President orders MDAs to submit handing over notes April 20

The Minister of Information, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, April 15 in Abuja, which was presided over by the president.

Akwashiki said the heads of the MDAs would also brief the president on the position of things in their respective organisations, especially the state of existing contracts.

According to her, this is to ensure comprehensive handing over notes for the smooth and effective transition to the in-coming administration on May 29.

"What we discussed with the President in the Council is, he emphasised on the need for all MDAs and government parastatals and departments, agencies to submit their handing over notes to the office of the SGF by the 20th (April) that is next Monday.

"So, we are going to be very busy this weekend, putting our handing over notes together.

"The President also emphasised that he will require another little briefing from all MDAs to indicate inherited projects, how it has been executed, initiated projects by his administration and their level of completion (whether completed or ongoing or abandoned).''

She said that already, the transition committee, headed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and an inaugural committee, headed by the SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, had been set up by the president for a smooth transition.

Akwashiki maintained that the Jonathan’s administration will continue to function until May 29.

She, however, disclosed that anything about governance will be concluded by the Jonathan’s administration on May 28, while May 29 will be reserved for the swearing-in of the new administration of retired Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

According to her, a dinner will be held on May 28 to signify the end of governance by the present administration.

Rivers election petition tribunal relocates to Abuja

The Rivers State election petition tribunal has relocated to Abuja for security reasons.

This was contained in a statement obtained by NAN on Wednesday, April 15, in Abuja. The statement was issued and signed by the Secretary of the tribunal, Deborah Musa.

It said that the relocation was approved by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.

According to the communique, the acting Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, approved the FCT High Court, Apo, as the secretariat and trial court for the tribunal.

APC Gov Candidate Concedes Defeat

he Governorship candidate of All People Congress (APC) in Cross River State Mr. Odey Ochicha has conceded defeat as he has congratulated Prof. Ben Ayade, the winner and the PDP candidate in the last Saturday election in Cross River. In a statement in Calabar yesterday, the Ochicha said, “this morning, I called on my opponent, the PDP gubernatorial candidate and the winner of last Saturday governorship election in the state, Prof. Ben Ayade to congratulate him on his victory.

“I praise him for standing the fight to the end and winning the election. I advise that you be magnanimous in victory by carrying everybody along in your administration. Besides, I enjoin you to live up to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.” The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Senator Benedict Ayade, swept the polls in the April 11, Governorship Elections scoring a total of 342,016 votes to defeat his rival, Odey Ochicha of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who scored 53,983.

Ayade, who defeated other four candidates in the elections was declared winner by the returning officer in the state, Prof Comfort Ekpo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, after scoring above 25 percent in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. Announcing the result, yesterday at the INEC office Calabar, the returning officer noted that out of 109, 6781 registered voters only 466, 318 votes were cast in the five political parties that contested the governorship elections, of adding that total number of results cancelled in some LGAs were 93,100, following some irregularities that was reported by the INEC officials in those affected polling units. She said, “The APC scored 53,983, LP 36,918, ID 514, NNPP 982 and PDP 342,016, the candidate for PDP having the entire majority votes cast and he has also scored above 25 percent in all the 18 LGAs. I, Prof Comfort Ekpo, hereby certify that as the returning officer of April 11, 2015 elections therefore Benedict Ayade having certify the law and scored the highest number of votes is declared the winner,” she said.

Power Transititon: Jonathan Has Raised Benchmark –Mark

President Goodluck Jonathan has raised the benchmark of peaceful democratic transition by willingly conceding defeat and congratulating the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, declared yesterday. The UNION reports that Jonathan willingly conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the March 28 presidential election results. Mark, who addressed his colleagues on their return from the Easter break and the 2015 general elections, pointed out that by so doing, Jonathan has consequently set a new democratic template in Africa, where leaders are notorious for their infamous sit-tight. “I am happy to note that Nigerians harkened to our persistent appeals for a peaceful and violent free election. The outcomes of the elections have clearly disappointed doomsday prophets, who predicted disaster and even a possible breakup of this country. “In this regard, I will like to commend the maturity and sportsmanship disclosed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who willingly conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

That singular act saved us from a possible crisis and catastrophe. The President’s action added value to the consolidation of democracy in our land. It raised the benchmark of peaceful democratic transition, and consequently set a new democratic template in our continent, notorious for our infamous sit-tight leaders,” Mark said. Mark also extended his warm felicitation to Buhari for extending the hand of fellowship to Jonathan and his team. “He has also followed it up with his conciliatory statements that further reinforce the unity and peace in our society,” he added. Mark, who equally commended Nigerians for their comportment before during and after the elections, observed that Nigerians have proved to the world that Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for democracy to thrive. “In a special way, let me congratulate our colleagues, distinguished senators and Honourable members, who won their elections to return to the National Assembly. We are elected on different platforms to represent our constituents but in the National Assembly, we are united by the common good to legislate the good governance, peace and unity of Nigeria. “I also wish to felicitate with our other compatriots, who will be coming to the National Assembly in the next dispensation.

Let me in a similar manner congratulate our colleagues, who won their elections as chief executives of state governments. I am sure they will miss this hallowed chambers and our activities when they resume their new positions. Specifically, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Governor-elect for Kebbi State, Senator Jibrilla Bindo, Governor-elect for Adamawa State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor-elect for Cross River State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor-elect for Delta State. “We also have from the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Governor-elect for Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Masari, Governor- elect for Katsina State and Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor-elect for Enugu State. I urge them to continue to exhibit the highest sense of responsibility and duty anchored on transparency, accountability and honesty which they have demonstrated over the years. These governors-elect are our ambassadors in their respective states. “Also deserving of commendation are two of our colleagues, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Ajimobi Abiola re-elected in Ogun and Oyo states, respectively. This is a clear demonstration of hard work and diligence.

I wish to also use this opportunity to congratulate every Nigerian, who was elected into public office at this period in the history of our nation. “For the successes of the 2015 general elections, special commendation must go to Prof Attahiru Jega and his team at INEC. The introduction of card readers added value to the electoral process. I, therefore, urge Nigerians to accept and indeed imbibe the new voting technology. The card readers have proved to be effective, efficient and result-oriented and we should embrace this technology. “However, INEC must note the areas of its shortcomings. Those on field report nation-wide and continue to improve on them. I consider it imperative at this point to share my thought with all of you. The beauty of every contest is in participating. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. It is the same with every election. Whichever way it goes, as long as it reflects the wishes of the people and it is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, we must learn to accept the outcome in good fate. “My distinguish bosses and colleagues, may I appeal that we utilize whatever time is left of our tenure to conclude what may be outstanding in our legislative calendar so that the incoming parliament will be given a solid foundation to build upon in the service of our nation. It is my prayers and expectations that we continue to improve on the good works of this Seventh Assembly,” he concluded.

Gaidam Promises Free Education In Yobe If

Governor of Yobe State Mr. Ibrahim Gaidam yesterday promised to declare free education from primary to tertiary level, if the monthly statutory allocation of state increased. Gaidam made the pledge in Damaturu during a meeting with Yobe political leaders, who came to felicitate with him over his victory in the just-concluded polls. He said the measure was part of efforts of his administration to ensure that Yobe indigenes acquired education, to enable them to realise their potentials and dreams.

The governor said the policy would also enable indigenes of the state to acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and training needed to contribute in moving the country forward. He said the people of the state would enjoy more dividends of democracy in his second term as he promised to invest more in infrastructural and youth development. Gaidam also said no society would achieve meaningful development without engaging its youth in socioeconomic activities.

The governor pledged to build an international airport in Yobe, with a view to attracting local and international investors as well as tourists into the state. “I want to assure the people of Yobe that before the end of this year, we are going to start the project of building an international airport in Yobe.”

The governor decried inadequate funding from the Federation Account, saying that it had been a major factor militating against the development of the state. He, however, expressed confidence that the APC-led Federal Government would accord priority to addressing the plight of the people, to enhance physical and manpower development in the state. Mr. Gaidam said his administration inherited poor infrastructure in the state from the precious leadership. “When we came on board in 2007, we inherited poor infrastructure from the previous government and there was no evidence to show how the state’s resources was spent.”

The governor thanked the people of the state for giving him another opportunity to serve the state, assuring that “the people of Yobe will not regret re-electing me again.” Earlier, Ajiyarima Bularafa, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the governor, said it would be difficult to get a dedicated leader like the governor. He appealed to the people of the state to support the governor with prayers, to enable him to provide more dividends of democracy.

Ambode, others to receive certificates of return April 16

The Governor-elect of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode will receive his certificate of return on Thursday, April 16, 2015.

This was disclosed on Tuesday, April 14, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

Others who will receive certificates of return are Deputy Governor-elect, Oluranti Adebule and winners of the National Assembly and House of Assembly elections held on March 28 and April 11 respectively.

The certificates will be presented at 11am on Thursday at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Hall in the Ikeja area of the state.

Ambode was declared winner of the election on April 12 after scoring more votes than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje.

‘I’ve been vindicated,’ Minister says in response to Fayose’s Supreme Court victory

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro has responded to the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose’s victory at the June 2014 elections.

Obanikoro said that the verdict of the apex court had proven him innocent of election rigging allegations levelled against him.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled to validate Governor Fayose's election. Finally, I have been vindicated,”Obanikoro tweeted on Tuesday, April 14, 2015.

“Governor Fayose won all the House of Assembly Seats in Ekiti State without Obanikoro's help. #EkitiGate was and will remain a sham,” he added.

The minister was accused of rigging the Ekiti elections along with Fayose and Senator Iyiola Omisore after an audio tape supposedly featuring them was leaked by an insider.

The Supreme Court upheld Fayose’s election in a unanimous ruling reached on April 14.

News, Entertainment, Tv, Music, Video, Politics, Sports, News