The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a new date for the screening of its gubernatorial aspirants for the November 16 Ondo State election.

The screening, initially slated for Thursday, has been rescheduled to Friday, in response to the Federal Government’s declaration of Thursday as a public holiday in observance of Eid el-Fitr.

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The official statement from the party, shared on its verified page, @OfficialAPCNg, on Wednesday, confirmed the change in schedule.

“In light of the Federal Government’s declaration of Thursday, April 11, as a public holiday for Eid el-Fitr, the screening of all aspirants has been postponed to Friday, April 12, at the party’s national secretariat,” the party announced.

A total of 16 aspirants are expected to undergo the screening process in preparation for the primary election scheduled for April 20.

The rescheduling ensures that aspirants have the opportunity to participate in the screening process without any inconvenience caused by the public holiday.

Dr. Surv Victor Nnam with Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero

As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitri to commemorate the end of Ramadan fast, Dr. Surv. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu state, has urged Muslims to embrace the profound teachings of Ramadan.

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In a statement made available to Daily Gazette on Wednesday, Dr. Nnam emphasized the importance of reflecting on the spiritual growth and personal development attained during the month-long period of fasting, prayer, and introspection.   Advertorial

He encouraged Muslims to carry forward the lessons of discipline, compassion, and selflessness cultivated during Ramadan into their daily lives beyond the holy month.

He emphasized that these values are not only integral to Islam but are universal principles that promote harmony, empathy, and understanding among all people.

Dr. Nnam highlighted the significance of fostering unity and solidarity within the Muslim community and urged Muslims to extend kindness and generosity to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

While extending warm wishes of peace, joy, and blessings to all Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr, Chief Nnam highlighted the importance of spreading love and goodwill in these challenging times.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced remorse over their support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.

Despite Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnering the highest votes from the region, the NEF now acknowledges their misstep.

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Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson of the forum, emphasized a shift towards prioritizing unity and consensus in future presidential candidate selections.

He cited the need for a leader who is perceived as inclusive, less contentious, and more aligned with the nation’s overall interests.

Reflecting on recent gestures from Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, towards communities in northern states, Suleiman underscored the region’s evolving approach to leadership choices.

“The North acknowledges the mistake made in backing Bola Tinubu for the presidency in 2023, and it’s improbable they will repeat such a blunder,” Suleiman stated.

He emphasized a commitment to learning from past errors and selecting a unifying figure capable of governing for the collective welfare of all Nigerians.

Suleiman outlined the NEF’s revised criteria for future presidential contenders, stressing inclusivity, avoidance of controversy, and alignment with diverse regional interests.

“Tinubu’s presidency has faced criticism for policies deemed detrimental to the masses,” Suleiman added, referencing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s recent critique of the administration’s electricity tariff hikes.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has made a noteworthy decision to reappoint Yusuf Shuaibu Imam, popularly known as Ogan Boye, to his previous role as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This reinstatement comes as part of a series of new appointments, totaling nine in all, which include three additional Special Advisers, an Executive Secretary, a Director General, a Managing Director, and two Deputy Managing Directors.

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Recall that Ogan Boye was previously dismissed from his position, along with a Commissioner, due to their involvement in threatening the Judges of the Elections Petition Tribunal in the State.

Despite this, the Governor has chosen to reappoint him, alongside the renomination and subsequent confirmation by the State Assembly of the Commissioner.

Among the new appointments announced by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, are Prof. Ibrahim Magaji Barde as Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr. Abdulhamid Danladi as Special Adviser on Diaspora II, and Engr. Bello Muhammad Kiru as Special Adviser on Water Resources.

Dr. Nura Jafar Shanono has been reassigned from Special Adviser on Water Resources to Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), while Baba Abubakar Umar transitions from Special Adviser to Executive Secretary of the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board.

The other appointees include Nasir Mansur Muhammad as Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aminu Hamidu Bako Kofar Na’isa as Deputy Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), and Engr. Mukhtar Yusuf as Deputy Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA).

Announcing these appointments, the Governor’s spokesperson emphasized their immediate effect, highlighting the administration’s commitment to appointing capable individuals to drive Kano State towards greater achievements.

In a significant development, the Kano High Court has slated April 17, 2024, for the arraignment of the former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside his wife and six others.

The accused individuals are facing eight-count charges related to allegations of dollar bribery, fund diversion, and misappropriation, including claims of $413,000 and N1.38 billion bribery.

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Among the respondents listed in the summons are Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises.

According to sources, the Kano State Government, as the plaintiff in the case, has prepared 15 witnesses to testify before the court.

The case, scheduled for April 17, 2024, will be heard by Justice Usman Na’aba at State High Court number four.

Confirming the impending arraignment, the State Attorney General, Haruna Isah Dederi, affirmed that the legal proceedings have been initiated and assured that all concerned parties would be duly served.

In his statement to the press, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Kano State, Haruna Isah Dederi, emphasized the inevitability of facing justice, stating, “You cannot run away from the evil day; it will definitely come to you.”

He further underscored the significance of holding public officials accountable, regardless of their status.

Dederi addressed Ganduje’s assertions about the jurisdiction of the case, clarifying that the offenses in question fall under state jurisdiction and are not solely federal matters. He also mentioned an appeal regarding a previous ruling by Justice Liman.

As the legal process unfolds, all eyes remain on the outcome of the highly anticipated arraignment on April 17, 2024.

Omobayo Godwins, the newly sworn-in Deputy Governor of Edo State, has pledged his unwavering allegiance to Governor Godwin Obaseki during their brief tenure together until the conclusion of the governor’s second term on November 12, 2024.

At 37 years old, Godwins, who assumed office on Monday following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Edo deputy governor, emphasized his commitment to following the directives of his principal without reservation.

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In a guest appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Godwins expressed his willingness to learn and fulfill his duties as instructed by Governor Obaseki.

Responding to inquiries regarding the perception that the role of a deputy governor has been diminished to that of a “spare tire,” Godwins maintained a positive outlook, stating, “It’s okay with me. Life is a journey. At 37+, I am already a deputy governor, which has broadened my political perspective.”

“I am not in a hurry to compete with my governor. Whatever he instructs me to do, I will comply. He understands my capabilities. Therefore, I will leverage my strengths to add value. Politically, I am embracing the learning process.” He said

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, has vehemently called for the resignation of Umar Damagum, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ugochinyere, along with 59 other members, insists that Damagum must step down to pave the way for a more effective leadership that can navigate the party’s affairs adeptly.

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Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Ugochinyere criticized Damagum for his alleged allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his failure to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting since assuming the role following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as PDP Chairman by the court.

Highlighting Damagum’s shortcomings, Ugochinyere pointed out the absence of post-election assessments and engagement with party members, particularly lawmakers elected on the PDP platform.

He lamented the lack of cohesive leadership under Damagum’s tenure, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the party’s ability to function as a robust opposition to the APC.

Ugochinyere stressed that the time has come for Damagum to step down, echoing the sentiments of PDP governors who perceive the party’s current state as stagnant. He criticized the party’s silence on political issues in Rivers State, allowing external interventions, particularly from President Bola Tinubu.

Among the grievances aired by Ugochinyere against Damagum is the alleged appointment of APC members as caretakers in some PDP-controlled states, further exacerbating internal tensions within the party.