | PDP pegs Kogi, Bayelsa gov’ship form at N20m | The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, pegged the nomination form for Kogi and Bayelsa State governorship elections at N20 million. Briefing newsmen at the end of the 86th Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan said the expression of interest form would be sold at N1 million. He added that women would get the nomination form free. When asked why the party decided to increase the price of the form, Ologbondiyan said the cost of conducting primary election was very high. He pledged that the party would conduct a free, fair and credible primary in Bayelsa and Kogi states to produce credible candidates. In a document signed by PDP National Organizing Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd.), the party disclosed that sales and return of expression of interest/nomination forms would commence on Monday, June 24 and close on Wednesday, July 24 at the party’s national Secretariat in Abuja. | PDP, Bayelsa, Kogi, 2019 Governorship Elecetion | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-pegs-kogi-bayelsa-govship-form-at-n20m.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 21, 2019 | Secondus Berates APC over N’Assembly Leadership’s Elections | The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday berated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that corruption in the country had been taken to the ‘next level’ with the ‘vote and snap’ syndrome, which reportedly characterised the recent National Assembly leadership elections. The ‘vote and snap’ symblolised the sale of votes during the National Assembly leadership elections where some senators and members of the House of Representatives allegedly snapped their ballots as proof that they voted for preferred candidates in order to collect money from such candidates who eventually emerged victorious . Speaking at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, Secondus commended members of PDP at the Senate and House of Representatives, noting: “the ruling APC came up with their ‘green card’ ‘vote and snap’ fraud that introduced an unprecedented dimension to the growing corruption index of this administration. “My worry is the consequences this brazen corruption would have in the legislative activities of the ninth assembly,” he said. Acccording to him, “while the executive is having their wish in the ninth assembly, PDP as the main opposition party is very uncomfortable that the level of corruption that preceded the emergence of the leadership is capable of undermining the desired robust legislative activities. | PDP, National Assembly elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/21/secondus-berates-apc-over-nassembly-leaderships-elections/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 21, 2019 | PDP orders fresh state congress in Kogi | The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ordered a fresh congress to elect new officers for its Kogi State Chapter. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known in Lokoja on Friday. Ologbondiyan said that the decision to hold the congress was due to the fact that the tenure of the present state officers will come to an end on July 22. He, however, said that the congress will not hold at local government and ward levels of the party. The PDP spokesman said that a date and guidelines for the Governorship primaries of the congress will be announced in due course. Ologbondiyan urged all aspirants to guide against misconduct and utterances that are capable of negatively affecting the chances of the party in the Nov. 16 Governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States. | Kogi PDP, Congress | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-orders-fresh-state-congress-in-kogi.html | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Battle for Ministerial Appointments Rages as President Prepares Final List | As the nation awaits President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees to help him shepherd his second term, there is anxiety and uncertainty amid endless closed-door meetings by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as to who will make the list. The President’s silence on the issue has ratcheted expectations and fears amongst hopefuls. The battle for ministerial appointments has peaked significantly in the last few weeks even as Buhari is said to be preparing a final list of those he wants in his cabinet due for announcement anytime soon. The battle to make the 'Next Level' cabinet has been made particularly competitive, because of former Ministers, who are itching to return to cabinet, former Governors who have either completed their two terms in office or those who lost re-election bid or lost the ticket to other candidates and other members of the APC, who feel a need to be compensated for their roles in the victory of the president in the just concluded 2019 Presidential election which earned him a second term. Although unlike the 2015 approach, insiders have hinted that apart from selecting candidates each from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the President has also decided to appoint six other Ministers to represent each of the geo-political zones in order to actualise his promise of inclusive government. | President Buhari, Ministerial Nominees, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/23/battle-for-ministerial-appointments-rages-as-president-prepares-final-list/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Suspension of Officers: AA Notifies INEC | The national leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the suspension of its National Chairman, Kenneth Udeze and National Secretary, James Vernimbe. The party in a letter dated June 17, 2019, which was addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and signed by the National Vice Chairman of the party, Mr. Abdul-Rashid Aminu and National Secretary, Charles Chukwuemeka, informed INEC that both were suspended following allegations of anti-party activities and financial impropriety against them. The letter read in part: “That following series of petitions from Imo and Osun State chapters of our party against the formal National Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Udeze and former National Secretary, Mr. James Vernimbe, wherein both men were accused of financial impropriety, anti-party activities and interim police investigation report indicting them by DCP Atere Christopher Ade (the police interim report attached), the National Think Tank Committee (NTTC) and National Executive Council (NEC) have suspended both officers indefinitely". It further stated that : "In the light of the above, the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar and Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Raphael Onakorere assume offices as acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary pending the ratification of their suspension and in line with our constitutional provisions". | Action Alliance, INEC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/24/suspension-of-officers-aa-notifies-inec/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Kogi Governor Unites Warring APC Factions | Peace has returned to the Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Alhaji Hadi Ametuo-led group yesterday resolved to work together with the current Party State Executives headed by Hon. Abdullahi Bello, ahead of the November 16 Gubernatorial election in the State. The resolution was made at a reconciliatory meeting chaired by Governor Yahaya Bello at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja to harmonise the two groups. In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Bello said the meeting was called at the instance of the Governor to bring the groups together for discussions and resolution of their grievances. He told the Governor that the Hadi Ametuo-led group worked for the APC in 2015, adding that after the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu, some of them decided to work with Governor Bello while others stayed away. He noted that despite the rift, Hadi Ametuo-led exco remained in APC. While presenting their demand, Hadi commended the Governor for his reconciling them and said they were appreciative of the move. Ametuo said the group had only three requests which include: arrears of monthly allowances of the former excos, harmonisation of party structure from the State down to Local Government and Ward levels to accommodate some members of his group and appointment of his members into positions in government. Accepting the conditions of the group, the Governor assured the group that there were lots of benefits aside the three demands they had put forward, adding that he will ensure they benefit from the party. | Kogi APC, Yahaya Bello, Hadi Ametuo | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/24/kogi-governor-unites-warring-apc-factions/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Pres. tribunal declines Atiku, PDP’s request to inspect servers | The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal has declined the application by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar to inspect smart card readers and the server for the February 23 presidential election. Ruling on the application on Monday, the five-member panel of justices unanimously dismissed the application on the basis that the parties have joined issues on the existence or otherwise of the server, stating that the Tribunal can not delve into such issues at the interlocutory stage. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), PDP, Atiku | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pres-tribunal-declines-atiku-pdps-request-to-inspect-servers.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Yobe: Mirwa, Bello, emerge as Speaker, Deputy Speaker unopposed | The 24 members of Yobe State House of Assembly have unanimously elected Hon. Ahmed Lawan Mirwa and Hon. Auwalu Isa Bello as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the seventh Assembly in the state. Mirwa and Bello represents Nguru II and Mamudo Constituencies, respectively and have won their tickets under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC). The Clerk of the House, Ishaiku Mohammed, conducted a roll call with all 24 Members-elect present before the election commenced. Hon. Buba Kalallawa, representing Damaturu State Constituency moved the motion for the nomination of Hon Ahmed Lawan Mirwa, and was seconded by the Member representing Fika State Constituency, Hon Ishaku Audu. Having announced for three times for further nomination without response from the Members, the Clerk of the House declared Mirwa as duely elected Speaker of the House. Similarly, the motion for the nomination of Auwal Isa Bello, was moved by Hon. Bulama Bukar, representing Gujba constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Ahmed Musa Dumbulwa of Yunusari constituency. Both the Speaker and his Deputy accepted the nomination and promised to work in the interest of the party and the good people of Yobe state. They were also sworn in and the House was fully inaugurated. | Yobe State House of Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/yobe-mirwa-bello-emerge-as-speaker-deputy-speaker-unopposed.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Bauchi Assembly crisis: Court issues restraining order as Damina faction sets for plenary | Citizens of Bauchi State are waiting to see what will happen tomorrow as the Kawuwa Shehu Damina (APC-backed Speaker) faction of the Bauchi State House of Assembly sets to hold its plenary session amid a restraining Court order. It would be recalled that the Damina-led faction had adjourned sitting to Tuesday, June 25, after parallel inauguration of the State Assembly on Thursday, June 20, 2019. The PDP-backed Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman Ningi and his faction adjourned sitting until further notice after their inauguration same day. However, a Court in Bauchi has issued an order restraining Damina and his Deputy, Tukur Ibrahim, against parading themselves as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The order of interim injunction was granted by the presiding judge, Justice A. M. Kafin Madaki on Friday, June 21st 2019, following an application filed by the PDP-backed speaker, Suleiman and 12 others, against Bauchi State House of Assembly, Bauchi State Attorney General, Kawuwa Shehu Damina, Tukur Ibrahim, and 16 others as defendants on June 21st, 2019. The judge adjourned the matter to July 2, 2019 for hearing of the motion on notice. | Bauchi State House of Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bauchi-assembly-crisis-court-issues-restraining-order-as-damina-faction-sets-for-plenary.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | PDP challenges Sanwo-Olu over cabinet | The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, has challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to explain the delay in constituting his cabinet. Spokesman of the party, Taofik Gani, said Lagosians deserve an explanation for the delay in setting up the cabinet three weeks after taking over the mantle of leadership. According to the party, there is a seeming “stagnancy” in the running of the affairs of the State due to the non-constitution of the cabinet. Since his assumption of office on May 29, 2019, the Governor has made only three key appointments namely: the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff and Deputy Press Secretary (CPS). He also appointed a new General Manager for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) just last week, as well as Amirul Hajj for the 2019 Hajj exercise. The PDP however took Sanwo-Olu to task, decrying what it called his “lack of coordination” since assuming office. Deputy CPS to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Akoshile, told the PDP that there was nowhere in the Constitution where a timeframe was stipulated for the constitution of the cabinet. He however assured that “highly qualified and competent men and women will be appointed as commissioners by His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.” | PDP Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-challenges-sanwo-olu-over-cabinet-2.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Bauchi Assembly: APC petitions NBA over Clerk’s alleged misconduct | The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi state on Sunday said it has petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the alleged professional misconduct by the Clerk of Bauchi State House of Assembly. The APC, in a statement by its State Secretary, Alhaji Bako Hussaini, described the Clerk’s “unprofessional conduct” and lawmakers’ actions as “unethical”. He alleged that the Clerk, as well as the security agents on duty were complicit in what happened on the day of the inauguration of the of Bauchi State House of Assembly, and their actions need to be investigated by relevant agencies. The party insisted that the PDP-led administration in the State used the instruments of State, especially security agents to harass its members including tear-gassing them in the premises of the State House of Assembly on the inauguration day. According to Hussaini, “Our Members-elect being law abiding, expected that the Clerk who claimed to be a lawyer, will ensure due process and fairness in handling the affairs of the House”. He therefore called on the APC members to be resolute and maintain their loyalty to the party adding that, erring and disloyal members will soon be sanctioned. | Bauchi State House of Assembly, Clerk, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/bauchi-assembly-apc-petitions-nba-over-clerks-alleged-misconduct.html | |
| The Guardian.ng | Monday, June 24, 2019 | Oshiomhole, Odigie-Oyegun disagree over Edo Assembly crisis | National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed his alleged involvement in the festering crisis at the Edo State House of Assembly. He added that he does not need brigandage to sustain his position in the polity. But his predecessor in office, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, blamed the ex-labour leader for the unsavoury development. Chief Odie-Oyegun likened Oshiomhole’s position to committing anti-party infractions against the dictates of the political party. The former APC National Chairman, speaking through his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Chief Ray Murphy, warned Comrade Oshiomhole not to distract Governor Godwin Obaseki from administering the affairs of Edo State. However, reacting to the allegation of playing the godfather in the entire saga, Oshiomhole described the claims as wild imaginations, in a chat over the weekend in Abuja. According to him, “That I accept the credit, not only that I fought godfatherism, I launched the one man, one vote campaign to fight against election rigging anywhere in Nigeria and by the specia l grace of God under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Chief Tony Anenih alive, and at his best, I won all the 18 Local Government Areas and 95 per cent of the total votes cast in my second term election. So, Edo people know me and I know them. I do not need a shortcut to sustain my position in the system. But you know that there is nobody in Nigeria who is not open to accusations. The important thing is that he who accuses should prove". | Edo State House of Assembly, John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/oshiomhole-odigie-oyegun-disagree-over-edo-assembly-crisis/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Atiku: My request to inspect INEC server not rejected | Presidential Candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the February 23 election, Atiku Abubakar, has said the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal did not reject his request to inspect INEC's server as claimed by the Presidency. Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement, on Monday, 24th June 2019, praised what he called a “landmark ruling” of the Tribunal which “rejected” the request by Atiku and the PDP to have access to INEC server used for the 2019 Presidential election. However, Atiku in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Ibe on Tuesday, 25th June 2019, argued that, “what the honourable Tribunal said is that it is still at preliminary stages and the main case has not begun; and that the matter of granting access to inspect the INEC server is not relevant to the preliminary stages”. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), PDP, Atiku, INEc Server, Garba Shehu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-my-request-to-inspect-inec-server-not-rejected.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Afenifere makes five requests to Buhari | he leadership of Afenifere presented five demands to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 25th June 2019. The group led by Chief Ayo Fasanmi told the President that the five demands would assist in addressing the challenges facing the country. Those present at the meeting were: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Segun Osoba, Abiola Ajimobi, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, Chief Kemi Nelson, Laoye Tomori, Solomon Akindele, Elder Yemi Alade, Mutiu Are, among others. Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye who spoke on behalf of the socio-cultural group presented the following requests to the President: recruitment, training, equipment and deployment of Nigerian Police on the basis of all 774 local government areas to address security challenges; free, universal and compulsory education in Nigeria; youth empowerment; application of true federalism in the country according to Constitutional provisions and improvements in agriculture and power supply. Responding, President Buhari said the requests would be looked into in line with his 2019 campaign pledges. | President Buhari, Afenifere | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/afenifere-makes-five-requests-to-buhari.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | 2019 election endorsement: Buhari pledges to revisit Electoral Act | The Presidency on Tuesday welcomed endorsement of the 2019 Presidential Elections as free, fair and credible, by 60 Presidential candidates and Chairmen of their parties, urging opposition to accept loss with grace and maturity. In response to the press conference of the Joint Forum of the candidates, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu issued a statement in Abuja on Tuesday (25th June 2019), in which he assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari would look into the Electoral Act as the candidates had advised and would not spare any effort in signing the Electoral Act into law after looking into it. According to him, ”The Presidency is in agreement with the Joint Forum and despite the temporary setbacks experienced at the beginning, INEC managed to produce an election in which the voice of the ordinary people counted. Democracy is founded on the will of the people and INEC did well to ensure this outcome was achieved in the 2019 elections’’. Shehu added that “The success of democracy does not only depend on electoral laws, but also on behaviour, character and attitude of politicians’’. | 2019 presidential Election, President Buhari, Electoral Act | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-election-endorsement-buhari-pledges-to-revisit-electoral-act.html | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Buhari Advocates Legislative, Judicial Autonomy to Deepen Democracy | President Muhammadu Buhari has said that deliberate efforts to guarantee the autonomy of State Legislatures and Judiciary would further strengthen democracy, deepen inclusiveness of citizens and ensure fairness for ordinary Nigerians. Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the President made the remarks while receiving the report of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary, in the State House, Abuja on Tuesday, 25th June 2019. According to the statement, the President who promised to study the report and its recommendations, stated that Nigerians wanted justice from their leaders and hence, trust must not be compromised. The statement further noted that the Chairman of the Committee and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, said the implementation of the recommendations would entrench constitutionalism, democratic principles and separation of powers. According to him, “The recommendations clearly spell out that if uniform modules for implementation of financial autonomy for State Legislature and State Judiciary are approved for implementation across 36 states, it will no doubt strengthen Nigeria’s democratic principles, practices and public governance’’. The statement also quoted Malami as having disclosed that the Committee consulted with State Governors, chief Judges of States, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders, including members of the public. | President Buhari, State Legislature, State Judiciary | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/26/buhari-advocates-legislative-judicial-autonomy-to-deepen-democracy/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | 50 Political Parties Fault EU Report, Say 2019 Election Free, Fair, Credible | About 50 Presidential Candidates of different political parties on Tuesday, 25th June 2019, faulted the European Union report which said that the 2019 General election lacked of transparency, insisting that the elections were free, fair and credible. The political parties which held a world press conference on the 2019 Presidential election review in Abuja, stated that the just concluded 2019 Presidential election was the most eventful in the country’s democratic journey. Speaking on behalf of the parties, the Presidential candidate of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), Shittu Mohammed, claimed the Presidential candidates and political party leaders, thoroughly x-rayed the 2019 election and came to the conclusion that INEC performed credibly well. According to Mohammed, “There were several innovations introduced by INEC which made the 2019 elections freer, fairer and more credible than what was obtainable in the past elections; the simultaneous accreditation and voting, the introduction of assistive innovations for physically challenged voters, the Continuous Voter Registration which added fourteen (14) million new voters to the Register were but a few of the innovations introduced by INEC”. | EU Observation Mission Election report, 2019 Election, Political Parties | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/25/50-political-parties-fault-eu-report-say-2019-election-free-fair-credible/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | South West Governors decry insecurity; okay State, Council Police | Piqued by the raging insecurity in the South-West, State Governors of the region on Tuesday, 25th June 2019, made a strong case for the establishment of State and Council Police to complement the efforts of the Federal Police. To the state helmsmen, this is a practical response to insecurity. They also agreed to rise above party partisanship to set up joint patrol teams to ward off the criminals that have been killing and kidnapping innocent persons, as well as check the activities of killer herdsmen that have made the highways unsafe for travellers. The Governors, who spoke at the “Stakeholders’ Security Summit for Southwestern States” organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Ibadan, include Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gov. Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gov. Babajide Sanw-Olu (Lagos), Gov. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Gov. Gboyega Oyetola (Osun). | South West Governors, Insecurity | https://guardian.ng/news/south-west-governors-decry-insecurity-okay-state-council-police/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | APC stakeholders back Aisha against ‘Presidency Cabal’ | First Lady Aisha Buhari’s determination to free her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, from the grip of two powerful men in the presidency might have received a boost, as some supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 24th June 2019, staged a protest against the infamous Aso Rock cabal. The marchers, who took their peaceful demonstration to Defence House, in the Maitama axis of Abuja, singled out Mamman Daura, Ismaila Funtua and Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari, as obstacles to Buhari’s government. The protest shows that APC chieftains might have finally decided to rescue the presidency from the clutch of a few. Recall that on December 4, 2018, during a national women leadership summit organised by Project 4+4 for the Buhari/Osinbajo 2019 campaign in Abuja, Aisha had complained that her husband could not achieve much because two powerful men, who ‘did not contest election’, were holding him back. She expressed disappointment with Nigerian men, who, rather than fight the duo, often went to them, cap in hand, begging for favours. But for the power brokers, Buhari could have achieved much more in a year than he did in an entire four years, she stated. | Presidency Cabal, Aisha Buhari | https://guardian.ng/politics/apc-stakeholders-back-aisha-against-presidency-cabal/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Atiku’s Petition Hearing Suffers Another Adjournment Till July 1, 2019 | Atiku’s Petition Hearing Suffers Another Adjournment Till July 1 | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), PDP, Atiku, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/27/atikus-petition-hearing-suffers-another-adjournment-till-july-1/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Yakubu: INEC Most Improved Public Service Institution | Amidst perceived lack of independence, mainly by opposition parties, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, described the Commission as the most improved public institution in Nigeria, at the 2019 post-election review session with the second batch of Electoral Officers (EOs) from 17 States, in Abuja on Wednesday, 26th June 2019. According to Prof. Yakubu, the Commission should be rated high when compared with its counterparts in other West African countries, especially given its wide area of coverage and its staff’s dedication to duty. He added that given the scope of Nigeria's voter registration and population, as well as what has happened in our elections from the period of 1999 to date, there is no doubt that INEC is the most improved public service institution in Nigeria today. Yakubu further stated, “We have offices in all the local government areas (LGAs). Tell me one agency, which has offices in LGAs and the staff work as hard as our EOs and staff at the LG levels?” According to him, the Commission has everything to be proud of and will keep striving to improve on its service delivery. | INEC, 2019 Post Election Review, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/27/yakubu-inec-most-improved-public-service-institution/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Court Adopts NBC, DAAR’s Terms of Settlement as Judgment | Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, 26th June 2019, endorsed the terms of settlement adopted by DAAR Communications Plc and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in resolving the dispute that emanated from the suspension of the operations of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower radio by the NBC. Justice Ekwo adopted the seven-point terms of settlement as consent judgment of the court following the decision of the parties, including the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Attorney General of the Federation, to resolve the matter out of court. In the settlement terms, DAAR Communications Plc agreed to furnish NBC with a concrete proposal and ensure the prompt payment of the outstanding licence renewal fee for its national network broadcast licence. The communication outfit also agreed to take steps to ensure balance in its news coverage, especially political commentary, on its stations across the country and also to take full editorial responsibility for the use of content sourced from the social media and any other outlet. Similarly, the parties agreed that DAAR Communications Plc shall ensure that all programmes transmitted on its television and radio stations across the country comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the NBC Act, as well as the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. On its part, NBC agreed to reverse immediately the suspension of the national network broadcast licence of DAAR Communications Plc. The parties, however, agreed to bear their respective costs for the legal action. The terms of settlement was signed on behalf of DAAR Communications Plc by its Group Managing Director, Mr. Tony Akiotu, while the NBC Director General, Mr. Kawu Modibbo, signed on behalf of the Broadcasting Commission. | NBC, DAAR Communications Plc | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/27/court-adopts-nbc-daars-terms-of-settlement-as-judgment/ | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Court Quashes Criminal Charge against Gbajabiamila | Femi Gbajabiamila by the African Peoples Party (APP) at the Grade 1 Area Court, Karishi. In the matter of an application for judicial review for an order of certiorari, Gbajabiamila in a motion on notice brought pursuant to Section 12 of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Area Court Act, 2010 and Order 44 Rule (A) and (2) of the High Court of the FCT Rules 2018, challenged the criminal proceedings instituted against him by the APP. The party and Hon. Anas Mohammed who are respondents at the FCT High Court, had alleged at the Grade 1 Area Court, that Gbajabiamila lied on oath while filing Form CF001 of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last general election to the effect that he was never convicted of any crime. The respondents had contended that the Speaker was found guilty of professional misconduct by the State Bar of Georgia, United States of America in 2007. However, in a judgment delivered by Justice Musa, he quashed the criminal charge, which was filed against Gbajabiamila at the Grade 1 Area Court, Karishi, Abuja on the grounds that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain and determine the matter. In the suit marked: FCT/HC/BW/M/267/19, the judge further held that the allegation of disciplinary proceedings levelled against Gbajabiamila does not amount to a criminal conviction by a court of law. Consequently, the court declared the proceedings and decisions of the Grade 1 Area Court of May 30, 2019, as “unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void”. Justice Musa said if a false information was given by Gbajabiamila in the course of filing out his INEC Form CF001 as alleged by the respondents, a criminal charge ought to have been filed against the Speaker at either the Federal High Court or the FCT High Court as prescribed by the Electoral Act (as amended). “The 1st respondent (APP) is not a legal officer of INEC. Criminal matters are only enforceable by a law enforcement agency,” the judge said. The judge further held that an indictment by a mere disciplinary committee or commission that is not a court of law recognised by the Constitution does not amount to a criminal conviction. | Gbajabiamila, Criminal Charge | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/27/court-quashes-criminal-charge-against-gbajabiamila/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Zamfara APC set to seek review of Supreme Court verdict | The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State says it will exploit a window available to the party and seek for review of the Supreme Court verdict on the party’s primary elections in the State. State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Lawali M. Liman, who disclosed this at a press conference in Gusau, said there were positions in the APC that were contested unopposed and therefore, the court ruling on primary election should not directly affect such positions. According to him, “We had a meeting with the party’s national Chairman in Abuja and he told me that our great party had a window to explore in respect of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC)’s action and the Supreme Court judgement”, he said. Alhaji Liman further said the APC in the state had three Senate seats, two House of Representatives seats and 13 State Assembly seats that were contested unopposed. He added that INEC was too quick to declare runners up with second highest votes as winners because the Supreme Court ruled that parties with requisite spread should be declared. | APC, Zamfara State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/zamfara-apc-set-to-seek-review-of-supreme-court-verdict.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Buhari, Lawan meet behind closed doors in Villa | President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan met on Wednesday, 26th June 2019, behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting with Lawan lasted for about 45 minutes. At the end of it, the Senate President left without speaking to the press on the reason for the meeting. This is the first time that the duo would be having a one-on-one meeting since the National Assembly was inaugurated on June 11. Recall that Lawan, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege and some senators met with the President hours after they were elected as Presiding Officers of the Upper Chamber. Also, the meeting was held at a time Nigerians are awaiting the transmission of the ministerial list to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, media aides, among others have continued to occupy their offices without being reappointed, although the appointment of key aides requires no Senate screening and confirmation. | President Buhari, Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-lawan-meet-behind-closed-doors-in-villa.html | |
| The Guardian.ng | Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Court dismisses certificate forgery case against Kwara Governor | Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin yesterday dismissed the certificate forgery case filed against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State after the claimant insisted he was withdrawing the case. Justice Adenike Akinpelu struck out the case after Adekunle Oluwafemi Abraham, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who had filed the case, told the court he had indeed presented a notice of withdrawal of the matter. The judge said the withdrawal meant that the efforts of one Olusola Olaseinde, who wanted to join the suit, were inconsequential since the original case has been withdrawn. Governor AbdulRazaq had repeatedly said the case was politically-motivated and meant to stop him from contesting the March 9 Governorship poll, adding that the claimant was acting out a script from his political adversary. Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday, 26th June 2019, dismissed the certificate forgery case filed against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State after the claimant insisted he was withdrawing the case. Justice Adenike Akinpelu struck out the case after Adekunle Oluwafemi Abraham, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who had filed the case, told the court he had indeed presented a notice of withdrawal of the matter. The judge said the withdrawal meant that the efforts of one Olusola Olaseinde, who wanted to join the suit, were inconsequential since the original case has been withdrawn. AbdulRazaq had repeatedly said the case was politically-motivated and meant to stop him from contesting the March 9 Governorship poll, adding that the claimant was acting out a script from his political adversary. | Kwara State Governor | https://guardian.ng/news/court-dismisses-certificate-forgery-case-against-kwara-governor/ | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 28, 2019 | Tribunal dismisses Buhari, INEC’s application to strike out PDM’s petition | The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed applications by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking to dismiss the petition by the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) challenging the February 23 Presidential election. Both Buhari and INEC had contended that PDM and its Presidential candidate, Aminchi Habu, did not apply for the issuance of pre-hearing notice within seven days after proof of pleading, which rendered it incompetent and liable to be struck out. But the five-member panel of justices presided by Justice Mohammed Garba held that records of the Tribunal showed that PDM’s pre-hearing application was filed on April 30, while the proof of pleadings by the respondents was on April 29. The judge said the date was in accordance with Paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act, and declared Buhari and INEC’s objections as lacking in merit. Justice Garba ruled that, “The motion to deem the petition as being abandoned due to the failure of the petitioners to file the application for issuance of pre-hearing notice is, with respect, devoid of merit and is hereby dismissed”. | Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), APC, PDM | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/tribunal-dismisses-buhari-inecs-application-to-strike-out-pdms-petition.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 28, 2019 | Aganaba joins Bayelsa Gov’ship race | An Abuja-based businessman, Engr. Preye Aganaba, has joined the November 16 Governorship race in Bayelsa State. Aganaba, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, dedicated his campaign organisation to God during a prayer meeting at his campaign office in Yenagoa. Speaking through the Director-General of his campaign organisation, Pastor Joseph Fafi, the Governorship aspirant said he knew the pains and yearnings of Bayelsans, adding that he was coming to change the narrative for the better. According to Fafi, “APC in Bayelsa State needs a focused and committed person who can win election for the party in the State, and Preye Aganaba has the grassroots support to bring APC to governance in the State”. | Bayelsa State 2019 Governorship Election, APC, Abagana | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aganaba-joins-bayelsa-govship-race.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 28, 2019 | Niger SIEC fixes July 31 for LG election | The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) has fixed July 31 2019 for Local Government election in the State. The Commission said it was abiding by the law which requires it to give one month notice to enable political parties and candidates prepare for the poll. The Commission fixed the cost of nomination form for the Chairmanship position at N100,000, while that of councillorship was pegged at N80,000. However, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the State through its Secretary, Mohammed Bello Maikujeri rejected NSIEC's proposition on the fees, arguing that the fees would gag small parties and prevent them from contesting, while giving major parties an edge. | Niger State, Local Government Elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/siec-fixes-july-31-for-lg-election-in-niger.html | |
| Daily Trust Online | Friday, June 28, 2019 | Deputy Speaker appoints Puma Spokesman | The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammadu Umar Puma as his Chief Press Secretary. Until his appointment, Puma who hails from Gombe State, was the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps. A press release from the Office of the Deputy Speaker on Thursday, 27th June 2019 also announced the appointment of Dr. Aminu Malle from Taraba State as Chief of Staff. Malle, who holds a Ph.D in Animal Production and Management from the Federal University of Technology Yola, was a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2019. | Deputy Speaker, Muhammadu Puma, Aminu Malle | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/deputy-speaker-appoints-puma-media-spokesman.html | |
| ThisDaylive Online | Friday, June 28, 2019 | PDP Berates INEC Chairman over Alleged False Claims | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) berated the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for claiming that INEC is the most improved service institution in the country. According to PDP, INEC has become the most debased, degraded and corrupted institution, particularly with the alleged rigging of the 2019 Presidential election. The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Thursday, June 27 2019, stated that Yakubu has further confirmed that the Commission under his watch is decadent and compromised for making such reckless claims at a time Nigerians and the international community are in huge disappointment over the irregularities, violation of rules, alteration of results and outright rigging that characterised the last elections. The statemnet further read that, “It is indeed an unpardonable affront on the sensibility of Nigerians for Prof. Yakubu to claim that this INEC that has become notorious for compromised Voters' Register, missing ballot papers, alteration of results and inconclusive elections, is the most improved service institution in the country”. The party urged the INEC Chairman to save the nation an unnecessary stress by admitting the obvious irregularities in the 2019 General election. | PDP, INEC Chairman | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/28/pdp-berates-inec-chairman-over-alleged-false-claims/ | |
| The Guardian.ng | Friday, June 28, 2019 | Buhari to announce cabinet in July, says SGF | The long-awaited announcement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet Ministers will become a reality in July 2019 after the National Assembly completes its leadership processes and lawmakers resume from recess. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, disclosed this in an interview after the just-concluded meetings of the African Export-Import Bank in Moscow. Buhari will place the issue before the National Assembly as quickly as possible, Mustapha stated. He added that, “Mr. President is working on his list or must have concluded. He mentioned in his Democracy Day broadcast that he is going to assemble competent Nigerians to help him implement his programmes. I believe that within the month of July, he will submit the list. It is then up to the Senate to do the needful and conclude the exercise. I keep emphasising that if you have a very good leadership in the National Assembly, these things can be finished in a period of one week or two.” | President Muhammadu Buhari, Cabinet | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-to-announce-cabinet-in-july-says-sgf/ | |