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7 political parties to contest Kwara Assembly by-election
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says seven political parties have indicated readiness to participate in the March 14, Patigi State Constituency by-election in Kwara.
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Garba Madami, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara, made disclosure in an interview with our correspondents on Monday in Ilorin.
Madami said the seven political parties were the ones that held primaries on or before the Feb. 16, deadline for parties to conduct primaries to pick their candidates.
He listed the parties to include the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria People Party (NNPP).
Others were Action People Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and African Action Congress (AAC).
Madami said the Commission held a management meeting after receiving the timetable from the national headquarters to draw its own timetable to accommodate the one published by the headquarters.
“We now have a unified timetable, we have 38 items on the timetable that we have to accomplish before the March 14 by-election.
“What we have to do is to follow it meticulously to ensure that we have a free, credible and acceptable election,” he said.
Madami noted that political parties were supposed to conduct primaries between Feb. 13 and 16, to pick their candidates for the by-election.
He disclosed that at the expiration of the Sunday deadline, only seven parties have conducted primaries, adding that the parties would take part in the by-election.
The REC added that he had also met with members of security committee to brief them and prepare their mind on the coming by-election.
Madami said that: “You that know election in Nigeria can only be compromised with assistance of INEC itself, we must ensure that we keep our integrity intact.
“With the support of the people and blessing of God, we were able to conduct one of the best election in the state, it was peaceful and credible. We must surpass that feat in the coming by-election in Patigi.
“My belief is that if we did very well in 16 local government areas, we should do this one local government better and should never underrate it.
“That is why I started preparation early to ensure that we have a perfect arrangement in place, it may be difficult to get 100 per cent, but we will get at least 99.9 per cent.
“I can assure you that we will have a peaceful and credible election”.
He said that NEC would collaborate with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to mobilise and sensitise the people of the area for the election.
According to him, one area INEC cannot compromise is security; adding that: “We will not compromise the security of the people and election materials during the by-election”.
The REC revealed further that the Commission would deploy 128 corps members as adhoc staff in addition to staff of the commission for the exercise.
“We are doing all humanly possible to ensure that Kwara by-election is free, credible, acceptable and better than the 2019 general election. We cannot afford to go beyond this standard,” he added.
He, therefore, appealed to the people in the area to turn out massively and participate in the election.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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