Politics

Kogi East 2019: Protest in PDP secretariat over imposition, automatic ticket for aspirant

Published

6 years ago

September 26, 2018

There was pandemonium in the early hours of Wednesday (Today) as aggrieved stakeholders and party faithful stormed the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja to protest against the alleged directive by the party’s national secretariat that automatic ticket be given to the incumbent senator representing Kogi East senatorial district, Attai Aidoko to return to the Upper chamber.

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, including “Kogi East say no to automatic ticket.” No senatorial primary, no PDP in Kogi State. Beware of doom”. “Release the clearance certificate to all our aspirants in Kogi East”. “It is undemocratic, un-civilised, barbaric and a dead end to PDP in Kogi State and Kogi East” and “Imposition of candidate is imposition of death.”

Speaking to newsmen, a party stalwart from Dekina Local Government Area in the zone and chairman of the Kogi PDP Youth Masses Movement, Mr. Ahmed Suleiman, said: “The PDP is not a one-man business. We are giving the party 24 hours to reverse its decision, else we will leave the party. I promise you it will be the end of PDP in Kogi State and Kogi East.

“We are competent and have a right to question the ongoing attempt by the party leadership to deny us the right to participate and vote for our choice in a fair elective contest.

The protesters further cautioned the party to save itself from being wiped out in the state, adding that the move of the state and national working committees to “sell” the ticket of Kogi East is ill-advised, warning that the action would amount to weakening the PDP to the advantage of its rivals.

“We are appalled by the decision to grant automatic ticket to an individual in Kogi East to placate him above the collective wish and general good of a greater number of politically conscious Kogi East, thereby limiting the pool of competent candidates available, from which the party can select its flag bearers in the forthcoming elections.”

Suleiman, who described the situation as dangerous, recalled that imposition of candidate, lack of open space and impunity railroaded PDP into the implosion from which she is yet to recover.

“It would appear that our party has not veered away from that ignoble course and allow popular political reasoning of free and fair democratic practices prevail.

They demanded that the party leave the political playing field open and level for all qualified aspirants in Kogi State. “This is the only way the party can pick its best candidates for the general elections against the ruling party that is gathering momentum as the elections approaches.”

Politics

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

Politics

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Published

20 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

Politics

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Communication to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has claimed he is fortified to resist police arrest. Bature made this declaration on Saturday while addressing attendees at the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano.

The governor’s aide revealed that he spent five days taking refuge at the Kano State Government House to evade arrest by the police. He alleged that at least 40 officers from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Team were deployed to Kano with the specific mandate of apprehending him.

Bature stated that he remained within the Government House due to the constitutional immunity it provides, which prevents law enforcement from effecting arrests within its premises without the governor’s permission.

“I obtained a court order restraining the police from arresting me,” he explained, adding that the document, though not yet served to the police, had circulated widely. “I’m confident they must have seen it,” he said.

Despite the looming threat of arrest, Bature insisted on attending the event, citing three key reasons.

“Firstly, I felt it was important to be part of this event, even if it meant being arrested,” he said.
“Secondly, the court order gives me some legal cover, and lastly, I ventured out with confidence because I am well fortified to resist arrest if it happens.”

According to Bature, the arrest attempt stemmed from a petition that he claimed was being handled directly by the Inspector General of Police. He, however, did not disclose the nature of the allegations against him.

While addressing the gathering, Bature reiterated his belief in his legal protections and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the situation.

The episode highlights the ongoing tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the use of immunity provisions and court orders to counteract police actions.