Three opposition members of the Kebbi state House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within the PDP as their reason for the switch.

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The defectors, Umar Na’amore (Argungu Constituency), Hashimu Usman (Yauri Constituency), and Yusuf Abubakar-Tilli (Bunza Constituency), pointed to mismanagement by PDP leaders in their constituencies, leading to factionalization and division within the party.

In letters read by the Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, during a session in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the lawmakers formally announced their decision to join the APC.

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They explained that the ongoing crisis within the PDP justified their move and allowed them to retain their seats under constitutional provisions.

“There has been a crisis due to the mismanagement of PDP by the leaders in our respective constituencies that led to its factionalization and division. In such circumstances, the constitutional provisions allow us to join another party and retain our seats if there is a crisis,” the letters stated.

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Additionally, the Speaker read a letter from Governor Nasir Idris seeking the confirmation of Muhammad Ashiru-Garba as the new Chairman of the Kebbi Local Government Service Commission, following the death of the former Chairman, Mansur Shehu.

The Assembly resolved to invite Ashiru-Garba for ratification on Wednesday.

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In a subsequent interview, Speaker Usman-Zuru dismissed claims that the Assembly was merely a “rubber stamp” for the executive branch, emphasizing their role as partners in progress with Governor Idris. He praised the governor’s dedication to the development and economic prosperity of Kebbi State, asserting that the Assembly shares the same goals and will hold the governor accountable if necessary.

“Idris is a very good and benevolent personality. He does not want money, a house, or a vehicle; what he desires is the growth of Kebbi and the economic prosperity of the people. The governor is doing what is best for the people of Kebbi. This is also our target objective. We are partners in service, not rubber stamps. We will draw his attention whenever we observe any digress,” Usman-Zuru stated.

On Tuesday, the State High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, dismissed a case filed by former governor Samuel Ortom.

The case contested a probe initiated by the current administration under Governor Hyacinth Alia, who established two panels in February 2024 to investigate Ortom’s management of state finances and assets during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

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Ortom had argued that his administration’s finances were already audited and reported to the Benue State House of Assembly by the Auditor General, as required by the 1999 Constitution.

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He also claimed that since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was already examining the same issues, the state’s additional panels constituted double jeopardy.

Ortom’s legal challenge named the Benue State Government, the Attorney General, and the Commission of Inquiry members as respondents, questioning their authority to investigate his administration.

Last week, Ortom sought to appeal the court’s earlier decision, with the ruling scheduled for Tuesday.

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Justice Tertsea Asue dismissed Ortom’s application for an extension of time to file his case, stating it was without merit.

The judge ruled that the case was statute-barred and that Ortom had failed to obtain the court’s permission before filing the originating motion.

Justice Asue noted that Ortom’s case, filed on May 31, was beyond the allowable time frame, as Governor Alia’s commission of inquiry was established on February 27.

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He clarified that the Public Officers Protection Law and court rules do not permit an extension of time for filing such actions.

Consequently, both the originating motion and the application for an extension were declared invalid for not adhering to due process.

The usually vibrant home of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi, Anambra State, was engulfed in sorrow on Saturday as residents gathered to verify the devastating news of his passing.

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Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who served as the representative for Anambra South District, passed away in London at the age of 52.

When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent visited Ubah’s residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Village, Nnewi, they found the imposing entrance gates to his expansive compound firmly shut.

A notable presence of security personnel was observed in the vicinity.

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Inside the compound, staff members were seen in somber discussions, visibly distressed by the news.

A young Nnewi resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed the community’s profound sense of loss.

He described Ubah as a significant benefactor to the youth, thanks to his numerous empowerment and philanthropic initiatives.

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“His death is an immense shock to us. He was our pillar,” the young man stated.

Obinna, a local motorcycle operator, highlighted the profound impact of Ubah’s death on the community, emphasizing the peace and security Nnewi had enjoyed under his watchful eye.

Ubah had been instrumental in protecting the area from the insecurity plaguing Anambra South by funding and supporting local vigilance groups.

“He made life comfortable for us in Nnewi. He prioritized our security,” Obinna remarked.

The former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Surv. Victor Nnam, has called on Nigerian youths to exercise patience and allow the Federal Government time to address the country’s economic challenges.

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Addressing Igbo youths on Saturday in Enugu, the ex-commissioner cautioned that the planned nationwide protest could be counterproductive and is not in the best interest of the nation.

He acknowledged the frustrations and hardships faced by many Nigerians due to the economic downturn, but stressed that meaningful change takes time and requires strategic planning and execution by the government.

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“I understand the pain and suffering that many of our young people are experiencing. However, we must recognize that fixing the economy is a complex task that cannot be achieved overnight,” he stated.

Highlighting recent efforts by the Federal Government to stabilize the economy, the former commissioner noted that various policies and reforms are being implemented to spur growth and create jobs.

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He urged youths to support these initiatives and give the government a fair chance to deliver on its promises.

“While protests are a democratic right and a way to express dissatisfaction, they often lead to unintended consequences such as violence, property damage, and further economic disruption. At this critical juncture, what we need is unity and constructive engagement, not actions that could destabilize our efforts to rebuild,” he added.

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The senior lecturer also called on youth leaders and civil society organizations to channel their energies into dialogue and collaboration with the government.

“Let us come together to propose viable solutions and work hand in hand with our leaders to ensure a brighter future for all Nigerians,” he urged.

He emphasized the importance of patience and resilience, reminding the youth that economic recovery is a gradual process.

“We must remain hopeful and steadfast. The road to recovery may be long, but with collective effort and perseverance, we can overcome these challenges and achieve the prosperous Nigeria we all desire.”

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South, has passed away in a London hospital. He died on Saturday morning after battling a serious illness for the past few weeks.

Ubah had been in the United Kingdom receiving medical treatment, and his condition became critical in the last 48 hours.

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The exact cause of his death remains unclear as of Saturday morning.

First elected to the Senate in 2019 under the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Ubah was re-elected in 2023.

Earlier this year, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and had expressed interest in running for the governorship of Anambra State in the upcoming election.

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In the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Ubah finished fourth in a race won by Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and head of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has called on Nigerians to pursue change through democratic elections rather than protests.

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In a statement released on Friday, Kwankwaso highlighted the potency of the ballot as a tool for sustainable transformation.

Addressing the nation, Kwankwaso expressed his concern over the current state of affairs, attributing the nation’s woes to leadership failures since 2007.

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He emphasized that although the country faces significant challenges, there is always a path to rectify these issues and steer Nigeria towards economic growth, prosperity, and improved citizen welfare.

Kwankwaso pointed to various governance failures, including federal meddling in Kano State’s chieftaincy issues, the impeachment of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, political instability in Rivers State, and escalating insecurity.

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He cited these incidents as clear indicators of the lack of accountability and transparency in governance.

“It is disheartening to see our leaders’ neglect of good governance, leaving the populace, especially the youth, grappling with hunger, insecurity, and despair,” Kwankwaso remarked.

He stressed the urgent need for leaders at all levels to prioritize good governance and uphold the rule of law.

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While acknowledging the widespread calls for protests, Kwankwaso underscored the dangers of such actions, which could escalate into violence, property destruction, and chaos.

He urged Nigerians to leverage their voting power as a peaceful and effective means of enacting change.

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“In these critical times, our nation is at a pivotal juncture. The frustration with bad governance is palpable, and the desire to protest is understandable. Yet, I implore you to weigh the potential consequences of protests and channel your energy into the ballot box,” Kwankwaso advised.

He reiterated his belief in the transformative power of the ballot, urging citizens to focus on electing leaders who embody integrity and vision for a better Nigeria.

Kwankwaso concluded by calling on all Nigerians to unite and work collectively towards building a nation reflective of their shared dreams and aspirations.

Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, has announced that participants in the upcoming nationwide protest in Lagos will receive free legal representation if they are arrested or face court charges.

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Effiong, an advocate for the protest scheduled from August 1-10, 2024, took to social media to call on legal professionals in Lagos to provide pro bono services for protesters.

In a tweet on July 25, 2024, Effiong said, “We are organizing a legal team in Lagos to support any protester who may be arrested or charged during the forthcoming peaceful demonstration.

Lawyers willing to offer pro bono services can contact me via DM with your WhatsApp numbers. Thank you. History will vindicate the just.”

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Omodolapo Yusuff, one of the lawyers providing free legal aid, emphasized the importance of public awareness to prevent the protest from being hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives.

Yusuff remarked, “Awareness is crucial to ensure that the protest remains focused on its goals. Protesters are advocating for the common good, not personal gain.”

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Yusuff also criticized security forces, suggesting that some officials might compromise their roles.

He expressed confidence that with sufficient public awareness, the protest would be protected from vandalism and looting.

Lawyer Benjamin Odeh, another member of the legal team, criticized government intolerance toward protests and the use of heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent.

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He compared the current situation to the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which faced similar challenges but persisted despite government attempts to disrupt them.

Meanwhile, state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory have urged protesters to reconsider, citing ongoing government efforts to improve the economy.

President Bola Tinubu held emergency meetings with APC governors, traditional rulers, and Islamic scholars to address the potential impact of the hunger protests and seek ways to prevent them from occurring nationwide.

A new controversy has erupted within the Labour Party (LP) following former Deputy National Chairman Callistus Okafor’s assertion of the National Chairmanship position.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Okafor declared his intention to assume leadership, citing a 2018 consent judgment by the Federal High Court, which he claims has been ignored.

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The ruling, delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, had addressed a leadership dispute involving the late national chairman Abdulkadir Salam and a faction led by Salisu Mohammed, who also claimed the position of national caretaker chair.

Okafor contends that the judgment was not enforced, allowing Julius Abure to assume the role of national chairman based on a flawed foundation.

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He argued that, as a member of the 2014 National Working Committee, he and others are beneficiaries of this court ruling.

“The rightful leadership is now in place,” Okafor stated, emphasizing that his claim is based on legal entitlement rather than a contest with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He proposed organizing an all-inclusive convention in line with the 2018 judgment and committed to reconciling aggrieved members to unify the party.

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Okafor framed his action as a critical step in resolving the prolonged legal struggle over the party’s leadership.

In response, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed Okafor’s claims.

Ifoh reiterated that Julius Abure remains the legitimate National Chairman, supported by several court judgments, and criticized those attempting to destabilize the party.