Mr David Paradang, former Immigration boss and PDP Plateau Central Senatorial candidate,on Friday urged his supporters to fast and pray for God’s intervention in his case before the Court of Appeal (COA).
The appellate court had on Wednesday reserved judgment in Paradang’s appeal against the decision of the Election Tribunal which affirmed the victory of Mr Hezekiah Dimka of APC in the Feb. 23 NASS elections.
The former Immigration boss, in a statement signed by him in Jos, called on all his supporters and electorate within the constituency to join him in prayers and fasting for justice.
“As we await judgment, I request for your prayers that the panel of judges will rule on this matter in the fear of God.
“Only God can help us in getting the desired justice in this appeal and restore to us our stolen mandate.
“After a flawless presentation of our case by our team of erudite lawyers, judgment was reserved for a date to be announced hence the need for intensive fasting and prayers,” he stated.
Paradang also thanked the PDP in the state, and members of the Plateau central zone, for their support and encouragement in his struggle.
“I also wish to assure the good and loving People of Plateau Central that we will continue working hard in ensuring that your mandate is restored.”
“Equally, the confidence reposed in me during the elections, where you overwhelmingly gave us substantial number of votes, which were stolen by undemocratic means, shall never be frittered away,” he said.
Paradang also expressed gratitude to party elders, women and youth for their encouragement to fight injustice.
The Management Committee Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Barr Ezekiel Mandyau, will be embarking on a meet the people tour. While on the tour, crisis affected areas will be accorded top priority. The tour is billed for the 4th and 5th of November, 2019. The targeted audience are: =Traditional Rulers =Religious Leaders =Youth Leaders =Women Leaders and =Stakeholders Day 1: 4th Nov. 2019 by 10:00am Crisis affected areas in Gashish district. Day 2: 5th Nov. 2019 =Ropp district 10:am =Fan district 12:00pm =Foron district 2:00pm =Heipang district 4:00pm
Plateau state Government on friday commended the Simon Lalong led Government for adopting the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and subsequent establishment of the State Livestock Transformation Office to facilitate ranching which will go a long way in resolving Farmers/Herders conflict and creating jobs in the agro-allied sector. This was contained in communiqué issued after a Strategic Policy Retreat for Members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Key Government Agencies and Departments at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, from Monday, 28th October – Friday, 1st November 2019. The communiqué which was jointly signed by members of the drafting committee Prof. John Wade,Hon. Yakubu Dati ,Chrysogonus Yilzk ,Emmanuel Kayi,Joseph Lengmang ,Haggai Haruna Gutap , reads that In line with the central theme of the RETREAT –”New Imperatives For Sustaining The Rescue Agenda In The Next Level”, the primary objective of the RETREAT was to prepare and equip the recently appointed Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other key government functionaries with relevant insights into the Policy Thrust of the second phase. This is by way of interacting with one another and invited experts.” “The essence is to reshape our focus, thoughts, attitudes and values for the great task of making positive history of restoring the glory and dignity of Plateau State as encapsulated in the policy document of the administration.” “Accordingly, the Participants were constructively engaged in robust discourse and to deepen their understanding of the vision and philosophy of the Rescue Agenda for better and sustainable service delivery that will meet the expectations of a vast majority of our citizens in the “Next Level”.” “The Commissioners were introduced to the philosophical under-pinning of the Rescue Agenda of the Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong’s Administration from the perspectives of: How the Administration started in 2015; how it fared, between 2015 and 2019; and where the Administration is going in the Next Level (2019 to 2023). This is with the view of consolidating on past achievements and further developing a strategic framework and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)for MDA’s to achieve sustainable, feasible and implementable results for a legacy that will stand the test of time.” “The four-day RETREAT attracted Resource Persons and Facilitators from the Federal Government, the Academia, Business leaders, respected religious leaders, Technocrats, International Development Partners, and Anti-corruption and Security Agencies. The RETREAT deliberations were guided by the three – point policy thrust of the administration namelyPeace, Security, and good governance ,Physical Infrastructural Development, and Sustainable Economic Re-birth.” It further reads that “The 2019 RETREAT inspired and encouraged Hon. Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries on the need to develop ingenious plan of action in the face of dwindling financial in flow of resources from the Federal Allocation and explore opportunities for inflow of investments beyond IGR and FAAC.” “The Retreat also extensively discussed the presentation of each Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) and Medium Term Revenue Framework and going forward with a firm commitment that all Commissioners will be held accountable for the performance and implementation of their plans.” “At the end of the four-day interactive frank and thought provoking sessions, the Retreat came up with the followingResolutions:Participants agreed that investments in the three areas of comparative advantage in the State namely, Agriculture, Mining and Tourism be intensified in order to boost revenue generation, job creation, and sustainable development in the State. “That there must be complete paradigm shift from dependence on Federal Allocation for overheads and capitalprojects towards greater reliance on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).” “Resolved that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must embark on creative Internal Revenue Generation from 2020 by leveraging additional funding sources.” “.Applauded the Project Management Office (PMO) under the Office of the Chief of Staff which is saddled with theresponsibility of Monitoring and Evaluation of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure quality and tracking of set targets.” “.Hon. Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials must work as a team in providing leadership and direction towards delivery of set targets in the Next Level
In every clime, political campaigns are often rigorous. The process entails going Ward to Ward, settlement to settlement, street to street, door to door and man to man in a bid to garner the support of the electorates. In the same fashion, Hon. Usaini Amurudu design the template for his Thank You Tour.
For the past one week; the Honourable Member Representing Bokkos constituency in the 9th Plateau state house of Assembly has been so busy criss crossing the length and breadth of his Constituency to hear the demands and thank the people who repose confidence in him as demonstrated at the polls.
Hon. Usaini Amurudu in company of his wife, party faithful, friends, critical stake holders and supporters went round the entire 14 Federal Wards of Bokkos Local Government Area to thank the people.
As a cultured young man and a true son of the soil who values the ideals of the land, Amurudu lead the entourage to the palaces of the traditional rulers who are the custodians of the culture and tradition of the localities visited to pay homage and seek royal blessings through prayers before proceeding to meet the people. A gesture which earned him a name THE WISE ONE by a renown traditional ruler.
In all the places visited; The appreciative crowd from all walks of life devoid of political leanings trooped out in their numbers to welcome Hon. Amurudu. They were elated by the unprecedented symbiotic relationship established by Amurudu between him and his constituents. Saying; it is very unusual for a political office holder to abandoned all the comforts and privileges ascribed to a Honorable and always be with the people at the grassroots especially when election is not near. Amurudu responds saying nothing is too much for the people who share in his dreams by investing their time, energy, resources and queue up under scorching sun to vote him. So the only way to reciprocate the gesture is to give uncommon representation and continue to hold the people in high esteem. Hence the sustenance of an effective feedback mechanism.
The people of Bokkos Constituency acknowledged his robust contributions on the floor of the house, prompt response to the plight of the downtrodden as well as his relentless efforts to ensure physical infrastructural development which is instrumental in his elevation as the Chairman House committee on works and transport.
Elder Silas Wallams from Kwatas Ward thanked Hon. Usaini Amurudu for sinking Borehole in their community even before becoming a member of the house of Assembly and express confidence that he will do more.
The general consensus of the good people of Bokkos constituency is continues support and prayers to God to guide and protect Hon. Usaini Amurudu in all his endeavors.
From the National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation
The National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, describing it as victory for Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Jos, Alh Dr Danladi Pasali, said the Supreme Court judgement shows President Buhari was truly chosen by Nigerians to lead them during the presidential election.
The Supreme Court had dismissed the appeal of the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on the ground that it lacked merit.
Alh Dr Danladi Pasali, said the apex court has shown once again that the Nigerian judiciary is on the right path and can operate independently without any interference.
He also commended Abubakar for choosing the right path of justice rather than resorting to violence, while urging him to accept his fate and work with the president for the common good of Nigerians.
Alh Dr Danladi Pasali
National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation.
On behalf of the Parradang for Senate Campaign Organisation, I wish to update my Constituents, the People of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone and our supporters all over Plateau State, who are against any form of democratic injustice, that our appeal against the September tribunal judgement was heard today at the Court of Appeal, Jos!
After a flawless presentation of our case by our team of erudite lawyers, judgement was reserved for a date to be announced.
On this note, I wish to seize this opportunity to thank our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and members of Plateau central zone particularly, for all your continuous solid support and encouragement.
Let me also assure the good and loving People of Plateau Central that we will continue working hard in ensuring that your mandate is restored. Equally, let me assure that the confidence reposed in me during the elections, where you overwhelmingly gave us substantial number of votes, which were stolen by undemocratic processes, shall never be frittered away carelessly.
I also wish to thank our party elders, women and youth for their encouragement to fight injustice!
To our media practitioners (social, print and electronic), we thank you for your fair reporting of the proceedings.
As we await judgement, I request for your prayers that the panel of judges will rule on this matter in the fear of God!
The Position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Reported Plot By the APC and INEC to Tamper With the Party’s Submission of Candidate And Arrest of Key Leaders In Kogi State
Gentlemen of the press, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the strongest terms, cautions the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to, in anyway, attempt to alter INEC’s Monitoring Report on our governorship primary in Kogi state or attempt to tamper with our record of submission of candidate for the November 16 governorship election.
The PDP’s warning is predicated on intelligence available to the National Secretariat of our great party of plots by known INEC officers and certain APC leaders to alter INEC’s Monitoring Report and delist our candidate, all in their desperate, but sure to fail, bid to make Governor Yahaya Bello a sole candidate and deny the people of Kogi state their desire to vote in Engr. Musa Wada as their next governor.
Of course, this plot is dead on arrival, as our candidate, Engr. Musa Wada, remains duly nominated through the statutory processes of our primary, which was well covered in the Monitoring Report released by INEC. The PDP cautions that any attempt to tamper with his candidature will trigger the wrath of the people.
The PDP is however aware of every stage in this conspiracy against the Kogi state as well as the actors involved. Already, our party is working with the people of Kogi state to stop them on their trail.
The PDP is fully aware of the details of the meeting between the INEC officials and the APC stalwarts on Sunday, October 20 and Monday, October 21, 2019 at the INEC office in Lokoja, on how to alter INEC’s position in its earlier released Monitoring Report, which confirmed the validity and transparency of our governorship election primary.
Our party has full details of how the APC leaders came to the meeting, which held at about 2pm, in a black Toyota Prado SUV with covered plate number; how the INEC officials arrived 10 minutes later in a Kia SUV as well as the pecuniary transactions that followed.
Information available to our party shows that an INEC P.R.O and a Legal official of the commission were also in the meeting where they plotted how to ensure the alteration of the INEC’s Monitoring Report on our Kogi primary before 1st November 2019.
The PDP has been further made aware of how the conspirators have recruited 205 APC loyalists, who are being trained at Muslim Community School, Lokoja to impersonate NYSC members as Polling and Electoral Officers in designated areas to enable the APC and INEC manipulate the process in such areas.
Now that these plots have been exposed and the conspirators already known by the people of Kogi state, the PDP cautions INEC to desist from any attempt to carry out APC’s nefarious bid.
The people of Kogi are ready and fully rallied to monitor all electoral activities in all the polling units and all collation centers as well as to protect their votes up to the final declaration of results. Anybody that attempts to subvert their determination for a free, fair and credible process will only have himself to blame.
The inevitable trajectory of change in this election as desired by the people of Kogi state, in their yearnings to end the suppressive, corrupt and anti-people government of Governor Yahaya Bello is abundantly clear and there is no way the people can allow any body to undermine their determination for a new order.
Also, intelligence available to the PDP indicates that over 30 Kogi leaders have been listed for arrest by the APC so as to put them out of circulation and pave way for manipulations against the people.
Our party cautions the APC and their compromised security agents to steer clear of our leaders and members during this election. This is because any unwarranted attempt on their freedom and safety will be firmly resisted.
Let it be known to the APC and security agencies that the people of Kogi, standing with the PDP are ready for this election and that harm to one is harm to all.
The PDP therefore calls on Nigerians to hold the APC and Governor Bello responsible should any harm befall any of our leaders or should any one of them suddenly become a victim of unexplained accident, accidental discharge or sudden disappearance.
The Kogi people are determined for a new leadership; their choice is already known and nothing can make them surrender their will to any body, no matter what.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong ,on assumption of office in his second term vowed to leave a lasting legacy in the state in line with the manifesto of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC.) Our correspondent report that the Lalong legacy projects, are key projects initiated by the administration to impact on the lives of the people of the state. Most of the projects are on critical infrastructure like education, health and human development the legacy projects includes several comprehensive hospitals, several comprehensive secondary schools and eight comprehensive primary schools, all scattered across the three senatorial districts of the state. Our correspondent who visited several sites and the jobs been carried out by Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited observed that massive constructions works are ongoing . Most of the housing projects are about 70 percent completed . A site Manager who does not want his name in print said construction of massive works are ongoing in most sites . He said ” I must commend Governor Simon Lalong for his efforts in leaving behind lasting legacies for Plateau people . Lalong is doing excellently well for the people of Plateau , i call on people of the state to support Governor Lalong . Lalong has good plans for the people of the state . We at Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited are committed to pursuing excellence through dedication, experience and disciplined employees with an ongoing passion to deliver quality, timely and profitable projects. We are working to be the foremost performance driven and innovative building/civil engineering firm delivering the most superior service in the industry. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of his Commissioners some weeks ago , Lalong said ” following the return of this administration for a second term in office, I made a solemn commitment that with politics and campaigns over, we must hit the ground running in the Next Level for greater productivity. “ “Now that have been sworn in as Commissioners and taken your oath of office, you have been legally equipped to discharge your duties in your respective Ministries. Let me on behalf of the government and good people of Plateau State congratulate all of you and that you should see yourselves on this appointment as first amongst equals. This mandate however goes with huge responsibilities of service delivery to our people within the ambit of the policy thrust of the second phase of the Rescue Mission. Shortly after securing victory for another second term, I commissioned the famous Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to undertake the task of developing a five-year Development Plan for Plateau State, which will shape our final term in office. “After months of engagements with Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Local Government councils, the Economic Advisory Team and other stakeholders, they have since submitted their report to me.” This document provides the roadmap for the implementation of our Next Level Rescue Agenda in serving our people effectively. ” All appointees are expected to study the document, as directed to enable them hit the ground running and stay on target in implementing our Party’s agenda and campaign promises.” In achieving these, you are expected to ensure good synergy and working cooperation with your Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other support Staff in the machinery of government towards successful implementation of programmes and projects. I herefore expect nothing less than loyalty, diligence, commitment, probity and accountability to our development plans within the three pillar policies of the administration, namely;Peace, Security and Good governance; Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. I will therefore not hesitate to reprimand, chastise, query and where necessary discipline by removal from office, any of you who goes contrary to the agenda of our Rescue Government and indeed extant public service rules.” “Certainly, to fulfil the challenges of leaving a lasting legacy, you need every support from all and sundry. However, without prejudice to your different affiliations and the right to demand for quality service and good governance, let me specially plead that relations, friends and party loyalists should not exert unnecessary pressures on your wards as these could easily derail them and have negative effects on their effective performances in service delivery.” “Your Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, you will agree with me that we have so much to do within the short time available to us. We are very ambitious in marketing Plateau to the World as the most favourable destination for investment and true home of peace and Tourism that it is. “As we consolidate on the peace we have restored to Plateau State, we hope to generate more revenues to complete ongoing projects, continue implementing our legacy projects as well as create more jobs for our teeming youths and women.” “This is why we have engaged a reputable Firm of Professionals to not only advise us on how to increase our revenue base, but also work with our Revenue Generating Agencies through the process. I urge all and sundry to cooperate with these Agencies in accomplishing positive results”. In same vain, we shall soon hold an Economic and Investment Summit, which will also assist us to change the trajectory of Plateau to an investment destination of choice. There are many critical infrastructure and services that require urgent attention that I expect the new Commissioners to immediately address,among them are health facilities such as the Trauma Hospital in Riyom, which was abandoned, but our administration has virtually completed and equipped it. I expect that hospital to be operational by next month, while others in Kanke and Mabudi in Langtang South should be completed and operational before April next year. While we work on completing ongoing road projects, I am directing the Ministry of Works to immediately implement a zero tolerance to pot holes in the State, particularly in our urban roads to prevent them from further damage as well as enhance the convenience of motorists. Waste management and refuse evacuation is also another area that requires urgent attention. I am directing the ministry of environment to immediately rid the Capital City of Jos and other urban areas of waste dumps in the interim, and also set in motion a concrete and sustainable waste disposal mechanisms that will involve all stakeholders and the private sector. In order to ensure consistency and faithful implementation of projects and programmes of government, the Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit to be headed by the Chief of Staff has been created in line with the recommendations of the State Strategic Development Plan. The unit is to ensure that the state gets value for money and to track the implementation of all Projects and Programmes. As part of our efforts to deepen transparency and ensure the prudent management of scarce resources, I have approved the setting up of a Liquidity Management Committee. This will ensure that budgetary provisions and approvals, efficient financial management and adequate project financing are built into our governance system. This is consistent with the best practices in line with our strategic plan. We must live up to expectation and work together with the public to trace bad influence amongst our youths for possible rehabilitation through the different Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “ ” All stakeholders including Government Functionaries, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Party Leaders and Supporters, Women, Youths, Organized Labour and Civil Society, shall enjoy unlimited privilege of actively participating in this great enterprise of building a prosperous and progressive State. Since we are livingin times of great changes, we must team up for purposeful development and progress.” As you assume duty in your various Ministries, remember that everything you will be engaging in revolves around our three-point policy thrust and the Strategic Plan document of the Administration.” Our correspondent report that governor started his first term by setting out a strategic plan of development for his four-year tenure. As a result, he set the state on the part of steady progress, with his five-prong policy. The policy emphasizes peace, security and good governance; human capital development and social welfare, agriculture and rural development, entrepreneurship and industrialization; as well as physical infrastructure and environment. The success of Lalong’s first term could be attributed to the governor’s proactive approach to governance. The governor’s efforts helped put an end to incessant killings in the state. He restored peace in all the 17 local government, in clear fulfillment of the first of his strategic, development policy. The construction of over 270 roads across the state, as well as the completion of inherited infrastructural projects suggests that he has fulfilled the second of the five-point policy within his first term. In the areas of agriculture and rural development, which is the third pillar, Lalong also did well. He revived the moribund State Fertilizer Blending Plant located in Bokkos. The plant has made fertilizer readily available to farmers and this has, in turn, encouraged many more youths to return to take to farming. It could be recalled that a 65-yr-old fish farm which had been abandoned came alive in Plateau under the Lalong led adminstation , Panyam Fish farm in Mangu Local Government Area of the state had been in limbo for quite some time due to its being abandoned by the previous administrations in the state. The fish farm, which was established in 1950, was a big market for not only the people of Plateau State but also for neighbouring states of Nasarawa, Bauchi, Benue and Gombe. The Lalong led adminstration on assumption of office brought back the farm alive . Also hundreds of schools were renovated by the Lalong led adminstration in his first tenure . Also Jos city is now wearing a new look as solar streets light were installed in almost every streets of the city . The creation of Plateau State Small and Medium Agency has also brought in its wake massive training of millions of youths on varieties of entrepreneurial skills. This is a direct fulfillment of the governor’s fourth agenda. On the development of physical infrastructure, he completed most of the inherited projects, particularly the revival of Highland Bottling Company, the completion of Mararaba Jamaa-Secretariat Junction Road and mounting of solar-powered street lights on major streets in Jos, the state capital. These developments have, no doubt, changed the face of the Jos metropolis and boosted the status of the state tourism sector. It could be recalled that Governor Simon Lalong also warned his Commissioners and Political appointees ,saying that he would not tolerate excuses from them as they are expected to deliver quality service to the people of the state. ” There would be no room for laziness ,lethargy , negligence and outright disregard for government directives as severe consequences await anyone who decides to sabotage our efforts “. He made this known , while declaring open a retreat for members of the State Executive Council which took place at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS ). The governor tasked the commissioners on loyalty, diligence, commitment, probity and accountability, noting that the attributes were crucial to the state’s development plans and key to realising the three-pillar policy thrust of the administration. “The policy thrusts are hinged on peace, security and good governance, physical infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth.” In his words “You will recall that I swore in the new Commissioners on the 7th October 2019 where I clearly stated that our Rescue Administration has so much to do within a short time and would ensure that every second counts as it delivers on its Next Level Agenda.” ” Prior to the constitution of the State Executive Council, I approved a state-wide familiarization tour of the seventeen Local Government Areas by the appointees, cutting across the three geo-political zones of the State. The successful tour provided them opportunity to interact and engage in peer review with policy makers at the grassroots. “I also directed that the appointees study the 5-Year Plateau State Strategic Development Plan developed by the Boston Consulting Group to enable them hit the ground running and stay on target in implementing our Party’s Agenda and Campaign promises.” “All these were preparatory to this intensive retreat . .” I therefore expect that this retreat will take a broad look at the State of the Economy of Plateau State and discuss the plans to reposition it in line with the Economic Rebirth Vision of the Rescue Administration.” . Lalong further said ” This gathering should also take a deep look into the challenge of raising funds that are critical to achieving the goals of our administration in delivering better living standards for our people.” . Let me emphasize that boosting the State’s revenue generation capacity, strengthening partnerships and other aspects that are captured within the MDAs’ Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) as well as the Medium Term Revenue Framework (MTRF) should be exhaustively discussed at this retreat.” ” I also expect that in this retreat, issues relating to planning, monitoring and evaluation will receive the needed attention. As a government, we cannot afford to waste valuable time and resources nor condone the culture of “waste that denies our people good life.” “The Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit headed by the Chief of Staff has already been mandated to ensure that the State gets value for money and to track the implementation of all Projects and Programmes through the various Key Performance Indicators. “The task before us is very daunting. It will require commitment, trust, sacrifice, diligence and accountability for us to meet the yearnings of our people.” “ He further said “Peace remains fundamental to any form of development and we are ready to do everything possible to return Plateau State to its rightful position as the Home of Peace and Tourism.” “It is also my hope that when this retreat is over, the issue of sustaining peace and security on the Plateau would have been exhaustively dealt with as you prepare to continue to giving the right kind of leadership to the entire workforce.” “ Speaking earlier , the Secretary to the Government of the State Professor Danladi Atu said” Governor Lalong is passionate about brining massive development to Plateau .” In his words “The task before us during the policy is not just to listen to sound presentations but to create a serene environment for reflections ,discussions and peer reviews. Also the Lalong led Administration recently demolish some sections of the burnt Jos Main Market. Commissioner for Commerce Abe Aku recently said ” The present administration under the leadership of the Rescue Mantra Hon Simon Lalong is the most business friendly ever .” “The payment of salary by government has helped in injecting more than two billion naira into the economy every month and this ha sustained the life line of the economy of the state “ “The rescue adminstration through the ministry of commerce and industry has redeveloped and enhanced the Jos main market we have concluded the process of the technical transaction advisory contract and then move to the final stage which is the concession structuring options throuugh public private partnership PPP , the Jos main market has been successfully demolished to pave way for its redevelopment
President Muhammadu Buhari President Mohammadu Buhari says Russia is a partner because it is “visibly helping” Nigeria in all the priority areas of his government, including security, economy and the fight against corruption. Buhari, who said this at a panel discussion on the second day of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, was responding to a question posed to the discussants if Russia was now the new best friend of Africa.
He thanked Russia, saying it country had remained a committed development partner to Nigeria, recounting its support during the country’s civil war. “Those who focus on the progress of developing countries would see what Russia right from its days as the Soviet Union had done for us. “We will never forget that we went over our civil war with the help of Russia and since then, politically and economically, the Russians are helping Nigeria in so many ways,” he said in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. President Buhari, who said new investments and reforms in the agriculture sector in Nigeria hold the key to the target of his government to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years, stressed his government’s resolve to actualise his promise to reduce poverty in Nigeria. The president, who spoke on poverty reduction in Nigeria, pointed to the vigorous implementation of key reforms of his administration in the farming and agricultural sector, including soft loans to farmers, availability and affordability of farming inputs and restrictions on food imports grown locally, as some measures that have encouraged agriculture revolution in Nigeria.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress in the February 23, 2019 presidential election.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, who led six other members of the apex court’s panel, delivered the three-sentence judgment which put paid to the legal dispute over the poll.
Shortly after the Supreme Court delivered the judgment, Atiku, the APC, the Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, reacted.
Atiku said although the Nigerian judiciary had been sabotaged by a dictatorial cabal, his spirit was not broken by the judgment. The APC advised the former vice-president to stop what it called destructive agenda.
Atiku’s appeal lack merits – S’Court
While delivering the judgment, the CJN said the reasons for the decision of the court would be disclosed on a date to be communicated to the parties involved in the case.
He disclosed that members of the panel had read all the documents and exhibits filed in the case for two weeks and found the appeal to be lacking in merit.
He said, “We have examined all the briefs and the exhibits for over two weeks and we agree that there is no merit in this appeal. The appeal is dismissed. (Our) Reasons to be given on a date to be announced.”
The judgment, which was unanimously consented to by the other six members of the panel, came less than an hour after the court took arguments on the appeal on Wednesday.
Other members of the panel who agreed with the lead judgment delivered by the CJN were Justices Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Kayode Ariwoola, John Okoro, Amiru Sanusi, Ejembi Eko and Uwani Aba-Aji.
The National Chairmen of both the PDP and the APC, Uche Secondus, and Adams Oshiomhole, respectively, led a handful of their party leaders to the Wednesday’s proceedings.
Apart from Obi, some other PDP leaders sighted in court on Wednesday were a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; Ben Obi, and Tom Ikimi.
The pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, was among the top members of the APC who attended the Wednesday’s proceedings along with Oshiomhole.
Atiku and his party had jointly filed their appeal before the apex court to challenge the September 11, 2019 judgment of the Justice Mohammed Garba-led Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
The tribunal’s judgment which Atiku and his party were dissatisfied with, had dismissed their petition challenging the outcome of the February 23, 2019 poll.
Subsequently, the petitioners, on September 23, 2019, filed 66 grounds of appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the tribunal.
They prayed the Supreme Court to nullify Buhari’s victory and either order that Atiku be declared as the valid winner of the poll or order the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh presidential election.
MiddleBelt Reporters 