News
Edo PDP Rejects Amended Local Government Law
By Ikhili Monday Ebalu, Benin city
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday resolved to challenge the recent amendment of the Edo state local government Electoral law by the State House of Assembly even as it condemned the composition of the state electoral commission.
Chairman of the party in the state Chief Dan Osi Orbih addressing reporters after a stakeholders meeting at the Party secretariat in Benin City, the Edo state capital said that the party was heading to the court on the basis of three issues.
The first issue he said is whether, “the Edo state house of assembly cannot validly amend the Edo state local government Electoral law to abridge the length of notice of poll stated in section 30(1) of the electoral act, 2010 as amended having regard to paragraph 11 and 12 of Part 2 of the second schedule to the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as (amended)”.
He said the second issue is whether , “No valid local government election can be conducted in Edo state without giving the claimant and other stakeholders the mandatory 90-days notice of poll stated in section 30(1) of the electoral act 2010 (as amended).
According to Orbih, the court would also determine whether, “the amendment to the LG law made by the Edo assembly on 12th Dec. 2017 was done in violation of the mandatory provisions of the rules of the Edo state house of assembly on law making process in the house and section 100(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The PDP chairman said the party decided to seek legal redress on the matter to help put an end to the unending impunity being orchestrated in Edo state and the country by the ruling All Peoples Congress, APC.
He also frowned at what he called the undemocratic guidelines the APC has made available to its members to the effect that party members who have held positions Councilors or worked as civil servants in their local government should not aspire to elective offices as Councilors or Chairmen.
He then urged all aggrieved APC members in the state who feel disenfranchised as a result of the guidelines to seek legal redress since the guidelines do not only negate the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but even the Constitution of the APC as a party.
The PDP chairman who rejected and objected to the composition of the Edo state Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC with Professor Stanley Orobator as Chairman called on all its members whom he said are card carrying members of a registered political party in the country to disqualify themselves.
In a related development the Inter-party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC, has aligned itself with the submission of the Edo PDP on the abiding of the notice of poll for the Edo state local government arguing that it puts all other parties besides the ruling APC in a disadvantage.
Chairperson of IPAC in the state Comrade Tracy Agoi said in statement that the State house of assembly and all concerned should do the needful by properly reconstituting EDSIEC and allowing of poor the mandatory 90- day’s notice of poll as enshrined in the Constitution.
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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