| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Weblink/Page No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | APC Caretaker Committee on Track, Says Buhari | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, July 28 lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee, chaired by Yobe State Governor, Mr. Mai Mala Buni, on its efforts towards repositioning the party. The President, during a virtual meeting with the caretakers and governors elected on the platform of the party also hailed the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by its Chairman, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, for efforts to participate in the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. A statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu at the meeting swhich was also attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, expressed the President's satisfaction with the work done so far by the caretaker committee. He stated: “I am pleased with the chairman and the work of the committee. He is highly mobile in the efforts to coordinate and strengthen the party. I am happy with his personal efforts.” The President also appreciated the efforts of APC governors over the successful conduct of the party’s primaries in Edo and Ondo States, saying, “I am happy that they knew their responsibilities as governors and had identified the right priorities.” Following the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC in June, the National Executive Committee of the party had chosen the Yobe governor and others as chairman and members of the caretaker committee, as well as of the extraordinary National Convention Committee respectively. | APC, Caretaker Committee | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/29/apc-caretaker-committee-on-track-says-buhari/ | 13 |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 2019 Election: Court Dismisses Dino Melaye’s Appeal | A Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed an appeal filed by a former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye against the election of Senator Adeyemi Smart. The appeal was filed to challenge the result of the November 2019 byenelection in which Senator Smart Adeyemi was declared the winner. In a judgment by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led three-man panel, delivered on Tuesday, July 28, the court upheld the June 10, 2020 judgment of the Kogi State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, Abuja, which upheld Adeyemi’s victory. Following the November 30, 2019 rerun election in 53 polling units, which was ordered by the Court of Appeal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Adeyemi the winner of the election. | Kogi West Senatorial District | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-election-court-dismisses-dino-melayes-appeal.html | 13 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | INEC Urges Nigerians To Vet Ondo Gubernatorial Candidates’ Credentials | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the public to take an active part in the vetting of the list and particulars of nominated candidates for the Ondo State governorship election to enhance transparency in the nomination processes. INEC, in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, stated that the list and personal particulars of the candidates as submitted by the 17 political parties would be uploaded on its website and published in the commission’s State office in Akure, Ondo State on Friday, July 31, 2020. Okoye added that the list would also be published on the commission’s social media platforms on the same day. Part of the statement read thus: “By Section 31 (5) & (6) of the Electoral Act, a person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given in the affidavit or any of the documents submitted by any of the candidates is false may file a suit in court seeking a declaration that such information is false. If the court determines that the information is false, the court shall issue an order disqualifying the candidate from contesting the election.” | INEC, Ondo governorship election | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-urges-nigerians-to-vet-ondo-gubernatorial-candidates-credentials/ | 13 |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | 2023 Presidency: Afenifere, Others Descend On Mamman Daura | The Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere has condemned the position of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura who stated that competence should be placed above zoning arrangement in the 2023 Presidential election. Regarded as the most powerful personality in Buhari’s administration, Daura had in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service stated that the most qualified person from any part of the country should succeed his uncle. However, the Afenifere group rejected Daura’s position saying that the country must continue with the common understanding of power rotation between the North and the South. The spokesman of the group, Joe Odumakin, in an nterview with Daily Trust stated that the South was not unmindful of the fact that the North would want to have a shot again in the presidency after Buhari. According to him, the South envisages many candidates to indicate interest in the presidency in 2023 but the country must stand firm and respect the zoning agreement. Odumakin added that he expected the South to forge a common front when the time comes, to ensure that the presidency returned to the region in 2023. Chief Supo Shonibare, another chieftain of Afenifere stated that rotational presidency could not be discarded without restructuring. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) however stated that the issue of rotational presidency is not a constitutional matter but only adopted by political parties for their own convenience. The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, responding to Daura’s statement, said: “the Nigerian constitution does not make provision for rotational presidency; it is done at the convenience of political parties and not a constitutional practice.” Yawe further stated that if political parties on their own decided to jettison rotational presidency, they have the right to do so. | 2023 Presidency | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2023-presidency-no-need-for-zoning-mamman-daura-says.html | 13 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | Reps Spokesman To Akpabio: Make Public Your Claims | The spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) has alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has not proved his allegations against members of the parliament. In a statement, Kalu challenged the minister to go public with documents to prove that 60 per cent of contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were awarded to lawmakers. He recalled that Akpabio had made the allegation at an investigative hearing on the alleged N40 billion financial malfeasance in the NDDC. He recalled that the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabimila, challenged the minister to publish the list of the members with a 48-hour ultimatum. According to Kalu, instead of publishing the list for the world to see in the interest of transparency, the minister chose to send an eight-paragraph private letter to the Speaker. Kalu explained that the letter by the minister made reference to projects of 2018 which pre-date the 9th House of Representatives and had little to do with the bogus allegation.“The House, therefore, reiterates that the minister was given an ultimatum to publish names and not to write a personal letter to the speaker. According to KAlu, “The minister is hereby cautioned to desist from spinning tales and is invited to go public as instructed. Nevertheless, it will interest Nigerians to know that paragraph three of the minister’s letter fully exonerated the 9th Assembly. Also, in paragraph seven, the minister completely withdrew his previous statement about 60 per cent of the NDDC projects being awarded to members of the 9th Assembly. “It is also instructive for Nigerians to note that the total number of projects in the 2019 NDDC budget was 5,959 out of which 5,416 projects were rolled over from 2018, which the 9th Assembly obviously had no influence or control over.” Kalu stated that Akpabio presented an ineffectual spreadsheet of only 266 projects out of which about 20 projects were attracted by past members of the National Assembly as constituency projects. He said that the projects were given to the members as contractors, but in furtherance of their representative mandate for the constituency. According to him, the projects presented in the Akpabio’s letter are not within the scope of the investigation and has do nothing to address the leadership’s ultimatum. | House of Representatives, Godswill Akpabio | https://guardian.ng/news/reps-spokesman-to-akpabio-make-public-your-claims/ | 13 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | 2023: Buhari, Tinubu, Governors, Urged To Resolve APC Crises | The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professional Forum has asked President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu, APC governors and other stakeholders to resolve the crises in the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. Addressing newsmen at the APC National Secretariat on Monday, July 27 in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Forum, Akeem Akintayo stated that some members of the party were yet to withdraw their cases in court, contrary to Buhari’s directive and those of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). The Forum urged the national leadership of the party to take disciplinary action against those still acting in defiance of the NEC directives. According to Akintayo, “We are here to call on the President, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the leaders and stakeholders of the party to step in to save APC from the crises that almost engulfed her. “That the President helps the reconciliatory process of the party by releasing board appointments to help boost the party’s reward system amongst many aggrieved members that have worked for the party without rewards. We strongly believe that a good reward system will give foundation to the peace and reconciliation that the President has begun with the setting up of the APC National Caretakers Committee. More is needed to be achieved for total resolution of the crises in the party." | APC, 2023 general elections | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2023-buhari-tinubu-govs-urged-to-resolve-apc-crises.html | 12 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | Katsina PDP Holds Congress, Elects New Exco | The Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, July 27 held its State congress to elect new executive members that will spearhead the affairs of the party for the next four years. The 39-member state executive was elected by delegates from 34 Local Government areas of the State, in an exercise supervised by the chairman of the electoral panel, Mr. Chika Nwazozu, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The exercise which held at the State PDP secretariat and lasted till 7:45pm was reported to be peaceful. The party had earlier conducted peaceful congresses across the 361 wards and 34 Local Government Areas of the State. At the congress, Hon. Salisu Yusuf Magijiri was re-elected as the Chairman of the party and Mr. Salisu Lawal Uli as Deputy Chairman. In the same vein, Abubakar Lawal, Sanusi Iliyasu and Bishir Tsani emerged as the Financial Secretary, Secretary and Publicity Secretary, respectively. The congress also elected Mr. Yahaya Lawal as treasurer and Hajara Abubakar as State Women Leader, while Lawal Bature emerged as the state Organizing Secretary, among others. Addressing party members shortly after the exercise, Magijiri staeted that the PDP would reclaim the State due to what he termed the failure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver democratic dividends that will assuage the suffering of the masses | Katsina State, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/28/katsina-pdp-holds-congress-elects-new-exco/ | 12 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | Defence Headquarters Warns Politicians Against Inciting Mutiny In Military | The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned the political class against inciting mutiny in the armed forces. The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, gave this warning on Monday, July 27 while reacting to a news publication captioned ‘Nigeria Needs a Rawlings Now – NDP’. In the said publication, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Chidi Chukwuanyi, staed thus: “The state of corruption in the country calls for the replication of the Ghanaian experience under former President Jerry Rawlings in Nigeria.” Observing that the statement was inciting, Enenche stated: “What Chidi Chukwuanyi is calling for is a combination of unpopular acts of insurrection and mutiny, which cannot be taken for granted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). “Consequently, I am directed by the high command of the Nigerian military to let the general public know and remind personnel of AFN: all officers and men of the Nigerian military swore an oath of allegiance to the civil authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to protect the constitution. This translates to unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief, and full subordination to the civil authorities.”According to him, the Nigerian military is in consonance with the global best practices, and cannot be misguided by any individual or group. | Defence Headquarters | https://guardian.ng/news/dhq-warns-politicians-against-inciting-mutiny-in-military/ | 12 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | Obaseki Visits Religious Leaders, Seeks Peace Ahead Of Edo Guber Poll | Edo State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 19 governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, has called for peace among political actors ahead of the poll. Obaseki made the call during a visit to religious leaders, including the Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Augustine Obiora Akubueze, Margaret Idahosa of Church of God Mission International, and Reverend Felix Omobude of the New Covenant Gospel Church, who is also President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). He was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Betsy Obaseki, Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie and Chief of Staff (COS), Osaze Uzamere, among other top government officials. According to Obaseki, “We need peace in Edo State at this time and at all times. As you are all witnesses to the build-up of tensions more than ever before, we need God’s guidance and prayers to ensure that the desire of those that don’t wish Nigeria and Edo State well is not fulfilled.” | Edo State governorship election, PDP, Godwin Obaseki | https://guardian.ng/news/obaseki-visits-religious-leaders-seeks-peace-ahead-of-edo-guber-poll/ | 12 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | You returned To APC To Bury Misdeeds, Bauchi Governor Tells Dogara | Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, on Monday, July 27 stated that fromer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara left the Peoples Democratic PArty (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cover up his misdeeds, and fear of the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) conducted by the National Assembly. Dogara, while giving reason for his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that it was to enable him to tackle the bad governance of Governor Bala Mohammed in his home State. However, Governor Mohammed through his Special Assistant on New Media, Lawal Muazu Bauchi, stated that there was nothing patriotic about Dogara’s return to APC. The governor said the reasons given by Dogara for returning to APC were not good and reasonable enough to convince any true and sincere heart. According to Muazu, “Those living in glass houses should not throw stones at others. With the current investigations going on in the National Assembly concerning the NDDC financial scandal, one may be right to say the guilty ones are afraid and the only escape route is to return to the old fold to cover up their past misdeeds.” On the allegations by Dogara, Muazu stated that, “Governor Bala is fulfilling his promise to conduct local government elections by fixing a date for that purpose. Financial transactions of public funds are done in an open and transparent manner unlike in the past when billions of naira were frittered away without any tangible project to show.” | Yakubu Dogara, Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/you-returned-to-apc-to-bury-misdeeds-bauchi-gov-tells-dogara.html | 12 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 27, 2020 | Akpabio Fires Back, Lists Senators, House Members Awarded NDDC Contracts | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has finally taken on the challenge of the National Assembly to name lawmakers who got contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The minister, in a document attached to his response to the threat by the House of Representatives to sue him over the allegations that federal lawmakers were the major contractors of NDDC, listed four senators as receiving a total of 74 contracts from the commission between 2017 to date. He also accused the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, of inserting 19 contracts worth N9 billion into 2019 NDDC budget. House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had earlier given Akpabio a 48-hour ultimatum to identify lawmakers that are NDDC contractors as he alleged during his testimony before the House Committee on NDDC. However, a few hours after the expiration of the ultimatum, Gbajabiamila had signified the House’s readiness to head to court to seek the prosecution of the minister for criminal defamation. He was to later read a letter from Akpabio, in response to the one written to him by the House Clerk, in which the minister reportedly denied making the allegations. However, it was learnt at the weekend that Akpabio’s annexure to the letter included a list detailing the names and NDDC jobs given to the lawmakers. According to the list, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, allegedly executed 53 NDDC projects from 2017 to date. He also accused three other senators namely: Matthew Urhoghide, James Manager and Sam Anyanwu of executing a total of 21 NDDC contracts during the period under review. | NDDC, Godswill Akpabio, National Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/27/akpabio-fires-back-lists-senators-house-members-awarded-nddc-contracts/ | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 27, 2020 | Magu Denies Misappropriating N332bn Recovered Funds | Suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has denied alleged misappropriation of N329 billion recovered for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and another N3 billion recovered for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Magu spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, stating that he remitted N329 billion recovered from fuel marketers directly to the NNPC. He also dismissed an allegation that he falsely declared his assets, saying the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel, probing allegations of malfeasance against him has never confronted him with such an allegation. Shittu added that his client would henceforth respond to every allegation against him “point by point." Shittu in a statement expressed that the suspended EFCC chief denied misappropriating funds recovered for the NNPC. He explained that the allegations against him bordered on matters that were never brought before the panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the activities of the EFCC under him. He added that the allegations were prejudicial to the proceedings of the panel. | EFCC, Ibrahim Magu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/27/magu-denies-misappropriating-n332bn-recovered-funds/ | 11 |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, July 27, 2020 | Edo Governorship: APC, PDP Trade Blames Over Oba’s Palace Clash | The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are trading blames over a clash between their supporters at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. While the PDP is alleging that the attack was sponsored by the APC and its leaders, the APC claimed that it was masterminded by the PDP and Governor Godwin Obaseki. The supporters, it would be recalled clashed on Saturday, July 25. The chairman, Edo PDP campaign council, Chief Dan Orbih, stated that the attack was a plan by the APC to eliminate the entire leadership of the PDP and its elected governors who were at the event. He stated thus: “The visit of Governor Obaseki, PDP governors, PDP National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee was officially communicated to the palace and the various security agents in accordance with INEC guidelines. He added that, “There was no official records stating that APC has any event scheduled either at the palace or anywhere in Benin.” Orbih called on security agencies to bring to book perpetrators of the attack. | Edo governorship, APC, PDP | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/edo-govship-apc-pdp-trade-blames-over-obas-palace-clash.html | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 27, 2020 | South-East Governors Set to Unveil Regional Security Outfit | The governors of the South-East geo-political zone on Sunday, July 26 expressed their readiness to unveil a security outfit for the region. They stated that the name of the security outfit would be made known to the public during the next meeting of the South-east Governors’ Forum, adding that all the necessary arrangements for the take-off of the outfit are on course. Briefing journalists on Sunday, July 26 after a virtual meeting of the forum alongside other Igbo leaders in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, stated that after unveiling the outfit, the commissioners for justice of the different South-East States would finalise a draft bill for passage into law by each State’s House of Assembly to give legal backing to the security outfit. | South-East, Regional Security Outfit | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/27/south-east-govs-set-to-unveil-regional-security-outfit/ | 11 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 27, 2020 | Cross River Faults NMA, Insists It Observes Extant COVID-19 Protocols | The Cross River State government on Sunday, July 26 faulted the July 22, 2020 petition by the State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to the Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire Osagie, accusing it of undermining the existing COVID-19 protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Presidential Task Force (PTF). In the complaint, signed by NMA’s State chairman and secretary, Drs. Agam Ayuk and Ezoke Epoke, respectively, the body had claimed that Governor Ben Ayade's administration was not implementing the resolutions of the July 7, 2020 meeting involving a delegation of the PTF and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as the doctors and the State Ministry of Health on the preventive guidelines. Prior to the gathering, the association, had in June 2020, embarked on an industrial action, blaming the State government for alleged non-testing and information hoarding on COVID-19. In the letter, the physicians specifically accused the current administration in the State of not activating its 100-bed isolation centre at Adiabo on the outskirts of Calabar. They also argued that there had been no significant progress in respect of reaction to outbreak vis-a-vis NCDC’s strategic response pillars and transmission of positive results to the situation report room, in addition to supposed lack of evidence of contact tracing.The medics held: “This lack of transparency and refusal to transmit confirmed results are a major cause for concern.” However, in a situation report made available to newsmen on Sunday, July 26 in the Calabar, the Commissioner for Health and chairman of the State Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr. Betta Edu, dismissed the claims, stating: “All the incident action plan pillars have been activated. The NCDC team on ground has been working with the state response team, and they are satisfied with the response.” | Cross River State, COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/cross-river-faults-nma-insists-it-observes-extant-covid-19-protocols/ | 11 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 27, 2020 | SERAP Urges National Assembly To Publish Reports On Graft Probes | The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to publish reports of investigation of corrupt practices that the legislature conducted since 1999. The demand was part of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila. In the requests dated July 25, 2020 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group also urged the legislative arm to “disclose the number and details of its public hearings and corruption probes that have resulted in any indictment of suspects, and to name such suspects”. According to SERAP, the reports should be sent to appropriate anti-corruption agencies to be considered, if there is sufficient admissible evidence to pursue prosecution. According to SERAP, the most effective way to deter corruption is to make the cost of engaging in these types of acts higher than the rewards. The group went on to state that, “This can only be accomplished by making the reports public and pursuing public accountability for corrupt acts. Doing so would also give Nigerians greater confidence that their lawmakers can use their constitutional oversight functions to address corruption in Nigeria.” Another request is that lawmakers should be stopped from directly getting involved in the execution of projects by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), to ensure proper and effective exercise of their oversight functions, including investigations of corruption allegations, such as those involving the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). | National Assembly, SERAP | https://guardian.ng/news/serap-urges-national-assembly-to-publish-reports-on-graft-probes/ | 11 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 27, 2020 | Why Restructuring Is Imperative - Senator Bamidele | Agitation for the decentralisation of the Nigerian Federation on a sustainable form in terms of power, resource and function devolution between the Federal Government and the 36 States has been re-echoed. Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who made the call in Abuja, stated that the earlier political leaders across the country stopped playing the ostrich over the issue, the better. According to him, Nigeria has gravitated towards “centralisation of almost everything than decentralisation, making the country to be practically unitary in nature, rather than federal. As to the need for decentralisation, I remain committed to true federalism, and the need to restructure because it is the way forward. We can not run away from it.” Bamidele submitted that “Anyone who doesn’t believe in true federalism is only pretending or doesn’t have a scientific understanding of what is wrong with our society, and what ought to be done.” | Restructuring, Senator Bamidele | https://guardian.ng/news/why-restructuring-is-imperative-by-senate-panel-chair/ | 11 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 23, 2020 | Jegede Picks PDP Governorship Ticket, to Face Akeredolu in Fresh Contest | With the emergence of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the October 10 election in Ondo State, the stage is now set for a fresh battle between him and the incumbent Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, who defeated Jegede who was the flagbearer of the PDP in 2016, also emerged candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the party’s primary held on Monday, July 20. Jegede beat seven others, including the Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who defected from the APC to vie for the ticket of the PDP. Jegede scored 888 votes to defeat Ajayi, his closest rival, who scored 657 votes in the primary that was concluded on Thursday, July 23. The results of the primary, contested by eight aspirants, was announced by the Chairman of the Ondo State PDP Gubernatorial Primary Committee, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. The keenly contested election was held at the State International Event Centre, The Dome amidst tight security. | Ondo State governorship election, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/23/jegede-picks-pdp-governorship-ticket-to-face-akeredolu-in-fresh-contest/ | 10 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 23, 2020 | APC Prepares for 2023 Elections, Asks Members to Unite and Mobilise | The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, July 22 called on its members to close ranks and engage in intense grassroots mobilisation for the party to retain power after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. It stated that unlike in 2015 and 2019 when the party rode to power on the persona of the President, who enjoys solid support in the North, other factors outside the President’s credibility and support, would determine whether it would continue to be the ruling party beyond 2023. The Secretary of APC Caretaker Committee, Senator John Udoedghe, told a Coalition of APC Support Groups, led by Mr. Frank Ossai, that visited him in Abuja that various support groups of the party, should make themselves relevant in grassroots politics. He spoke against the backdrop of muted concerns about the fate of the party in a post-Buhari presidency. Some critical stakeholders of the party have been expressing concerns about the future of the party after Buhari would have served out his constitutional two-term limit by 2023. The President had also expressed a similar concern in November 2019, when, at a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in Abuja, he urged party leaders to work hard to ensure that the party survives beyond the end of his tenure in 2023. | APC, 2023 general elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/23/apc-prepares-for-2023-elections-asks-members-to-unite-and-mobilise/ | 10 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 23, 2020 | Advise Your Children against Thuggery, Edo APC Warns Parents | The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated its campaign council. The party has also called for peaceful and issue-based campaigns, urging parents to ensure that their wards are not used as thugs during the election. Maj. Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), was named as the Director-General (DG) of the campaign council, while a former deputy governor of the State, Mr Lucky Imasuen, would serve as Deputy DG. The immediate past deputy chief whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Pally Iriase is to serve as secretary of the campaign council. Speaking at the inauguration event, Esekhaigbe stated thus: “I will advise parents to hold their wards and admonish them. Insecurity is synonymous with our dear State as of today but I want to assure you that with Ize-Iyamu as governor, he already has the template for security that he will implement." He added that, "Ize-Iyamu will give the government of Edo to the Edo people. There is going to be a paradigm shift in this campaign, we are not going to base our issues on insults and provocative words because when they go low, we are going g to go very high." | do State governorship election, APC | ttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/23/advise-your-children-against-thuggery-edo-apc-warns-parents/ | 10 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 23, 2020 | Electoral Reforms: 5,000 Sign Petition Against National Assembly Recess | About 5,000 Nigerians have signed an online petition calling on the National Assembly to consider electoral reforms and halt its annual vacation until the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is addressed. Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye, the Project Lead, Center for Liberty (CFL) stated that the online petition on change.org, was initiated by CFL, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), focused on electoral reforms, among other core issues bordering on democratic governance and social change in Nigeria. It will be recalled that the 9th Senate had since stayed action on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act (No. 6) 2010 and Other Related Matters, 2019. The bill was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ovie-Omo Agege and passed second reading in March 2020. Atoye stated that Nigerians are entreating members of the National Assembly to put personal interest aside by giving the country an amended Electoral Act. According to the petition, electoral reforms now represent a major citizens’ charter of demand to the National Assembly for the year 2020. | Electoral Reform, National Assembly | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/electoral-reforms-5000-sign-petition-against-n-assembly-recess.html | 10 |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, July 23, 2020 | 774,000 Jobs: Keyamo Will Supervise Recruitment, Labour Ministry Replies National Assembly | The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity on Wednesday, July 22 rejected resolutions of both chambers of the National Assembly calling for the removal of the Minister of State, Festus Keyamo, from supervising the recruitment of 774,000 Nigerians for the Special Public Works programme. The ministry’s Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Charles Akpan, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja, stated that “Nothing has changed.” The Senate and the House of Representatives, had at their separate sessions on Tuesday, July 21, asked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to stop Keyamo from supervising the recruitment process. Recall that the lawmakers and Keyamo had a clash when the minister was ordered out of the sitting of the Senate committee investigating the Special Works programme. Following that, the National Assembly stated that it had stopped the planned recruitment on the grounds that Keyamo had hijacked it from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Despite the National Assembly’s directive, Keyamo, on July 14, stated that he had the approval of the President to supervise the recruitment. The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, subsequently met with the President over the issue. The President had warned his appointees that he would not accept any act of disrespect to the National Assembly. The National Assembly directed that the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, should supervise the recruitment process for the Special Public Works programme, stating that Keyamo erred in law by taking over an assignment which was constitutionally assigned to the NDE through the Revised 2020 Appropriation Act. However, the ministry insists that the exercise would be supervised by Keyamo, under whose office the NDE operates. | 774,000 jobs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity | https://punchng.com/774000-jobs-keyamo-will-supervise-recruitment-labour-ministry-replies-nassembly/ | 10 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | Ondo Guber: Akeredolu Emerges APC Candidate | Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has emerged as the winner and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the October 10 election in the State. He was declared winner of the governorship primary election by the Chairman of the party's election committee, Governor Yahaya Bello, at the Ondo event centre, the Dome, venue of the election in Akure, the State capital. Governor Akeredolu won with a landslide victory at the election. According to Bello, Akeredolu polled 2,450 votes to defeat other aspirants in the primary election, which lasted till midnight. Akeredolu's closest rival, Chief Olusola Oke, scored 262 votes and was followed by Mr Isaac Kekemeke who recorded 19 votes. Ambassador Olusola Iji scored nine votes while Nathaniel Adojutelegan and Olajide Adelami recorded four votes each followed by Olajumoke Ajasin-Anifowose who had two votes. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa and Ife Oyedele came out with one vote each while Bukola Adetula came last with zero vote. Thirty-three votes were invalid in the exercise. Total number of accredited delegates was 3,016 while total votes cast were 2,793. Valid votes were 2,760. It will be recalled that Jimi Odimayo, Segun Abraham and Ifeoluwa Oyedele had stepped down for Akeredolu before the election. | Ondo State Governorship Election, rotimi Akeredolu | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ondo-guber-akeredolu-emerges-apc-candidate.html | 9 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | Umahi Signs Revised 2020 Ebonyi Budget of N132b Into Law | Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has signed the revised 2020 budget of N131.847b into law, stating that the government will focus on agriculture to recover from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). The initial budget of N178.366b was reviewed downwards to N131.847b following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic still ravaging the world. While signing the budget into law in Abakaliki, he stressed that the State would focus more on agriculture to recover from the pandemic. He also stated that he was not ready to waste State resources, as he had done a lot of human empowerment and capital projects in the State. He noted that Ebonyi schools would remain closed until their premises were cleared of bushes and all other necessary measures put in place for effective teaching and learning. He stated thus: "We have started the process to see how we can reopen and the process is to use the communities to clear the primary and secondary schools and then send medical teams to do sample testing of the teachers. Our medical teams will educate the teachers about COVID-19 protocols. We will look at the syllabuses of our primary and secondary schools and the teachers will review them." | Ebonyi State, Revised Budget | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/umahi-signs-revised-2020-ebonyi-budget-of-n132b-into-law/ | 9 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | APC, PDP Disagree On Political Crisis in Edo State | The political crisis in Edo State is far from over as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) disagreed over looming violence in the State as the September 19 governorship election draws nearer. Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, alleged that former National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa Okunbo were sponsoring thugs to disrupt the forthcoming polls. In a statement in Benin City on July 20, he stated that Oshiomhole, Okunbo and their allies have resorted to violence after realising that they would not win the governorship election in a fair contest. However, in a swift reaction, a factional publicity secretary of APC in the State, Chris Azebamwan, accused the PDP and the Obaseki-led government of recruiting cult groups ahead of the poll to cause mayhem in the State. The State government has also insisted that the protests by farmers in the State and workers of the College of Education were politically motivated, noting that the Agripreneur programme, which the farmers were said to be complaining of, was on course and benefiting genuine farmers for whom it was meant, while the educational workers were being paid even while they were not working. | Edo State governorship election, APC, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/apc-pdp-disagree-on-political-crisis-in-edo-state/ | 9 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | IPAC Tasks Political Parties On Deepening Democracy | The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State has urged political parties to deepen democracy for the growth and development of Nigeria. IPAC stated that government institutions could work better and deliver their mandates when democracy takes its rightful place, insisting that political parties should recommit themselves and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. Newly elected state Chairman of the Council in Enugu State, Ken Ike, stated that its members would work harder to promote democratic tenets and development in the State and entire country. Speaking shortly after the election of the new executives, he stated that democracy provideds an opportunity for everyone to contribute towards promotion of good governance, fairness and equality. The election became necessary following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) deregistration of 74 political parties. Ike, a member of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) said the election was without any rancor, adding that it was the beginning of the development of democracy among political parties in the State. According to him, the exercise was a directive from the national leadership of IPAC to streamline elective positions in the organisation after INEC deregistered 74 political parties on February 16, 2020. | IPAC, Democracy | https://guardian.ng/news/ipac-tasks-political-parties-on-deepening-democracy/ | 9 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | NDDC Probe Takes Dramatic Turn | The sitting of the House of Representatives committee probing the alleged misuse of N81bn by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Abuja on July 20 witnessed dramatic scenes. The drama unfolded when the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Apkabio and the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei took turns to testify. Pondei was the first to testify. He was grilled over alleged extra-budgetary expenditure by the Commission under his leadership. The exercise turned tragic as Pondei suddenly slumped. Pondei, who appeared before the Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo led committee last week, had walked out on the lawmakers on the excuse that Tunji-Ojo lacked the moral grounds to chair the panel. The drama heightened as Akpabio, in his presentation, accused members of the National Assembly of receiving a percentage of contracts awarded by the NDDC. The claim by the Minister provoked members of the committee who prevailed on him to name beneficiaries of the projects in the National Assembly. Boma Goodhead (Rivers PDP), who was livid over the accusation said such claim equally implied that Akpabio who was Senate Minority Leader in the 8th Assembly must have benefited from such projects immensely. Akpabio, who remained adamant on the issue said he could not lay his hands on specific facts at the hearing. | NDDC, National Assembly | https://guardian.ng/news/nddc-probe-takes-dramatic-turn/ | 9 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 20, 2020 | Oshiomhole Apologises for Backing Obaseki, Vows to Return Edo to APC | A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has apologised to the people of Edo State for supporting Governor Godwin Obaseki to emerge as the state governor in 2016. He, however, stayted that his mission for now would be to ensure the governor’s defeat in the governorship election scheduled for September 19. But in a swift response, Obaseki stated that he had no regrets for not being a stooge of Oshiomhole. Both politicians had fallen apart shortly after Obaseki became governor in 2016. The quarrel persisted until last month when the governor was disqualified from contesting the APC governorship primary, forcing him to switch to the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he picked up the ticket to run on September 19. Oshiomhole, addressing a crowd that gathered to welcome him at his Iyamho country home, stated thus: “I have made a mistake by supporting a man who has no vision for my people. So, I want to correct my mistakes by making sure a servant of God, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is elected as governor and kick the snake out of the government house. From now till September 19, I am here in Edo State because as a political lion that I am, I am not scared of anything.” | Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo State governorship election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/20/oshiomhole-apologises-for-backing-obaseki-vows-to-return-edo-to-apc/ | 8 |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, July 20, 2020 | National Assembly Service Commission Replaces Clerk, Sani-Omolori, Others | The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has appointed a new clerk in acting capacity, Olatunde Ojo, for the National Assembly, replacing Mohammed Sani-Omolori. Others appointments were Bala Mohammed as Acting Deputy Clerk, National Assembly; Dauda el-Ladan as Acting Clerk, Senate; Patrick Giwa to remain Clerk, House of Representatives, pending his retirement in November 2020; Yusuf Danbatta, Acting Secretary to NASC. Chairman of the NASC, Ahmed Amshi, made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday, July 17. According to the statement, “The National Assembly Service Commission, at an emergency meeting held on Friday, July 17, 2020, has approved the appointments of some senior management staff for the service. All appointments are with immediate effect.” The NASC had on Thursday, May 16, queried Sani-Omolori for insubordination. Sani-Omolori, who was asked to reply to the query within 24 hours, had acknowledged its receipt and stated he would respond to it accordingly. this had triggered a round of crisis over the retirement of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori and about 150 senior management staff members of the parliament. | National Assembly Service Commission, Sani-Omolori | https://punchng.com/national-assembly-commission-replaces-clerk-sani-omolori-others/ | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 20, 2020 | APC is Holding Illegal Primary, Says Ondo Factional Chairman | The factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, Mr. Henry Olatuja, has alleged that the party’s primary taking place today in the State is illegal. Olatuja, who spoke with journalists in Akure, stated that the party did not conform with the provisions of its constitution before the indirect mode of primary was imposed on aspirants. The factional chairman alleged that the primary was being stage-managed to favour the incumbent Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. According to Olatuja, the congresses that produced the list of delegates that would be used for the primary was fraudulent and was already being challenged before the Federal High Court in Akure. He further stated that the court had fixed July 22, 2020, as the next adjourned date for hearing of the suit while the primary was fixed for Monday, July 20. Olatuja alleged that the names of delegates were fraudulently produced by Ade Adetimehin, who is also a factional chairman of the party. He stated that with the suit, none of the executives was competent to produce the list of delegates for the primary, which the other faction had done. Olatuja added that it was most disappointing that even the controversial delegates' list was not made available to aspirants even at less than 36 hours to the primary. He stated that, “There is no way a fair and credible primary can be conducted under the present process. The issue of delegates' list was the major reason that 11 out of 12 aspirants contended that the primary should be held through direct mode before indirect mode was imposed on them. The 11 aspirants would not boycott the primary, but we shall continue to pursue the suit in court to a logical conclusion.” | APC, Primaries | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/20/apc-is-holding-illegal-primary-says-ondo-factional-chairman/ | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 20, 2020 | APC Primary: Four Aspirants Step Down for Akeredolu | Four out of 12 aspirants that were cleared to contest the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for Monday, July 20, have stepped down for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The aspirants are Mr Ife Oyedele, Mr Olusegun Abraham, Dr Nathaniel Adojutelegan and Mr Jimmy Odinmayo. They all stated that they have stepped down in the interest of the State and in a bid to move the party forward. | Ondo State Governorship Election, APC, Primaries | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/20/apc-primary-four-aspirants-step-down-for-akeredolu/ | 8 |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, July 20, 2020 | APC Ondo Primary: I Have Lost Confidence In Process —Kekemeke | A few hours to the Ondo State Governorship Primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the aspirants, Isaac Kekemeke stated that he has totally lost confidence in the process that led to an indirect primary selection mode to produce the candidate of the party ahead of October 10 governorship poll. Kekemeke made this known in an interview on a TVC television program on Monday, July 20 in Akure. He stated that the primary committee led by the Kogi State Governor Yayaha Bello was not fair to many of the governorship aspirants. | Ondo State Governorship Election, APC, Primaries | https://punchng.com/apc-primary-ive-lost-confidence-in-process-kekemeke/ | 8 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 16, 2020 | PDP Campaign Council Meets, Reviews Strategies on Edo Election | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Campaign Council for the Edo State governorship election has announced that the party is confident of victory for its candidate and incumbent State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. A public statement that was issued by the campaign council stated that the Edo electorate is desirous to consolidate their democratic gains by voting massively for Obaseki. The inaugural meeting of the council was held behind closed doors in Port Harcourt and was presided by the Chairman of the National Campaign Council, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. Other attendees of the meeting include the Governors of Adamawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Seyi Mankinde and other members of the campaign council as well as all the chairmen and secretaries of all the sub-committees for the election. Fintiri, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the campaign council, stated that they would leave no stone unturned in working with Edo people to deepen democracy. | Edo State governorship election, PDP, APC, Campaign Council | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/16/pdp-campaign-council-meets-reviews-strategies-on-edo-election/ | 7 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 16, 2020 | Conduct Credible Poll in Edo, Civil Society Tasks INEC | Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the September 19, governorship election in Edo State. The Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stated that INEC must ensure that the conduct of the election is free and fair. He added that, “In my opinion, INEC should not give room for people to accuse it of complacency and should ensure the election is conducted without bias.” Also, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stated that he believes INEC has to be more decisive to ensure political actors do not continue with the sinister agenda of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. According to Dr. Zikirullahi, “INEC’s warning, which it handed down a few weeks ago, that it will not declare results where elections are disrupted, is a good first step. Beyond that, however, the commission must have the resolve to let electoral criminals know that it will no longer condone the violent disruption of the process as seen in the past. Edo is yet another major test which will serve as an indicator of the commission’s readiness to refrain from becoming a stamp for irretrievably flawed elections.” | Edo State governorship election, Civil Society, INEC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/conduct-credible-poll-in-edo-inec-tasked.html | 7 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 16, 2020 | Magu Writes Panel, Demands Copies of Malami, Others’ Petitions | The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on Wednesday, July 15 wrote to the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel investigating a 21-point allegation of corruption and insubordination filed against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, asking for copies of the AGF’s petition and others that might have been filed by other individuals. Magu, who regained his freedom after nine days in detention also called the panel’s attention to what he called “serial falsehood publications in the media in respect of matters which never featured in the proceedings” of the panel, stating that they were prejudicial to the work of the enquirers. The suspended EFCC boss in a 16-point letter signed by his lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, complained that despite his request, he had been denied copies of allegations against him. He, therefore, demanded a copy of the report of the Presidential Audit Committee; a copy of the memo of the AGF to President Muhammadu Buhari; and individual petitions submitted to the panel. | Magu, Presidential Panel | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/16/magu-writes-panel-demands-copies-of-malami-others-petitions/ | 7 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 16, 2020 | NASS Clerk, Commission Disagree Over Retirement Age | The crisis rocking the National Assembly regarding the extension of service of its senior officials took a turn on Wednesday, July 15.The Clerk of the NAtional Assembly, Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) openly disagreed over a notice of retirement issued to all senior staff said to have been due for retirement. The commission rose from a meeting same day to announce immediate retirement of Sani-Omolori and several other senior officials of the Assembly who were said to have attained retirement age. The NASC stated that it relied on the National Assembly Service Act 2014 (as amended) to take its decision.A statement signed by the chairman of the commission, Ahmed Kadi Amshi, read in part: “Pursuant to its mandate as provided in the National Assembly Service Act 2014 (as amended), the National Assembly Service Commission at its 497th meeting held on Wednesday 15th July 2020 has approved the retirement age of its staff as 35 years of service or 60 years of age, whichever comes first. The commission has approved the immediate retirement of staff of the National Assembly Service who have already attained the retirement age of 35 years of service or 60 years of age. Retirement letters would be issued to the affected staff accordingly.” In a counter statement signed by Sani-Omolori, he claimed that the commission had no powers to retire workers in the manner it had done. According to Omolori, the resolution of the 8th National Assembly on the Conditions of Service of Staff has not been rescinded nor abdicated by the National Assembly, who under the National Assembly Service Act 2014, is empowered to review any proposed amendment to the conditions of service by the commission. | National Assembly Service Commission, Sani-Omolori | https://guardian.ng/news/nass-clerk-commission-disagree-over-retirement-age/ | 7 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, July 16, 2020 | Makinde Seeks Assembly’s Approval To Review 2020 Budget Amid COVID-19 | Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday, July 15, sought the approval of the Oyo State House of Assembly for a downward review of the 2020 fiscal budget from N208.8 billion to N169.97 billion amid COVID-19 pandemic. The State government, in the bill titled: “Reviewed Appropriation Bill 2020” and read for the first time during the plenary by Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated that the downward review of the budget was to accommodate the latest financial reality of the nation and the State amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to drastic drop in oil price, national revenue and reduction in federal allocation to States and revenue generation in Oyo State. The proposed reviewed budget has N104,982,971,570 earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N64,992,791,160 is voted for capital expenditure. Also, the Assembly commenced debate on a bill for a law to establish Oyo State Contingency Trust Fund Management and other matters connected. The bill, which was read for the first time in the House, is meant to set up an agency to manage some urgent or unforeseen government expenditure. The Speaker stated that the proposed law was in response to the recent crowd funding and donations made to tackle COVID-19 pandemic in the State. | Oyo State House of Assembly, 2020 Budget Review | https://guardian.ng/news/makinde-seeks-assemblys-nod-to-review-2020-budget-amid-covid-19/ | 7 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 14, 2020 | FG Releases New Guidelines for Reopening Schools | The Federal Government on Monday, July 13, released new guidelines ahead of the planned resumption of schools without fixing a date for students to resume studies. This is coming as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has stated that new research findings have suggested that COVID-19 may indeed be airborne. The guidelines outlined actions, measures and requirements needed for the safe reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the guidelines released by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, the safe distancing measures require that in schools and other learning facilities, learners should be supported to stay two metres apart. The guidelines, signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and Minister of State (Education), Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, were developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Health and health safety experts. Part of the document stated thus: “However, there are exceptions where the two-metre rule cannot be reasonably applied and other risk mitigation strategies may be adopted. Examples include early years, younger primary school children, and those with additional needs. In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind. The scenarios require organising learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance with the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guidelines suggest otherwise.” With the release of the document, the government would conduct a rapid assessment and determine funding requirement for upgrading infrastructure and facilities (such as classrooms, furniture, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-WASH and ICT facilities) to meet and sustain prescribed safe school reopening requirements. | COVID-19, Reopening of Schools, Guidelines | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/14/fg-releases-new-guidelines-for-reopening-of-schools/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 14, 2020 | House, Senate to Harmonise Police Reform Bill | The House of Representatives and Senate are expected to harmonise the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Police Act, Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (to provide a framework for the Police and ensure cooperation and partnership between the Police and host communities in maintaining peace, protecting lives and properties, and related matters). The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who made the announcement at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, July 14, stated that the harmonisation would be done by joint House and Senate Committee on Police Affairs. In June 2020, the House of Representatives passed for the Bill at third reading and the Senate also passed a similar Bill on July 8, hence the need to harmonise the new legislation. The Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Bello Kumo, had at the presentation of a report on the Bill, stated that the committee would rectify issues innherent in the existing Police Act to ensure efficiency, transparency, and adherence to human rights laws, as well as other critical issues noted in the operations of the Nigeria Police. | National Assembly, Police Reform Bill | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/14/house-senate-to-harmonize-police-act-repeal-bill/ | 6 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 14, 2020 | Edo: Mass Defection End of Road for APC, Ize-Iyamu — PDP | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the mass defection of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to its fold ahead of the Edo governorship election is an end-of-the-road signpost for the APC and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. PDP has fielded the State governor, Godwin Obaseki, while the APC has fielded Osagie Ize-Iyamu as their candidates for the election. The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, claimed that it had acknowledged the solidarity of thousands of members of other political parties, that have adopted and expressed support for Obaseki as their choice for the election, stating thus: "Our party has been receiving daily reports of massive surge for PDP membership cards in our State, Local Government and Ward offices, following the soaring popularity of Governor Obaseki and the PDP across the State." Reacting to this, the State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aslem Ojezua, faulted the claim, saying there was no mass defection from APC to PDP in Edo State. According to him, “I am not aware of any mass defection of members of the APC to the PDP. “A lot has happened and there is no mass defection in Edo State.” | Edo State governorship election, PDP, APC | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/edo-mass-defection-end-of-road-for-apc-ize-iyamu-pdp.html | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 14, 2020 | Senate Urges FG to Mandate Security Agencies to Halt Killings in Kaduna | The Senate on Tuesday, July 14 advised the Federal Government to mandate security agencies to halt further killings of residents of Kaduna South Senatorial District. The President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, stated that the National Assembly will engage security agencies in the country with a view to upscaling operations in hotspot areas to avert the killings of residents of Kaduna South Senatorial District. Lawan, gave the assurance while responding to a point of order raised by Senator Danjuma La’ah. | Security, Senate, Kaduna State | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/14/senate-urges-fg-to-mandate-security-agencies-to-halt-killings-in-kaduna/ | 6 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 13, 2020 | Ondo Assembly Returns to Drawing Board Over Deputy Gov’s Removal | The Ondo State House of Assembly has stated that it will return to the drawing board to perfect its plans to remove the State's Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, from office. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon Gbenga Omole, told journalists that the legislature had noted the observations of the Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, who last week declined the Assembly’s request to him to set up a panel to look into allegations of misconduct against Ajayi. Ajayi, however, hailed the decision of Justice Akeredolu, saying it has “rekindled the confidence and hope of the people in the judiciary as a bulwark against tyranny and totalitarianism.” Reacting to Justice Akeredolu’s refusal to set up a probe panel, Omole stated that the lawmakers had noted “some technical errors” in their letter to the Chief Judge and would address the lapses. According to him, the Assembly “would do the needful and dispatch another letter appropriately.” | Ondo State House of Assembly, Impeachment | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/13/ondo-assembly-returns-to-drawing-board-over-deputy-govs-removal/ | 5 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 13, 2020 | APC Hopefuls to Tackle Akeredolu in Governorship Primaries | Despite the secrecy surrounding the outcome of the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) governorship screening exercise for Ondo State, where the screening committee disqualified one out of the 12 aspirants, there is tension around incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. While 11 aspirants on the party’s platform are ready to contest with the governor for the APC ticket, nine other aspirants are mounting pressure on him to serve as replacement for his estranged deputy, Agboola Ajayi. Akeredolu’s deputy, Ajayi, had dramatically defected from APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ostensibly to contest the October 10, 2020 governorship poll. The APC governorship screening committee chairman, Alhaji Tijani Tumsa, while submitting the report of the exercise to the APC National Caretaker Committee, headed by Mai Mali Buni, disclosed that the 12 aspirants were assessed according to their educational qualifications, presentations, party loyalty, community participation, among others. Although Tumsa disclosed that one aspirant was disqualified, he withheld the name of the disqualified aspirant, a development that sparked wild speculations, with some suggesting that the governor did not scale through. Sources claimed that the governor was allegedly disqualified based on his activities during the 2019 general elections. However, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ojo Oyewamide, enjoined the people to discard the fake rumour, affirming that the governor would participate in the July 20 APC primary election. | Ondo State governorship Election, APC, Primaries | https://guardian.ng/politics/apc-hopefuls-tackle-akeredolu-as-nine-eye-ajayis-seat/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 13, 2020 | National Assembly To Get Revised PIB in Two Weeks -Sylva | Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has stated that his ministry will within two weeks, transmit the revised Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the National Assembly for passage into law. Sylva, in an interview on Arise News Channel, noted that 2020 remains “the year of gas” and with the expected passage of the PIB, the industry would attract more investment. He stated thus: “It (the PIB) has not been watered down. I don’t know who has seen the bill. It is still in draft. It has gone through several modifications. It tells you that when we are able to pass the bill, it won’t change for a long time because it has taken us about 20 years to get to where we are. It’s now ready to go to the National Assembly. Everything has been done in the national interest and in the interest of Nigeria and we are hoping that in the next two weeks, we will be ready to go to the National Assembly." | PIB, Timipre Sylva | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/13/nassembly-gets-revised-pib-in-two-weeks-says-sylva/ | 5 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 13, 2020 | APC Govs, Party Leaders Meet over Edo Election Tomorrow | All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and top leaders of the party will meet with the Edo State governorship candidate, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in Abuja on Tuesday, July 14, to review preparations for the September 19 election and fine-tune strategies on how to win the poll. However, the internal wrangling within the party has continued unabated as one of its chieftains, Mr. Kalu Agu, has instituted a court action challenging the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. However, in a swift reaction, the party stated that members seeking a solution to their grievances in the courts should embrace the dispute resolution mechanism of the party. It also slammed some governorship aspirants in Ondo State protesting the mode of primary to be adopted by the party to conduct the July 20 primary, stating that aspirants cannot impose the mode of primary on the party. The meeting of the APC leaders, according to insiders, is at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was said to have directed them to ensure that the party wins the September governorship election in Edo State by deploring all their resources in mobilising the electorate for the party’s candidate. | APC, Edo State governorship election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/13/apc-govs-party-leaders-meet-over-edo-election-tomorrow/ | 5 |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, July 13, 2020 | Akpabio, Nunieh In Verbal War Over NDDC | The immediate past acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Joi Nunieh, has denied that the agency spent N22.6 billion under her stewardship, just as she alleged that Niger Delta Affair Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, asked her to do his bidding or be removed from office. Nunieh disclosed this while speaking to journalists after the final session of the Senate ad hoc committee investigating alleged financial recklessness and misappropriation of N40 billion by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of NDDC, between October 2019 and May 2020. She stated that no payment was made by NDDC under her watch without the knowledge of Akpabio. However, Akpabio denied the allegation, insisting that Nunieh was removed from office because of insubordination and also because she lacked the requisite qualification to occupy the office, as she had no National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. According to Akpabio, “My ministry (Niger Delta Affairs) that was supervising her commission (NDDC) sent her several letters. But she never replied any and she said she was bigger than the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs," clarifying that she was not removed because of corruption, “In response, she forwarded several letters, including a letter from the Nigerian Law School and an affidavit, which you can see do not add up.” Meanwhile, Nunieh told the Senate committee that only N8 billion was expended by the agency for the period in view, when she held sway, contrary to the figure being bandied around. Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi stated that based on the record supplied to the panel by the IMC, the agency had so far spent N81.5 billion. | NDDC, Joy Nunie, Godswill Akpabio | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/akpabio-nunieh-in-verbal-war-over-nddc/ | 5 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 13, 2020 | Nigeria Doctors Launch Latest Strike Amid Pandemic | Doctors in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos began a three-day warning strike on Monday, July 13 over welfare and inadequate protective kits. The industrial action is the latest in a string of stoppages by medics to hit Africa’s most populous nation as it struggles to halt rising infections. Doctors under the auspices of the Medical Guild Association said they called the strike after the Lagos State government failed to meet demands for additional pay and better protection. According to the leader of the group, Oluwajimi Sodipo said in a statement, “The issue of COVID-19 hazard allowances and inducement allowances approved by the Federal Government for doctors has not been approved by Lagos government to her doctors.” He added that the strike would not include members of the association working in coronavirus isolation wards, despite a backlog in their wages. Sodipo states that, “Doctors working in COVID-19 isolation centres are still being owed two months' salaries which have remained unpaid at the moment. Our members are putting themselves on the line daily to provide care, and we need to do everything to protect our colleagues." The statement urged government to provide enough personal protective equipment, prompt testing of health workers and insurance. | Nigerian Doctors, Strike | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-doctors-launch-latest-strike-amid-pandemic/ | 5 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 9, 2020 | No Conspiracy Against Electoral Act Amendment – Senate | The Senate has given assurances of the timely passage of the Electoral Act Amendment bills currently undergoing legislative action. It also denied that there was a conspiracy to stop the legislature from amending the Electoral Act. The Senate Committee Chairman on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano), stated this on Wednesday, July 8 during the confirmation hearing of INEC Commissioner nominee from Osun State, Dr. Adeniran Rahmo. Gaya stated that, “We are all committed to seeing this Act completed within the next few months. As soon as we come back from vacation, the Electoral Act will be laid on the floor of the Senate. I don’t believe there is any conspiracy to stop it (bill’s passage). We are all committed, we are fully in it." He added that electronic voting is also part of the issues for cinsideration and that the bills will be passed and sent to to the President as soon as possible. According to him, “We are making effort and we are assuring Nigerians that a few months from now, we will get the Electoral Act ready.” | Electoral Act Amendment, Nigerian Senate | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/no-conspiracy-against-electoral-act-amendment-senate.html | 4 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 9, 2020 | Ondo Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Ondo Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Suspended over Deputy Governor’s Removal | The Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 8 pressed ahead with the bid to remove the Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, despite opposition from nine of the members. The immediate casualties of the process are the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ogundeji Iroju of Odigbo Constituency 1, and two others: Hon. Adewale Williams of Ondo West Constituency II and Hon. Semilore Tomomewo of Ilaje II Constituency, who were suspended. The Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Sulaiman Maito, however, resigned his position. The suspension of the three lawmakers was contained in the resolution of the House signed by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Oladiji Adesanmi, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan. Ajayi, however, wrote an open letter to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu, on JUly 8, stating that she should not compromise the integrity of her office in the move by the legislature to sack him.The suspended legislators were part of the nine lawmakers that signed a letter dissociating themselves from the move to remove the deputy governor for alleged gross misconduct. They were alleged to have engaged in conduct contrary to the code of conduct of the Assembly. The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, stated that the suspended members violated standing rules of the legislature that could put it into disrepute. Oleyelogun noted that legislative business would henceforth be taken serious and asked the suspended members to submit all necessary documents in their possession and stay away from the Assembly’s complex. | Ondo State House of Assembly, Suspension | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/09/ondo-assemblys-deputy-speaker-suspended-over-deputy-govs-removal/ | 4 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 9, 2020 | Edo 2020: ADP Rallies Support for its Candidate | Contrary to reports that the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has collapsed its structure into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, the party insisted that it is behind its governorship candidate, Ibio Emmanuel. The National Chairman of ADP, Mr. Yabagi Sani, stated this on Wednesday, July 8 at a press briefing at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, in response to media claims that the party in Edo State has merged with the PDP in the state for the purpose of the forthcoming governorship election. | Edo State governorship election, ADP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/09/edo-2020-adp-rallies-support-for-its-candidate/ | 4 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 9, 2020 | Governors Resolve to Consolidate Governors Resolve to Consolidate Measures for Gradual Opening of Economy | At the end of their 13th virtual conference on Wednesday, July 8, Nigerian governors endorsed the work of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa’s Committee to consolidate measures to gradually open the formal and informal sectors of the economy. This was one of the highpoints of the meeting as contained in the communique signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi. According to the communique, the governors also agreed to “Endorse the work of the Kaduna State El-Rufai Committee and resolved to engage with the Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to facilitate States’ representation in the implementation committee of the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan. The governors stated that given the rise in the community spread of coronavirus cases with mild or no symptom, State governments are encouraged to ramp up testing to curb the spread of the virus especially among those with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. | COVID-19, Economy | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/09/govs-resolve-to-consolidate-measures-for-gradual-opening-of-economy/ | 4 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 9, 2020 | Nigeria Develops, Launches COVID-19 Test Kit | The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Thursday, July 9 launched a diagnostic kit, RNASwift, for the identification of coronavirus causal agent. The new diagnostic kit was designed, developed and validated by Nigerian scientists. It holds huge potentials for the country’s plan at scaling up testing for COVID-19, according to the acting Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof Alex Akpa, whose agency produced the kit. “The diagnostic kit is a product of cutting-edge biotechnology, which involves the exploitation of molecular biology to design, develop and validate a cost-effective but yet very top-of-the-range kit for COVID-19 testing.” | COVID-19, Test Kit | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-nigeria-develop-lunches-covid-19-test-kit.html | 4 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | Ondo Lawmakers Begin Process of Deputy Governor Removal | Fourteen lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have moved for the removal of the State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi. However, nine others voted against the move. The impeachment notice, signed by the 14 lawmakers, was addressed to the speaker of the assembly on Tuesday. Ajayi was accused of gross misconduct amongst six other alleged misconducts. He resigned from the the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, last week and defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party but insisted on remaining in office. | Ondo State House of Assembly, Agboola Ajayi, Impeachment | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-ondo-lawmakers-begin-process-of-deputy-governor-removal.html | 3 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | 11 Ondo APC Governorship Aspirants Want Direct Primary | Dr. Nathaniel Adojutelegan, one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has claimed that 11 out of 12 aspirants for the party’s ticket for the election have expressed preference for direct mode of primary election. Dr. Adojutelegan, who stated this on Saturday, July 4 in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists, explained that direct primary, which allows every card carrying member to participate in the decision to choose a governorship candidate, would unify party members. While calling on the national leadership of the party to adopt direct mode of primary election for the exercise in Ondo State, he added that the method would guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants and avoid exclusion and disenfranchisement of members of the party. | Ondo State Governorship Election, APC, Primaries | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/11-ondo-apc-governorship-aspirants-want-direct-primary.html | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | Presidential Panel Investigates Magu | The hunter turned the hunted on Monday, July 6 as security operatives intercepted the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, and took him to the Presidential Villa, Abuja for interrogation by a presidential panel investigating sundry allegations of wrongdoing against him. The embattled EFCC boss was said to have arrived at the State House about 1:40 p.m., where he was ushered into the wing, accompanied by one of EFCC’s lawyers, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs. There were initial reports that Magu was arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) but in a statement, the agency refuted the report. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, had detailed alleged cases of malfeasance against Magu, and sought his dismissal for alleged corruption and insubordination. The AGF anchored his recommendation on several grounds, ranging from diversion of recovered loot to insubordination and misconduct by Magu. | EFCC, Ibrahim Magu | 3 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | COVID-19: FG Worry Over Rising Cases Among VIPs | The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the increasing incidence of COVID-19, especially among very important persons (VIPs). The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, expressed the concern in Abuja on Monday, July 6 at the briefing of the PTF. COVID-19 has claimed some prominent Nigerians, including the former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, a former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi. The incumbent governors of Kaduna, Bauchi, Oyo, Ondo and Abia States were among the VIPs who recovered from the virus. The SGF stated that the rising cases among VIPs had a direct impact on governance and the nation’s security. He stated thus: “We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians irrespective of status. This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitization messaging." He stated that as nation progressed into the second phase of the eased lockdown, the national response continued to escalate its level of vigilance and monitoring, especially as the government eased restrictions in more sectors, including those with potentials for large gatherings and/or interactions between groups of people. | COVID-19 | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/covid-19-fg-worry-over-rising-cases-among-vips.html | 3 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 6, 2020 | PDP Committee Clears Ajayi, Six Others for Guber Poll | The committee set up to screen governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming election in Ondo State, has cleared seven aspirants, including the State’s Deputy Governor, who recently defected to the PDP from APC, out of the nine aspirants in the race for the party’s ticket. The PDP screening committee, headed by a former House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, cleared the aspirants over the weekend. Other aspirants that will participate in the party’s primary are Chief Eddy Olafeso, Chief Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, (SAN), Mr. Okunomo Benjamin, Dr. Bode Ayorinde and Senator Kunlere Boluwaje. The disqualified aspirants as Chief Bamidele Akingboye and Mr. Goddey Erewa. Akingboye was reportedly disqualified over issues relating to his certificates, while Erewa was disqualified on the ground that he did not register as a voter in Ondo State. It was also learnt that both aspirants have rejected their disqualification and are ready to go on appeal. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has, however, constituted an appeal committee to consider appeals from the disqualified aspirants. | Ondo State governorship election, PDP | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/06/pdp-committee-clears-ajayi-six-others-for-guber-poll/ | 2 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, July 6, 2020 | Ondo SSG Resigns from Akeredolu’s Govt | After weeks of speculations, the Secretary to Ondo State Government (SSG), Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, has resigned from the government of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. In the past few weeks, Abegunde was rumoured to be working with the State's Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi on how to realise his governorship ambition on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The SSG who personally confirmed his resignation, stated that his next line of action politically would be communicated shortly. | Ondo State, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/06/ondo-ssg-resigns-from-akeredolus-govt/ | 2 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 6, 2020 | My 21-day Ultimatum to Take Over Is Constitutional, Ondo Deputy Governor Insists | Ondo State Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has stated that his 21-day ultimatum claim to take over from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as acting governor is backed by the Nigerian Constitution. Media Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Allen Sowore, in a statement made to journalists in Akure on Sunday, June 5, stated that the request was constitutional and not personal. Sowore, however, accused a section of the media and some mischief-makers of deliberately twisting the import and intentions of the 21-day ultimatum. Part of the statemnet read thus: “I made reference to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria in relation to the conditions which can trigger the constitutional clause on automatic transfer of power to a deputy governor when the governor is temporarily incapacitated in relation to the prevailing circumstances in Ondo State." According to Sowore, his reference was to an extant provision on a purely constitutional matter, stressing that the deputy governor was not desperate to get power. | Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi | https://guardian.ng/politics/my-21-day-ultimatum-to-take-over-is-constitutional-ondo-deputy-governor-insists/ | 2 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 6, 2020 | Akwa Ibom Approves Tax Holiday for Civil Servants Over COVID-19 | As part of measures to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, the Akwa Ibom State government has approved a tax holiday for tax-payers in the State and directed the Ministry of Finance to work out modalities for its immediate implementation. The waiver was part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Government House in Uyo. Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh, stated that the decision was in line with the World Bank requirements for giving grants and support to State governments, as well as a decision taken at the Governors' Forum for grants to cushion the effect of the pandemic on States. | Akwa Ibom Government, Tax Holiday | https://guardian.ng/news/akwa-ibom-approves-tax-holiday-for-civil-servants-over-covid-19/ | 2 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 6, 2020 | WHO Warns of Increasing COVID-19 Cases as African Nations Re-open Gateways | The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Sunday, June 5, warned of an impending surge in COVID-19 infections, as African nations reopen their land and air borders. The global agency, in a statement after a virtual press conference held alongside the World Economic Forum, stated that it was important for governments to be proactive in mitigating the risks posed by the resumption of commercial flights. The panelists at the gathering included WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid; and Regional Director, Western and Central African Office, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Prosper Zo’o Minto’o. | WHO, COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/who-warns-of-increasing-covid-19-cases-as-african-nations-reopen-gateways/ | 2 |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, July 6, 2020 | INEC Receives Non-Sensitive Materials For Edo Guber | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has received non-sensitive materials for the September 19 governorship election in the State. The Commission promised to use the 2019 general election voters' register for the election, which has 2,210,334 registered voters, out of which 483,868 PVCs are uncollected. It added that due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, there would be no distribution of unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The Public Affairs Officer of INEC in Edo State, Mrs. Tina Obamogie, who disclosed this in Benin City, also stated that the non-sensitive materials had been distributed to the 18 Local Government Areas in the State ahead of the election. According to her, 14 political parties will be participating in the election and the Commission has displayed the credentials of the governorship candidates that will contest in the September 19 election. | Edo State governorship election, INEC | https://guardian.ng/news/inec-receives-non-sensitive-materials-for-edo-guber/ | 2 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 2, 2020 | PDP Governors to Obaseki: We will Help You Actualise Your Second Term | Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have assured Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State that they would do everything democratically possible to help him achieve his second term ambition. Governor Obaseki recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and pitched tent with the PDP after he was denied the APC governorship ticket. He was granted a waiver by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and consequently emerged candidate of the party for the September 19, 2020, governorship election in the State. The governors, through the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, assured that the Edo governor would perform better in his second term, stating thus: “We wish to use this opportunity to convey the solidarity of all your colleagues in the forum and to assure you of their support in the forthcoming election in Edo State. We ask you to continue to work and embrace all the people of Edo State, particularly the downtrodden and the vulnerable. | PDP, Godwin Obaseki | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/pdp-governors-to-obaseki-we-will-help-you-actualise-your-second-term.html | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 2, 2020 | Federal Legislators Seek Suspension of 774,000 Jobs Project | Following a face-off between a joint committee of the National Assembly and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, angry federal legislators on Wednesday, July 1 passed a resolution suspending the implementation of the recruitment of 774,000 public works personnel, being supervised by the minister. The modalities for the recruitment of beneficiaries of the programme had caused a rift between the two parties at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, June 30. According to the National Assembly, the executive arm of government does not have an exclusive right over the recruitment programme for which N52 billion had been voted in the 2020 revised budget. The lawmakers challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to go to court if he feels that the National Assembly is encroaching on his powers. This came as President Buhari warned political appointees and other government officials against using their positions to bestow undue advantage on anyone seeking government jobs and other favours. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who spoke to journalists on behalf of the two chambers of the National Assembly after an executive session of the Senate, also advised the presidency to approach the court if it feels its powers are being encroached upon by the legislature. | National Assembly, Job Project | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/02/angry-federal-legislators-seek-suspension-of-774000-jobs-project/ | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 2, 2020 | Domestic Flights to Resume on July 8 | The Federal Government on Wednesday, July 1 in Abuja disclosed that domestic flights, which were suspended in Nigeria since March 2020 will finally resume on July 8, 2020. The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who announced this, also disclosed that flight operations will commence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Sirika in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu, stated that Port Harcourt, Owerri, Kano and Maiduguri airports will reopen for flight operations on July 11, while other airports across the country will join on July 15. According to him, “Passengers looking to travel out of the country will have to wait a bit longer as the dates for the restart of international flights into and out of the country will be announced later.” Sirika thanked stakeholders in the aviation industry and the Nigerian public who have had to cope with the adverse effects of the flight suspension, for their perseverance and cooperation in ensuring a successful return of operations at the nation’s airports. He stated thus: “Passengers are highly advised to follow all the safety guidelines and protocols put in place to ensure that the airports do not become channels of infection for the dreaded coronavirus.” He assured that government will do all within its powers to ensure a rapid recovery of the aviation industry. | Domestic Flights, Hadi Sirika | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/02/domestic-flights-to-resume-on-july-8/ | 1 |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, July 2, 2020 | Reps Probe Buhari’s School Feeding Programme | The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday, July 1 directed the Statistician-General of the Federation and the National Bureau of Statistics to provide data and shed more light on the National School Feeding Programme. The committee alleged that the data being used in the school feeding programme since inception was unverifiable. It asked the NBS to provide the head count of pupils and other beneficiaries of the National Food Programme, the precursor to the school feeding programme. It demanded a proper pre-qualification of all the food vendors for the school feeding programme in accordance with the Public Procurement Act to safeguard the lives of the pupils and other citizens. The committee Chairman, Wole Oke, commended President Buhari for introducing the programme, but stated that it was being reviewed by the legislature to prevent mismanagement. The Statistician-General, Yemi Kale, stated that his office would do the headcount as requested and provide the list of public and private school pupils who benefited from the feeding programme. | House of Representatives, Statistician-General, School Feeding Programme | https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/reps-probe-buharis-school-feeding-programme.html | 1 |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, July 2, 2020 | Buratai Rules out Dialogue with Bandits in North-West | Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, July 1, foreclosed dialogue with bandits, describing it as an unacceptable military option for tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other heinous crimes currently bedeviling the North-West zone of Nigeria. He also denied claims by some residents of the North-West that Nigerien forces were coming into the Nigerian territory to fight bandits. Buratai spoke at a press conference at the Special Army Super Camp IV in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State as part of the week-long activities in commemoration of the 2020 Army Day celebration. He explained that the mission of the Nigerian Army at this trying time is to fight bandits, insurgents, and other hoodlums launching deadly onslaughts on innocent citizens. He added that anything short of that would be prolonging insecurity. He added that: “We are determined to deal with them (bandits) in the bush, even in towns and cities. They are moving everywhere and we will deal with them based on our capability, which we have developed with other security agencies.” The army chief also denied insinuations making the rounds by some residents of Katsina State, that Nigerian soldiers were not doing enough to tackle insecurity in the State. | Insecurity, Tukur Buratai | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/02/buratai-rules-out-dialogue-with-bandits-in-north-west/ | 1 |