Ex-Presidential Candidate Calls Tinubu a “Civilian Dictator” Over Economic Policies

Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, a former presidential candidate of the African Renaissance Party, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, calling them “thoughtless” and detrimental to Nigeria’s economic stability. In an interview with PUNCH, Ndu claimed that these policies are pushing many Nigerians into extreme poverty.

He described Tinubu’s governance as a “civilian dictatorship,” expressing profound discontent with the current administration’s approach. Ndu emphasized the importance of mass participation in democracy, asserting that it should involve active citizen engagement beyond mere electoral processes.

Highlighting a disconnect between the government and citizens, Ndu noted that the combined votes of Tinubu and other major candidates in the recent elections represented less than 20% of Nigeria’s population. He argued that the current leadership cannot claim to be new to the issues at hand, as many top officials have been part of the government since 2015.

Ndu criticized the decision to remove fuel subsidies, labeling it the worst choice of Tinubu’s presidency. He stated that the abrupt elimination of subsidies, conducted without a cabinet, reflects dictatorial governance. He suggested that instead of dismantling illegal refineries, the government should have regulated them to produce affordable fuel, comparing Nigeria’s fuel prices unfavorably with Libya’s, where petrol is sold for significantly less.

Ndu concluded by stressing the need for collective problem-solving, urging for contributions from various sectors to create a comprehensive plan for Nigeria’s advancement. He believes that only through unity and collaboration can the country address its pressing challenges.

Court Orders Investigation into Suspended Jigawa Commissioner Amid Affair Allegations

A Kano State Upper Shari’a Court has ordered an investigation into Danladi Sankara, the suspended Jigawa State commissioner, following allegations of an affair with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu. The court’s directive to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone One, came after a complaint was lodged by Tasleem’s husband, who expressed concerns over the alleged relationship.

The controversy escalated last Thursday when the Kano State Hisbah Board apprehended Sankara at an uncompleted building he owns in Nassarawa GRA, Kano. Although he was granted bail with conditions to attend reconciliatory meetings, Sankara’s failure to appear on Monday led to further legal repercussions.

Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, Commander General of the Hisbah Board, voiced disappointment over Sankara’s absence, suggesting it hindered potential reconciliation based on Islamic principles. He emphasized, “Islam encourages reconciliation; however, it seems he is not interested, prompting us to take legal action.”

During court proceedings, the complainant’s lawyer, Haruna Magashi, presented what he described as substantial evidence, including videos, pictures, and financial transactions, supporting the allegations against Sankara and Tasleem. In contrast, Tasleem’s attorney, Rabi’u Shuaibu Abdullahi, argued that the allegations were fabricated to harm her reputation amidst an ongoing troubled separation from her husband.

Sankara’s lawyer, Aliyu Usman Hajji, dismissed the claims as politically motivated, asserting that social media had negatively affected Sankara’s public image and career. Judge Ibrahim Sarki Yola instructed the AIG to conduct a thorough investigation while ensuring no harassment or arrests occur during the process.

Cabinet Reshuffle Looms as Tinubu Plans Valedictory Meeting for Outgoing Ministers

Speculation surrounding a potential cabinet reshuffle intensifies as President Bola Tinubu prepares to hold a valedictory meeting for outgoing ministers during the upcoming Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Sources indicate that the meeting could take place on Wednesday, following recent closed-door discussions at the Presidential Villa.

President Tinubu met with Hadiza Bala-Usman, his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to finalize an assessment of ministerial performances. This evaluation is a crucial step in determining which ministers will remain in the cabinet and which will be dismissed, aligning with the administration’s objectives.

The anticipated reshuffle was initially expected to be announced during the Independence Day address on October 1 but was postponed as the President took a two-week working leave abroad. Upon his return over the weekend, concerns grew among ministers regarding their future roles in the cabinet.

Sources close to the presidency revealed that a comprehensive performance review had been conducted prior to the President’s trip to the United Kingdom, aimed at identifying ministers’ contributions and effectiveness. The presence of Zacchaeus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Minister of Works Dave Umahi during discussions at Aso Rock further fueled speculation about imminent changes.

A presidential source confirmed that the FEC meeting on Wednesday might serve as a farewell gathering for some ministers, unless the President opts to postpone the reshuffle announcement. As anticipation builds, political watchers and stakeholders are keenly awaiting the President’s decisions, which could significantly reshape the current cabinet.

PDP Governors’ Forum Denies Bala Mohammed’s Involvement in NEC Lawsuit

Meta Description: The PDP Governors’ Forum has clarified that Governor Bala Mohammed is not involved in any lawsuit concerning the National Executive Committee of the PDP, dismissing rumors as baseless.

Focus Keyphrase: PDP Governors Bala Mohammed Lawsuit

Slug: pdp-governors-bala-mohammed-lawsuit

Tag: PDP, Bala Mohammed, Nigerian Politics, NEC Lawsuit

News (300 words):

The PDP Governors’ Forum has officially refuted claims linking Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to a lawsuit regarding the convening of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC). In a statement released on Tuesday, the forum clarified that Governor Mohammed, who chairs the forum, has not filed any legal action pertaining to the NEC’s decisions on acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum.

This clarification follows reports suggesting that Imam Awal, a PDP member believed to be aligned with Governor Mohammed, was involved in a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State. The suit seeks to challenge Damagum’s actions and questions the NEC’s constitutional compliance concerning the appointment of a substantive National Chairman from the North-Central zone, following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu.

The PDP Governors’ Forum, in its statement signed by the Director General, emphasized that allegations against Governor Mohammed are unfounded. The forum urged party supporters and the public to disregard insinuations linking the Bauchi Governor to these legal proceedings.

The statement reads: “This is to emphatically state that the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State does not in any way, either by proxy or himself, have anything to do with the said suit. The publication is dubious, malicious, and intended to smear the character of Governor Bala Mohammed.”

The forum’s response aims to dispel the ongoing rumors and reaffirm its commitment to party unity amid internal challenges.

Bobrisky Detained Overnight in FCID Female Cell After Arrest

Controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, spent a night in a female cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos State, following his arrest by immigration officials. A source close to the police facility confirmed that Okuneye was detained due to his high-profile lifestyle and the absence of other female detainees at the time of his arrest.

According to the source, Bobrisky arrived at the FCID around 10 p.m. on Monday after being apprehended by immigration officers at the Seme border. The source explained that given the sensitive nature of his case, it was crucial to ensure his safety while in custody. “Everybody is conscious of the fact that Bobrisky could be gay, and nobody wants to be part of a scandal. They placed him in a cell alone near the female section, as there were no other female inmates available,” the source stated.

Mayegun Aminat, the spokesperson for the FCID in Lagos, confirmed Okuneye’s detention, stating, “He is with us, and we are to get a remand to keep him in custody today.”

Further instructions regarding Okuneye’s case are pending, as he was taken into custody for safekeeping following his attempt to leave Nigeria through the Seme border. Sources indicate that he may have been trying to escape from authorities, suggesting he was aware that security agencies were looking for him. “He seemed to know he was on the radar, which is why he attempted to exit through the Seme border,” the source added.

PDP Postpones NEC Meeting to November 28 to Focus on Ondo Governorship Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for October 24, to November 28, 2024. This decision was reached after a four-hour meeting of party stakeholders, including governors and other key members, at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed announced that the postponement aims to allow the party to concentrate on the Ondo State governorship election on November 16. He emphasized the importance of party unity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo and urged members to avoid divisive rhetoric.

The meeting was attended by the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Assembly leadership, among others. There is also ongoing debate within the party regarding the tenure of acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum, with some members advocating for his resignation after the Ondo election.

#EndBadGovernance Protesters Accuse DSS of Intimidation Despite Court Ruling

Protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement have accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of continued harassment, despite a Federal High Court ruling in Kaduna ordering their release. Activists revealed that after their release, the DSS summoned them to sign agreements restricting their movement and prohibiting public discussion of their detention experience.

The protesters, who were arrested during nationwide protests against corruption and insecurity, were discharged of all charges on October 17, 2024. However, they claim the DSS continues to pressure them, limiting their freedoms. Some activists have reported ongoing health issues and trauma following their detention.

The DSS had reportedly detained 39 individuals during the protests, releasing them gradually over 75 days.

PDP Governors Deny Involvement in Lawsuit to Force NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has strongly denied reports claiming its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, or his associates filed a lawsuit in Gusau, Zamfara State, to compel the party to hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as scheduled.

In a statement issued by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP-GF, the forum refuted the allegations, branding the report as “false and malicious.” The statement emphasized that neither the Bauchi Governor nor any proxy acting on his behalf was connected to the lawsuit.

The PDP-GF urged the public to disregard the claims, which were described as an attempt to tarnish Governor Mohammed’s image. The forum also reiterated its call for party members to withdraw ongoing court cases to promote internal reconciliation.

This comes as a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ruled that PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, cannot be removed from office until December 2025, following a separate case brought by party members in Yobe State.

Matawalle Briefs Tinubu on Military Successes in Sokoto During Operational Tour

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has updated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the results of his recent operational tour in Sokoto State. During the briefing, Matawalle commended the Nigerian Military for its professionalism and success in addressing insecurity in the region, crediting the Armed Forces for their critical role in maintaining national security.

Matawalle praised President Tinubu’s commitment to providing resources to bolster military efforts and highlighted key achievements, including the elimination of notorious bandit leaders like Halilu Buzu Sububu. He also urged local communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.

President Tinubu expressed his satisfaction with the military’s progress and their dedication to combating insecurity in the North-West.

Benue PDP Holds Expanded Caucus Meeting

By Michael Inyaregh

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Benue State chapter held her stakeholders’ meeting on sunday, at the party’s state secretariat, located at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, New GRA, Makurdi.

The meeting was well-attended by party members from all three senatorial districts of the state.

The newly inaugurated members of the State Working Committee were introduced to the party leader, Senator Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, who welcomed them with enthusiasm.

State Chairman Hon. Christian Adaba Abah, speaking on behalf of the party’s leadership, assured members of his total commitment to the development, growth and unity of the party. He emphasized that the party is ready to accommodate all members but will not tolerate saboteurs working for other parties for personal gains. He urged transactional members to be cautious, stating that the party is watching their actions.

In his keynote address, Senator Suswam acknowledged the efforts of Senator Orker Jev, Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, David Mark, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, Chile Igbawua, and others at both the state and national levels. He expressed concern over the complicity of Damagun, his secretary, and the national organizing secretary, which he believes are a threat to the party’s stability.

Senator Suswam instilled hope in party members, asserting that the sham created by Ortom in the acclaimed congresses would not stand. He noted that during the last BOT meeting, Damagun insisted on retaining his position despite the call for his resignation by the majority. Suswam pointed out that the PDP governors also believe Damagun should step down. He questioned how the opinions of four individuals could outweigh those of nine, affirming that the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 must hold and the rule of law must take precedence.

He further emphasized that leadership is about the party whether he leads or another candidate outside Wike’s camp is chosen, he supports the decision.

Regarding the recent theft at the party secretariat, Suswam stated that law enforcement agencies are handling the matter and the thieves must return the stolen property. He reiterated the party’s objectives, insisting that the PDP will not yield to anything that undermines its goals. He added that any individual or group wishing to break away from the party is free to do so, but criminal activities such as stealing from him will not be tolerated.

In response, Elders Udugh Nyitse, Cletus Upaa and Sir John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of zones A B &C declared their unwavering commitment to the PDP. They affirmed that they have never left the party since our present democratic journey from 1999 and have no intention of doing so in the near future.They cautioned transactional politicians to stay clear of the PDP as the party is undergoes a rebuilding process, stating that they are not prepared to accommodate them.

Other speakers included former local government council chairmen, led by Hon. Agber Terseer; former Benue State House of Assembly members, led by Hon. Hyicent Nyakuma; former House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Benjamin Mzondu; and former PDP state chairmen, led by Hon. Mike Iduma. They condemned the actions of party saboteurs, asserting that the Benue PDP is not interested in dealing with cash and carry politicians. They noted that recent consultations regarding defections could ultimately benefit the party.

PDP members in the State Assembly stated that they only recognize the party’s secretariat at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, affirming their commitment to the party’s leadership and direction.