Politics

Tinubu, Jonathan, Buhari attend inaugural Council of State meeting

Published

4 months ago

August 13, 2024

Tinubu, Jonathan, Buhari attend inaugural Council of State meeting

President Bola Tinubu is currently chairing the meeting of the Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhamamdu Buhari are onsite for the inaugural meeting convened by President Tinubu.

Former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) joined the meeting virtually alongside the governors of Abia, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom State.

The meeting began at 12:35 pm (local time) with an opening ceremony where attendees sang and recited the national anthem and national pledge, respectively.

It comes 18 months after the council last met on February 10, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the time, Buhari had convened the meeting over the 2023 elections, the crisis emanating from the new naira policy and fuel scarcity.

Tuesday’s gathering will see members discuss recent events nationwide, particularly the #EndBadGovernance protests, the economy, food, and national security.

Sources with knowledge of the meeting’s agenda had told our correspondent that President Tinubu and his predecessors would discuss seven key issues.

They include the Nationwide Protest as it Affects National Security and the State of the Economy, and in the agricultural sector, they will discuss Food Security, Availability, and Affordability.

Tinubu will also make presentations on Consolidating the Gains in the Solid Minerals Sector, Renewed Hope in Budgeting and Planning for Sustained Development, Renewed Hope in the Road Sector, and leading a Strong Industrial Base for Transformation and Growth.

Giving further details on the Council of State meeting, a second source who did not want to be mentioned told The PUNCH that the relevant ministers for each sector will make presentations on the President’s behalf.

“Although it states here that the President will be making these presentations himself his ministers will be briefing the Council on his behalf. For instance, we are expecting presentations by the National Security Adviser [Mr. Nuhu Ribadu], he will brief the Council on the nationwide protest as it affects national security.

“The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security [Abubakar Kyari] will discuss the food availability and affordability. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development [Mr. Dele Alake] will present on his sector, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning [Abubakar Bagudu] will present on budgeting.

“Minister of Works [David Umahi] will also present on the road infrastructure while the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment [Dr. Dorris Uzoka-Anite], will present on building a strong industrial base,” the source explained, adding that while these ministers are not members of the Council, they will appear briefly for the talks.

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Politics

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Published

15 minutes ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Renowned Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo is preparing to take legal action against Jarrett Tenebe, Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over allegations described as defamatory and unfounded.

In a formal letter dated December 18, 2024, senior advocate Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) accused Tenebe of making libelous claims against the firm’s founding partner, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The allegations stem from a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, during which Tenebe alleged that Mr. Ighodalo “stole 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government.

Despite a prior demand for an apology and retraction in a December 11 letter, Tenebe has reportedly failed to comply. Banwo & Ighodalo has now issued a three-day ultimatum for him to withdraw the statements or face formal legal proceedings.

In a related statement, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) categorically denied the accusations, labeling them a calculated smear campaign intended to discredit Mr. Ighodalo. The statement, signed by TAMO spokesperson Erhabor Emokpae, emphasized that Mr. Ighodalo has an unblemished record of public service. It further clarified that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-driven initiative chaired by Mr. Ighodalo, is committed to driving economic growth and investment in Edo State.

TAMO underscored Mr. Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The allegations of vehicle theft were described as baseless and absurd, with no evidence to substantiate them.

Banwo & Ighodalo has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies should the defamatory statements not be retracted. The firm condemned the misuse of misinformation for political gain, warning that such actions undermine public trust and damage democratic institutions.

“We call on all parties to adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse,” the firm stated.

Should Tenebe fail to meet the ultimatum, the case is expected to proceed to court, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

Politics

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

Published

10 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

1 day 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.