News
Refrain from dragging Nigeria through the mud, Tinubu admonishes religious leaders
President Bola Tinubu has admonished doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country in the guise of religious sermons as leaders to refrain from such forthwith
Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of reiterated leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.
He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.
President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities for prosperity.
He declared that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.
The President further urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.
”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.
”The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.
”Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘No matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’
”Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.
”Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.
The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday.
”I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” the President prayed.
Various speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima reiterated the pivotal roles religious and traditional rulers play in promoting peace and unity, as he urged them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’
The Vice-President expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound with the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.
”The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.
”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.
”You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.
Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.
On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.
”I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” the Emir prayed.
Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.
The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the Church.
”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” CAN General Secretary said.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Jigawa and Kano states have been ranked topmost among the 36 States of the Federation with higher number of Tobacco smokers.
The senior programmes officer of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre ( CISLAC), Mr Solomon Adoga disclosed this in his speech presented at a high level stakeholders engagement that focused more on how state governments can adopt some National Framework for Tobacco control held on Wednesday at th 3 star hotel, Dutse.
Adoga pointed out that CISLAC in patnership with support of Tax Justice Network organized a sponsored multi-stakeholders engagement on Tobacco taxation in Jigawa with the aim of reducing Tobacco usage because it is inimical to health.
According to him “it’s unfortunate that research has shown that Kano/Jigawa are on top of the list of states that use Tobacco in Nigeria, while majority of users are the youths and some with minor age”.
He explained that, “to control use of Tobacco it is of Paramount that Jigawa state government adopt and domesticate National Tobacco control Act (2015) and Tobacco Tax Policy to save lives of the youth who are future leaders in our states.l
Adoga added that “Some of the laws that need to be adopted include ban on sale of cigarettes single stick, prohibition of smoking in public places and sale of Tobacco to minors (under eighteen years old) in the state”
The senior programmes officer indicated that the purpose of engaging and interacting with relevant stakeholders like traditional/ religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and media is to help in creating awareness on the dangers of Tobacco as well as to advocate for both legislature and the executive to domesticate and adopt the laws.
Solomon urged the participants to support the moves by amplifying the campaign with their voices to achieve the desired goal for better future and development of the state to save thousands of lives of the teeming youths.
***Says Media Trial Tantamount To Disregard For Rule Of Law
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A Legal Practitioner and former Spokesman to Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
Daniel Bwala has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what he termed Disregard for Rule of Law and Media Trial of former governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.
Bwala who made the remarks while fielding questions from newsmen in an interview on Wednesday bared his mind on the judicial relevance of the utterances of Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman, at his Tuesday press conference.
The EFCC is seeking to arrest, detain and prosecute former governor Yahaya Bello over sundry allegations bordering financial fraud amounting to over N80.2 billion.
The Lawyer and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria said, “What he did and everything he said during the news conference has no consequential effect in the court of law, even if the media go out and conclude that Yahaya Bello has committed those crimes.
“The EFCC chairman knows that in criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof to prove the element of the offenses in the charge.
“The standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt. And what you need to establish that are cogent and compelling evidence should be done in the courtroom.
“That is the very reason why people can conclude by his media briefing that he actually does not want to prosecute the Yahaya Bello.
“Again,by what he did yesterday, he has given materials to Bello to use against him in the court of law.
“We don’t even want to bring the politics of it. Bello can come out and say, since he has called me personally, then | want to tell the world that he has actually asked me for money.”
According to Bwala, Bello is still at large and yet to present himself on grounds that he has a Kogi High Court Injunction restraining the EFCC from persecuting or charging or arresting him.
He said that the Federal High Court on Tuesday had fixed May 20, to rule on the argument of the bench warrant of arrest issued to EFCC on Bello .
“The import of what transpired in court based on this fact now is that it is superfluous for EFCC to be looking for Yahaya Bello. EFCC is just to wait and come that day to hear the ruling .
“If it does not, then Bello, on that day, in any case, will appear before the court and now be arraigned before the court.
“Now, what it means is that any day after that yesterday, any effort by EFCC to attempt to arrest the Bello will amount to violating the due process of law.
“This is because where parties have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court, they have to allow the court to run proceedings, and therefore they cannot run the proceedings for the court.
“These are matters of law. These are matters that at least new entrants in the legal department of EFCC ought to know. So the question now is, what is EFCC trying to achieve?
“I gave a good example. Yahaya Bello has an order that has not been set aside. The order says that he should not be arrested, he should not be prosecuted. The EFCC does not believe that that order should be sustained.
“The EFCC challenged that order. That challenge has not been determined by court. Now, attempting to arrest him when that has not been determined is violation of the rule of law.
“They also have another order to arrest him. And that order to arrest him has now been brought before a court in which counter-argument was made and court adjourned for ruling. What is the import of that? So you have coalition of judicial voices.
“And these courts that have given the various orders are courts of coordinated jurisdiction, which each other’s decision does not bind the other. So we are not even going into the administration of the federal high court as to how do you deal with this kind of conflicting order.
“All these orders are valid and subsisting until they are set aside. But you see, all of them have been overtaken by event because before this court, it has been adjourned for ruling, ” Bwala said. (Ends)
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming November 16 governorship election in the state by sefeating fifteen other aspirants in a landslide victory
The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, made the declaration on Monday morning in Akure, the state capital.
Ododo said Aiyedatiwa clinched the APC ticket with a total of 48,569 votes followed by his closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin, who trailed behind with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke secured the third position with 14,865 votes.
Below is a breakdown of the final results of the election.
Total number of voters – 117922
Total number of accredited voters – 95,178
Total votes cast – 95178
Invalid – Nil
Jimi Odimayo – 490
Omogoroye Judith – 115
Lucky Aiyedatiwa – 48,569
Isaacs Kekemeke – 1045
Soji Ehinlanwo – 492
Olugbenga Edema – 395
Jimoh lbrahim – 9456
Adekojo Funmilayo – 529
Akinfolarin Samuel – – 15343
Wale Akinterinwa – 1952
Olusola Oke – 14,915
Olamide Ohunyeye – 424
Morayo Lebi – 290
Diran lyantan – 348
Prof Dayo Faduyile – 353
Ife Oyedele – 462
1: Ilaje LG
Lucky Aiyedatiwa 2,485
Wale Akinterinwa. 26
Olusola Oke. 2,511
Jimoh Ibrahim 589
2: Ile Oluji/Okeigbo
Jimoh Ibrahim: 282
AIYEDATIWA: 1225
WA: 474
3: Ondo West LG
Jimoh Ibrahim: 2668
Aiyedatiwa: 10610
4: Ese Odo LG
Aiyedatiwa – 298
Akinterinwa – 0
Oke – 147
Jimoh Ibrahim – 174
5: Owo LG
Aiyedatiwa – 2,123
Akinterinwa – 345
Oke – 225
Jimoh Ibrahim – 192
6: Idanre LG
Aiyedatiwa – 1, 579
Akinterinwa – 119
Oke – 225
Jimoh Ibrahim – 120
7: AKOKO NORTH EAST LG
Aiyedatiwa 1, 664
Akinterinwa 135
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 505
8: AKOKO NORTH WEST LG
Aiyedatiwa 5, 430
Akinterinwa 198
Oke 2, 721
Jimoh Ibrahim 728
9: AKOKO SOUTH EAST LG
Aiyedatiwa 2, 533
Akinterinwa 43
Oke 391
Jimoh Ibrahim 67
10: AKOKO SOUTH WEST LG
Aiyedatiwa – 2, 747
Akinterinwa – 272
Oke – 415
Jimoh Ibrahim – 466
11: No results for IFEDORE LGA due to alleged violence
12: OSE LGA
Aiyedatiwa 1, 091
Akinterinwa 39
Oke 800
Jimoh Ibrahim 267
13: IRELE LG
Aiyedatiwa 1, 203
Akinterinwa 15
Oke 93
Jimoh Ibrahim 139
14: ODIGBO LG
Aiyedatiwa 2, 631
Akinterinwa 114
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 845
15: AKURE NORTH LG
Aiyedatiwa 2, 860
Akinterinwa 177
Oke 1, 239
Jimoh Ibrahim 1, 606
16: AKURE SOUTH LG
Aiyedatiwa 3, 265
Akinterinwa 86
Oke 328
Jimoh Ibrahim 294
17 OKITIPUPA LG
Aiyedatiwa 1, 622
Akinterinwa 27
Oke 1, 571
Jimoh Ibrahim 109
18: ONDO EAST LG
Aiyedatiwa 4, 803
Akinterinwa 141
Oke 1, 171
Jimoh Ibrahim 406
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