The All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi State Chapter alleged that the fact-finding Committee sent to Bauchi state by the Independent National Electoral Commission to probe the irregularities in the governorship elections of 9 March 2019 denied the party fair hearing.

Alhaji Uba Nana the state Chairman of the party made the allegation at a press conference in Bauchi on Saturday.

INEC announced on Friday night that a new returning officer will resume the collation of the Bauchi governorship election results on Tuesday. It also amended the result of four polling units in Ningi local government, from 25330 to 2533.

The fact-finding Committee chaired by Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee denied fair hearing to APC as a political party whose agents were not invited during hearing of the facts leading to the cancellation of the Results of Tafawa Balewa LGA.

Any decision taken in violation of fair hearing is illegal, null and void, he said.

According to Nana, the composition of the Committee was also questionable as the Committee Chairman, FESTUS OKOYE ESQ is a close ally and former solicitor of Speaker Yakubu Dogara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nana Stressed that no justice can be done by the Committee Chairman who is interested in the whole issues and the instant circumstances.

He pointed out that this was proved by the fact that PDP and Yakubu Dogara on Facebook pre-empted the outcome of the Committees finding before formal publication by INEC.

The APC chairman said that the decision of INEC based on the Committees Report was already prayed for at the Federal High Court, Bauchi in Suit No. FHC/BAU/CS/18/2019 filed by Bala Mohammed and PDP against INEC.

Unfortunately, the extant decision of INEC reversing the cancellation of Tafawa Balewa Results was earlier sought for but refused by the Court in the said suit at interim stage. Now INEC has granted what was refused by the Court of law in the interest of justice, he said.

Nana said the Party rejected in totality, the report of the fact-finding Committee on the disruption of collation process at Tafawa Balewa and the subsequent decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reverse its earlier resolution cancelling the entire results of Tafawa Balewa LGA.

He said the position taken by INEC is illegal, null and void having regards to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and INEC Guidelines for 2019 General Elections

Source: NAN

A senior advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission that it has wide powers to de-register political parties that failed to scale some minimum electoral tests.

In a statement today, Falana, a leading human rights advocate, said the application of the rules will see the number of political parties cut from 91 to fewer than 10.

Contrary to the widespread belief that INEC has no such power, the human rights lawyer said the power was restored to the agency following the 2017 constitutional amendment.

The learned lawyer recalled how some political parties successfully challenged INECs power after the amendment of the Electoral Act in 2010. He said the National Assembly bolstered the commission via the constitutional amendment.

Disturbed by the mockery of multi party democracy in the country through the unprincipled proliferation of political parties the National Assembly amended the Electoral Act 2010 to empower INEC to de-register political parties that failed to win any election. Since political parties were registered pursuant to section 222 of the Constitution the suits filed by the affected political parties succeeded as the Federal High Court declared the amendment unconstitutional and set it aside.

Among the grounds are that a party can be de-registered if it breaches any of the requirements for registration and fails to win at least twenty-five percent of votes cast in one State of the Federation in a Presidential election; or one Local Government of the State in a Governorship election.

However, the National Assembly took advantage of the 2017 constitutional review to reduce the number of registered political parties in the country. Thus, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration, No 9) Act, 2017 enacted on May 4, 2017 has amended section 225 of the 1999 Constitution to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission to de-register political parties, Falana wrote.

Among the grounds are that a party can be de-registered if it breaches any of the requirements for registration and fails to win at least twenty-five percent of votes cast in one State of the Federation in a Presidential election; or one Local Government of the State in a Governorship election.

A party can also be de-registered if it fails to win at least one ward in the Chairmanship election; one seat in the National or State House of Assembly election; or one seat in the Councillorship election.

From the foregoing, it is indubitably clear that INEC has been conferred with enormous powers to de-register political parties that fail to meet the fresh constitutional prerequisites.

Going by the results of the 2019 general elections the 91 registered political parties may have been reduced to less than 10 that may have scaled the constitutional hurdle.

Not a few people would hail the constitutional amendment in view of the prostitution of the political system by political parties are ill-equipped to promote participatory democracy, economic freedom, human rights and rule of law.

But it ought to be pointed out that the planned de-registration of political parties that fail to win elections is likely to limit the political space to the so called mainstream political parties that are not committed to any political philosophy or ideology, Falana said.

Falana, who deplored the opportunism of some political parties, as demonstrated in the last general election, urged INEC to sanitise the democratic space by applying the rules and enforcing relevant provisions of the constitution and the electoral act.

INEC is called upon to formulate new guidelines for the registration political parties within the ambit of the Constitution.

This should be done in view of the fact that not less than 100 political associations are said to have submitted applications for the registration of new political parties. With respect to registered political parties INEC must fully comply with section 225(2) of the Constitution by sanctioning them if they fail to submit a detailed annual statement and analysis of their sources of funds and assets.

This will go a long way to check the monetisation and brazen manipulation of the democratic process by political godfathers.

More importantly, INEC should henceforth exercise its powers under Section 224 of the Constitution by ensuring that the programmes as well as the aims and objects of every political party conform with the provisions of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State Policy enshrined in Chapter II of the Constitution, Falana said.

Source: NAN

Award winning musician, David Adedeji Adeleke , a.k.a Davido has hit 10 million followers on Instagram.

Instagram is a social networking application that enables users capture, share and edit photos, videos and messages with friends in a creative way.

The ”FIA” crooner thus became the first Nigerian artist to achieve such feat.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DMW boss took to his official instagram account to celebrate this achievement and said that he would ”post every win for everyone to see.”

The 26-year-old artist had set such record of firsts previously.

He was the first Nigerian artist to reach 1 million, 2 million , 5 million and 9 million followers on Instagram.

His 2017 hit song, ”Fall” became the first Nigerian music video to hit 100 million views on YouTube.

The Daps-directed video had made Nigerian YouTube history as the most -viewed Nigerian music in recent times.

Also, his song, ‘Wonder Woman’ was listed as one of the hottest tracks from across the African continent by Apple Music.

Another Nigerian artist with a large fan base on social media is Wizkid, with 7.2 million followers.

A right-wing extremist, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, who rampaged through two mosques in the quiet New Zealand city of Christchurch, killing 49 worshippers appeared in court on murder charges Saturday.

He was remanded in custody without plea until April 5.He smiled as he stood in the dock on Saturday.

More than 40 people were hospitalised with a range of injuries, including a critically hurt 5-year-old boy flown to Starship

According to New Zealand Prime Minister, the shooter had five weapons including two semi-automatic guns. She promised to change the gun laws in the country.

Forty-two people are still being treated in hospital for injuries, including a four year old child, after an attack thought to be the deadliest directed against Muslims in the West in modern times.

The 28-year-old Australia-born suspect will be charged with murder in a court appearance that police said would be held behind closed doors for security reasons.

Outside the court, guarded by heavily armed police in body armour, the sons of 71-year-old Afghan man Daoud Nabi demanded justice.

After travelling the world he stopped in New Zealand and said heres a slice of paradise, Omar Nabi told AFP. Its outrageous, the feeling is outrageous. Its beyond imagination.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Saturday the victims were from across the Muslim world, with Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia rendering consular assistance.

She has called this a terrorist attack and said the shooter who was not on any watchlist and did not have a criminal record had legally purchased the firearms he used: two semi-automatic weapons, two shotguns and a lever-action gun.

The offender was in possession of a gun licence obtained in November 2017, and he started purchasing the weapons the following month, she said.

While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now our gun laws will change, she vowed.

The suspect, who was believed to be a personal fitness instructor, documented his radicalisation and two years of preparations in a lengthy, meandering and conspiracy filled far-right manifesto.

He live-streamed footage of himself going room-to-room, victim to victim, shooting the wounded from close range as they struggled to crawl away in the main Christchurch mosque.

Two other people remain in custody, although their link to the attack is unknown. A third person who was earlier arrested was said to be a member of the public with a firearm who was trying to help.

Police warned New Zealanders Saturday to remain vigilant, saying there was no guarantee the risk is limited to the Christchurch region.

Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in a car and neutralised by the military, while police raided a home in Dunedin, where Ardern said the suspect was based.

We will be looking closely to build a picture of any of the individuals involved and all of their activities prior to this horrific event, police added in a statement.

Tributes to the victims poured in from around the world.

Source: NAN

The UN came together in sadness and solidarity on Friday to honour its 21 members of staff, who died on board an Ethiopian Airlines plane which crashed on Sunday.

The ceremonies were held at UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva, to remember the staff members who were among the 157 passengers and crew members on board the ill-fated Boeing 737 MAX which crashed near Addis Ababa.

We come together in sadness and solidarity to pay tribute to our fellow UN family members who perished, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said after laying a wreath in remembrance of the workers.

In doing so, we also remember all the victims of the air crash that claimed so many lives including civil society partners and humanitarian workers, Guterres said.

He also expressed the UNs deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes to their families and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.

The UN chief also expressed condolences to the people and Government of Ethiopia, who lost nine of their citizens on board.

Addressing a sombre gathering in the lobby of the Secretariat building, Guterres described the diverse group of UN staff members, who perished as coming from many areas of expertise and nations around the world.

He added, yet together, they also were a mirror of the United Nations: they really represent what the United Nations is, and the best of the United Nations.

Women and men; some in the beginning of their careers, others closing in on retirement but each on an individual mission, but at the same time together, representing our larger quest doing their part, in solidarity with all of us, to build a better world, brick by brick, deed by deed, day in and day out.

The secretary-general called on all across the UN system, to continue that mission.

In a statement from the UN in Geneva, Director-General Michael Mller, told the ceremony of commemoration in that place that those who died were all our heroes.

He said the tragedy gave everyone within the vast and varied family of the UN, the opportunity to reflect on why they serve.

I like to think that its above all else because of our shared belief that we can make the world a better place.

To carry on our work wherever we can make a difference; no matter how high the risk, no matter how distant the reward; no matter, even, how faint the hopes may seem at times.

Our colleagues will be remembered for doing just that, Mller said.

Their legacy, their memory, the example they set for all of us none will ever be forgotten, the top UN official said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

The Kano Police Command has arrested three persons for allegedly buying permanent voter cards(PVCs), ahead of the supplementary governorship elections on 23 March.

DSP Abdullahi Haruna, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement issued in Kano on Wednesday.

Haruna said on March 12 at about 8 p.m, based on information received, 39 year-old Saadatu Ismail of Brigade Quarters, Kano, and Halima Abba, 55, of Taludu Quarters, were arrested for purchasing PVCs from voters at Gama Quarters Nasarawa Local Government area of the state.

The suspects bought the PVC each at the sum of N5,000 and above, eight PVCs were recovered from them with the cash sum of 10,000, Haruna said.

He also said that on March 13, at about 10:00a.m one Mukhtar Shuaibu of Dandishe Quarters, Kano, was also arrested for buying PVCs within the Quarters.

He confessed to have purchased two PVCs at the sum of N3,000 each, he said.

Haruna also said that on March 13 at about 10:00a.m two more suspects were arrested all of Gama Quarters, Kano, for moving about with a view to buy PVCs, adding that they were rescued from a mob that was about to lynch them.

Kano will hold supplementary elections on 23 March to determine who becomes the governor in the next four years, between incumbent Abdullahi Ganduje of APC and the challenger, Abba Kabir Yusuf of the PDP.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the government is doing its best to correct and reverse the terrible mismanagement the country had experienced.

With some luck, our best will be good enough, Buhari told a delegation of non-career Ambassadors, who came to State House, Abuja, to congratulate him on his re-election.

He said Nigeria was trying to live within her means, so we can improve our lot, adding that government was determined to upgrade the countrys profile, both locally and internationally.

President Buhari said it would be inexcusable for government not to take care of its Ambassadors in their various stations, hence the special attention being paid to the countrys foreign missions.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ambassador Ashimiyu Olaniyi, said President Buharis election in 2015, and his recent re-election, are divine interventions in the affairs of the country.

You are God-sent. You have always come on stage at the critical moments of our national history to right the wrongs of the past, Ambassador Olaniyi said.

He added that the President would be remembered as an astute political leader who does not interfere in the political affairs of states, noting that the singular quality has given credibility to all elections conducted since 2015.

The delegation submitted that apart from records of achievements in the three focal areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption, your integrity is responsible for your victory, which we are privileged to celebrate with you today.

The Ambassadors appreciated the intervention funds that were released to various missions abroad, and pledged continued loyalty and support to the Buhari administration.

Source: NAN

A Yola High Court on Thursday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting a supplementary Governorship Election in Adamawa, fixed for March 23.

The ruling by Justice Abdul-Aziz Waziri, followed a request to that effect filed by counsel to the Adamawa Chapter of Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD), Mr Mustafa Shaba, over absence of the party logo on the ballot paper of the inconclusive election.

Delivering the ruling after going through the two affidavits in support of the motion including that of extreme urgency, Justice Waziri, held that the request has merit and therefore was granted.

After careful perusal of the annexure of the MRDD 1 to 5 alongside written address of counsel urging me to grant the application, I am of the view that the application is pregnant with merit and must be granted.

I hereby grant the following order.

The defendant here in, the INEC is restrained whether by themselves, their executives, servants, privies, representative nominees or any other person or persons from proceeding with the supplementary election in respect of Adamawa State Governorship pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The Judge ruled that all the processes relating to the suit be served to Adamawa INEC in Yola in compliance with Order 6 of the Court.

The case was adjourned till March 21 for hearing of motion for the interlocutory injunction.

Speaking to newsmen on the development, counsel to MRDD, Mr Mustafa Shaba said the plaintiff, MRDD represented by the state chairman of the party, Ibrahim Umar, rushed to the court to complain against what he described as serious infraction.

The party has come to court and fortunately the election has not been concluded to stop INEC from further breaching of the partys candidate (Rev. Eric Theman) right.

We want the logo to be place and the election to start afresh.

What we apply for today is for Interim injunction restraining INEC as it is for now from proceeding until the needful is done, Shaba said.

Source: NAN

By Hassana Yakubu

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has gained two additional seats in the just concluded House of Assembly election in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP, which had only seven members in the assembly after the 2015 election, now has a total of nine members.

The elected PDP members would represent Kaura, Jemaa, Jaba, Sanga, Kajuru, Chikun, Kachia, Zangon Kataf and Zonkwa constituencies.

NAN reports that 17 of the assembly members have retained their seats while 16 are fresh members.

According to details released by INEC on the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC), however, retained its hold on the assembly with 24 members, down from the 27 it has in the 8th Assembly.

INEC will hold by-election in Kagarko constituency on March 23, 2019 for the state constituency seat.

Members of the APC for the 9th Assembly will be representing Sabon Gari, Basawa, Zaria Kewaye, Zaria City, Makarfi, Soba, Maigana, Ikara, Kakangi, Magajin Gari, Igabi East, Igabi west, Kauru, Makera, Tudun Wada, Unguwan Sunusi, Kubau, Doka/Gabasawa, Kudan, Lere West, Lere East, Giwa West and Giwa East constituencies.

NAN reports that the 16 fresh members include Yusuf Mugu (Kaura); Suleiman Dabo (Zaria City), Aminu Ahmed (Makarfi), Bala Tagagi (Kakangi), Monday Dikko (Jaba), Mrs Comfort Amwe (Sanga), Ishaku Chawaza (Chikun), Salisu Bala (Igabi East)

Also among the incoming fresh lawmakers are, Tanimu Musa (Kachia), Ali Kalat (Jemaa), Shehu Inusa (Kubau), Faisal Abbas (Kudan), Kantiok Bako (Zonkwa), Rilwanu Gadagau (Giwa West), and Yusuf Ibrahim Labo (Giwa East).

Source: NAN

By Ugonne Uzoma

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has blamed the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, and the partys governorship candidate, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for the inability of the party to win the governorship election in the state.

He said posterity would judge the two for their alleged roles in the election.

In a release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo in Owerri on Thursday, the governor alleged that Uzodinma worked for Peoples Democratic Party in the just concluded elections.

He said Uzodimma was one of the first to celebrate with the PDP Candidate, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, after he was declared the winner of the election, citing a video of the two contestants as proof of his guilt.

We had maintained that Chief Uzodinma was just a mole in the APC and today, the governorship election in the state and its outcome have obviously vindicated us, aside the fact that a video of Chief Uzodinmas celebration with Ihedioha has gone viral on the social media.

He also alleged that Uzodimma succeeded in the alleged plot by ensuring only his supporters were made agents of the party, adding that his target was to destroy APC in the South-East.

Chief Uzodinma succeeded through Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that only his supporters were made agents of the party, from the list he sent from Abuja to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Unfortunately, none of Uzodinmas and Oshiomholes approved agents were seen either at the ward, local government or at the state level; they didnt care about the election and its outcome.

At the end of the day, the APC candidate came fourth. And he has been celebrating with the PDP candidate.

Their target as it has been shown now is to totally destroy APC in the South-East and in Imo in particular, thereby authenticating the claim in some quarters that it is all about 2023.

We had equally maintained the contention that Imo people would not vote for Uzodinma because they know him very well, but Oshiomhole refused to listen.

He came fourth and never showed that he took part in the election; Posterity and history will Judge Oshiomhole and Uzodinma over the fate of APC in the South-East, especially in Imo State, Okorocha said.

Source: NAN