Let Court Decide Nigeria’s President, Obi Tells US

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May 19, 2023

The presidential candidate of the Labor Party, Peter Obi, has faulted the call made by the US Secretary of the State, Antony Blinken, to President-elect, Bola Tinubu, adding that he should let the courts decide the legitimate president of Nigeria.

Obi said this in a series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle while reacting to the conversation between Tinubu and Blinken on Friday.

Blinken had pledged stronger ties between the US and Nigeria during a 20-minute telephone call to Tinubu on Tuesday.

But the call had generated reactions from opposition camps, with the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, describing the conversation between Blinken and Tinubu as “demoralizing”.

“I am in disbelief that Secretary Antony Blinken called Tinubu, a contradiction to the publicly stated position of the US on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.

“This is inconceivable considering that America, as the bastion of democracy, is well briefed on the sham election of February 25. To give legitimacy to the widely acknowledged fraudulent election in Nigeria can be demoralising to citizens who have hedged their bet on democracy and the sanctity of the ballot,’’ Atiku said on his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

However, Obi charged the US to await the full resolution of the ongoing judicial processes before tacitly conferring legitimacy on any contending party.

He said, “There is still a lack of clarity on the basis of the US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken’s call to APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 16, 2023.

Court Nullifies All LP’s Candidature in Abia, Kano

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 19, 2023

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A Federal High Court sitting in Kano State and presided over by Justice M N Yunusa has nullified the candidature of the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti.

Justice Yunusa on Friday also nullified the candidatures of all those who contested the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party (LP) in Abia and Kano States.

The court ruled that the emergence of the candidates was not in compliance with the provisions of the 2022 electoral act.

BREAKING: INEC Declares LP’s Alex Otti Abia Governor- Elect

A copy of the judgement delivered by the court was made public on Friday morning.

The Court in Suit No FHC/KN/CS/107/2023 was filed by Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim against the LP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It ruled that the failure of the Labour Party to submit its membership register to the INEC within 30 days before their primaries renders the process null and void.

“The party that has not complied with the provisions of the electoral act cannot be said to have candidates in an election and cannot be declared winner of an election.

“This being so, the votes credited to the 1st defendant is a wasted vote,” the Judge ruled.

Recall that the Abia Governor-elect, Otti, on April 14 constituted a 75-member inauguration committee to organise his inauguration on May 29.

The LP candidate was declared the winner of the March 18 Abia gubernatorial election of by the INEC after winning 10 of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in the state and polled 175,467 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Okey Ahiwe, polled a total of 88,529 votes while Enyinnaya Nwafor of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) came in third with 28,972 votes.

INEC’s state returning officer, Professor Nnenna Oti, declared Otti as the governor-elect, having polled the highest number of votes and having fulfilled the requirements to be named the governor-elect.

Nadal pulls out of French open, to Retire in 2024

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Emenike Agu

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May 19, 2023

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TENNIS-ESP-ATP-NADAL — Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal talks during a press conference to announce he will not compete in the French Open, at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca, on May 18, 2023. The 22-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the French Open because his hip injury has not healed and said he expects 2024 to be his final year in professional tennis. (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP)

Rafael Nadal will miss the French open for the first time in 19 years after a hip injury ruled out the record 14-time men’s singles champion.

The 36-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 major titles, also said he plans to retire after the 2024 season.

Nadal holds the joint record number of men’s major triumphs alongside Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. He has won 70 other ATP titles and spent 209 weeks at world number one – the sixth longest amount of time in ATP history.

Known as the ‘king of clay’, Nadal has won 112 of his 115 matches at the French open.

However, the Majorcan left-hander has not played since sustaining the hip problem at the Australian open in January.

Nadal has been practicing in recent weeks, but was not fit enough to play a tournament in the run-up to Roland Garros.

The French open starts in Paris on 28 may and runs until 11 June.

Iran Executes Men Linked To Amini Protests

By

faith Jegede

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May 19, 2023

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Three men were executed Friday, following their judicial conviction of killing security force members during protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death last year.

This has drawn condemnation from rights groups across the globe.

The judiciary’s Mizan news website said, “Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaghoubi were found guilty of ‘moharebeh’ — or waging ‘war against God’ — for shooting dead three members of the security forces at a demonstration in the central city of Isfahan on November 16.

The three men were found guilty of “moharebeh” — or waging “war against God” — for shooting dead three members of the security forces at a demonstration in the central city of Isfahan on November 16, the judiciary’s Mizan Online news website said.

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Iran witnessed waves of nationwide protests following the September 16 death of 22-year-old Amini, an Iranian Kurd who had been arrested for an alleged breach of the Islamic Republic’s strict dress rules for women.

Thousands of Iranians were arrested and hundreds killed including dozens of security forces in a protest that Tehran generally labelled as foreign-instigated “riots.”

Kazemi, Mirhashemi and Yaghoubi were charged with membership of “illegal groups with the intention of disrupting national security and collusion leading to crimes against internal security,” Mizan said.

They were arrested in November and sentenced to death in January. In total, the number of Iranians executed in connection with the demonstrations has gone up to seven, including Friday’s hangings.

According to human rights groups including Amnesty International. Iran executes more people a year than any other nation except China,

Mizan disclosed that “evidence and documents in the case and the clear statements made by the accused” showed that “the shootings carried out by these three people led to the martyrdom of three security forces.”

A video shared on social media on Friday showed Tehran residents chanting “Death to the Islamic republic” and other anti-regime slogans.

The cases of the three men have caused concern abroad, including in Australia where some of Kazemi’s family live.

His cousin Mohammad Hashemi wrote an open letter to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong asking for her support.

UK Hits Russia With New Sanctions

By

faith Jegede

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May 19, 2023

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Britain has unveiled new sanctions against Russia, targeting imports of diamonds and other minerals in a bid to choke Moscow’s ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

Before a G7 summit in Japan began, London said it would introduce “a ban on Russian diamonds”, copper, aluminium and nickel, and sanction more entities involved in Moscow’s “military industrial complex”.

Russia’s diamond trade is estimated to be worth $4-5 billion a year, netting the Kremlin much-needed tax revenues.

The UK foreign office, later announced new sanctions would freeze the assets of 86 people and organizations.

According to them, it includes “companies connected to theft of Ukrainian grain, and those involved in shipment of Russian energy”

The new sanctions will also target “advanced military technology and remaining revenue sources”.

A summit in Hiroshima is expected to bring a series of new sanctions on Russia — including US measures that will put 70 more Russian and foreign entities on a trade blacklist.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Friday that his “straightforward” message for Russian President Vladimir Putin was: “We’re not going away”.

“One of the topics of conversation I’ll be having and have been having with my fellow leaders is about the longer term security agreements… for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression,” he added.

The G7 as a whole is expected to work to tighten existing sanctions, close loopholes, squeeze Moscow’s access to the international financial system and commit to keeping Russian assets frozen until the end of the war in Ukraine.

On Friday, European Council President Charles Michel said the bloc would target the lucrative trade in Russian diamonds, which he joked “are not forever”.

EU member Belgium is among the largest wholesale buyers of Russian diamonds, along with India and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States is a major end-market for the finished product.

Mobile Subscriptions Fall By Over A Million

By

faith Jegede

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May 19, 2023

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The total number of mobile subscriptions in Nigeria dropped by 1.01 million to 225.82 million in March 2023, indicating a 0.45 per cent decrease, according to the latest statistics from the NCC.

This shows a decline in growth in the telecommunications sector for the first time in almost two years as mobile subscriptions have recorded a steady growth since June 2021.

The total number of mobile subscriptions fell from 226.84 million in February 2023 to 225.82 million in March 2023. However, the data from the Nigerian Communications Commission indicated a 3.59 million increase from the 222.23 million mobile subscriptions in December 2022.

Though MTN maintains its position as the largest telecom provider with 91.55 million mobile subscriptions, it recorded a decline compared to 91.71 million subscribers in February. On the other hand, other telecom providers recorded an increase.

While Globacom ranked second with 60.79 million, Airtel followed with 60.33 million, and 9mobile with 13.14 million mobile subscriptions. On a year-on-year basis, a significant increase was recorded in mobile subscriptions from 199.20 million in March 2022 to 225.84 million in March 2023.

Teledensity, or the number of active telephone connections per 100 inhabitants living within an area, fell to 118.48 per cent in March as against 119.01 per cent in February. Mobile Internet subscriptions grew to 156.98 million, with broadband penetration rising to 53.50 per cent and subscriptions declining to 92.03 million.

According to telecommunication companies, the slight decline might be due to the high inflation rate, petrol, and cash shortages during the period under review.

JAMB Remits N2 Billion As Interim Surplus To FG

By

Precious Obazee

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May 19, 2023

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation (JAMB) says it has remitted the sum of N2billion as its interim surplus for the 2023 operating year, affirming that more would be remitted as its operations for the year are completed.

In a statement, JAMB Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr.Fabian Benjamin, this is in furtherance of the pledge made by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede-led management on assumption of duty, that it would leverage on technology and discipline to manage the affairs of the Board.

The JAMB official stated that since assuming office, the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede-led management has remitted over N55 billion to the Federal Government coffers, which is far above the N60 million remitted by the Board in it’s 38 years of existence prior to the appointment of the Registrar.

JAMB also stated that since assuming office, the current Registrar had come up with a policy which holds that whatever would be done must be on table.

It noted that the initiative has changed the narratives such that JAMB now posts humongous returns to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which was bolstered by the Board’s expanded internal capacities for its operations achieved through direct execution of its processes and procedures.

The examination body revealed that the savings from a downward review of N1.2 billion paid to a service provider annually has amounted to N400 million with the same old service provider in addition to the recovery of over N1.2 billion in both cash and estates in choice areas of Abuja, in 2016.

In the same vein, the Board has expressed its commitment to press ahead with its efforts to reposition the conduct of public examinations in Nigeria.

In a statement issued at the end of its management committee meeting held to appraise the recent crisis witnessed in the conduct of the 2023 Direct Entry registration, the Board stated that the seeming crisis was birthed by the implementation of some of its newly-adopted processes aimed at curbing infractions in the admission value chain given the country’s peculiarities.

The board therefore announced that henceforth, all Direct Entry candidates seeking admission to 200 level would be required to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) along with other candidates in order to justify the possession of their A’level certificates.

Atiku’s request is dangerous – APC

By

Doreen Jemi

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May 19, 2023

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had approached the court hearing his case against the outcome of the February 25 presidential polls for an order allowing live broadcast of proceedings because of its monumental importance.

Atiku and the PDP, in the application, specifically, prayed the tribunal for ‘an order directing the court’s registry and parties on modalities for admission of media practitioners and equipment into the courtroom’.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have kicked against the request of Atiku for live telecast of his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.

In their separate objections at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), yesterday, the trio insisted granting the request would jeopardise the solemnity of the court.

Tinubu, in vehement objections raised on his behalf by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, said Atiku’s request was not only surprising but also dangerous, as it could prejudice the court.

Olanipekun said Atiku should not be allowed to turn the court to a football stadium or crusade, theatre or film grounds where all manner of telecasts are permitted.

He said the court should not grant an order that cannot be enforced or supervised. He warned that the request, if granted, could expose judicial officers to avoidable dangers, and demanded that heavy costs be imposed on Atiku for making the request.

Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who opposed on behalf of APC, said facilities and policy documents were not available for the application to be granted.

He said Atiku failed to disclose injuries he would suffer if the request was not granted.

The electoral body, in objection by its counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN, said the court is for serious business and not a marketplace where anything goes. He maintained that the request is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, reserved ruling on whether to grant the request or not.

Fire outbreak at Federal Capital Territory

By

Doreen Jemi

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May 19, 2023

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Fire outbreak has occurred on Thursday, at the office of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA.

The fire began at about 8pm, at the ICT section of the FCTA complex, triggering the fire alarm, and sending staff who were still within the office complex into panic.

The fire was put out at about 8:35 pm, by the FCT Federal Fire Service after the fire had caused substantial damage to the ICT section of the Administration’s office.

According to the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Abass Idriss, investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, but that officials suspected an electric power surge, while he added that there were no casualties or any cases of injuries resulting from the incident.

His words are, “Yes, the fire began at 8pm, and was put out immediately. There was no loss of life, no injuries, and nobody was hurt. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but we are suspecting an electrical surge”.

The Head of Operations of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, however confirmed that the incident was indeed caused by an electrical power surge at the ICT section of the building but officers of the Fire Service succeeded in putting out the fire.

He said, “The fire is not much, it is already under control, it was a little spark, and we have put it out. It was caused by an electric power surge, but we have put it out already,”

President Buhari Inaugurates Kashimbila Multi-Purpose Dam

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 18, 2023

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President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, 40MW Hydropower Station and Associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line and Distribution Substation (Phase I) Project, located at the Kashimbila Dam site in Taraba State.

Speaking at a virtual ceremony held at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja on Thursday, the President underscored the importance of the project, highlighting its role in his administration’s commitment to achieving the target of 30GW of electricity in the country by 2030, under the Electricity Vision 30:30:30.

President Buhari, while inviting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, to unveil the project on his behalf, noted that the Electricity Vision initiative aims to have renewable energy contribute at least 30% to the energy mix, thereby expediting the expansion of electricity access.

Furthermore, the President said the implementation and completion of the Kashimbila projects align with his government’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate employment opportunities, enhance healthcare services, and improve the overall standard of living of Nigerians.

‘‘The Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam in Taraba State, with storage capacity of 500million cubic metres, was conceived principally to checkmate the threat of the imminent collapse of the structurally weak and poisonous Lake Nyos, located at the line of volcanic activities in Cameroun Republic, which collapse could result in flooding and affecting millions of lives and properties.

‘‘Even though the Dam was meant to serve as a buffer to contain possible discharge of water of Lake Nyos, the engineering design maximized the benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem by incorporating a 40MW Hydropower Station, 60,000 cubic metre per day Water Supply Scheme, 2,000 hectares of Irrigation System, an airstrip, fishing activities and tourism potentials,’’ he said.

According to the President, the Phase I of the Power Evacuation Component of the Project includes the 132KV Switchyard, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, Donga, and the rehabilitation of the existing 132KV Yandev substation.

It also involves the installation of a 245km, 132KV Double Circuits line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, Yandev, as well as a 45km, 33kv Double Circuits line from Wukari to Donga through Rafin Kada, he added.

‘‘I understand that the Water Supply component that is intended to service Takum and environs has reached about 65% progress, while the engineering design for the 2000 Hectare Irrigation Scheme has been fully completed, and physical works will commence in due course,’’ he said.

The President assured Nigerians that other projects aimed at boosting electricity supply, such as the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State and the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant in Niger State, are also ready for commissioning.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Federal Ministry of Power for their efforts in delivering the Kashimbila Project, expressing his anticipation for increased collaboration among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in infrastructure development.

The President also praised the host communities and the individuals affected by the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam Project for their cooperation, understanding, and support during the implementation of this significant undertaking.