Chief George Moghalu, a founding member and pioneer National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has shared his concerns about the party’s future as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

Despite rumors of his defection to the Labour Party (LP), Moghalu remains committed to the APC and emphasizes the need for substantial work to strengthen the party.

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Moghalu, who served as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) under President Muhammadu Buhari, has since returned to private life and academia.

He is currently pursuing a law degree at Nile University and a PhD at the University of Abuja.

Addressing speculation about his political allegiance, Moghalu clarified that he has not left the APC and would formally announce any change in party affiliation.

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He underscored his lifelong commitment to the APC, having been instrumental in its formation and serving in various capacities within the party.

Reflecting on his time at NIWA, Moghalu expressed pride in his achievements and left his performance for public assessment.

He also mentioned the balance he has maintained between his political activities and academic pursuits, despite not holding an elective or appointive position currently.

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On the upcoming Anambra governorship election, Moghalu stated that he is still consulting and has not yet decided whether to run.

He emphasized that any decision would be based on the acceptability of his aspiration and the political platform among the Anambra people.

Moghalu addressed the current state of the APC, highlighting the need for internal democracy and sincere leadership to strengthen the party.

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He expressed sympathy for President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the significant challenges facing the administration and the need for collective support from all sectors.

Discussing broader political issues, Moghalu supported the proposed single six-year term for presidents and governors, arguing that it would reduce distractions from re-election campaigns and refocus efforts on governance.

He also called for sincerity and adherence to the constitution to address Nigeria’s political problems.

Moghalu advised current political officeholders to fear God and be mindful of their legacy, emphasizing the importance of integrity and maintaining relationships with those who provide honest feedback.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set September 18 as the date to deliver its judgment on a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Abdullahi Ganduje’s position as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, the court fixed the date after hearing final arguments from all parties involved.

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The lawsuit, filed by members of the North Central APC Forum, is spearheaded by Saleh Zazzaga.

The plaintiffs argue that Ganduje’s appointment as APC Chairman is improper and violates the party’s constitution.

They seek a court order to prevent Ganduje from acting as the chairman and to nullify all actions taken by the APC under his leadership since his appointment on August 3, 2023.

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The plaintiffs assert that Ganduje, hailing from Kano State in the North West geo-political zone, should not have replaced Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who is from Nasarawa State in the North Central zone.

They claim this appointment breaches Article 31.5(1) of the APC constitution, which they argue mandates that a replacement must come from the same geo-political zone as the outgoing officer.

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They also contend that Ganduje’s appointment did not follow the democratic election process required by Article 20(1) of the APC constitution.

Moreover, they argue that only the party’s National Convention, as stipulated in Article 13, has the authority to elect or remove national officers, including the chairman, and that the NEC overstepped its powers in appointing Ganduje.

During the proceedings, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Benjamin Davou, urged the court to grant their requests and remove Ganduje from his position.

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In response, the defendants, represented by Abdul Adamu for Ganduje, Isiaka Dikko, SAN, for the APC, and Ahmed Mohammed for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requested the court to dismiss the suit, arguing it lacks merit.

The outcome of this legal battle will be determined on September 18, when Justice Ekwo delivers the court’s judgment.

On Friday, two Kano State High Court judges, Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, challenged a Federal High Court ruling that removed them from their roles as chairmen of judicial commissions of inquiry.

These commissions, established by Governor Abba Yusuf, were tasked with investigating the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

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Justice Farouk and Justice Zuwaira were appointed to lead the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the Recovery of Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets, and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Political Violence and Missing Persons, respectively.

However, Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court ruled on Thursday that they must resign within 48 hours or face the loss of their remuneration and allowances from the National Judicial Council (NJC).

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Dissatisfied with this ruling, the two judges, along with the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, have filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution of the lower court’s decision.

In the appeal, registered as suit No. FHC/KN/CS/152/2024 against Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and two others, the appellants present seven grounds of appeal and seek three reliefs from the appellate court.

They argue that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over matters arising from the employment or appointment of individuals by the Kano State Government, a power reserved for the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

The appellants further assert that the Kano State Government is authorized to appoint judicial officers for lawful functions not prohibited by the Nigerian constitution.

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They contend that the Federal High Court overstepped its jurisdiction, which is limited by Section 251 of the Constitution, and does not have the authority to rule on the conduct of Kano State Judiciary judges.

This jurisdiction, they argue, belongs exclusively to the NJC.

Additionally, the appellants claim that the Kano State Commission of Inquiries is established under state law and the governor’s executive powers, in accordance with the Nigerian constitution.

They argue that the Federal High Court unlawfully interfered with the legitimate functions and powers of the inquiry chairmen.

This appeal follows a suit previously instituted by former governor Ganduje, seeking to prevent Governor Yusuf from probing his administration.

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate for Edo State’s upcoming election, along with Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Minister Abubakar Momoh.

This visit followed a Federal High Court ruling invalidating the PDP’s primary election, raising tensions in the state.

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Oshiomhole expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s grassroots support and criticized allegations linking the APC to PDP’s internal disputes.

Momoh highlighted APC’s strongholds in Edo North and Central, anticipating a competitive race in Edo South.

The visit aimed to update Tinubu on campaign progress amidst increasing defections to the APC ahead of the September 21 election.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of at least 20 properties linked to Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who was convicted of pension fraud.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully demonstrated that the properties were acquired illegally.

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She stated that the EFCC had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the properties, located across various parts of Nigeria, were bought with proceeds of crime.

Justice Abdulmalik noted that the individuals who responded to an earlier interim forfeiture order failed to establish their ownership of the properties with credible evidence.

The properties, excluding three located at Flat 42C, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna; Plot 18, Road F, on TPO 462B C of O Kd5469; and Plot of C of O Bo/426 Beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 Cadastral Zone B05 Utako, were ordered for forfeiture.

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Maina’s wife, Laila, and several of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa, and Aliyu Abdullahi, had claimed ownership of the 23 properties.

The EFCC had previously obtained an interim forfeiture order for the properties linked to Maina, who is currently serving an eight-year jail term for pension fraud amounting to N2 billion.

Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, that the claimants failed to provide credible evidence of ownership.

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She said, “It is trite in law that civil cases in non-conviction forfeiture are hinged on the preponderance of evidence. The respondents have failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidential weight in their favor.”

Justice Abdulmalik further explained that the claimants failed to provide cogent documentary evidence showing the legitimate earnings that led to the acquisition of the properties.

As a result, she found merit in the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture of the listed properties.

The properties ordered for forfeiture are located in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano states. They include:

– Plot No: 965 Gwarimpa 1 District, Cadastral Zone: CO2
– Duplex at No: 16 A Katuru Road, Kaduna
– 52B, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Lot 016 (3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow)
– Property at Tola Street, Badarawa, Kaduna (3 bedrooms and undeveloped land)
– Plot Y12, Kano Street, Kawo New Extension, Kaduna
– Duplex at No: 21, 52 Crescent, Kubwa Phase IV estate

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– House 8, 211 Road (3-bedroom bungalow)
– Farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
– Another farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
– Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: KD15452
– Plot MF-27A, New Pasafi Layout, Kuje, Abuja
– Plot 1B Ajayi Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: NC24059
– Block 23 Flat 2 located at Life Camp (2-bedroom semi-detached)
– Property at No: 62 A/C Maternity ward, Damaturu Road, Biu
– Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: KD15452

– Plot covered by C of O B426, beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 at Cadastral Zone B05, Utako
– No: 16 Dabai Road, off Mangoro Road, Sokoto State
– No. 13 Korau Road, Nasarawa District, Kano
– Plot 965, Cadastral Zone C02, Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja

The Acting State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest and prosecute Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, for allegedly forging his voter card.

In a letter dated July 3rd, Tenebe, acting in his capacity as a voter and law-abiding citizen, petitioned against Ighodalo, asserting that his interests would be compromised if an unqualified individual were allowed to participate in the elections.

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Tenebe accused Ighodalo of presenting forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public.

Tenebe’s letter alleged that Ighodalo submitted a voter card with VIN no 90FS B195 4629 6818 630, purportedly issued by INEC, claiming it was registered at Unit 3 Idiror-Idirior Primary School in Ewohinmi Ward 1, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

However, Tenebe claimed that this registration was not found in any INEC register, including a certified true copy of the voter register obtained from INEC, which allegedly did not list Ighodalo as a registered voter in the mentioned unit.

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Tenebe expressed his belief that the voter card being presented by Ighodalo was forged and called for his arrest and investigation.

In response, Rev. Olu Martins, Deputy Director of Media and Publicity for the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, dismissed Tenebe’s accusations, claiming that Tenebe was seeking free publicity and that the matter was subjudice, as another aspirant, Anselm Ojezua, is already in court over the same issue.

Martins further criticized Tenebe, stating, “the APC acting chairman is interested in headlines.

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“Only INEC can determine if its documents have been forged and has the authority to prosecute. People should not take him seriously.”

“The same Tenebe accused his now ally, the impeached former deputy governor Philip Shaibu, of stealing his wristwatch just a few months ago.”

“This is an attempt to divert attention from their incapable and incompetent governorship candidate.”

The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has summoned Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, the Minister of Women Affairs, to appear on Tuesday regarding an outstanding debt of N1.5 billion owed to contractors.

Chairperson of the committee, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, announced the suspension of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women Affairs until the missing funds are fully accounted for.

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This directive follows an investigative hearing on Thursday, where testimonies were taken from the Permanent Secretary and other ministry officials.

The committee is investigating allegations of fund diversion meant for contractor payments, prompted by a petition from unpaid contractors.

Ogbara disclosed that the ministry had started new contracts not included in the 2023 budget, allegedly reallocating funds intended for existing contracts.

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“Funds have not been paid to contractors, and money has been diverted. How will these contractors get paid?”
Ogbara questioned.

She criticized the ministry for initiating new contracts across 15 states while still owing previous contractors.

Additionally, she pointed out an irregular purchase of seven tricycles for a military barracks in Abuja.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is currently investigating the ministry over an N1.5 billion overhead release for November and December 2023.

During the hearing, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Gabriel Aduda reported that the ministry had a total budget of N13.6 billion for 2023, of which only N3.4 billion had been released, representing 25 percent utilization.

The remaining balance of N10.2 billion remains unreleased.

Aloy Ifeakandu, the Director of Finance, who joined the ministry in September 2023, claimed ignorance of prior transactions.

“The individual contractors have their files, it can be traced. When I took over, there was no balance in the vote,” he stated, adding that he had only followed official directives from his superiors and that all records were available for review.