Clement Nwabuko

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Senate Amends Electoral Act, Includes Statutory Delegates In Party Congresses, Conventions

Senate Amends Electoral Act, Includes Statutory Delegates In Party Congresses, Conventions

Abuja – The Senate on Tuesday altered the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and provided for the participation of statutory delegates in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties in Nigeria.

The expeditious consideration followed the suspension of relevant Senate Rules to pave the way for the First, Second and Third Reading of the bill same day.

Titled, “A bill for an Act to Amend the 2022 Electoral Act No. 13 and for other Related Matters, 2022 (SB 1002),” the proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central).

Statutory delegates include the President, Vice President, State and National Assembly members, Governors and their deputies, Chairmen of Councils, Councillors, National Working Committee of political parties, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of political parties amongst others.

In his Lead Debate, Senator Omo-Agege said the amendment became necessary to correct an ‘unintended error’ in the Electoral Act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari this year.

This, he noted, would ensure the participation of both satutory and elected delegates in the conventions, congresses of political parties.

“As couched, Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act, 2022 does not provide for the participation of what is generally known as ‘statutory delegates’ in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties.

“The extant subsection only clearly provides for the participation of elected delegates in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties held to nominate candidates of political parties.

“This is an unintended error, and we can only correct it with this amendment now before us,” he said.

Seconding the motion, Senator Uche Ekwunife (PDP, Anambra Central) said the amendment would ensure that statutory delegates were not disenfranchised in the primaries of political parties to elect candidates for the 2023 General Election.

After the First and Second Reading of the Bill, Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), moved for the suspension of Rule 80 (1) of the Senate State Order to allow for the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill by Committee of the Whole.

Speaking after the approval, Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan who presided over the session, explained that the move was an ’emergency effort to ensure’ that statutory delegates were not disenfranchised in the forthcoming primaries of political parties.

He said after the processes are concluded in both chambers of the National Assembly, the bill would be transmitted to the Executive for assent within the week.

Jonathan Distances Self From Procured APC Presidential Nomination Form

Jonathan Distances Self From Procured APC Presidential Nomination Form

Abuja – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has distanced himself from the purported purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination and expression of interests form by a northern group.

Peionews recalls that on Monday evening, the media (both electronic and online) was awash with news that Jonathan has joined the race for the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the APC after the northern group procured one hundred million naira (N100m) nomination and expression of interests form for him.

But Jonathan in a swift reaction via statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, made available to Peionews correspondent, said he was not aware of this bid and did not authorize it.

The statement reads in full:

Re: PURPORTED PURCHASE OF APC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FORM FOR FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN

It has come to the notice of His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, that a group has purportedly purchased Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, of the All Progressives Congress (the APC), in his name.
We wish to categorically state that Dr. Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorize it.

While we appreciate the overwhelming request by a cross-section of Nigerians, for Dr. Jonathan to make himself available for the 2023 Presidential election, we wish to state that he has not in any way, committed himself to this request.

We thank the general public for their concern, as we continue to encourage citizen participation in the affairs of the country.

Ikechukwu Eze
Media Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Finally, Northern Group picks APC Presidential ticket for Jonathan to join 2023 race

Finally, Northern Group picks APC Presidential ticket for Jonathan to join 2023 race

Abuja -. A coalition of Northern groups on Monday arrived at the International Conference Centre to purchase the All Progressives Congress’ presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sporting fez caps with the inscription ‘run Jonathan run’, members of the coalition said Jonathan is the most qualified to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Although Jonathan isn’t a member of the APC, speculations have intensified in recent weeks that he is set to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party to contest for President in 2023.

Addressing calls for him to contest in April, Jonathan had told a crowd of supporters to “watch out”.

“Yes, you are calling me to come and declare for the 2023 presidency, yes I can’t tell I am declaring; the political process is ongoing, just watch out,” he said at the time.

If elected as President again, Jonathan can only serve for one term of four years, according to the constitution.

He was first elected in 2011 after completing the tenure of his former boss, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

President Buhari defeated Jonathan in the 2015 presidential elections.

Peionews recalls that Jonathan is yet to make a categorical statement as to whether he is in the race or not.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan picks APC Presidential ticket

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan picks APC Presidential ticket

Abuja – The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday formally threw his hat into the ring to be the flag bearer of his party, the All Progressives Congress(APC) ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

Lawan was formally presented with the Expression of Interest and nomination forms purchased for him by a group of Nigerians led by the Chairman, National Stability Project, Ambassador Sam Nkire.
Presenting the forms, Ambassador Nkire said Lawan was seen as a stabilising personality needed to be the next President of Nigeria.

He said: “This is a representation of Nigerians been led by me, Chief Sam Nkire. We have politicians here, we have business men here, we have a representation of traditional rulers, professionals who have watched Nigeria and they think we need a stabilizer, a stabilizing personality and they looked round and said you must be the one.

“That is why the rich ones among us contributed more than the poor ones. But the widows mite of the poor ones is also here. So we have decided to purchase the form.

“We didn’t want to come first. We made sure we got the form for you to heed the calls of Nigerians who have seen your service to the motherland, who have seen how you have piloted the affairs, and they know the economic situation we have in terms of security, that you are one of the best that Nigeria has.

“Please we are here to handover the nomination forms for the position of president of Nigeria on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.”

In his acceptance speech, Lawan said that he had consulted widely and promised to play the game by the rules.

“Today is a special day and this moment is a very memorable and historic moment. Over the last seven years, we have been participants in the administration of our country at the national level. 
“The APC led administration, our president, President Muhammadu Buhari will be completing his tenure on the 29th of May, 2023. I want to pay special tribute to what Mr President and the APC administration have done so far for developing our country.

“I have listened to various calls from all parts of our dear country, our dear nation Nigeria, for me to show interest to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I took my time to pray to almighty God to guide me. I took my time to consult very widely, consult Nigerians from all parts of the country to ensure that I get the understanding of the citizens of this country on whose behalf we will, by the Grace of God, win the election and run the administration. 
“Nigeria needs to be taken  to the next level. We know what we have been able to achieve as an administration and as a political party and we know where we are supposed to take this level to eventually.

“I want to commit myself to this call and to this movement of Nigerians from all walks of life, rich, poor, north, south, east, west, male, female, old and young.

“This is not my journey. This is our journey. This is our journey because every hand must be on deck for us to achieve exactly what we need to achieve. 
“I am joining lately. The field is already full of other aspirants. I want, at this point, to assure Nigerians that the APC is a very beautiful bride and that is why we have many aspirants.

“I will play the game by the rules. I am not going to circumvent any rule. I’m going to respect my party and listen to the leaders of this party because that is our platform in the first place.

“But I will spare no moment going from door to door to ensure that I get the votes when the national convention to elect the presidential candidate of the part will hold. 

“I place my trust fully, totally and completely on the Almighty God, that God will bless this movement and this journey and I want to appeal to all Nigerians that we are seriously committed to taking Nigeria to the next level from where it will be on the 29th of May 2023 and it will be at a solid point and ground at that time, only to be improved upon and consolidated,” Lawan said.

House to take decisive action on Aviation fuel crisis

House to take decisive action on Aviation fuel crisis

Abuja – The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has disclosed that the Speaker of l the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila was greatly disturbed by the reoccurring aviation fuel crisis in the country.

According to him, ” the House of Representatives consequently plans to take a far reaching decisions on the matter as soon as possible to ensure that the problem is permanently rested.”

The Chairman however appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON) to rescind action on its planned shutdown of operations due to the escalating cost of aviation fuel, Jet-A1

Honourable Nnaji who regretted that despite the last intervention of the leadership of the House of Representatives, the problem remained unabated assured the airlines that his Committee and indeed the House leadership were not sleeping over their plight.

The Aviation Committee Chairman disclosed that the Speaker had already planned a meeting of the stakeholders including relevant committees in the house .

Nnaji who praised the operators for their patriotism further urged them not to ground their operations stressing, that, ” such will inflict more pains on our already distressed economy”.

He also promised them that, “the National Assembly is determined to ensure that the aviation fuel crisis is urgently resolved because air transportation has become the safest mode of travel.

“It is equally the catalyst of economic development so we cannot afford to entertain any disruptions in the sector especially now that election process is ongoing “.

The operators had on Friday, May 6, 2022 issued a notice of shutting down their operations over the hike in aviation fuel which has now risen to N700 a litre thereby shooting their costs of operationsto 95 percent..

This was contained in a letter signed by the AON President, Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina.

The leadership of the House of Representatives had at the instance of a motion sponsored by the Aviation Committee Chairman, Honourable Nnaji intervened on the same issue in March, 2022 during which far reaching decisions were taken among the stakeholders.

AMCON In Dilemma Over ARIK’s Insolvency

AMCON In Dilemma Over ARIK’s Insolvency

Abuja – The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) is currently overwhelmed in debt and enormous operational difficulties putting it in dilemma over what to do with the current state of Arik Air Limited which it acquired five years ago.
AMCON took over the airline in February 2017 and appointed Kamilu Omokide as its Receiver Manager with the mandate to turn around the fortunes of the ailing Africa’s biggest private carrier within a short period of time.
Arik Air which had up to thirty serviceable aircraft with about three thousand workforce at its peak was down to ten airplanes as at December 2017 and was unable to operate flights due to mounting debts both local and foreign.
The debt profile at the time of the AMCON acquisition was put at N300 billion comprising of foreign and local debts with a backlog of unpaid staff salaries and aviation statutory charges. Total foreign debts as reported totaled $51 million with that of Lufthansa Airline put at $47 million.
The mandate of the Receiver Manager was to reposition the airline and put it on the part of recovery within a period of time but after more than 5 years down the line,, Arik rather than improve , has further nose dived from the ten aircraft AMCON inherited in 2017 to three epileptic aircraft and a downsized unmotivated workforce of six hundred.
More precarious is the inability of AMCON to address the mounting debt profile it inherited at take over of Arik though it was able to pay recurrent debts according to the submissions of the Receiver Manager, Mr Omokide during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation headed by Honourable Nnolim Nnaji early this year.

The committee had summoned AMCON, the Receiver Manager, heads of aviation agencies and the unions based on petitions by Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, (ANAP) and the Nigerian union of pensioners, (NUP) and ANAP had petitioned the committee to prevail on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) not to issue air operator’s certificate, (AOC) to Nigeria Eagle Airline being floated by AMCON based on the mountain of debts owed the Aviationa agencies.
AMCON at the meeting claimed that the debts Arik owed both Aviation agencies and other creditors would be classified as bad debts and would not be paid but the union countered the Receiver Manager who made the proposition on behalf of AMCON on the ground that the majority of the debts owed the agencies were statutory taxes which include ticket sales task, (TST) and passenger service charge, ( PSC) which Arik collected on behalf of the agencies from travelers.

The union equally stressed that Arik also owed separately, billions of naira to the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA) for navigational and communication services provided to its flights and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) for landing parking charges as well as other sundry charges which included office rents across its airports.
Experts also believed that the planned Nigeria Eagle Airline was dead on arrival as both local and foreign creditors would have slammed it out of existence with several litigations to recover their money so long as Arik aircraft and and assets were to be inherited by the Nigeria Eagle to serve as AMCON equity to the new airline.
The Receiver Manager of Arik, Mr Omokide had tried to convince the committee on aviation that the floating of Nigeria Eagle was a nondestructive exit plan considered better than outright liquidation since his job as Receiver Manager was not supposed to last this long.
Aviation experts suggest that the best option would be to outrightly liquidate the airline if the The Eagle Airline would not inherit the liabilities of Arik after acquisition of its assets because the creditors would never allow it.
They opined that if the Nigeria Eagle was taking over the assets of Arik, it should not ignore the liabilities and advised AMCON to outrightly liquidate Arik to save it from foreseeable embarrassments that would follow in form of multitude of litigations from aggrieved creditors.
Recently, the AMCON announced the additional debt overhang of over $50 million on the Eagle Airline due to failure of the NCAA to issue it with air operator’s certificate, (AOC) so in other to save AMCON further indebtedness experts said it would be advisable to immediately liquidate Arik.

2023: Nobody will be allowed to rig elections in Benue – Ortom

2023: Nobody will be allowed to rig elections in Benue – Ortom

Makurdi – Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has warned that any attempt by anyone or group to rig elections in the state will be met with stiff resistance.

The Governor who stated this at the expanded caucus of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state which held at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi, Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 also reiterated his commitment to free, fair and credible primary elections.

He said the recently held council elections in the state where the PDP won all the 23 chairmanship slots and 276 councillors in the state was a testimony of the people’s appreciation of the PDP administration in the state.

On the forthcoming PDP primaries, Governor Ortom said, “We will not tolerate anyone who will want to disrupt the primary elections. I am going to be personally involved. My cabinet members will be involved in the process too.”

He warned that “any member of my cabinet that will go there (primaries) and do any form of shortchanging, will be sacked the same day”.

Ortom used the occasion to congratulate the winners for various positions at the just concluded local government elections in the State, stressing that “I participated. I voted. It was very smooth, free and fair,” he added.

On his part, the State Chairman of PDP, Sir John Ngbede, said the PDP Ward Congress of Saturday, 30th April, 2022 was hugely successful, except for a pocket of complaints from a few LGAs which he said would be addressed by the appeal committee.

Ngbede warned against use of thugs to cause mayhem in the forthcoming party primaries, saying anyone caught with such act would be handed over to the security agencies for prosecution, “no matter the status of the individual”.

2023: Governor Sule Declares For Second Term, Picks Nomination, Expression Of Interest Forms

2023: Governor Sule Declares For Second Term, Picks Nomination, Expression Of Interest Forms

…says his development initiatives will earn him another victory

Lafia – Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has declared his intention to seek re-election for a second term come 2023, stressing that the development initiatives of his administration will earn him another victory at the polls.

Engineer Sule made the declaration shortly after being presented with both the nomination and expression of interest forms, purchased on his behalf, by members bof the Engineer A A Sule Amalgamated Support Groups, at a ceremony at the Lafia Square, on Tuesday.

The Governor, who barely returned from Saudi Arabia to observe the Eid-el fitr celebration marking the end of the Ramadan fast, apologized to prominent and critical stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, for the impromptu declaration which was supposed to have been a personal event but turned out to be a formal declaration to seek re-election.

Engineer Sule specifically, apologized to the first executive governor of the state and now National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, his immediate predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, as well as all critical stakeholders of the party, who were not present at his declaration.

While describing the event as significant for him, especially that ordinary people came together to raised the N50m to purchase the forms on his behalf, the Governor however lamented the demise of one of the party’s stalwarts, the late Bala Tafida, who died earlier morning on Tuesday.

He pointed out that, since people who are barely making a living could come together and raise funds to buy both the nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf, he can’t let them down and as such, has accepted to seek re-election.

“With that in mind therefore, I, Engineer Abdullahi A Sule, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Fellow of the Nigerian Institutional of Mechanical Engineers, member of COREN, member of the Society of American Engineers, in view of this support, I want to say specifically, that I accept these forms and I therefore declare to contest for re-election for 2023,” he stated.

The Governor was emphatic that, the development initiatives of his administration, will earn him another victory come 2023.

“Our work is enough to deter any opposition. If anybody said we did not work for the state, such a person should be reminded that Engineer Sule did not hold any government position in his life until he was elected governor.

“However, some people held various government positions for over 13 years and even the road leading to their villages was constructed by us,” he said.

Engineer Sule said he is ready to face the opposition ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Earlier, in a goodwill message, state Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said a group of organisations and individuals, approached him while the Governor was away in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, to inform him of their decision to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms on behalf of the Governor.

“They know you can do it yourself, they know you have the capacity but they want to prove to you that they are solidly behind you,” the Deputy Governor said.

According to the Deputy Governor, even though Engineer Sule didn’t make a pronouncement to seek another term in office, the people wanted to show that they are happy with his leadership style.

“The majority of the people are happy with you and have come together, to say whether you like it or not, they want you to continue in office beyond 2023.
” It’s not an option for you to say you want or you don’t want. They said wether you want it or not, they want and you must and you should,” Dr Akabe stated.

On his part, state Chairman of the APC, Hon John Mamman, said the Governor’s foray in the area of education, agriculture, investment and his thrust to industrialise Nasarawa State, as well as his focus and vision to improve on the wellbeing of the entire state, are sufficient to guarantee Engineer Sule another term in office.

While calling on the Governor to accept the forms and declare his intention to re-contest come 2023, Hon Mamman assured the Governor of the party’s total support.

Presenting the forms earlier, Hon Murtala Abubakar, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), who stood on behalf of the Engineer A A Sule Amalgamated Support Groups, said members of the group recognised the need to contribute in their small ways, to enable the Governor consolidate on his vision for the state beyond 2023.

Speakers from across the three senatorial zones of the state namely Senator John Danboyi for Nasarawa North, Hon David Ayewa, for Nasarawa South and Hon Baba Shehu, Keffi Local Government Chairman, for Nasarawa West, all threw their support behind the second term aspirations of the Governor.

Hajiya Ramatu Dalhatu, speaking on behalf of women in the state, sang songs of joy to herald the support of women across the state.

World Press Freedom Day: Ojukwu Harps On Better Deal For Journalists

World Press Freedom Day: Ojukwu Harps On Better Deal For Journalists

… Commend UNESCO for championing the proposed World Press Freedom Day Global Conference scheduled to hold between 2nd and 5th May, 2022 in Punta Del Este

… Urges law enforcement agencies to intensify investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of some Nigerian journalists, including the late Vanguard newspaper journalist, Tordue Salem

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that the press is a critical agent for the protection of democracy and development and must be supported to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional duties as the watchdog of the society.

It observed that Nigerian journalists fought very hard to achieve our democratic status and deserve a better deal unlike the current situation where many of them struggle with poor conditions of service amidst other challenges, including censorship, harassment, intimidation and in some cases, assassinations.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who stated this at the eve of the celebration of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day noted that the society should see journalists as “The oxygen of democracy and agents of change and development”, saying that their constitutional duty which is enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, “to hold the goverment accountable to the people” distinguishes them as those who perform essential duty to the nation. At this time when Nigeria is at the crossroad of challenge of justice, equity and fairness to stabilize our democracy, the press must defend democracy by its commitment to holding our governments accountable to the truth always no matter the difficulties of the times. It must remain the conscience of the nation, telling the truth at times like this, to save our democracy.

This year’s theme for celebration of World Press Freedom Day is, “Journalism under digital siege” is apt as it seeks to bring to the fore, “the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the security of journalists and access to information and privacy”.

The Chief Human Rights Officer stated that it is incontestable that the advent of the internet with the attendant boost in digital communication has benefited humanity in various ways, “but at the same time it has threatened our right to privacy, since virtually nothing is hidden from the internet radar.

“It is on this note that I commend UNESCO for championing the proposed World Press Freedom Day Global Conference scheduled to hold between 2nd and 5th May, 2022 in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. The conference would be a forum for key players in the internet related companies, legal experts, journalists etc to discuss the challenges of digital communications, the impact on press freedom and the way forward”, Ojukwu said.

According to the learned Silk, the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day is not an opportunity to witch-hunt any person or Institution, but is a period to reminisce the fundamental principles of press freedom, guage the state of press freedom globally, defend the Media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who are either human rights defenders in custody or captivity or have lost their lives in the line of duty.

He therefore, urged the law enforcement agencies, including the Police to, as a matter of necessity, intensify their investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of some Nigerian journalists, including the late Vanguard newspaper journalist, Tordue Salem whose body was reportedly found in Abuja in 2021.

Observance of World Press Freedom Day which started in 1993, and celebrated on 3rd of May annually is designed to remind governments of the need to respect their Commitment to press freedom and to remind journalists of the need to adhere to their professional ethics, defend democracy, justice, equity and fairness and be committed as human rights defenders.

Reps To Hold Plenary On 3 Critical Bills Wednesday

Reps To Hold Plenary On 3 Critical Bills Wednesday

Abuja – The House of Representatives is to hold a plenary on Wednesday to facilitate the passage of three (3) Bills, which are of Urgent Public Importance.

The bills are, the Proceeds of Crime Bill, the Money Laundering Prohibition Act Amendment Bill and the Terrorism Prevention Act Amendment Bill.

A statement from the Clerk House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, said the passage of the three bills would equally enable Nigeria meet some international deadlines and obligations.

Already the Senate has passed the bills, waiting for concurrence from the House for the bills to be communicated to the President for assent.

They are aimed at strengthening the fight against terrorism, crimes and money laundering, among others.

The Statement read: “I am directed to inform all Hon Members, Legislative Staff, Media and the General Public that the House will hold Plenary on Wednesday 4th May, 2022, by 11:00 am.

“This is intended to facilitate the passage of 3 Bills which are of Urgent Public Importance and equally enable Nigeria meet some international deadlines and obligations.

“The Bills include: Proceeds of Crime Bill, Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2011 and Terrorism Prevention Act.”