COVER
Gale of Endorsements, Tensions as Guber Polls Hold in 28 States Tomorrow
By Johnson Eyiangho (Abuja), David Torough (Makurdi), Jude Dangwam (Jos) &
Mike Tayese (Yenagoa)
Following the failure of their political parties to win the February 25 Presidential election, members of the Labour Party (LP) have decided to join forces with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in some states of the federation to win Saturday’s governorship election.
Though the Labour Party have not formally entered into alliance with the PDP, its members in Benue, Plateau states have endorsed the governorship candidates of the PDP to win the Saturday polls.
Besides the Labour Party’s endorsement of the PDP governorship candidates in the two states, other political parties like Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Booth Party have endorsed the candidates of the PDP for Saturday’s governorship election.
In Benue State, the Labour Party and the governorship candidate of Action People’s Party (APP), yesterday endorsed the PDP guber candidate in the state, Rt Hon Titus Uba.
In separate ceremonies yesterday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Engr Ibrahim Idoko Otene said the decision of the party to support Uba to win the governorship election was sequel to the collaboration the presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi received from the PDP in the state.
Engr Otene, who was accompanied by members of the State Working Committee of the Labour Party, stated that their action was a directive from the National Secretariat of the party. According to him, the support Governor Samuel Ortom gave to their presidential candidate had to be reciprocated.
He said the Governor stood for equity, fairness and justice, and even risked his senatorial ambition for the Obi presidential bid.
The Benue State Labour Chairman, also commended Engr Titus Uba for his humility and synergy with other key players, expressing optimism that the PDP guber candidate would serve the state diligently.
Similarly, the governorship candidate of Action People’s Party, APP, Engr Terlumun Kenneth Kwadzah, endorsed Titus Uba of PDP to emerge victorious on Saturday.
Engr Kwadzah who was accompanied by some officials of APP and members of his campaign team said his decision to endorse Uba was on account of the fact that Governor Ortom has stood firmly in defense of the people and it is only right that those who understand the weight of the security challenge in the state should support Uba to continue from where Governor Ortom will stop.
Responding, Governor Ortom thanked the two political parties for voluntarily deciding to endorse Titus Uba to win the governorship election.
He assured them that Uba, being an experienced lawmaker and administrator would not disappoint the Benue people.
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate, Rt Hon Uba appreciated the two political parties for the huge endorsements, pledging that if elected, his administration will give priority to the issues of security and the economy.
In Plateau State, no fewer than 200 Obidient support groups in the state, yesterday endorsed the candidature of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang and his Deputy Hon. Josephine Piyo, two days to the Governorship and State Assembly Elections.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi came on a thank you visit to members of the Obidient Movements, Labour Party and the people of Plateau Sate, which ended at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Hiepang on Wednesday this week.
The Coordinator of Obi/Datti Support Group in Plateau State, Mr. Stephen Danladi Wuyep addressing Journalists yesterday in Jos the State Capital said the development became necessary after are careful look at the trend of events and the various candidates going into the elections in the State.
“The decision was reached after scrutinizing all the Gubernatorial candidates for the coming elections. We have realized that it was Mutfwang that has the capacity to mobilized and harness fully all the natural resources, the endowment of the State, he has the energy and also the Will and ingenuity to empower the greater population of citizens of Plateau State,” he said.
The embattled Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Amb. Yohanna Margif who’s candidature has been disqualified by the Supreme Court on Wednesday has commended the Presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi for allowing Plateau people to vote for their preferred Governorship candidate during the Saturday elections.
“Indeed, the coming of Obi to Plateau at this crucial moment was very relieving in-view of the fact that our people are still grieving over the outcome of the presidential election which was characterized by massive rigging.
“I am also happy because Obi only spoke with stakeholders of the party at the Yakubu Gowon Airport and deliberately refused to come inside the state capital because of how important the Saturday Governorship election is for Plateau people.
“He is aware that his support during the last election came strongly form the Church and wish to allowed the people vote their preferred Governorship candidate without necessarily voting for the Labour Party candidate,” he acclaimed.
Recalled that the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal of Amb. Yohanna Margif in an Appeal challenging the judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court Jos that the substitution of his Governorship Candidature with Dr. Patrick Dakum was done with his consent.
The Court maintained that the plaintiff (Margif) before now voluntarily signed for his withdrawal and substitution as the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State where he submitted copy to the party National Headquarters in Abuja that warranted the conduct of a fresh primaries which produces Dr. Patrick Dakum as the legitimately elected flagbearer of the LP for the March Governorship and State Assembly Elections in the State this Saturday.
In Delta State, eight governorship candidates yesterday adopted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, for the Saturday election.
The guber candidates led by Prince Henry Eze of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) disclosed this at a news conference in Asaba.
The political parties were the Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Booth Party.
Eze said the decision to jettison their ambitions and endorse Oborevwori for Saturday’s election was in recognition of the achievements of the PDP, especially Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led administration in the state.
“Delta is a traditional PDP state and for stability and furtherance of an atmosphere for inter-party harmony and cohesion.
“It became necessary to adopt a governorship candidate with good political credentials, pedigree and general acceptability as consensus candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the state.
“The choice of our consensus candidate fell on Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP who happens to be the current Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“Oborevwori has worked very hard, embarked on ward-to-ward campaigns and done wide consultations with virtually all known stakeholders in the state,” Eze said.
He said that Delta State political stakeholders believe in continuity, noting that the present governor has performed very well in office.
“It is, therefore, natural that another PDP governor should continue from where he stopped in order to consolidate on the gains of his administration,” he added.
He said that the eight governorship candidates came together to endorse Sheriff Oborevwori “as consensus candidate based on the following reasons.”
“Delta state requires a candidate that would continue the laudable projects of Governor Okowa.
“And Rt. Hon. Oborevwori has proven to be a good administrator and a team player, having become the longest serving Speaker in the history of the Delta State House of Assembly and the first to transmute from one administration to another.
“Oborevwori is a calm, calculated workaholic, a devout God fearing Christian who can be entrusted with the management of human and material resources.
“Like the Americans would say, there is no need changing the winning team.
“PDP governors in Delta have brought peace and development to the state and there is no reason why we should change a party that is doing well.
“From this end, the governorship candidates of APM, Prince Henry Eze, Emeka Bidokwu (AA), Oghenejabor Onome (AAC), Cosmos Annabel (APP), Emmanuel Ogba (ADP), Engr. Okolie Austine (ADC), Fred Obi of (Accord) and Umudane Sylvester of (Booth Party), are stepping down their governorship ambitions to declare their support for Oborevwori.
“We have taken this all important and crucial decision with the backing of the relevant organs and membership of our various political parties,” Eze said.
Jonathan Cautions Against Do-or-Die Politics
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has admonished politicians against do-or-die politics ahead of the governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday.
The former Nigerian President gave the admonition yesterday at Sampou community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State shortly after paying a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri over the demise of his father, Pa Abraham Diri.
Dr. Jonathan stressed that politics should be about service and not about self, urging politicians to wait for God’s time to get into leadership positions.
He said in a democracy, the people play a critical role and wondered why those who aspire to lead want to force themselves on the people.
He also advised people of the state to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the House of Assembly elections.
Speaking on the late Pa Diri, Jonathan said the death of a parent was painful but urged the family of the departed to take solace in the worthy legacies he left.
The former president noted that the fact that Pa Diri produced a governor meant he inculcated good virtues in his children and prayed God to give the Diri family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Leadership is not by force. It is about serving the people. So, if you want to lead the people, you cannot kill them before you lead them.
“In Bayelsa, the challenges will be minimal because we do not have governorship election on Saturday. But I urge our people to conduct themselves well.”
“When you go for condolence visit, sometimes you lack words. We are lucky that our father lived for 88 years but that is not the most important. What you will be remembered for is what matters. From the messages so far, it is clear he lived a worthy life.
“He had good qualities that probably helped him produce a governor. We have come to join the governor and members of his family and community to console you and the rest of the family,” he further stated.
Responding, the Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the visit of the former president as special, saying his family and community were strengthened by his presence.
He traced his relationship with Dr. Jonathan to when he was Bayelsa deputy governor, saying he became very close to him until he became governor and appointed him Commissioner in his administration.
Diri said Jonathan’s rise to the position of president was divine, saying the people of the state were proud of him and his achievements in politics.
The governor said he was overwhelmed with joy by the former president’s show of love, who he said was among the first to call him and even sent his wife to visit before coming in person.
The state’s helmsman stressed the need for the people of Bayelsa to exhibit same brotherly love and unity in order to move the state forward.
PDP, Atiku Deny Withdrawing Presidential Election Petition
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday stated in clear terms that the party and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar did not withdraw their petition against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
The PDP said its attention had been drawn to a mischievous report claiming that the party and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar have withdrawn the petition filed against INEC, APC and Tinubu at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement described the report as false and a fabrication by the APC which is disconcerted by the overwhelming evidence against it.
Ologunagba said to set the record straight and for the benefit of the party’s teeming members, supporters and the general public, the PDP clarify as follows; “On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Legal Team of Atiku Abubakar led by J.K Gadzama, SAN was in court to move a Motion Exparte accompanied by an Affidavit of Urgency (CA/PEC/12M/2023), seeking Orders directing INEC to allow us observe/participate in the process of sorting out the ballot papers used for the Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives elections conducted on February 25, 2023 across the country.
“The Court directed that all parties should be put on notice and asked that we amend our Motion Exparte to Motion on Notice, to serve same on the parties (INEC, APC & Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and return on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, for hearing of our Motion on Notice.
“On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, our Legal Team had a conference meeting with the Legal Team of INEC, and the Commission gave its assurance to cooperate with our Team during the inspection and sorting out of ballot papers, and to also provide election materials needed to file our petition.
“On account of this agreement with and assurance by INEC, there was no longer need to proceed with the hearing of the Motion on Notice (CA/PEPC/13M/2023). Consequently, our Team filed a Notice of Discontinuance of the said Motion.
“On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, our Legal Team returned to Court to inform the Court of the resolution reached with INEC and formally discontinued the Motion on Notice against all the Parties (INEC, APC & Bola Ahmed Tinubu).”
He stated that the PDP is on course and determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, which is the retrieval of its Presidential mandate at the Tribunal.
Ologungba thanked “millions of Nigerians”, who expressed concern over the report, adding that such concern further point to the fact of the overwhelming support of majority of Nigerians for the PDP and Atiku Abubakar at the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.
29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.
The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.
Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.
Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.
“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority
“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”
Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.
Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.
The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.
Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.
The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.
“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.
“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.
The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.
“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.
“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.
The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.
He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.
He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.
The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies.
“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts.
“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.
“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.
“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative.
“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.
Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.
Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests
He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.
The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.
In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”
He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.
To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.
According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.
He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.
“Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.
“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.
Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.
He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.
“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.
“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”
Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.
He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.
Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.
On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.
He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.
He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.
Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.
She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.
The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN
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