The federal government has filed a new 16-count charge against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.

The charges were brought before a federal high court in Abuja, with allegations dating back to between 2016 and 2023.

The charges include using public funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai.

Advertorial

In addition to Bello, two Kogi State officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, are also named in the case.

The charges outline various real estate acquisitions, including properties in upscale Abuja districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse, and a Dubai property worth millions of Dirhams.

One charge also accuses the defendants of sending over $1 million to accounts in the United States.

Advertorial

The former governor has also taken legal action, dragging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Supreme Court, challenging an arrest warrant issued against him in April.

Bello’s legal team, led by A.M. Adoyi, urged the court to halt his arraignment pending the outcome of the appeal at the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), pushed back against the defense’s request, accusing Bello’s legal team of disrespecting the judicial process and attempting to evade trial.

The court, after hearing both sides, adjourned the matter until October 30 for a ruling.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented the certificate of return to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, following his victory in the Edo State governorship election.

The presentation took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Okpebholo secured the governorship seat by garnering 291,667 votes in the September 21st election, surpassing his nearest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes.

Advertorial

Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished in third place with 22,763 votes.

A total of 14 other candidates participated but fell significantly behind the top contenders.

The APC’s Okpebholo won decisively in more than 10 out of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo managed to win a few councils with slim margins.

Additionally, Okpebholo’s party took control of two out of the three key senatorial districts, further solidifying his lead in the contest.

In anticipation of Senator Shehu Sani’s rumored defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), over 10,000 of his supporters have officially switched allegiance to the ruling party in Kaduna State.

Sani, who previously served as the Senator for Kaduna Central from 2015 to 2019 under the APC, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his bid for the governorship ticket in the 2023 general elections.

However, sources have confirmed that the Senator is expected to rejoin the APC in the coming days.

Advertorial

Supporters from across Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas gathered at the 2023 APC Campaign Office at NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna, holding banners and posters welcoming their leader back to the party.

They expressed confidence that Senator Sani would soon make his defection official, stating that they had urged him to return to the APC.

One of the defectors, Mr. Monday Jaji, who served as Sani’s former campaign director, revealed that he had been working for over two years to convince the senator to return to the APC.

Advertorial

He highlighted Sani’s numerous achievements while serving as a senator on the APC platform, citing his contributions to infrastructure and community development in Kaduna Central.

“When he was a senator, Comrade Shehu Sani established seven hospitals across his constituency, distributed over 200 transformers to communities, and supported the poor by even purchasing a house for the destitute along Kano Road,” Jaji said.

He also mentioned hospitals built in areas such as Chikun, Rigachikun, and Giwa Local Government.

Advertorial

The APC Chairman in Kaduna State, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (Rtd.), warmly welcomed the defectors, expressing optimism that their return would strengthen the party and boost its development agenda in the state.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that several former lawmakers, who lost their bids for re-election in the last polls, may be preparing to leave the PDP as well.

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has refuted claims that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have joined their party.

The lawmakers, led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, announced their defection amidst a political rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his former political ally, Nyesom Wike.

However, the Chairman of the APC caretaker committee in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, stated on Monday that these lawmakers are not officially members of the APC.

Advertorial

Okocha clarified during a press briefing in Port Harcourt that although the party is courting the lawmakers to join them, there is no formal record of their defection.

“The House of Assembly members have consistently stated that they are not members of the APC, and I can confirm that,” Okocha said.

“We are engaging with them, but as of now, they have not officially joined the party. There is no documentation to show otherwise.”

Advertorial

Okocha also expressed the APC’s optimism about expanding its influence in the South-South region.

Following the party’s success in the recent Edo State governorship election, Okocha revealed plans to make significant gains in Rivers and Delta States by 2027.

He confidently stated that the APC is working toward controlling all six states in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Advertorial

In addition, Okocha criticized the planned local government elections in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5, 2024.

He described the elections as an attempt to bypass legal rulings, noting that the APC has filed a lawsuit to halt the process.

According to him, the ongoing legal challenges make it unlikely that the election will proceed as planned.

“The proposed local government election is a clear disregard for the Courts and the rule of law,” Okocha said. “The matter is in court, and the governor is misleading the public by suggesting that the election will go ahead when there is a legal dispute that has not been resolved.”

Advertorial

As a member of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Okocha emphasized that the legal and political climate in Rivers State does not support the election proceeding as scheduled, calling on Governor Fubara to halt the process.

The Senate will today, Wednesday, conduct the screening of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

On Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the receipt of a letter from President Bola Tinubu, seeking the Senate’s approval for Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation as the next CJN.

The letter was read during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Advertorial

Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had previously appointed her on an interim basis.

In his letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the CJN on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to Senate confirmation.

Advertorial

“I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval,” President Tinubu wrote.

The nomination was referred to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation today.

If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd substantive CJN and the second female to hold the office in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary.

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep disappointment over the outcome of the local government elections held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, citing widespread irregularities, logistical failures, and incompetence in the conduct of the polls.

State chairman of the party, Ekene Uzodinma, in a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE after a stakeholders’ meeting, slammed ENSIEC for failing to provide a free and fair election, accusing the electoral body of favoring the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Advertorial

He alleged that the low voter turnout, late arrival or non-arrival of sensitive materials, missing ballot papers, as well as the non-availability of original result sheets in almost all polling units across the state were deliberate attempts to disenfranchise voters and manipulate the process.

“It is disheartening to see that, once again, the process was skewed in favor of the ruling party, the PDP. This manipulation undermines the democratic ideals that we, as a people, believe in and are fighting so hard to achieve. It is a betrayal of the trust that the electorate placed in the system,” Uzodinma stated.

Advertorial

The APGA chairman, who also co-founded The New Enugu Project Initiative (TNEP) and authored the book Challenging the Status Quo, voiced concerns about the impact of the flawed election on the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, warning that it could lead to significant political fallout ahead of the 2027 general election.

Uzodinma emphasized that APGA won elections in several local government areas where its candidates were sidelined by the alleged manipulation.

Advertorial

He listed the following chairmanship and councillorship candidates as winners in their respective local governments and wards:

Chairmanship candidates:

1. Engr Okechukwu Umegbo for Awgu LGA
2. Chief Chukwuemeka Ochi for Udi LGA
3. Mr Ude Kingsley for Aninri LGA
4. Princess Nneka Philips for Enugu South LGA

Councillorship candidates:

1. Hon Eche Kingsley Udochukwu, Asata Ward 1
2. Hon Okonkwo Chiedozie Emmanuel, Ogaku Ward
3. Hon Okoh Chizoba, Awgu Ward 2
4. Hon Anukwu Kingsley Ikenna, Awgu Ward 9
5. Hon Nwaobodo Christian Ekene, Obeagu Ward
6. Hon Ukwu Samson Ebube
7. Hon Okeke Fidelis Ekene, Trans-Ekulu Ward
8. Hon Agu Kingsley Chukwuebuka, Abakpa Ward 1

Uzodinma further stated that APGA would challenge the results in court.

“Our democracy is only as strong as the integrity of our elections, and we must not allow the subversion of the people’s mandate to go unchallenged,” Uzodinma declared.

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5.

During a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, State PDP chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka cited an ongoing legal dispute initiated by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Tony Okocha as a primary reason for the boycott.

Advertorial

Chukwuemeka, who is reportedly aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, emphasized the impact of the legal situation on the party’s participation.

Recently, the PDP successfully conducted its congresses in the state following a favorable ruling in a case brought by David Omereji, the former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, and others.

This group is known to support the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

President Bola Tinubu has declined to approve a bill that sought to extend the retirement age of civil servants working in the National Assembly by an additional five years.

This development was revealed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Although President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its efforts in drafting the bill, he did not provide specific reasons for withholding his assent.

Advertorial

The bill, originally passed by the House of Representatives and later concurred by the Senate, proposed raising the retirement age for National Assembly staff to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever came first.

Currently, the law mandates retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.

The President’s decision follows a prior debate in the Senate, during which the bill was initially rejected before the chamber eventually reversed its stance to align with the House’s position.

Advertorial

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu explained that his decision was based on thorough examination and consultation, emphasizing that the choice was made within his constitutional powers.

He expressed hope that the National Assembly would accept and understand his decision.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate in drafting and passing the bill. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent, in line with the authority granted to me by the Constitution,” the letter stated.

Advertorial

Ahead of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, several caretaker chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP).

This move follows ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

It has been widely speculated that Fubara himself might leave the PDP after Wike allegedly seized control of the party’s structure in the state.

Advertorial

Despite these rumors, Fubara has publicly denied any plans to defect from the PDP.

In a recent meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party.

However, the defections of key figures close to him suggest deeper unrest within the state’s political landscape.

Several caretaker committee chairmen, including the Port Harcourt City Council’s CTC Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, have openly joined the APP.

Advertorial

Ichemati, who is now campaigning for a permanent chairmanship under the APP, has displayed billboards and posters across the city, signaling a major shift in local political dynamics.

Promising to lead with integrity, Ichemati emphasized that his campaign would remain positive and focus on the interests of both the party and the state.

In Khana Local Government Area, another prominent defection occurred when Marvin Yobana, the CTC Chairman, moved to the APP after failing to secure Governor Fubara’s support to run for a formal position in the LG election.

Advertorial

Yobana introduced Martins Ibibo as the APP’s candidate for Khana LGA and expressed confidence in Ibibo’s victory.

The shift to APP is widespread, with many chairmanship and councillorship candidates now contesting under the APP banner.

APP campaign materials are becoming more visible across the state, reflecting growing momentum behind the party.

Sunny Wokekoro, Chairman of the Rivers State APP, announced plans to launch their senatorial campaigns starting with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, Khana LGA.

Advertorial

He stated that the APP is set to change the political narrative in the state, highlighting their candidates’ successful screening by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Wokekoro described the APP as the “party to beat” and expressed optimism that it would usher in a new era of governance in Rivers State, positioning the party as a strong alternative in the upcoming elections.