| Source | Date | Story Title | Summary of Reports | Subject/Category | Website Link/Page Number | No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | Ebonyi Killing: South East Senate Caucus Asks IG, Security Agencies To Fish Out Perpetrators | The South East Caucus of the Senate has asked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu and heads of the nation’s security agencies to expeditiously fish out those responsible for the recent killing of natives in Ebonyi State communities, insisting it must not go unsolved and unpunished like others before it. The Caucus in a statement on Wednesday, March 31 by its Leader and former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, described the act as unfeeling. The Caucus, according stated thus: “This act is most unfeeling and gruesome; and we condemn it in totality. But more importantly, this must not go unpunished like others before it. It is imperative to warn that the Nigerian State is fast delegitimising itself by its failure to discharge the primary purpose of government, which is security and welfare of the people, as clearly prescribed in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution. The widespread killings and all manner of violent crimes across the country have continued to worsen because the perpetrators walk away with their crimes, never arrested or brought to book. Therefore, this is particularly a call on the Inspector General of Police and the heads of security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the Ebonyi killing to book expeditiously". The Caucus also condoled with the Government and people of Ebonyi State on the sad incident. | Senate, South East, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/31/ebonyi-killing-seast-senate-caucus-asks-ig-security-agencies-to-fish-out-perpetrators/ | 13 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | Lawan Calls for Local Production of COVID-19 Vaccine | The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, Wednesday, March 30, called for concerted efforts by the executive and legislature to find resources for Nigerian scientists to collaborate with international agencies to develop COVID-19 vaccines. Lawan made the call at the public presentation of a research work on legislative responses to COVID-19, in Abuja. According to him, it will take some time for the National Assembly and the government to provide what would be called adequate health facilities across the country, hence the need for the country to consider vaccine production which is becoming a necessity for almost every country. He stated thus: “I listened to a Nigerian scientist who is based in the Uunited States yesterday and he said it would require only one year for a Nigerian project to get its own vaccine. And the vaccine is not supposed to be for Nigerians only and that is why we need international collaboration.” Lawan also warned that Nigeria will not be able to get 70 per cent of its citizens vaccinated, as the USA and EU are trying to ensure that no vaccines leave their shores until they are able to vaccinate their citizens sufficiently to provide herd immunity. India that produces quite a lot of vaccines with over one billion population is also controlling and stopping exports." Lawan further explained that with a population of over 200 million, Nigeria has only about four million doses of vaccine so far. He stated that, "I don’t know how we can get 70 per cent of our people vaccinated and that will translate into about 150 million or even more, to vaccinate them in the next two or three years. So we need to work hard and provide the legislative intervention in terms of resources and environment for our scientists to work.” | Senator Ahmed Lawan, COVID-19 Vaccines, Local Production | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/31/lawan-calls-for-local-production-of-covid-19-vaccine/ | 13 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | We”ll Continue to Register New Parties, says INEC | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it would continue to register political parties as long as they meet the stipulated requirements. Head of Department of Election and Party Monitoring, Aminu Idris, stated this on Tuesday, March 30 at a Roundtable on Modalities for Measuring Political Parties’ Performance in Nigeria, organised by Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The electoral body had on February 6, 202, de-registered 74 political parties. Some of the parties however, approached the courts to challenge their de-registration by INEC. When asked if INEC would still consider applications from some parties who might be seeking to re-register as political parties, Idris, who was represented by Shehu Wahab, stated that the commission would continue to register any association that meets the criteria. According to Wahab, “INEC still operates and will continue to operate by the law. If the laws allow parties to be formed, INEC will not stop the process of party registration. I think the task for us is that we still register parties based on their ability to meet requirements for registration.” He added that INEC was committed to ensuring that parties are formed in line with the Nigerian Constitution and they relate within the ambits of the law in terms of their activities with the commission. | INEC, Registration of Political Parties | https://guardian.ng/politics/well-continue-to-register-new-parties-says-inec/ | 13 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | FG Reiterates Commitment to Police Reforms | Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to the comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Bolaji Kazeem, stated that the minister gave the indication at the Biennial Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership, and Development Studies held at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Abuja on Tuesday, March 30. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Tope Fashedemi, the minister pointed out that the police would be supported with modern technology, capacity building and robust welfare programme. Other areas, according to him, involve putting in place a robust welfare programme to secure life and property, as well as create a peaceful environment for the realisation of our individual and collective dream of greatness. Dingyadi charged participants to affirm the power of honesty, definiteness of purpose, and to be committed in the pursuit of big dreams. | Ministry of Police Affairs, Police Reform | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-reiterates-commitment-to-police-reforms/ | 13 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | Senate Rejects Loan Requests by MDAs, Demands Details | wo committees of the Senate have come down hard on two agencies seeking foreign loans and approval of their 2021 budget proposals. The Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, during an interface with the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Abuja, demanded for details of 995million Euros and $1.5 billion foreign credit before approval. The Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) refused to sanction the N8.5 billion 2021 budget estimates tabled before it by the FCT Inland Revenue Service (FCT-IRS). Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohmmamed Sabo Nanono and the DMO’s Director General, Patience Oniha, failed to convince the panel on the imperativeness of the loans. Consequently, two segments of the facilities being sought by the Federal Government for mechanised farming and execution of critical infrastructure across the 36 States to stave the third wave of COVID-19 in the country came under scrutiny. The plan of action, submitted by Nanono concerning the 995 million Euros for large-scale farming across the 774 Local Government Areas, was faulted by virtually all members of the committee, headed by Senator Clifford Ordia. Faulting the submission as an unyielding one, the lawmakers reminded the minister that beautiful plans were different from practical Implementation. On the $1.5 billion loan proposal for the 36 State governments and the FCT for execution of critical COVID-19 infrastructure, Ordia directed the DMO boss to furnish the committee with the credit worthiness of the States, which she did not produce. Therefore, the committee resolved that she must supply the document before authorisation. Same fate befell the FCT-IRS based on discrepancies in its proposal. The agency was directed to appear before the Committee on FCT headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari for a fresh presentation. | Senate, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Loan Requests | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-rejects-governments-loan-requests-demands-details/ | 13 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 29, 2021 | PDP Wins Sokoto Council Polls | The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has won the local government elections conducted on Saturday, March 27. The party won all the chairmanship seats for the 23 Local Government Areas (LLGA). The main opposition party in the State, All Progressives Congress (APC) did not participate in the election. Announcing the results, Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, stated that Wadata Muhammad of PDP won in Binji LGA with 21,080 votes. Shehu Muhammad of PDP won Bodinga LGA with 27,806. Umaru Buba won in Denge Shuni LGA with 32, 841, while Garba Tsitse won in Gada LGA with 73,643. He added that, Abdulwahab Yahaya won in Goronyo LGA with 40,521; Alhaji Bello Wakili won in Gudu LGA with 38,731 and Alhaji Amimu Aya won Gwadabawa LGA with 42,709 votes. In Illela LGA, Aminu Salihu of the PDP polled 33,652 to emerge winner. He also announced others to include, Isa Salihu Bashir of the PDP who won in Tangaza with 31,154 votes and Hon. Abubakar Salihu winning in Tureta LGA with 20,534 votes, Bello Haliru Guiwa won in Wamakko LGA with 42,388 votes while Abubakar Arzika won in Wurno LGA with 30,789 votes and Aliyu Abubakar of the PDP won in Yabo Local Government with 27,173 votes. The Chairman, Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission also noted that, results for the Councilors in the 23 Local Government Councils would be announced at their respective Local Government headquarters. | Sokoto State, Local Government Elections, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-clears-seats-in-sokoto-council-polls | 12 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 29, 2021 | Again, Senate Panel Summons NNPC Over Non-Remittance Of N4.07trn Revenue | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has again summoned the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over non-remittance of N4.07trn revenue to the Federation account between 2010 and 2016. The NNPC had appeared before the committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide two weeks ago and explained that the money in question was expended on oil pipeline repairs, domestic fuel supplies heavily subsidized, security and management matters. The committee, however, asked NNPC to provide it with the required details within a week upon which the query will be vacated or sustained. Urhoghide stated that the NNPC still needed to appear before the committee to defend some claims in the document it submitted. Meanwhile, the committee has also summoned the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) regarding the query against them by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. The committee sustained the query of the Office of Auditor-General for the Federation against the NNPC, the DPR and the Federal Inland Revenue Services over unauthorized deduction of N1.5 trillion from the Federation Account. | Senate Committee on Public Accounts, NNPC | https://dailytrust.com/again-senate-panel-summons-nnpc-over-non-remittance-of-n4-07trn-revenue | 12 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 29, 2021 | ALGON Seeks ‘Complete Autonomy’ For LGAs | The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the complete autonomy of Local Government Area Councils and a review of the 1999 Constitution to address the impediments making LGA Council administration difficult in the country. This was contained in the resolutions of the 2nd General Assembly meeting of ALGON recently held in Abuja which saw the recognition of President Muhammadu Buhari by thr platform, in appreciation of his local government “friendly disposition” and support. The National President of ALGON, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, stated that the meeting was convened to fulfill the mandate as the voice of local government administration in Nigeria. | Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Local Government Autonomy | https://dailytrust.com/algon-seeks-complete-autonomy-for-lgas | 12 |
| ThisdayLive Online | Monday, March 29, 2021 | Ilorin Indigenes Seek Buhari’s Intervention on Hijab Controversy | The indigenes of Ilorin, under the aegis of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), at the weekend, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the violence that trailed the wearing of Hijab in Kwara State, in order to return Ilorin to its status as the town of peace and harmony. Muslims and Christians in Ilorin recently locked horns over the wearing of Hijab in the 10 public grant-aided schools in Ilorin. The development, however, led to violence as members in Ilorin. It took the quick intervention of security agencies in the State to restore normalcy and prevent the crisis from snowballing into a full blown religious crisis. Normalcy has since returned to some of the affected schools in Ilorin. | Kwara State, Hijab Controversy | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/29/ilorin-indigenes-seek-buharis-intervention-on-hijab-controversy/ | 12 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, March 29, 2021 | COVID-19: Lagos Government Vaccinates 127,885 Persons, says Commissioner | The Lagos State Government says 127,885 persons have so far received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this known in a statement on Sunday, March 28. Abayomi stated that the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) in its day 10 report, revealed that 39,959 health workers, 54,200 essential workers and 33,726 strategic leaders had taken the vaccine. He states thus: ”We have also identified some areas of concern on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) of overcrowding at some vaccination sites and the E-registration portal. I want to assure residents that all these issues and others are being addressed by the State government in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). He added that, “While no system is perfect, we are striving to improve the experiences of residents at our various sites. “We are committed to this course and with the support of the NPHCDA and other stakeholders, we are certain of a successful vaccination exercise.” The commissioner further stated that records showed that Lagos had vaccinated more persons compared to other States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Highlighting the demography and categories of persons vaccinated, Abayomi stated that, “Our gender distribution data has also shown that we have vaccinated more females than males, with 65,501 females representing 51.2 per cent and 62,384 males representing 48.8 per cent vaccinated as at March 26.” | Lagos State, COVID-19 Vaccination | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-lagos-government-vaccinates-127885-persons-says-commissioner/ | 12 |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | Senate Asks IGP To Probe Ekiti Bye-Election Violence | The Senate on Wednesday, March 24, urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, to launch a full-scale investigation into last Saturday’s violence that disrupted Ekiti East Constituency 1 State Assembly bye-election. The probe, it said, was to apprehend and bring to book perpetrators of the violence. The Red Chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure the safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials during elections. It also stressed the need for the quick passage of the Electoral Act amendment bill currently before it to forestall reoccurrence. These followed a motion by Senator Biodun Olujinmi (PDP, Ekiti), who noted that Saturday’s electoral exercise, which started in a peaceful and orderly manner, turned bloody at noon when hoodlums invaded polling centres to snatch ballot boxes. Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano), who chairs the Senate committee on INEC, assured that issues surrounding electoral violence were receiving serious attention in the amendment to the Electoral Act. | Ekiti Bye-Election, Senate | https://dailytrust.com/senate-asks-igp-to-probe-ekiti-by-election-violence | 11 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | Senate Orders FRC ex-Boss to Refund N94m | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered former Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Jim Obazee, to refund N94 million to the Federation Account. According to the panel, the sum included N66 million he allegedly approved for a two-year rent for a property that the organisation never occupied and another N28 million reportedly siphoned via 64 vouchers. The committee Chairman, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, who gave the order during an investigation into two audit queries, broke down the N66 million to include N42 million paid for the contentious rent and N23.4 million as legal fee under Obazee’s watch. The first query read in part: “It was observed that, on 21/11/16, the sum of N42 million was paid as rent to Japaul Oil and Maritime Services for an office space at Japaul Building. N23.4 million was paid to Sola Oluseyi & Co. as legal and agency fee for the office space, making a total of N66 million for two years ending 1/1/2019. The Council is yet to move into the building, 20 months running with four months to its expiration. This anomaly was due to the failure of the Executive Secretary to exercise due diligence in the application of public funds by ensuring that value is received for money expended." However, the FRC, in its written response explained that upon the acquisition of the office accommodation at the Japaul House, there was need to give the property a face-lift, and that the change of Executive Secretary in 2017 slowed the process of awarding the contract. It further stated that the landlord was not willing to renew the tenancy agreement after the expiration of the current agreement, adding that, “The Council is taking steps to utilise the building and secure a further lease from the landlord.” The second query alleged that, “During the audit, it was observed that 64 payment vouchers for the sum of N28,765,842.11 were raised and paid without the internal audit stamps and dates, in contravention of the provisions of extant laws and regulations. | Senate, Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-orders-frc-ex-boss-to-refund-n94m-okays-nababa-as-ncs-cg/ | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | Senate: Bill for Fund for Deceased Military, Security Operatives' Families Passes Second Reading | The Senate on Wednesday, March 24, passed for second reading, a bill seeking to establish a fund specifically to cater for the welfare of families of deceased military and security personnel. The bill for an Act to Establish the Families of Fallen Servicemen Support Fund was sponsored by Senator Abba Moro. Moro told his colleagues that the legislation, would, among other things, establish a fund to be known as ‘The Families of Fallen Serviceman Support Fund.’ He stated that all monies prescribed under the Bill as donations, bequeaths, trusts, and contributions for the welfare of families of members of the armed forces and operatives of other security agencies who die in the line of duty including combat and non-combat duties, shall be paid into the fund. He stated that leaders of the military widows association have stated that there were more than 11,000 registered members. He added that “given the security situation in our dear country Nigeria, it has become pertinent to enact a law that will establish a Fund to take care of the welfare challenges facing the indigent families of security operatives who die in the line of duty.” | Funding, Familes of Deceased Security Operatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/25/senate-okays-fund-for-dead-military-security-operatives-families/ | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | We Are Not in a Hurry to Hold National Convention - APC | The national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may not hold as planned in June, according to the National Secretary of National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe. On Wednesday, March 24, he told THISDAY that the party is not in a hurry to hold the national convention, as rushing into its congresses could lead to mistakes and fuel litigations and factionalisation. However, he stated that while the committee would strive to keep to the June deadline for the national convention, to mark the conclusion of its assignments, it would not hesitate to approach the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party for a tenure extension should plans to hold the national convention as scheduled fall through. He added that the committee would not release the timetable for the party’s congresses until the nationwide registration and revalidation of members are concluded. Speaking against the backdrop of speculations that the committee is seeking another six-month tenure extension, Akpanudoedehe stated that the committee is determined to meet the June deadline for its national convention. | APC, National Convention | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/25/apc-we-are-not-in-a-hurry-for-national-convention/ | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 22, 2021 | Buhari, Others Express Outrage over Suspected Herdsmen’s Attack on Ortom | President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, March 21 condemned Saturday’s attack on Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and welcomed the decision of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to unveil those behind the attack with the aim of bringing them to book. The bid to kill the governor, by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, drew more outrage as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Northern Governors' Forum, Ortom’s colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, expressed shock over the incident. IGP Adamu on Sunday, March 21, deployed a special squad to Benue State to assist the State police command in investigating the incident. Adamu, who ordered an investigation into the attack, directed the Benue State Police Command to strengthen the security around the governor and the entire State. According to the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Terver Akase, the suspected herdsmen opened gunfire on the governor but he escaped unhurt. Ortom, while briefing journalists after the attack, said he ran over 1.5 kilometres to escape the ambush. Reacting to the incident, the President Buhari in a statement by his media assistant, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the string of brutal attacks on individuals and communities in the State, with the latest one targeting the governor was unacceptable to his administration. He, therefore, asked the police to investigate the incident involving the governor and all other attacks on individuals and communities in the State. | President Buhari, Governor Samuel Ortom | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/22/buhari-others-express-outrage-over-suspected-herdsmens-attack-on-ortom/ | 10 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 22, 2021 | We’ll Deal With Those Behind Ekiti Violence – Fayemi | Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has stated that the suspects arrested in connection with the killing of voters during the March 20 bye-election in his State will be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to other political thugs. It would be recalled that three persons were shot dead in Omuo-Ekiti by suspected party thugs while five others sustained gunshot injuries during the House of Assembly bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The seat became vacant following the death of an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, Juwa Adegbuyi, representing a constituency in the State House of Assembly in February. Fayemi, who spoke during his visit to the palace of Olumuo of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, on Sunday, March 20 said he would not politicise the killings of innocent citizens during the election in the State. He stated that, “We may not be able to bring back the dead but every perpetrator will be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others. I called the CP and instructed him to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators and I’m happy to inform you Kabiyesi, that as I arrived the State today (Sunday), the CP said all the culprits have been arrested and on Monday, they shall be charged for murder.” The governor commended the monarch for his role in maintaining peace in the community by not allowing residents to take laws into their hands after the violence. Oba Omonigbeyin while responding lauded the governor for the condolence visit to the community and urged him to ensure that perpetrators of the violence “are brought to book and prosecuted accordingly.” | Ekiti State, State Constituency Bye-Election | https://dailytrust.com/well-deal-with-those-behind-ekiti-violence-fayemi | 10 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 22, 2021 | Ekiti Bye-Election: APC, IPAC, CDD Want Action Against Election Violence | The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the violence that characterised last Saturday’s Ekiti State Constituency bye-election. The party also called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the crime. In a statement on Sunday, March 21 by its Director Media and publicity, Mr Sam Oluwalana, APC condemned the shooting by suspected thugs at Unit 7, Ward 7, where Senator Biodun Olujimi hails from. He stated that, “It is unfortunate that a very peaceful and transparent election could have turned so bloody. The APC is law-abiding, peaceful and as such has no reason to be violent.” Similarly, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have called for action against election violence. This was contained in separate statements by CDD Director, Ms. Idayat Hassan and the National Publicity Secretary, IPAC, Ambassador Agbo Major on Sunday, March 21in Abuja. According to Hassan, the development, like the previous ones, necessitated the urgent need for the Electoral Offenses Commission and speedy prosecution of culprits. On his part, IPAC spokesman Agbo Major stated that the violence that erupted during the Ekiti East Constituency 1 bye-election where three voters were killed and a youth corps member, a police woman and an INEC staff sustained gunshot wounds, stood condemned. | Ekiti State Constituency Bye-Election, APC, IPAC, CDD | https://dailytrust.com/ekiti-by-election-apc-ipac-cdd-want-action-against-election-violence | 10 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 22, 2021 | PDP to Establish Technical Committee on Panel’s Report on Zoning | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to set up a technical committee to review the report of the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed’s committee, which recommended that the 2023 presidential ticket of the party should be thrown open to the six geopolitical zones of the country. Mohammed’s committee was set up by the party to find out why it lost the 2019 general elections. In its report, the committee recommended that even though there was a clamour for the 2023 presidential ticket to be zoned to the North-East and South-East, it should, however, be open to the entire six geopolitical zones. South-East and South-South leaders have since rejected the recommendation and insisted that power should shift to the South in 2023. However, THISDAY learnt that a revolt by some members who regard themselves as loyalists of the party is in the offing against the PDP leadership over what they call its sellout to some returnee members who had left the party to pursue their ambitions elsewhere but came back after their wishes met a brick wall. According to the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, the party is going to study and analyse the report meticulously and come up with a position that will be beneficial to the party. Also reacting to the development through his Twitter handle, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, stated thus: “Due to enquiries from our members and the general public, it has become imperative to clarify that @OfficialPDPNig is yet to adopt any of the recommendations proposed by Senator Bala Mohammed’s Committee on the Review of the 2019 Elections." | PDP, Technical Committee, 2023 Presidential Election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/22/pdp-to-establish-technical-committee-on-panels-report-on-zoning/ | 10 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, March 22, 2021 | PDP, Aspirants Reject Consensus for Anambra Guber Poll | Ninety-four days to the June 26, 2021 primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, the possibility of producing consensus candidate is being opposed and discouraged by many aspirants, as well as top leaders of the party. This emerged just as zoning arrangements have suffered setbacks. Four governorship aspirants who have so far picked expression of interest and nomination forms from the PDP National Secretariat are Senator Uche Ekwunife, Obiora Okonkwo, Chris Azugbogu and Witson Udeh and they cut across the three senatorial districts of Anambra State. A member of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously declared that the issue of zoning had been overtaken by events and was no longer feasible because the party had already sold forms to aspirants in all the three zones. Also, the aspirants had not indicated interests in the zoning as each of them canvassed competitiveness as being democratic. On the issue of consensus candidate arrangements, the source stated that the aspirants and other major stakeholders in the Anambra State chapter of the PDP would prefer that the principle of full-fledged democracy be adopted to pick the governorship candidate. In the same vein, one of the aspirants, Udeh, who picked his nomination form last Friday, urged the leadership of the party to jettison any consensus arrangement to throw up a flagbearer. | Anambra Governorship Election, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/pdp-aspirants-reject-consensus-for-anambra-guber-poll/ | 10 |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, March 18, 2021 | Reps Summon Sirika Over Bandits’ Invasion Of Kaduna Airport | The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to explain how bandits gained entrance into the Kaduna Airport. It stated that this was to prevent future recurrence in the nation’s airports. This followed the adoption of a motion by Musa Pali, who recalled that on March 6, 2021 bandits invaded the staff quarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the Kaduna Airport and kidnapped 11 people. He stated that if attacks and other security challenges were allowed in the nation’s airports, Nigeria’s air transportation sector would be exposed to similar security challenges facing land transportation. According to Pali, “If the security around Nigeria’s airports is not urgently improved, it could scare international travelers, including investors and may also bring sanctions from International regulatory bodies.” The House urged the Inspector-General of Police and other security operatives at the nation’s airports to beef up security at the airports. The House stated that such breach must be prevented, while calling on security agencies to secure the release of those abducted and fish out the bandits. | House of Representatives, Minister of Aviation | https://dailytrust.com/reps-summon-sirika-over-bandits-invasion-of-kaduna-airport | 9 |
| Punch Newspapers | Thursday, March 18, 2021 | PDP Election Review Panel Proposes N’East, S’East for 2023 Presidency | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Committee on the Review of the 2019 General Elections led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has recommended that the party should throw open the contest for its 2023 Presidential ticket. This was part of recommendations made by the committee in its report submitted to the party leadership in Abuja, on Wednesday, March 17. Chairman of the Committee, Governor Bala Mohammed, while presenting the report stated that, “In line with certain unwritten conventions of the nation’s history, many people think that for fairness and equity, the North-East and South-East geo-political zones that have had the shortest stints at the Presidency should be given special consideration in choosing the presidential flag bearer of the party for the 2023 elections. While we admit that this is a strong argument, we should not lose sight of the fact that Nigeria is endowed with many capable and very experienced leaders in every part of the country. Moreover, the exigencies of the moment demand that nothing should be compromised in choosing the leader with the attributes to disentangle the country from the present quagmire. Therefore, we think that every Nigerian from every part of the country should be given the opportunity to choose the best candidate through a credible primary election as a way of institutionalising a merit-based leadership recruitment process for the country.” | PDP, 2023 Presidency | https://punchng.com/pdp-election-review-panel-proposes-neast-seast-for-2023-presidency/ | 9 |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, March 18, 2021 | Group to Obiano- No LG Election, No Governorship Poll In Anambra | A group known as Recover Nigeria Project (RNP) has vowed to disrupt Anambra State’s 2021 governorship election if Governor Willie Obiano refuses to conduct Local Government elections. The coordinator of the group, Comrade Osita Obi, in an exclusive chat with Daily Trust in Awka, the Anambra State capital, stated it was wrong for the governor to deny people at the local government the right to participate in governance. Obi stated that, “If an election cannot be conducted at local government, why must there be election for Soludo, Andy Uba, Dr. Godwin Maduka, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo and others. If the governor thinks that the only thing that is good for the third tier of government is caretaker, there must also be caretaker governor in Anambra State. In fact, what we need now in the state is the caretaker governor and not elected governor.” The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, stated that the government could not conduct any local government election when the case is before the Supreme Court. According to him, the State government must respect the law of the land and would not do anything prejudicial. | Anambra State, Local Government Elections, Governorship Election | https://dailytrust.com/no-lg-election-no-govship-poll-in-anambra-obiano-told | 9 |
| Punch Newspapers | Thursday, March 18, 2021 | Impeached Ogun Deputy Speaker Sues Assembly, Demands N1.5bn | The former Deputy Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludare Kadiri, on Wednesday, March 17 initiated legal proceedings against the Assembly at a Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, seeking nullification of his removal by the Assembly. Kadiri, who joined the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, as the first respondent, in the case with the Assembly as the second respondent, is also seeking N1.5bn as damages for what he called illegal removal. The former Deputy Speaker was removed by 19 lawmakers on March 4 for alleged gross misconduct, and was replaced with Balogun Akeem from Ogunwaterside State Constituency. Protesting his removal, Kadiri is seeking N1.5bn in damages. Kadiri also prayed the court for an order of N1bn exemplary damages against the respondents. Kadiri also sought an order declaring his removal from office and the process that led to it a nullity and of no effect, arguing that same was done in violation of fair hearing as stipulated in the Constitution. He also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from taking any further step or doing anything that would deny him his right as the Deputy Speaker of the House. | Ogun State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker | 9 | |
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, March 18, 2021 | FG, Oil Companies Shortchanging Host Communities — Reps | The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities has alleged that the Federal Government and oil companies are shortchanging host communities. Chairman of the Committee, Dumnamene Dekor, during an inaugural address at the first meeting of the Committee in Abuja, stated that the neglect being suffered by oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions had brought untold poverty and deprivation to the people of the region. He also stated that it was unfortunate for the Federal Government to make deductions from the 13% derivation which, he said, added to the neglect suffered by oil-bearing communities. According to Dekor, “The 13 per cent derivation had been plagued with many issues such as lack of consultation, treacherous behaviours of some oil companies, holding unto expired Memorandum of Understanding, among others.” He described the inability of the government to protect host communities as a violation of their rights. | House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities | https://dailytrust.com/fg-oil-companies-shortchanging-host-communities-reps | 9 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Nigeria insists AstraZeneca Vaccine is Safe | The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has insisted that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe for Nigerians despite the growing global concerns over possible side effects. The National Incident Manager (NIM) of the PTF on COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, made this known on Monday, March 15 in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the Task Force. According to Muhammad, the clinical trials had shown that the side effects are “generally mild’’. He stated that the WHO had in the last three days, through a series of briefings, vouched for the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, and that it had been proven that it had about 70 per cent efficacy level. He, however, advised those who might have received the vaccine but who have felt symptoms of its reactions for more than 24 hours, to report through the appropriate channels at the state level. He states that, “The arrival of the vaccines is something that is very good and exciting in the sense that a combination of the vaccine and the non-pharmaceutical interventions can help us see the light at the end of the tunnel within a very short period of time. However, we have suffered a major setback in the last few hours, regarding the content safety and efficacy of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. We have seen in the news how some countries have deferred the usage of this vaccine or have suspended its use. That list of the European countries is growing. However, it is very reassuring to see that the regulatory agencies in those countries have continued to emphasise that the vaccine is safe and that the incidence of blood clots reported in the patients is not higher than the risk of blood clotting in people who are not vaccinated. That is really something reassuring." | Nigeria, AstraZeneca Vaccine | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-insists-astrazeneca-vaccine-is-safe/ | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Nigerians in Diaspora Issue 14-day Ultimatum to House Over Wase’s Derogatory Statement | Nigerians in diaspora have protested what they described as “uncharitable and derogatory statement” made against them by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Wase on the floor of the House. This is coming as Wase has justified the rejection of a petition from Tiv people in America, saying he was guiding the sponsor of the petition on the proper procedure to adopt in presenting the said petition. In a protest letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the group gave a 14-day ultimatum to the House to retract the statement or incur the wrath of all Nigerians living abroad. The letter of protest was dated March 14, 2021 and signed by the chairmen of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Continental Bodies (NIDO WW). The group expressed shock and grave concern over Wase’s statement, which they claimed puts to “doubt our citizenship, privileges and rights as Nigerians”. NIDO WW expressed disappointment that such a statement could emanate from such a person of high standing in the country. They further lamented that no other legislator at the plenary that day could speak up against the position of the Deputy Speaker. While claiming that they remit the sum of $23 billion yearly to Nigeria and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), medical missions, community development programmes and professional skills transfer, amongst others, NIDO WW warned that they have no choice than to halt all these if they cannot speak on issues of mutual interest to them. Part of the letter stated thus: “We are therefore compelled and inclined to believe that perhaps, these views are shared by other Honourable members in the Green Chamber and Nigeria’s political elites”. The group demanded for a full retraction of this unfortunate statement by the Deputy Speaker; and an unconditional public apology from the Deputy Speaker to the Nigerians in Diaspora Community. The group also insisted that Gbillah be allowed to present the motion for and on behalf of Mutual Unions of Tiv in America as a concerned group of Nigerians in Diaspora. | Nigerians in Diaspora, Hon. Ahmed Wase | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/16/nigerians-in-diaspora-issue-14-day-ultimatum-to-house-over-wases-derogatory-statement/ | 8 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Minister Assures Vulnerable Women of COVID-19 Vaccination, Urges Gender Parity | Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has assured the vulnerable, especially widows and single mothers, of access to the COVID-19 vaccines, urging gender parity in the administration of the vaccines. Speaking at the distribution of palliatives to 93 women groups at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) and Mother’s Day on Monday, March 15 in Abuja, the minister urged the governors and their wives to replicate the advocacy in the States. She stated thus: “I am sure Mr. President will ensure that there is an equal distribution between the men and women. So, gender parity will be properly addressed. We are committed to reaching more women not just in the Federal Capital Territory, but across the country.” Tallen encouraged more women to seek elective offices and make their votes count. | COVID-19 Vaccination, Gender Parity | https://guardian.ng/news/minister-assures-vulnerable-women-of-covid-19-jabs-urges-gender-parity/ | 8 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Protests as Sowore Claims Ownership of AAC, Rejects Expulsion | Former presidential candidate of the African Alliance Congress (AAC) in the 2019 general election, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday, March 15 in Abuja, led a group to protest his expulsion from the party he claimed he registered in 2018. The protest was staged at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where Sowore and others submitted a letter to the Commission, containing a seven-day ultimatum for the electoral body to restore the party to the “original owners” or risk more protests. Sowore threatened that if he failed to get justice before next Monday, his members would occupy all INEC offices nationwide. In a counter-reaction, Chairman of AAC, Leonard Nzenwa, also besieged the INEC headquarters where he alleged that Sowore’s aim of mobilising his people to INEC was to vandalise the place in the name of a party that had expelled him. Nzenwa stated thus: “African Action Congress, as a legal, responsible, and law-abiding political party in Nigeria, does not have anything to do with Sowore. He is unknown to the party as he and 29 others were expelled on August 9, 2019, after he was suspended.” However, Sowore told newsmen that the party belonged to him, alleging that INEC was colluding with Nzenwa and others to forcefully take away the party from him because it is revolutionary in nature. | African Alliance Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore | https://guardian.ng/news/protests-as-sowore-claims-ownership-of-aac-rejects-expulsion/ | 8 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | COVID-19: Nigeria Vaccinates 8,000 Against Virus | The Federal Government has stated that about 8,000 Nigerians have received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, stated this on Monday, March 15 in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. Shuaib insisted that no serious adverse effects have been reported from those who have been vaccinated. He stated that, “As part of the vaccine launch in the states that occurred last week, over 8,000 Nigerians have been administered the vaccines thus far. We have not received any official report of serious adverse effects from any of those who have been vaccinated but mild side effects, such as swelling at the site of the vaccination are expected as this is normal.” He, however, stated that the agency is working closely with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to monitor any unusual adverse reaction to the vaccines. | COVID-19 Vaccination | https://dailytrust.com/covid-19-nigeria-vaccinates-8000-against-virus | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | FG Dismisses Dokubo’s Formation of Biafra Customary Govt | The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday, March 15, described the reported formation of Biafra Customary Government by ex-militant leader, Mr. Asari Dokubo, as a “theatre of the absurd by a joker seeking attention.” He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be distracted by the absurdity. He stated thus: “I am sure you have heard of the theatre of the absurd; that is the best way I can describe it. If Asari Dokubo wants to form and run a phantom government, I think he is free to do so. This administration will not be distracted because we still have a lot to do.” He added that the Federal Government would not give any attention or time to a joker like Dokubo who he said was seeking attention. Further, Lai stated that, “We will just take it as one of these entertainment things. The beauty of Nigeria is that it is never a dull country, you must have one thing or the other to entertain you.” | Federal Government, Biafra Customary Govt, Asari Dokubo | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/16/fg-dismisses-dokubos-formation-of-biafra-customary-govt/ | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Omo-Agege, Emerhor Resolve Differences in Delta APC | Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, and the Founding Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, have set aside their political differences and called for an end to the divisions within the party in the State. Omo-Agege and Emerhor particularly called on leaders of the party in the State to close ranks and work for the unity of the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. Both leaders spoke at Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government Area at the weekend, when the Deputy President of the Senate visited Emerhor at his country-home with other leaders of the party, including Hon. Francis Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. Omo-Agege, in his remark, described the visit as a brotherly one and part of efforts toward ending the rift among leaders of the party in the State. He blamed the poor performance of the party in the 2019 general elections on the division among leaders of the APC in the State. The Deputy President of the Senate disclosed that the visit was significant and important in putting the rivalry among the various camps behind and forging a formidable unity among members of APC in the State. Omo-Agege commended Emerhor for committing to the peace process in the State, adding that he would work with everyone to ensure that APC wins future elections in the State through unity. In his remark, Emerhor, who was the 2015 governorship candidate of the party in the State, described the visit by Omo-Agege as historic, saying it was time for leaders and members of the party from across the State to embrace peace and unite in the interest of the party. | Delta State, APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Olorogun Emerhor | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/15/omo-agege-emerhor-resolve-differences-in-delta-apc/ | 7 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | APC National Chairmanship Campaign Gathers Momentum in Nasarawa | Again, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has appealed to the hierarchy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) party and Nasarawa State in the choice of the party’s next National Chairman. Sule made the appeal during a grand reception in honour of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and prominent sons and daughters of Mada ethnic nationality from the Western Senatorial zone, in Keffi, headquarters of Keffi Local Government Area of the State. Governor Sule had earlier in February, when flagging-off the State membership registration and revalidation exercise of the APC at his polling unit at Gudi Station of Akwanga Local Government Area of the State, pleaded with Nigeria to be kind to CPC, as Nasarawa State was the place to look at when choosing the next national chairman of the APC. In Gudi, the governor specifically called on the national leadership of the APC to consider the CPC, being the only legacy party that was yet to produce the national chairman of the party. He equally appealed to the party leaders to consider Nasarawa State because it was the only State that provided the CPC a platform leading to the merger in 2013 that gave birth to the APC. | APC National Chairmanship | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/15/apc-national-chairmanship-campaign-gathers-momentum-in-nasarawa/ | 7 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | FG Tasked On Women, Youth Inclusion In Governance | Gender experts have called on the Federal and State governments to ensure more involvement of women and youths in leadership positions in the country. They made the call during the Standup for Women Society (SWS) national inauguration on Sunday, March 14 in Abuja, explaining that doing so would ensure good governance and development in the country. The Chairperson, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Chapter, Dr. Hauwa Shekarau stated that in spite of the discrimination against women in all spheres of life, women all over the world continued to play central roles in the stability, progress and long-term development of nations, albeit unrecognised. While decrying the high level of gender inequality in the country, particularly in elective positions and political appointments, she stated that women and youths should be allowed to participate in the design, implementation, monitoring, report and evaluation of strategies and programmes for the development of the country. Shekarau stated that, “When women lead, we see positive results. Some of the most efficient and exemplary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were led by women." The National President of SWS, Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona stated that women are ready to partner with men in running the affairs of the country. | Women and Youth Inclusion | https://dailytrust.com/fg-tasked-on-women-youth-inclusion-in-governance | 7 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Cross River PDP Crisis Deepens As Aspirant Heads To Supreme Court Over Party Chair | A former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic (Party) and frontline chairmanship contestant in Cross River State chapter of the party, Venatius Ikem, has declared that he would approach the Supreme Court this week to challenge an Appeal Court judgement granting Governor Ben Ayade’s faction of the party leeway to have one Alphonsus Eva as the new State Chairman of the party without a congress. The Presiding Judge of the Appeal Court Calabar Division, Justice MS Owoade had on Friday, March 12 delivered judgement in the suit initiated by the governor’s faction, holding that the PDP rules and guidelines on election of its officials overrides whatever interferes with the election process. He stated that the Appeal Court finds the appeal by the group competent as the lower court which earlier delivered judgement “failed” to take into cognisance salient issues raised by the Appellant during initial hearing of the matter before delivering its judgement. However, in an interview after the judgement was delivered, Venatius Ikem stated thus: “I am proceeding to the Supreme Court to challenge my purported disqualification to contest for the chairmanship position. This is against the constitution of the party and clearly contrived by the governor’s faction. They cannot face me at the Congress.” On the other hand, Alphonsus Eva argued that Ikem had not met the terms to participate in the chairmanship election. | Cross River, PDP, Supreme Court | 7 | |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | We’ll Ensure Safe Return Of Abducted Students — Kaduna Government | The Kaduna State Government on Sunday, March 14, stated that it was focused on ensuring the safe return of the 39 students abducted from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, in Igabi Local Government Area. Daily Trust reports that the students, comprising of 23 females and 16 males are still in captivity with the bandits demanding N500 million for their release. The State Government, through the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Sunday, March 14, stated that it acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in the recent rescue of 180 students of the college. Aruwan added that it extends an unequivocal solidarity to the military, police, DSS and other security agencies whose swift intervention prevented the bandits from abducting more persons. He further stated that, “The Kaduna State Government maintains a clear focus at this time, and that is to ensure the safe return of the missing students and to consolidate intelligence gathering and security vigilance towards forestalling possible attempts on other facilities or institutions.” | Kaduna State, Abduction | https://dailytrust.com/well-ensure-safe-return-of-abducted-students-kaduna-government | 7 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Asari Dokubo, Ex-Militant Leader, Proclaims Biafra Government | A former militant leader, Asari Dokubo has proclaimed a Biafran government. On Sunday, March 14, Dokubo declared himself as the leader of the new Biafra defacto Customary Government (BCG). In a statement which one Uche Mefor, BCG’s Head of Information and Communications, signed on his behalf, the former militant leader named those who would serve as leaders of BCG. He stated thus: “We as people have resolved that as Biafra, it’s time for us to take our destiny in our hands and bring freedom to ourselves and our children and the generation of Biafrans yet unborn. I hesitate a little but I thank God that it’s time for us to do our duty and our service to motherland, I have accepted this role. I have dedicated my life hundred percent to play this role. My first act today in taking this position is to name those who would be on the driver’s seat to navigate through this period of tempest, this period of uncertainty with me. I want to call on our brother, George Onyibe to come on board to join as the secretary of the defacto customary government of the State of Biafra. He will take care of the administrative, day to day administration of the Biafra State. I also call on our brother Emeka Emeka Esiri to take care of the legal needs of this nascent government. My brothers and sisters, the four of us will kick start the process, others will come on board. We want volunteers who are committed. We are the people who have volunteered to salvage ourselves and the rest of us. I also call on Biafrans in the various province of the Biafra nations in Aba, Abakiliki, Anang, Awka, Calabar, Degema, Eket, Enough, Nsuka, Ogoja, Oji River, Okigwe, Onitsha, Opobo, Orlu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Uyo and Yenegoa province. We are going to proceed to set up provincial structures of government starting with provincial assemblies and provincial governance and administrators.” The presidency is yet to react to the action of the former militant leader. | Asari Dokubo, Biafra Government | https://dailytrust.com/asari-dokubo-ex-militant-leader-dares-buhari-proclaims-biafra-govt | 7 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Senate Uncovers Differential Subsidy Payment of N120bn by PPPRA | The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday, March 10 uncovered a differential of N120 billion in the payment of subsidy to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA) in 2016. The Committee, relying on the 2016 report by the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF), stated that the subsidy amount reflected in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was N443 billion, while the record presented by the PPPRA showed N563 billion. The report stated that from records made available at the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), it was observed that the sum of N121 billion was paid as outstanding subsidy commitments to oil marketers for 117 transactions in 2014. Also, the sum of N441.9 billion was paid to oil marketers as subsidy commitments for 324 transactions in 2015. According to the report, “The amounts reflected in FAAC records at the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAGF) of N443,940,559,974.80 as subsidy payments during the year 2016 is at variance with the total amount paid of N563,283,294,925.47 in the records of PPPRA as subsidy payments during the year 2016. However, the National President of IPMAN, Chinedu Okoronkwo, told the committee members that the union has over 50,000 members across the country, adding that the agency did not know the real beneficiary of the N80 billion differentials. The committee, chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide, thereafter, summoned the Executive Secretary of PPPRA to provide the list of the beneficiaries by next week for IPMAN to respond to issues raised in the query. | Senate, PPPRA | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/11/senate-uncovers-differential-subsidy-payment-of-n120bn-by-pppra/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Zulum Receives 5,000 Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon | The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has received the first batch of 5,000 Nigerian refugees repatriated from neighbouring Cameroon. The 5,000 refugees were part of thousands that fled at the peak of the Boko Haram crisis and negotiation for their return had been on for sometime. The refugees were handed over to Zulum by Cameroonian officials, led by the Minister for Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, at a brief ceremony in Amchiide, a border community between Nigeria and Cameroon, close to Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday, March 8. The handover ceremony was attended by top officials from Cameroon, including the governor of the far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakary, and officials of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The Cameroonian Minister for Territorial Administration, Nji, announced that President Paul Biya had approved a big relief package which included food items, mattresses, blankets and other non-food items for distribution to all the 5,000 returnees as support. The minister commended Governor Zulum for constructing homes where the refugees would be resettled. The repatriation was to implement the outcome of a tripartite commission meeting held in Marwa, Cameroon, on February 10, 2021, which was attended by officials from Cameroon, the UNHCR and a Nigerian delegation that comprised Governor Zulum and top officials from Federal Government. | Borno State, Cameron, Refugees | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/10/zulum-receives-5000-nigerian-refugees-from-cameroon/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Labour Threatens Strike Over Minimum Wage Decentralisation Bill | The organised labour on Wednesday, March 10 vowed to call out its members on a nationwide indefinite strike should the National Assembly go ahead with the bill seeking to move the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List of the Constitution. The union argued that National Minimum Wage as embedded in the Constitution is an internationally recognised standard which has the endorsement of the United Nations, through its agency, International Labour Organisation (ILO). This is coming as hundreds of members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) organised a one-day protest on Wednesday, March 10 during which they marched to the National Assembly complex in Abuja and the State Houses of Assembly across the country. NLC and its affiliates were demanding the withdrawal of the bill by the House of Representatives. The lawmakers had introduced the bill about two weeks ago, which according to the sponsor, Hon. Garba Mohammed, "would allow both the Federal and State governments to freely negotiate a minimum wage with their workers in line with federalism.” Speaking at the protest organised by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, stated that over 33 federating nations, including the United States of America, have their Minimum Wage in the exclusive list. According to him, moving the national minimum wage from the exclusive to the concurrent list is a declaration of war on Nigerian workers. | Labour, Minimum Wage | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/11/labour-threatens-strike-over-minimum-wage-decentralisation-bill/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | National Assembly Pledges to Expunge Laws Infringing on Women’s Rights | The National Assembly on Wednesday, March 10 expressed its readiness to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure gender parity, as well as enact laws to improve the fortunes of women and girls in Nigeria. This is just as the Senate also resolved to expunge provisions of the law as contained in the Police Act, Federal Character Law, Electoral Act, Labour Act, and Political Parties Constitutions, which infringe on the rights of women in the country. The Senate also urged the Federal Government to forge positive visibility for women and celebrate women’s achievements, as well as domesticate all conventions and treaties of the African Union in respect of gender issues. These resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion on the 2021 International Women’s Day Celebration with the theme: ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-l9 world #Choose to Challenge’, which was sponsored by Senator Betty Apiafi and seven other senators, six of which are women. | National Assembly, Women Rights | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/11/nassembly-pledges-to-expunge-laws-infringing-on-womens-rights/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | House of Reps Decries Bandits’ Attacks on 30 Villages in Sokoto | The House of Representatives has decried attacks by bandits on over 30 villages in Isa/Sabon/Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State at different times within the last one month, which has affected about 5,000 people. The House, therefore, appealed to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials for the victims. The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Mohammed Bargaja at the plenary on Wednesday, March 10. While moving the motion, the lawmaker lamented that the attacks resulted in a variety of casualties ranging from death to bodily injuries and displacement of thousands of innocent victims from their homes, villages, to take refuge in local government areas headquarters and neighbouring villages. Bargaja stated thus: “Between 4,000 and 5,000 people in the Federal Constituency have been badly affected by the attacks in the 30 villages which include Bargaja, Modachi, Lugu, Danzanke, Gazau, Tozai, Satiru, Yantako, Kamaraura, Gebe, Gyan-Gyadi, Zabairawa, Garin Damo, Maikanwargi, Suntu, Mallamawa, Kwagwam, Burkusuma, Sangerawa and Dambuwa, to mention but a few.” He further expressed worry that on March 4, 2021, bandits also attacked Tara, Gatawa and Bargaja which resulted in the death of 21 people. The lawmaker also noted that the bandits are now clearing farmers' produce, cash and food crops for the dry season farming which makes life unbearable for the victims. | House of Representatives, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/11/house-decries-bandits-attacks-on-30-villages-in-sokoto/ | 6 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Return £4.2m Ibori Loot to Delta State, Reps Order FG | The House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 10 directed the Federal Government to halt the spending plan of the recovered £4.2 million Ibori loot and ensure that the money once returned by the United Kingdom (UK) is handed over to Delta State. This was the resolution reached after a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by all the 10 lawmakers from Delta State, was adopted at the plenary presided by the Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase. The lawmakers insisted that the funds were stolen from Delta State and as such should rightly be returned to the State. They added that the funds are needed for the infrastructural development of the State. In effect, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to stop forthwith further appropriation/and or disbursement of the recovered looted fund pending the final determination of the matter by the House. The lawmakers also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation to furnish the House with all particulars relating to the recovered money. The House thereby directed its Committees on Finance, Justice and Loans and Recovered Funds to probe the issue and revert to the House within two weeks. The House Minority leader, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, while moving the motion, faulted the decision to transfer the money to the coffers of the Federal Government for appropriation without recourse to the Delta State Government. Elumelu argued that if the Federal Government is allowed to appropriate the funds without recourse to the Delta State Government, the people of the State would be shortchanged and deprived of legitimate resources to improve the economy of the State, as well as provide the requisite infrastructural development for their benefit. Elumelu added that he was privy to information that the actual money is £6.2 million and not £4.2 million as claimed. | £4.2m Loot, Delta State, House of Representatives | https://guardian.ng/news/return-4-2m-ibori-loot-to-delta-state-reps-orders-fg/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | Buhari Flays Discrimination against Women | President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned in strong terms discrimination against women in their places of work based on their gender. The President, in a message to mark this year’s International Women’s Day issued on Monday, March 8 by his Media Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated that despite the gender discrimination, women remain the bedrock of the society. President Buhari while condemning all forms of gender-based discriminations, abuse, harassment and violence targeted especially at the female folk at work places, schools, community and national levels, felicitated most warmly with Nigerian women, describing them as the bedrock of society. Noting that the theme of the 2021 celebration: Choose To Challenge, is quite apt, the President rejoiced with the womenfolk and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the multifarious challenges confronting them at various levels of the society. The President pledges further support towards female gender inclusiveness in all sectors of national life, stressing that women are key to a happy and stable family, society and nation. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Discrimination against Women | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/buhari-flays-discrimination-against-women-at-work-places-2/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | FG Begins Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines to States | The Federal Government has commenced the movement of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to all the States of the Federation. The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, stated at the media briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Monday, March 8, that the distribution of the vaccine would be completed on Tuesday, March 9. According to him, the Federal Government is designating Vaccine Accountability Officers (VAOs) in the States and Local Government areas to closely monitor the management and utilisation of the vaccine, as well as ensure retrievals of vaccine vials for proper disposal. Shuaib assured the nation that adequate provisions have been made to deploy the vaccines in all the States and vaccination sites where people will be vaccinated. He stated that the State launch of the COVID-19 vaccination for frontline health workers is slated for today, Tuesday, March 9, while governors will launch the vaccination tomorrow, March 10. Also, the statewide rollout of COVID-19 vaccine will commence from March 12. Shuaib added that, “It is expected that States will roll out vaccination only when Local Government areas have met the minimum criteria for successful conduct of the campaigns. Parameters such as – training, cold chain status, preposition of data tools, availability of transport/logistics for healthcare workers, adequate security for vaccines, etc should be the yardsticks for going ahead with implementation.” | Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/fg-begins-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccine-to-states/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | COVID-19 Vaccine: Don’t Sideline Women, Governors’ Wives Tell FG | Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum has called on the Federal and State governments to ensure that women are not sidelined in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. In a statement jointly issued on Monday, March 8 to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day, the First Lady of Ekiti State and Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; First Lady of Niger State and Chair, Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello; and First Lady of Edo State and Chair, Southern Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the governors’ wives also promised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to show that it is safe for consumption. Part of the statement read thus: “As we manage the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic during these difficult times, we call on all the authorities concerned to make the COVID-19 vaccine widely available and ensure there is equity in access. The vaccine should not be yet another resource that women do not have easy access to in Nigeria. We also urge all women to take the vaccine when it is available, we ourselves will be taking the vaccine to demonstrate that it is safe.” The women also noted that they should be given the opportunity to lead, saying many of Nigeria’s problems can be solved by women. | COVID-19 Vaccine, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/covid-19-vaccine-dont-sideline-women-govs-wives-tell-fg/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | INEC Intensifies Preparations for 2023 Polls, Directs Electoral Materials’ Inventory | Preparations for the 2023 general elections have begun in earnest with a directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, March 8, to commence the inventory of all election materials. The directive was aimed at determining material shortfalls and to take adequate steps to ensure adequacy and availability of such materials for the 2023 general election. The commission also stated that it would review its deliberations with stakeholders on the expansion of polling units. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a meeting on the same day in Abuja with the RECs, gave those yet to submit their reports till end of this week to do so. Yakubu affirmed the commitment of the commission to deepening the culture of preparation for credible elections. He stated that, "For this reason, a committee involving the was inaugurated a few weeks ago to review the 2017 to 2021 Strategic Plan and the Strategic Programme of Action of the Commission, to cover the next cycle of five years from 2022-2026.”.The INEC boss added that the committee was making progress, adding that its report should be submitted by the end of this month to enable the Commission engage stakeholders for its validation and subsequent implementation. Speaking on the outcome of the deliberations with stakeholders on the planned expansion of the polling centres nationwide, Yakubu stated that the expansion would enable voters to know where to register as voter registration is expected to commence soon. | INEC, 2023 General Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/inec-intensifies-preparations-for-2023-polls-directs-electoral-materials-inventory/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | PDP to Commence Sale of Anambra Guber Forms on March 10 | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Wednesday, March 10 commence the sale of governorship nomination and Expression of Interest (EoI) forms to all the governorship aspirants of the party in Anambra State. The nomination forms will cost each aspirant the sum of N20 million, while N1million will be paid for the expression of interest form. This was disclosed to THISDAY by the National Organising Secretary of PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), who stated that the fees for the nomination and expression of interest forms have been approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. The sale of the forms will commence March 10. The last date for the sale of the nomination form is March 30, while the expression of interest form sale will end on April 7. Also, the PDP will screen all the aspirants by April 12 to ensure their eligibility, while the submission of the screening report would be on April 12 and 13. According to him, certificates of eligibility will be given to those who qualify to contest the Anambra State gubernatorial election on May 16. The hearing of appeals for aggreieved disqualified aspirants will take place on May 24. | Anambra State Governorship Election, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/pdp-to-commence-sale-of-anambra-guber-forms-march-10/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | FG Targeting More Gender-Sensitive Public Financial Management Processes - Finance Minister | The Federal Government has disclosed that it is entrenching public financial management processes that would be more gender-sensitive and ensure the availability of credible disaggregated data. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, in her goodwill message on Monday, March 8 during the commemoration of the “2021 International Women’s Day National Policy Dialogue,” noted that through the implementation of the 2019 and 2020 Finance Acts, the Federal Government is providing tax relief and other forms of support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are owned by women. She stated that, “We are also scaling up existing and developing new interventions at the intersection of gender equality and fiscal policy/public financial management. These include gender-responsive budgeting, and assessments of the gender responsiveness of key fiscal interventions (including fiscal stimulus packages) with specific commitments aimed at improving the safety, livelihoods, and economic status of women and girls. This is an area in which we at the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning are focusing more deliberately and will be prioritising, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other critical stakeholders." She pointed out that women and girls have continued to bear the disproportionate burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frontlines, in their homes and across various sectors and stated that they must be given the opportunities and tools with which to be socially, financially, and economically empowered. | Finance Minister, Women | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/ahmed-fg-targeting-more-gender-sensitive-public-financial-mgt-processes-2/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | APC States Adopt Sustainable Strategies to Boost Food Production | The States controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have agreed to adopt sustainable strategies and other initiatives for strengthening food production and food security. This was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday, March 8 after the virtual meeting of secretaries to governments of APC States and jointly signed by Secretary to Jigawa State Government, Mr. Adamu Fanini and his Plateau State counterpart, Prof. Danladi Atu. The theme for the virtual meeting wss ‘Developing Common Policy Initiatives on Maternal and Child Nutrition Promotion in APC Sates’. The communiqué stated that the overarching objective was to consider and approve the implementation framework for promotion of maternal and child nutrition in APC States. | APC States, Food Production | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/09/apc-states-adopt-sustainable-strategies-to-boost-food-production/ | 5 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | Malami: How Fresh £4.2m Ibori Loot Will be Spent | Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has explained how the Federal Government plans to spend the £4.2 million loot of ex-Governor James Ibori. At an event in Abuja on Tuesday, March 9, the Nigerian and UK governments finalised the agreement on repatriating the loot. Speaking at the ceremony, Malami stated that the funds will be used for the completion of ongoing work on the 2nd Niger Bridge, Abuja to Kano and Lagos Ibadan expressways. He added that a reputable civil society group has been incorporated to monitor the use of the funds for the ongoing projects. He stated thus: “I wish to remark that today’s ceremony and the recoveries attached thereto has again underscored the fact that international cooperation and mutual trust can yield great benefits for the citizenry in developing countries who are the direct victims of acts of corruption. Hence, the Governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have concluded negotiations for the return of £4.2million to Nigeria pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding earlier executed by the two governments in 2016. It is to be recalled that the Nigerian Government had all along provided the required mutual assistance and backup to the British authorities while the prosecution of James Ibori lasted in London and today, we are rightfully taking benefit of that cooperation. I cannot but observe that what we are witnessing today is a glaring manifestation of the agelong national ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Kingdom. | £4.2m Ibori Loot | https://dailytrust.com/malami-how-well-spend-fresh-4-2m-ibori-loot | 5 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | Niger State To Arm Vigilante Group With Pump-Action Guns | Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has promised to arm the vigilante group in Niger State with pump-action guns to enable them confront bandits and address other security threats. Speaking at Kasuwan Garba in Mariga Local Government Area of the State when he met with over 200 members of the vigilante in the area, Bello stated that the security volunteer groups would be armed to confront “these enemies of the people across the State.” Some bandits in Niger and other States in the North West have called for the disbanding of the vigilante groups, saying that was the only condition for them to lay down their arms and embrace peace. However, Governor Bello has rejected this, declaring that henceforth, all vigilante groups in the State would be provided with automatic pump-action guns to enable them to take the fight to the bandits wherever they were hiding. The Governor also stated that there was no amount of threat from the bandits that would force the government to disband the vigilante groups in the State. Bello stated that: “We are not going to disband the vigilante as a result of threat from the bandits. Even when banditry activities in the State are stopped, the vigilante will still be there to provide security in the Local Government areas.” | Niger State, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Vigilante Group | https://dailytrust.com/niger-to-arm-vigilante-with-pump-action-guns | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 8, 2021 | Senate Queries Ministry, NNPC Over Non-remittance of N4.2tn | Ministry of Solid Minerals of non-remittance of N2 billion into the Federation Account. This is just as the committee, chaired by Senator Mathew Uhroghide, also uncovered how the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) allegedly spent N966 billion to repair pipeline between 2010 and 2015, as contained in the report of a query by the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) over alleged unremitted N4 trillion by NNPC into the Federation Account. From records presented for audit, it was noted that the sum of N2,838,351,664.97 was collected as solid mineral revenue from January to December 2016, but this amount was not paid into the Federation Account for distribution in 2016 contrary to Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The committee has, therefore, requested the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to explain why the ministry failed to pay the revenues collected into the Federation Account as required by the constitution. The ministry, however, failed to respond to the query of the AuGF on the issue of non-remittance of N2 billion into the Federation Account. The committee at its sitting on Friday, March 5 resolved to summon the officials of the ministry to explain why it declined to remit into the Federation Account. Also, the committee discovered that the NNPC allegedly spent N966 billion to repair pipeline between 2010 and 2015. However, NNPC, in a written response to the committee claimed that the unremitted N4 trillion was arrived at without taking cognisance of the subsidy and pipeline repairs and management associated with domestic crude oil transaction. The NNPC is expected to appear before the Senate committee this week to give clarification on the issue raised in the Auditor General’s report. | Senate, NNPC, Non-Remittance | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/08/senate-queries-ministry-nnpc-over-non-remittance-of-n4-2tn/ | 4 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 8, 2021 | National Assembly Will Fight Anything Standing Against Women’s Aspirations — Lawan | Senate President Ahmad Lawan has stated that government at all levels must deliberately seek to get the best from their women for the country to enjoy peace and progress. Lawan, in a statement to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, stated that the National Assembly would always promote and defend the rights and interests of Nigerian women and fight anything standing against their well-being and aspirations. Lawan described the theme of this year’s celebration, “Choose to Challenge”, as apt in reminding society of the pivotal roles women play in the family and nation-building and the need to pay attention to the challenges confronting them. He stated that, “Women play indispensable roles in private and public lives and deserve full support and respect of society for those roles. According to his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan stated that, “Our women also deserve support and encouragement to participate without discrimination or inhibitions in governance and public affairs in general. Our public policies should therefore deliberately seek to get the best from them for the peace and progress of our country.” | International Women's Day 2021, Senate President Ahmad Lawan | https://dailytrust.com/n-assembly-will-fight-anything-standing-against-womens-aspirations-lawan | 4 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 8, 2021 | APC Wins Jigawa Bye-Election | The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammad Adamu, has emerged the winner of Kafinhausa State Constituency bye-election in Jigawa State, held on Saturday, March 6. Adamu polled 14,924 votes to beat other candidates in the election. The poll took place in the 120 polling units in the constituency. Prof. Ahmed Kutama, the Returning Officer, declared the result at the collation centre in Kafinhausa Local Government Area. He stated that the APC candidate defeated his closest rival, Garba Muhammad Tambale, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 8,612 votes. The electoral officer declared Adamu the winner, having secured the highest number of votes. The third contestant was Usman Isyako of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) who secured 72 votes. | Jigawa State, Bye-Election, APC | https://dailytrust.com/apc-wins-jigawa-bye-election | 4 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, March 8, 2021 | PDP Wins Delta Local Government Polls | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won all the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the March 6 Delta Local government elections. The Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Chief Mike Ogbodu, declared the election results in Asaba on Sunday, March 7. Ogbodu stated that the PDP cleared all the 25 chairmanship and 500 councillorship positions in the 25 Local Government areas of the State. According to him, “The local government election in Delta State which was conducted on Saturday, March 6, 2021 has been won by the PDP. According to results collated across the 25 local government areas, the PDP cleared all the chairmanship and councillorship positions. Let me state here that there was no recorded incidence of violence during and after the election across the State.” . Meanwhile, the announcement of the results has been greeted with protest by Mr. Samson Uwandulu, a councillorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and his supporters. Uwandulu, who spoke to newsmen at the premises of DSIEC, insisted that he won the election in Isele-Azagba Ward 6, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Efforts to contact DSIEC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Arubi Orugboh, for reaction on the councillorship candidate’s allegation proved abortive. | Delta State, Local Government Polls, PDP | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/pdp-clears-all-chairmanship-councillorship-positions-in-delta-polls/ | 4 |
| Punch Newspapers | Monday, March 8, 2021 | Unprecedented Looting Happening Under Buhari’s Watch, Says PDP | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to speak up on the latest alleged financial scandal involving officials and individuals in his administration. The main opposition party on Sunday, March 7 stated that the Buhari Presidency can no longer afford to keep quiet in the face of allegations that close aides defrauded Nigeria of funds of up to N51 billion out of which N2.5 billion was wired to a member of the President’s immediate family. This was contained in a statement titled, “PDP Calls Out Buhari Presidency On Corruption…Tasks PMB To Speak out on alleged N2.5bn Transfer to Family Member,” signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja. The PDP sstated that recent reports of massive treasury looting allegedly involving persons close to the President, has further exposed his administration as a putrid citadel of corruption. According to Ologbondiyan, “The PDP tasks the Buhari Presidency not to keep quiet but offer explanation to allegations in the media space that certain officials and individuals close to the Presidency defrauded our nation of the sum of N51 billion out of which N2.5 billion was wired to a member of Mr. President’s immediate family. | PDP, Looting, President Buhari | https://punchng.com/unprecedented-looting-happening-under-buharis-watch-says-pdp/ | 4 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Buhari Orders Security Agents to Shoot Bearers of Illegal Weapons | President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to shoot anyone in illegal possession of sophisticated weapons such as AK-47. His spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu disclosed this in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday, March 3. He stated that the President also directed a clampdown on bandits who have refused to surrender. Shehu confirmed to THISDAY that he granted the BBC the interview on efforts by the President to arrest the worsening insecurity in the country. The presidential directive came just as governors of the six States in the North-east, the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria, unfolded plans to set up a joint security agency to combat insecurity in the zone. They also pushed for new military approaches to restoring normalcy in the zone. Giving further insights into efforts to battle banditry that is prevalent in the North-west, Shehu quoted the President as ordering the deployment of kinetic warfare against the outlaws. According to him, “The president has ordered security forces to go into the bushes and shoot whoever they see with sophisticated weapons like AK-47. “He ordered that whoever is seen with terrible weapons at all should be shot immediately,” he said. | President Buhari, Illegal Weapons | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/04/buhari-orders-security-agents-to-shoot-illegal-weapons-bearers/ | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | FG: COVID-19 Vaccination Optional for Nigerians | Ahead of the commencement of COVID-19 vaccination, the Federal Government on Wednesday, March 3, assured Nigerians that it will not make it mandatory for them to take the vaccine. Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, while fielding questions when he appeared on The Morning Show on ARISE News Channels, stated that inasmuch as the Federal Government was desirous of combating the pandemic, it would not tamper with people’s rights to accept or reject being vaccinated. Nigeria on Tuesday, March 2 had taken delivery of 3.94 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as part of efforts to vaccinate 70 per cent of the population between 2021 and 2022. Preparatory to the vaccination, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in a Tweet on Monday, March 1, had announced the launch of an online portal where people could register for the vaccination. Already, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha and other prominent Nigerians are billed to be vaccinated on Saturday. | COVID-19 Vaccination | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/04/fg-covid-19-vaccination-optional-for-nigerians/ | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | One Feared Dead as Zamfara Schoolgirls Reunion Turns Violent | One person was feared dead and others reportedly injured on Wednesday, March 3 when a mob invaded the venue of the reunion of the 279 students of Government Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State at the school premises. According to ARISE NEWS Channels, three people were shot when the reunion of the schoolgirls with their parents turned violent. The report disclosed that at least one of the shot victims was confirmed dead while the other two were critically injured by the military. The incident occurred when locals took up stones and other weapons expressing outrage over the long speeches being delivered by government officials. THISDAY gathered that the parents had waited for several hours before the government officials arrived from Gusau, the State capital, with the students. According to a journalist who witnessed the incident , “When the parents became tired of the long speeches, they went inside by force to take their children home. The approach adopted by security agents to restrain the parents angered the youths, who started throwing stones, smashing windscreens and attacking people with weapons.”The Zamfara State Education Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, fled the scene immediately the chaos started while vehicles conveying journalists were attacked but no journalist was hurt. | Zamfara Schoolgirls, Reunion | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/04/one-feared-dead-as-zamfara-schoolgirls-reunion-turns-bloody/ | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | FG Extends Workers’ Stay-at-home Directive to March 31 | The Federal Government has further extended the work-from-home directive to all public workers on Grade Levels 12 and below until March 31, as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The directive was contained in a circular issued on Wednesday, March 3 by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan. In the circular titled ‘Stay-At – Home Directive continues,’ with reference number: HCSF/3065/VOL.I/83, Yemi-Esan, noted that the latest directive was in adherence to the advice of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. It read thus: “Further to the circular No: HCSF/3065/Vol.1/68 dated January 26, 2021, and following the advice of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, all officers on SGL 12 and below are to continue working from home till the end of March 2021.” While affirming a reduction in the number of reported cases of COVID-19, she however stressed that the downward trend needed to be maintained, hence the need for the extension of the work-from-home directive. She also emphasised the need for all public servants to continue to ensure strict compliance with the existing guidelines on the prevention and spread of COVID-19. Yemi-Esan also enjoined all Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers to bring the content of the circular to all concerned and ensure strict compliance. It would be recalled that the Federal Government had on December 22, 2020 restricted civil servants from Grade Level 12 and below to stay at home for five weeks. | Federal Government Workers, COVID-19 | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/04/fg-extends-workers-stay-at-home-directive-to-march-31/ | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Lawan Urges FG to Adopt PPP Approach in Construction of Major Roads | President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, March 3, urged the executive arm of government to adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach so that necessary funding needed for the completion of some major roads in the country will be provided by investors. Lawan made the appeal in his contribution in support of a motion on the need for the construction of the Badagry/Sokoto expressway, which was sponsored by Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman and 11 others. He noted that the government need not provide all the funding, hence the need to come up with a proposal on how these roads would be funded. According to him, “If roads, including those that may be termed not economically viable, are neglected, the communities in those areas will never see improved prosperity." Moving the motion earlier, Suleiman noted that the Badagry-Sokoto expressway is a Federal Government road which connects 12 States. According to him, “The road, if constructed, will boost food and agricultural production, sustain youth employment and employability, as well as improve cross-border market and international trade. | Senate President, Road Construction | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/04/lawan-urges-fg-to-adopt-ppp-approach-in-construction-of-major-roads/ | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Zamfara Government: How 279 Abducted Female Students Were Released | Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle has revealed how the abducted 279 female students of Government Girls' Secondary School, Jangebe, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were released from captivity. Commenting on how the schoolgirls were freed, the governor, who received the students at the Government House, Gusau on Tuesday, March 2, stated thus: “This is the result of our peace effort and putting to shame all those saying there is no security in this country. We have been in discussion since Friday with the abductors and reached agreement on Monday by 4pm that the girls were released.” He added, “We are happy that all 279 have safely returned, they will undergo medical checks and given balanced diets to recuperate by the State government before they are handed back to their respective families.” Matawalle appealled to parents not to remove their children from school as a result of the incident, adding “we will ensure additional security in all the schools.” | Zamfara State, Government Girls' Secondary School, Jangebe | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/zamfara-gov-how-279-abducted-female-students-were-released/ | 2 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Senate Confirms New Service Chiefs | The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the Service Chiefs President Muhammadu Buhari appointed in January, 2021. Those confirmed are: Maj. Gen. Lucky lrabor as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru as Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS); and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao as Chief of Air Staff (CAS). Their confirmation followed the consideration of a report of the Joint Senate Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force chaired by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. Wamakko, in his report, stated that the nominees possess the requisite knowledge and expertise. In his remarks, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan urged the new service chiefs to take the fight to bandits and other criminals. Lawan added that the situation where bandits attack schools and kidnap hundreds of students is not acceptable. He stated that, “This is becoming an industry and we have to unravel who these people are and keep our country safe.” He also called for inter-agency co-operation among the security agencies. | Service Chiefs, Senate | https://dailytrust.com/senate-confirms-new-service-chiefs | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | FG Inaugurates Committee to Detect Irregular Recruitments in MDAs | The Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to checkmate irregularities in the recruitment of officers by Ministries, extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, instituted the committee on Monday, March 1 with a mandate to stem wanton impunity, sharp practices and fraud in enrolment of newly recruited civil servants on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). She decried a large number of fake appointment letters being discovered in some ministries, stating that if not stemmed, could result in denial of employment to many prospective and eligible law-abiding job seekers in the country. She further stated her office is collaborating with security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind the fraud, while also committed to a transparent, accountable and non-compromised IPPIS platform that will rid the system of ghost workers, reduce personnel cost and enhance economic planning. Yemi-Esan further enjoined members of the committee to view the assignment as a matter of national importance, which demanded their wealth of experience and hard work in ensuring a reliable and credible IPPIS platform.She expressed appreciation for the support given to her by President Muhammadu Buhari for the implementation of the Human Resource (HR) module of the IPPIS. | Federal Civil Service, Recruitments, MDAs | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/fg-inaugurates-committee-to-detect-irregular-recruitments-in-mdas/ | 2 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | COVID Vaccine Lands In Nigeria | The much awaited COVID-19 vaccine has landed in Nigeria. The vaccine was brought into the country via Emirates flight B 777-300 which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 11:35am. Daily Trust had reported that doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in the country from India, on Tuesday, March 2. On Monday, March 1, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, stated that President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will be among the first set of Nigerians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Shuaib had assured Nigerians that all necessary safety and quality control measures have been put in place for the arrival, storage and successful administration of the first batch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which is about 3,924,000 doses. He also stated that a few vials of the vaccines would be handed over to the NAFDAC team which will analyse them over a period of two days (Wednesday, March 3 and Thursday, March 4). Shuaib explained that, “Further to the clearance by NAFDAC, the PTF, FMOH, NPHCDA and strategic leaders will be at the treatment centre of the National Hospital on Friday, March 5th 2021, where the first vaccination site will be set up to commence the vaccination of the frontline health workers and support staff. These Staff would also be electronically registered in the COVID-19 vaccine database and would receive their COVID-19 vaccination card which has a QR code that can be verified worldwide. On Saturday, March 6th, key strategic leaders will receive the first dose of the vaccine.” | COVID-19 Vaccines | https://dailytrust.com/just-in-covid-vaccine-lands-in-nigeria | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | FG Begins Online Registration of Nigerians for COVID-19 Vaccination | Ahead of the expected arrival of the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines today, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced online registration of Nigerians interested in taking the jab. NPHCDA on Monday, March 1 launched the electronic registration platform to enable eligible Nigerians to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The government said it is employing a T.E.A.C.H strategy, which combines indigenous (traditional) approaches with modern technologically enabled systems of vaccination and leverage experiences gained during the polio immunisation programme. The launch of the registration platform came just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised all countries to limit vaccination for now to persons above 18 years, until research and studies are completed on any possible effect on growing children. Speaking at the official launch of the T.E.A.C.H strategy for COVID-19 vaccination of eligible Nigerians and Electronic Management of Immunisation Data (EMID) in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, stated that the vaccination process would be in four phases. | COVID-19 Vaccination | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/fg-begins-online-registration-of-nigerians-for-covid-19-vaccination/ | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Niger State Residents Flee Homes over Incessant Attacks | Men, women and children from Pandogari district of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State have flooded Tegina in their bid to escape bandit attacks. It was gathered that the people had to flee from their villages after being attacked incessantly in the past three days. The displaced persons were brought into Tegina in two trucks at about 2pm on Monday, March 1. One of the displaced persons who gave his name as Mahmood stated that they had to flee to stay alive because they no longer had peace in their community. According to him, “We have been under attack for the past three days. A lot of my people have been injured, we have no more food and all our animals have been stolen. The only option we have is to leave the village. We should be safe here.” Sources said the displaced persons are waiting for the Local Government officials to open the classrooms of the Agricultural Institute where they will stay until calm is restored. | Niger State, Insecurity | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/niger-residents-flee-homes-over-incessant-attacks/ | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | We will See Better Security in Nigeria, Says Presidency | The Presidency has assured Nigerians of improved security in the country despite reports of abductions and killings in several parts of the nation. Speaking during a live television programmed on Monday, March 1, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to tackling the security challenges in the country. According to Adesina, “We will see better security in this country, that is what the President is telling the country.” As part of efforts to contain the worsening insecurity in the country, Adesina stated that President Buhari would convey a security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, March 2. To Adesina, the issue of security is not just left for the security agencies alone but to all Nigerians in the country. He advised Nigerians to be wary of their immediate environment, charging them to report suspicious movements of strange people to security operatives. | Presidency, Security | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/we-will-see-better-security-in-nigeria-says-presidency/ | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | US Tasks Nigeria on New Approaches to Combat Terrorism | The United States Government has expressed hope that the service chiefs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari would bring new ideas in the fight against terrorism. This is coming as the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, on Monday, March 1, opened the first-of-its-kind Window on America in Nigeria, at the Lekki Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lagos. The US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony J. Blinken expressed this thought on the country’s insurgency war when he spoke with Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama. According to a statement by the Spokesperson US Department of State, Ned Price, “Acknowledging the threats that violent extremists pose to Nigerian and regional security, he welcomed President Buhari’s recent appointment of military service chiefs to bring new approaches to combat terrorism in the northeast and provide national security throughout the country.” | United States Government, Terrorism | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/02/us-tasks-nigeria-on-new-approaches-to-combat-terrorism/ | 2 |
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, March 2, 2021 | Lagos East: Court Upholds Senator Abiru’s Election | A Federal High Court in Lagos State has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s suit seeking to disqualify Senator Adetokunbo Abiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from continuing to represent Lagos East Senatorial District. Justice Chuka Obiozor, on Monday, March 2, upheld the argument canvassed by Abiru’s lawyer, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the PDP’s case was statute-barred. The judge also disagreed with the PDP’s argument made through its counsel, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot transfer a voter’s registration details. Abiru won the December 5 senatorial byre-election by a landslide, polling 89,204 votes against PDP’s Ademola Gbadamosi, who polled 11,257 votes. The APC chieftain has since been sworn into office. | Lagos East Senatorial District, Bye-Election | https://dailytrust.com/lagos-east-court-upholds-senator-abirus-election | 2 |
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, March 1, 2021 | Nigeria To Take Delivery Of 3.93m Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Tomorrow | Nigeria is scheduled to take delivery of 3.92 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, March 2. This will mark the first arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria making her the next West African nation to benefit from the COVAX facility after Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, in a joint statement with the World Health Organisation, Nigeria Office and UNICEF, stated that the delivery of the AstraZeneca vaccine was part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to Nigeria in batches over the coming months by the COVAX Facility. Shuaib stated thus: “We’re fully prepared to receive and deliver the vaccine to eligible Nigerians as we’ve commenced the training of health workers and ensured that cold chain facilities are ready at all levels.” | COVID-19 Vaccine | https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-takes-delivery-of-3-93m-covid-19-vaccine-tomorrow | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 1, 2021 | PDP, Falana Condemn Arrest of Ganduje’s Aide By DSS | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), have condemned the arrest of Salisu Tanko-Yakasai, a former Special Adviser on Media to Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after criticising President Muhammadu Buhari on Twitter. Falana, who is the Interim Chairman of Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), said this in a statement on Sunday, February 28, titled, ‘Asking Buhari to Resign is Not An Offence’. The senior advocate stated that many retired military officers and political party leaders, including chieftains of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have repeatedly asked Buhari to call it quits due to the worsening insecurity in the country, adding that there is no justification for the arrest and detention of Yakassai. He noted that in the National Assembly, there had been calls by legislators for Buhari’s resignation or removal on the grounds that criminal gangs have pervaded the country. Falana added that since such concerned citizens were never arrested, the harassment of Yakassai is high-handed, discriminatory, and illegal. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of Yakassai from illegal custody. Meanwhile, the major opposition party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also asked for the immediate and unconditional release of Yakasai, son of elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, from security custody. The party in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan described the reported arrest of Salihu by security operatives as well as his alleged detention in a secret facility, just after his “criticism against the Buhari administration’s failures in the fight against banditry in our country”, as completely unacceptable. The PDP also condemned the decision of the Governor of Kano State, Ganduje, in summarily relieving Yakasai of his appointment as his Special Adviser on Media, on the ground that his patriotic demand for a decisive action to end terrorism, was contrary to the stand of the APC government. | Salisu Tanko-Yakasai, Kano State Governor, DSS | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/01/pdp-falana-condemn-arrest-of-gandujes-aide-by-dss/ | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 1, 2021 | 2023 Elections: ADC Rejects Creation of New Polling Units | As preparations for the 2023 general elections continue, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create additional polling units in the country. Addressing a press conference on the state of the nation over the weekend, the ADC stated that creating more polling units in addition to the existing 120,000 would further increase the cost of electioneering in the country. The ADC National Chairman, Chief Okey Nwosu, who stated this at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, urged public officials to exercise restraint while formulating policies that would affect the economy of the country adversely. According to him, “Recently, INEC has been on the offensive to create more polling stations in addition to the existing 120,000 in spite of the Nigeria budget limitations and economic struggles. INEC and the National Assembly have shown apathy to due diligence and efficacious financial management. The ration and rationale of election expenses to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country is mind-boggling and sparks a sign of irresponsibility.” The ADC chairman stated that the cost of electioneering in Nigeria is taking a heavy toll on the country, political parties and the citizens. | ADC, Polling Units | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/01/2023-elections-adc-rejects-creation-of-new-polling-units/ | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, March 1, 2021 | Bandits Kill Seven in Fresh Attacks on Kaduna Communities | Seven people were killed in fresh attacks on communities in Igabi and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan confirmed the killings in a statement issued on Sunday, February 28 in Kaduna. He stated that in Kajinjiri village, Igabi LGA, two people were killed when bandits attacked the village, while in Rago village, also of Igabi LGA, the bandits killed two people. Aruwan further stated that three people were killed in another attack in Kutura station, Kajuru LGA. The statement read thus: “On a sad note, security agencies have reported that armed bandits attacked Kajinjiri village, Igabi Local Government Area and killed two residents identified as: Ibrahim Rabi’u and Abdulrahman Mohammad. One person, Kamal Murtala, sustained gunshot injuries, and is receiving treatment at a nearby facility. Similarly, in Rago village also of Igabi Local Government Area, bandits killed two locals identified as:Alhaji Ibrahim Iro and Muhammadu Rabiu. In a separate incident, gunmen invaded Kutura station, Kajuru Local Government Area and killed three residents, identified as: Michael Shadari, Clement Aura Bili and Danlami Shaban”. The commissioner stated that, “Governor Nasir El-Rufai noted the reports with sadness and condoled with the families of those killed in both attacks, while offering prayers for the repose of their souls. He also wished the injured victim from Kajinjiri village a quick recovery.” | Kaduna State, Bandits | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/03/01/bandits-kill-seven-in-fresh-attacks-on-kaduna-communities/ | 1 |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, March 1, 2021 | PDP Disqualifies 41 Chairmanship Aspirants for LG Polls in Oyo | As preparations for the conduct of Local Government elections gain momentum in Oyo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) screening committee has disqualified 41 chairmanship aspirants for the election. The 41 chairmanship aspirants, according to the committee, failed to fulfill some of the screening guidelines for the election. About 106 aspirants for chairmanship and 749 for councillorship positions have already been cleared. According to a report, a total number of 147 aspirants applied for the chairmanship position in the 33 Local Government areas of Oyo State. The total number of successful aspirants was 106 while one aspirant was absent. Also, 808 councillorship aspirants were screened while 749 councillorship aspirants were cleared. The remaining 59 were not cleared for not meeting the stipulated requirements. | Oyo State, Local Government Elections | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/pdp-disqualifies-41-chairmanship-aspirants-for-lg-polls-in-oyo/ | 1 |