Chief Ambrose Owuru, a former presidential candidate, has filed a legal suit at the Supreme Court, requesting the removal of President Bola Tinubu from office.

Owuru, who represented the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in the 2019 general election, claims that President Tinubu is unfit for office due to his alleged ties with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States, which Owuru argues compromises his ability to serve as Nigeria’s leader.

In his petition, Owuru also contends that Tinubu’s past involvement in a drug-related case, during which he reportedly forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government, further disqualifies him from holding the presidential office.

Owuru invoked Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution, seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to remove Tinubu, accusing him of being under the influence of foreign powers, which he claims renders him unqualified to lead Nigeria.

Additionally, Owuru, a lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, named former President Muhammadu Buhari as a defendant in the case, arguing that Buhari’s tenure was illegal.

He insists that he was the rightful winner of the 2019 election, but his mandate was unlawfully taken by Buhari, who remained in office for eight years.

Owuru further alleged that a previous petition he filed to have Buhari removed was dismissed due to a scheduling error in the hearing dates, preventing the case from being heard.

In the suit, Owuru called for Tinubu’s disqualification and for the Supreme Court to declare him the rightful winner of the 2019 election.

He also asked court to order his immediate inauguration to reclaim what he describes as his “usurped mandate.”

The case, marked SC/CV/667/2023, also includes the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other government officials as defendants.

The Supreme Court scheduled a hearing for Monday, December 16, 2024, to review the motions.

The court’s notice, issued by the Chief Registrar, confirmed that the case would be heard on the specified date.

Owuru’s legal battles against the government are not new.

In May 2023, the Court of Appeal imposed a fine of N40 million on him for filing what it deemed a frivolous suit aimed at preventing Tinubu’s swearing-in.

Prior to this, he also sought to block Buhari’s inauguration in 2019, alleging electoral fraud orchestrated by INEC, particularly regarding the postponement of the presidential election, which he claimed was a scheme to manipulate the results.

Owuru has consistently maintained that he won a referendum before the election, securing over 50 million votes, which he claims surpassed the total votes of all other presidential candidates.

Owuru’s petition further seeks an order compelling Buhari to refund all earnings he received as president, which Owuru argues were obtained “illegally.”

Despite the legal setbacks, Owuru has remained resolute in his pursuit to challenge the results of the 2019 and 2023 elections, urging the court to annul the presidential election and install him as the rightful president for a four-year term.

Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has placed the blame squarely on the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the possible slide of Nigeria into a one-party state.

He dismissed accusations targeting the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling them a misplaced effort to deflect responsibility.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Okechukwu argued that the PDP’s 16 years in power (1999-2015) had laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s current political challenges.

He accused the PDP of fostering a culture of impunity and fueling political corruption, which he believes weakened the multi-party system in Nigeria.

Okechukwu urged Nigerians to remember the early days of the APC, when the defunct Action Congress (AC), led by Tinubu, and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by Muhammadu Buhari, were able to survive as small parties despite the PDP’s extensive patronage system, known as “stomach infrastructure.”

He further explained that the PDP’s own failures, including a disregard for internal party rules and the rotation of the presidency, have contributed to the weakening of the opposition.

Okechukwu pointed to the 2023 election cycle, where the PDP abandoned its long-standing policy of rotational presidency between the North and South in favor of a northern candidate, Atiku Abubakar, resulting in widespread disillusionment.

The APC member also referenced the political maneuvering of figures like Minister Nyesom Wike, who he accused of engaging in misleading political arithmetic by claiming a disproportionate share of power between the North and South since 1999.

Addressing concerns over the country’s economic difficulties, Okechukwu reiterated that the APC was not to blame for the current economic hardship.

Instead, he emphasized that the PDP’s governance legacy was responsible for Nigeria’s economic struggles.

He pointed to ongoing efforts within the APC government, including collaborations with key organizations like IPMAN and TUC to reduce fuel prices.

Additionally, Okechukwu mentioned discussions with the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Umar Ganduje, on solutions to the farmers-herders crisis and the promotion of investment in infrastructure projects such as electricity, railways, and seaports.

Okechukwu expressed optimism that these initiatives, along with President Tinubu’s new mandate for regional development commissions to attract foreign investment, would eventually ease the economic challenges facing the country.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, has reiterated that the creation of Anioma State is critical for ensuring the Igbo people’s political, economic, and social progress.

Speaking at the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week, Senator Nwoko emphasized that the push for Anioma State is not just a political move, but a quest for justice and fairness in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Mike Ogah Gabriel, Nwoko highlighted that establishing Anioma State would give the Igbo people a more balanced representation at the federal level.

He stressed the need for Igbo unity in order to tackle the community’s challenges effectively.

Nwoko declared, “The Igbo must unite to pursue their collective goals. Unity is crucial; it is not an option. The creation of Anioma State is not just about politics—it’s about securing justice, fairness, and equal representation for Anioma and the larger Igbo people.”

The senator also extended his congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Visit Rwanda campaign, which was hosted at his residence in Abuja.

The campaign, which aims to promote Africa’s tourism potential, positions Nigeria as a key player in global travel and cultural exchange.

Nwoko, who is also the Chairman of Project Tourism Africa, lauded the winners for their achievements and reiterated his commitment to advancing tourism as a catalyst for Africa’s economic growth.

“Tourism goes beyond economic development; it connects people, promotes cultural understanding, and fosters regional unity. With initiatives like Project Tourism, we aim to reposition Africa as a leading global destination,” he said.

During the event, Senator Nwoko engaged in discussions on global warming, climate change, and the preservation of Africa’s cultural identities.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding Africa’s heritage in a post-colonial context, noting the growing resistance from African nations against external pressures and impositions.

“This is a new era of pride and self-determination for Africa, where we reclaim our traditions and culture,” Nwoko affirmed.

The senator was accompanied by Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, his Director of Communications, who congratulated the winners and encouraged them to embrace their role as tourism ambassadors for Nigeria.

She urged them to fully experience the journey and bring back valuable insights to aid in the country’s future tourism development.

Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, Director of the Tour Africa Project, commended the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign, stating that it has strengthened cultural ties within Africa and inspired exploration of the continent’s diverse landscapes.

He added, “This campaign highlights the transformative impact of tourism, connecting people and fostering unity across borders. It marks the beginning of a larger vision to elevate Africa on the global tourism map.”

The winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign, who will travel to Rwanda from December 15–20, 2024, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.

They praised the Tour Africa Lottery for encouraging pan-African travel and fostering cultural appreciation.

The trip will be organized by Project Tourism’s East Africa Regional Representative, Ms. Anita Soina, and will showcase Rwanda’s scenic beauty, rich heritage, and renowned hospitality.

The inaugural winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign include: Ezirim Linda Chioma, Christiana Sanni, Juliet Ezeugbo, Hope Omale, and Ifeoma Okparajiego.

The Tour Africa Lottery, supported by Linas International and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), aims to enhance regional integration and promote tourism across Africa.

Alhaji Dalhatu Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, has announced the launch of a new movement dedicated to saving northern Nigeria and empowering its youth to take on leadership roles.

The initiative, named the Northern Star Empowerment Initiative, was recently introduced with Bafarawa at the helm.

Its main goal is to unite the region and provide young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to assume leadership positions.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bafarawa explained that the organization was formed in response to the ongoing issues facing the North, including insecurity, widespread unemployment, poverty, food scarcity, and the growing number of out-of-school children.

He emphasized that the initiative is not a political movement. “It is an independent organization focused solely on advocating for the rights of the North. We are not involved in politics or affiliated with any political party,” Bafarawa clarified.

The former governor also made it clear that he has no intention of seeking any political office or government position.

“I have no desire to be elected to any office or hold any government role for the rest of my life. My goal is to ensure the rights of the youth are upheld, which will lead to peace and progress,” he said.

Bafarawa expressed deep concern over the marginalization of young people in northern Nigeria, despite the fact that they make up a large portion of the region’s population.

“This organization is dedicated to empowering the youth and guiding them into leadership roles, as it is their rights we are advocating for,” he added.

He also stressed that ensuring the youth are given the opportunity to lead is essential for achieving peace in the region.

He assured that the initiative would support anyone seeking to take on a leadership role, regardless of their background.

The movement has already gained support from both Muslim and Christian leaders within the region.

Bafarawa also addressed the divisions within the North, often caused by ethnic and religious differences.

He argued that if religion were not a factor, the region would remain united.

“If we remove religion from the equation, the North will never be divided,” he asserted, urging the region to find new ways to overcome its challenges and work together for progress.