News
Edo: Let good governance be a priority, don’t fight Obaseki, Ganduje tells Okpebholo
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has advised newly elected Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to channel his energy toward governance and forward-thinking initiatives rather than focusing on political rivalries.
Ganduje encouraged Okpebholo to prioritize the well-being of Edo’s citizens and build strong partnerships within the state.
Speaking during a thank-you visit by Okpebholo at the APC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Ganduje emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values, citing the successful conclusion of the elections.
“The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from. There is no need.
According to him, “A progressive government does not have time for that. Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced. Follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges, and establish good relationships with the stakeholders.
“Think forward and be an action governor. During the campaign, you were an action candidate, and now you are an action governor. We believe it. We believe you will succeed and make the people of our winning state proud.”
Ganduje’s message included a call for unity and bridge-building across political divides, encouraging the new governor to develop positive relationships with stakeholders throughout Edo.
Ganduje also pledged the party’s support to Okpebholo, highlighting the recent establishment of a Progressive Institute designed to help train government personnel and develop political strategies that align with the needs of the Nigerian people.
“We have recently established a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, which will assist in the training of your personnel, especially at the local government level, and help harness the demands of the Nigerian people to form a political agenda for the government.
“So I assure you, this is an institution, a living political institution not only active during elections but throughout the year, creating programs and projects that make it a living party”, Ganduje said.
In response, Okpebholo expressed gratitude for Ganduje’s support and acknowledged the pivotal role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in securing Edo State for the APC.
Reflecting on the challenges of the electoral process, Okpebholo noted that the peaceful election day and subsequent victory signaled “a new dawn” for the state, bringing fresh hope to its people.
“I also want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President, who secured Edo for us. There was absolute peace in Edo State. Before now, there was this kind of boast that people would die, but on election day, nobody died. For me, the victory is something we in Edo State rejoice about because a new dawn has come to the Edo people.
“A new dawn has risen. I want to thank the working committee once more for the job well done, and I pray that God gives all of you a long life and prosperity.”
Member representing Biu/Bayo/Shania/Kwaya/Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara has disclosed that he shared $5,000 with members of his committee as a “Sallah gesture”.
Betara who is the Reps Committee Chairman on FCT said the money was not a bribe to pass resolution declaring a state of emergency in Rivers as being insinuated.
The was posted by a Nigerian investigative journalist, Jaafar Jaafar on his X handle.
Jaafar said Betara explained this to him after the lawmaker reached out to clarify that the $5,000 given to lawmakers was merely a “Sallah gesture” and not an inducement.
He quoted Batara to have said the gesture was a long standing g tradition and has nothing to do with the state of emergency I Rivers.
Jaafar wrote:
“The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 with each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah gesture,’ not as an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State.
“According to him, he maintains the tradition—like Santa Claus—every year.
“As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg.”
The clarification by Betara came amid strong speculations that Senators received $15,000 bribe to pass a resolution to sustain declaration of state of emergency rule in Rivers.
The bribe was reportedly shared on Tuesday before they voted on Wednesday.
News
INEC holds crucial meeting to look into petition recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proceeded into a crucial meeting to study and look into a petition submitted to it by constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
CAPITAL POST gathered, it a top management meeting as it was claimed that over 250,000 constituents signed the petition out of 480,000 registered voters.
The meeting was confirmed on Monday by the Acting
Director of Publicity, Esther Chibuikem, stating that the meeting held at a committee room at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
It was also confirmed that the Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, on received the petition against Natasha on Monday.
The petition follwed the nod given by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Friday where the earlier judgement restraining INEC from accepting the petition was set asid3.
Last week, constituents from Kogi Central were said to have i initiated a recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, but some constituents claimed that they were d3ceived into exercise as they were told to gather with their voters card for 3 powerment.
However, the Court, in a judgement delivered in Lokoja, affirmed that the recall process is constitutionally valid and aligns with the civic rights of the constituents.
The court urged the constituents to continue exercising their rights in an orderly and peaceful manner.
The development was after the court on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, agents, privies or assigns from receiving, accepting or acting on any petition containing signatures of members of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
As at press time, INEC hasn’t release information on the next action as signatures may have to be critically compared with its register to determine validity.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Monday received a petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Uduaghan from the 10th Senate.
The petition was submitted by the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District to recall Natasha having signed the petition which claimed to have met the requirements as stipulatedby the Constitution 1990 as amended.
Our correspondent who monitre the development at the Maitama headquarter of INEC report that th3 petition was submitted with over 250,000 signatures out of 480,000 registered voters.
The Constitution however required above 50% register3d voters’ recall signatures before it could be recognised and acceptable.
Senator Natasha is currently on suspension for six months for breaching Senate Rules and has proceeded to Court to challenge the Senate decision which was yet to determined.
She also alleged sexual harassment by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.
CAPITAL POST gathered that the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has highjacked the recall which is being pursued through proxies disguised as constituents in order to contest for the Senate if the exercise succeeds.
State of Emergency in Rivers: $5,000 shared to Reps as ‘Sallah gesture,’ not bribe – Hon.
Football: Edo Queens arrive Umuahia in readiness to tackle Abia Angels
INEC holds crucial meeting to look into petition recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate
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Breaking: Bello appoints Ohinoyi of Ebira Chairman, Kogi Council of Chiefs
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