Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has handed over a truckload of palliatives, which he impounded, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

This was revealed in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and made available to the media in Makurdi on Wednesday.

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The truck, which was meant to deliver palliatives to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, was caught offloading its contents at a private residence along Kilometre 2 in Makurdi.

Upon learning of this, Governor Alia ordered the truck to be confiscated and moved to the Government House for clarification on why the relief items were being diverted.

According to the statement, the palliatives, loaded from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, were intended for distribution to IDPs in the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency.

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However, it was discovered that the truck had been directed to the private residence under the instruction of Mr. Terseer Ugbor, the federal representative for the constituency.

Governor Alia expressed his displeasure after preliminary investigations revealed that the palliatives, sponsored by NEMA and the state government, were not being delivered to their intended destination.

The governor stated that the materials were supposed to be handed over to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for proper distribution to the affected individuals.

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In a letter from NEMA, the agency confirmed that the Benue State government was responsible for the transportation costs and that the relief items were to be delivered directly to SEMA.

However, discrepancies emerged regarding the handling of the palliatives.

Governor Alia also disclosed that other trucks carrying essential materials like mattresses had gone missing and urged anti-corruption agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

He tasked the EFCC and ICPC, along with a state-appointed three-man committee, to uncover any hidden facts and ensure accountability in the distribution process.

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Meanwhile, the federal lawmaker, Mr. Terseer Ugbor, who had facilitated the release of the palliatives, defended his actions, stating that he had transported the items in collaboration with NEMA.

He explained that the materials were temporarily offloaded in Makurdi for storage until a distribution date was agreed upon.

Ugbor expressed regret that the situation had been politicized and revealed that he had spent over N5 million to transport the palliatives from Jos to Benue State.

He criticized the governor’s decision to seize the truck and divert it to the Government House, calling the move unjust.

The seized items include 578 bags of rice, 578 bags of garri, 578 mosquito nets, 578 mattresses, 578 pieces of wax print, 58 cartons of vegetable oil, 58 cartons of seasoning cubes, and 58 cartons of tomato paste.

Governor Alia has called on the relevant authorities to ensure the palliatives reach the intended beneficiaries and to maintain transparency throughout the investigation process.

The Enugu State chapter of the Action Alliance (AA) has affirmed its commitment to participating in and emerging victorious in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.

In a statement released to DAILY GAZETTE on Wednesday, the party’s leader in Enugu State, Barr. Daniel Ogbe, reiterated the party’s readiness to provide credible leadership at the grassroots level, emphasizing that its candidates are well-prepared to address the pressing needs of the people.

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Barr. Ogbe highlighted that the party has fielded strong candidates for all available positions across the 17 local government areas, aiming to bring transformative leadership to Enugu State.

“Our candidates are individuals who understand the needs of their communities. They are committed to implementing policies that will foster development, improve local governance, and elevate the standard of living for the people of Enugu State,” he said.

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He called on the electorate to turn out in large numbers on election day to support the party’s candidates, assuring them that the Action Alliance is focused on delivering transparent and accountable governance.

Ogbe added that the party has established the necessary campaign structures and is working closely with its grassroots supporters to secure victory at the polls.

In addition to promising good governance, the party emphasized its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election process.

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The party leader urged the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and free of any form of malpractice or violence.

“Our message to the people of Enugu is clear: Action Alliance is here to serve you. We urge all eligible voters to come out and cast their votes for credible leadership that will bring the desired change to our local councils,” he concluded.

With just a few days remaining before the local government elections, the Action Alliance is confident that its message of grassroots empowerment and development will resonate with voters across Enugu State.

The Abia State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed reports that it has merged with the ruling Labour Party (LP). Chief Ogaranya Ifemeje, the state chairman of the NNPP, categorically refuted these claims, emphasizing that the party remains independent and strong.

The confusion arose after Chief Ukpa Iro Ukpai, the NNPP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, led a group of people on a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, during which he allegedly announced that the NNPP had collapsed into the LP.

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During the visit, Ukpai praised the governor’s achievements and offered support to his administration.

However, Chief Ifemeje firmly rejected this assertion, clarifying that no legitimate members of the NNPP were involved in the visit.

He described Ukpai and those accompanying him as non-members of the party, stating that the NNPP remains intact and has no plans to merge with any political party.

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“No member of the NNPP has defected to any political party in Abia,” Ifemeje declared. He further challenged Ukpai’s claims, questioning his position in the party.

“If he were truly a candidate of the NNPP, you would have seen him with his supporters and party officials. No NNPP members were present at that visit,” he said.

The state chairman also cast doubt on Ukpai’s credibility, citing the absence of his campaign activities during the last election.

“Did you see his campaign posters anywhere in the state during the election? The NNPP has no reason to be concerned with such individuals,” Ifemeje added.

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In his remarks, Ifemeje advised the Labour Party to focus on resolving its internal issues rather than making false claims about other parties.

He mentioned ongoing divisions within the Labour Party, referencing figures such as Lamidi Apapa, Julius Abure, and Nenadi Usman.

He reiterated that the NNPP remains a strong political force in Abia, asserting, “Abia NNPP is intact, and no member has defected to the Labour Party. The reports of a collapse are entirely false.”

Hon. Charles Idahosa, a former Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of causing his own electoral troubles.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Idahosa criticized Obaseki for claiming intimidation, arguing that the governor is facing election challenges alone because he has alienated the political leaders who supported him since 2016.

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Idahosa, who joined the PDP with Obaseki in 2020 after being denied a second-term ticket by the APC, stated, “Obaseki is experiencing these difficulties because he is now running the election without the support of the political leaders who helped him rise to power. Most of the leaders who left APC with him to PDP have now distanced themselves from him. This is the consequence of his betrayal.”

He further accused Obaseki of fighting against the system, traditional institutions, and his own deputy governor.

Idahosa dismissed the governor’s claims of federal interference, labeling them as baseless and asserting that Obaseki’s problems are self-generated.

Idahosa, who previously served as Commissioner for Information under Governor Lucky Igbinedion and as Special Adviser to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, assured that despite Obaseki’s concerns, the upcoming election would be conducted fairly and without intimidation.

He also pointed out that during Obaseki’s reelection campaign in 2020, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State was from Bayelsa, a state with its own political connections.

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Idahosa questioned why Obaseki is now raising concerns about the REC’s relation to Governor Nyesom Wike.

Idahosa urged Obaseki to allow the police to investigate and address the recent killing of Inspector Akor Anuh, which occurred on July 18, 2024.

Court Sets Date For Judgment On Suit Challenging Ganduje’s APC Chairmanship

A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on the suit seeking the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to September 23. The judgment, initially scheduled for today, was not delivered as planned.

The court registrar informed the parties involved that the judgment was not yet prepared, and a new date had been set. “We have notified the parties by phone of the rescheduled date. The new date is September 23,” a reliable source disclosed.

Justice Inyang Ekwo had originally set today, September 18, for the judgment following the completion of submissions from both the plaintiff’s counsel, Benjamin Davou, and the defense attorneys.

The plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum led by Saleh Zazzaga, filed the suit challenging Ganduje’s appointment as APC Chairman, arguing that he should not hold the position as he is from Kano State in the North West, not from the North Central zone. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, names Ganduje, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

The forum seeks a court order to prevent Ganduje from acting as APC Chairman and demands that INEC not recognize any APC activities, including congresses and nominations, conducted since Ganduje’s appointment on August 3, 2023. They argue that his appointment violates the APC constitution, specifically Article 31.5(1) f, and was beyond the powers of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) initiated the airlift of election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Benin City, Edo State, in preparation for the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the operation in a statement.

He highlighted that the airlift is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the prompt and secure delivery of crucial materials needed for a successful election.

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“This operation underscores the ongoing collaboration between the NAF and INEC, focused on streamlining logistics and promoting a peaceful electoral process in Edo State,” Ali stated.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, had previously assured INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu of the NAF’s dedication to facilitating the efficient transport of electoral materials.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has announced an investigation into the conduct of certain suspended party officials from five state executive committees.

The decision follows the recent dissolution of party executives in Taraba, Benue, Oyo, Bauchi, and Gombe States, aimed at restructuring the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Chief Ladipo Johnson, released a statement on Tuesday explaining that the changes were made to realign the party’s structure and enhance its effectiveness.

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The affected state chapters were dissolved in early September as part of this realignment effort.

Johnson stated that the decision was reached during an emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja.

He described the move as a routine measure necessary for a dynamic political organization seeking to make adjustments for better performance.

The suspended chieftains, who will be sidelined for three months, include Mrs. Ayobami Idowu Adekunle, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi Olopoeniyan, Mr. Demola Oke, Mr. Kilamuwaiye Badmus, Mr. Oyesola Ololade, Mr. Olayiwola Musibau, Mr. Tunde Adedapo, and Ms. Riike Olanira.

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Johnson emphasized that the suspensions were due to violations of the party’s constitution and involvement in activities contrary to party interests.

He assured that all suspended members have been notified and are required to appear before the party’s National Disciplinary Committee to address the allegations.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately punishing the party for its role in supporting its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, during the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, alleged that both Peter Obi and Alex Otti have since betrayed the Labour Party, siding with INEC despite the agency’s controversial role in the 2023 elections.

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Ifoh pointed out that Obi and Otti had recently participated in an “illegal stakeholders’ meeting” where they allegedly attempted to take control of the party by appointing a caretaker committee.

Ifoh stated, “The Labour Party finds it necessary to inform the public about recent developments, particularly the efforts of leaders like Peter Obi and Alex Otti to seize the leadership of the party, using INEC to advance their agenda.”

He explained that this move came after INEC argued that the current leadership, led by Julius Abure, had an expired tenure and that the March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure, was not recognized by the commission.

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Ifoh criticized the former presidential candidate and governor for turning their backs on the Labour Party, despite the support they received during the elections, stating that the party “bent over backward” to accommodate them when they were seeking political positions.

He expressed disappointment that the leaders were now aligned with INEC, the same institution that, according to him, mismanaged the electoral process in 2023.

The faction remains defiant, asserting that the current leadership will only be replaced through a valid convention in 2028 and accusing those seeking to remove Abure of betraying the party’s core values.

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Ifoh urged Obi and Otti to reconsider their actions, reminding them of the challenges the party faced while defending their candidacies and warning that INEC remains untrustworthy for future elections.

Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, on Wednesday, announced a ₦1 billion endowment fund for the people of Sokoto State, acknowledging gaps that may have arisen during his time in office.

Bafarawa, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, said the donation was part of his commitment to supporting the people, especially during the current economic hardship in Nigeria.

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Speaking at the event, Bafarawa, now 70 years old, expressed a sense of responsibility to give back to the community that had shown him goodwill throughout his political career.

“My desire is to fill whatever gaps may have been created, whether consciously or unconsciously, during my time in office. Some may view this as atonement, but I see it as reciprocity for the support and love I received.”

Bafarawa acknowledged the severe economic conditions affecting Nigerians and emphasized the importance of helping those in need during this challenging period.

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“There can be no better time to embrace my ‘giving back’ philosophy than now when the people are experiencing severe hardship,” he added.

He further sought forgiveness from Sokoto residents for any mistakes made during his tenure and urged the people to view this gesture as a means of addressing any shortcomings from his time in office.

The administration of the ₦1 billion fund has been placed under a committee chaired by Malam Lawal Maidoki, head of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Board.

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The fund is intended to address the welfare of the state’s citizens.

At the event, Sheikh Isa Talatan Mafara urged the committee to prioritize support for internally displaced persons, who he described as some of the most vulnerable members of society.

In addition, Professor Mansur Ibrahim called on Nigerians to remain patriotic and focus on the development of the country.

Shu’aibu Mungadi, chairman of Vision FM, praised Bafarawa’s initiative, describing him as a great leader with a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of his people.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims made by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, that he honored an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

According to the EFCC, Bello remains wanted in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.

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In a brief statement issued on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale clarified that the former governor has not surrendered to the agency, contrary to what was reported by Bello’s media team.

Earlier, a statement from Bello’s media office had suggested that the former governor had voluntarily appeared before the EFCC after consultations with his family, legal advisers, and political allies.

The statement, signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, further emphasized that Bello’s decision was a responsible move, and expressed hope that the EFCC would handle the case professionally while respecting his rights.

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“We believe the EFCC will maintain professionalism and uphold his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen,” the statement read.

However, in response, Oyewale questioned how someone declared wanted could claim to have received an invitation from the EFCC, stressing that there is a subsisting arrest warrant for Bello.

“Reports suggesting that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is in our custody are false. The EFCC confirms that Bello, who has been declared wanted over an ₦80.2 billion money laundering case, remains at large. The warrant for his arrest is still active,” Oyewale stated.

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