Politics
CAN kicks as Abuja-based pastors and bishops endorse Tinubu
A delegation of Abuja-based pastors and bishops on Sunday threw their weight behind the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who they described as having the right frame of mind to rule the country.
The Christians Association of Nigeria, hours after the endorsement, however, kicked against the move, saying that CAN is standing on its earlier stance on ‘No to same faith ticket.’
The endorsement of the former Lagos State governor, by clerics under the aegis of Nigerian Coalition of Pastors for Good Leadership, took place after a town hall meeting with some party chieftains of Tinubu’s support group, City Boy Movement.
In a statement jointly signed by the coalition president, Apostle Babatunde Oguntimehin and secretary, Revd Friday Obi, the ministers disclosed that it would be unfair for Nigerians to sacrifice the capacity of the APC candidate on the altar of the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The statement read in parts, “For a start, we are fully in support of the power shift to South after President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, would have ruled for eight years. This is for equity and fairness as well as in the spirit of the existing unwritten rule to have power rotate between the North and the South.
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“We were left to choose between His Excellencies Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Peter Gregory Obi, who are the frontline candidates from the South. After consideration of so many critical factors and wide consultation, we have decided to settle for the candidacy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.”
Oguntimehin hinted that their decision to endorse Tinubu is affected by a number of factors.
Continuing, the coalition president described Nigeria as a complex nation that can only be governed by someone with demonstrable experience, capacity, ability and capability, which were evident in the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
He added that the APC national leader has remained loyal to the cause of Nigeria, which was demonstrated through his involvement in National Democratic Coalition activities that brought the military to its knees and ushered in the current democracy in 1999.
“We have since noted that making religion or faith the top factor in choosing a candidate for the nation has never helped and will never help this nation. We cannot therefore sacrifice quality leadership on the altar of religion or tribe,” he said.
His position was also corroborated by Head of Mobilisation for the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, who said Nigerians should look beyond religion and ethnicity to choose its leaders.
CAN reacts
Meanwhile, Luminous Jannamike, Special Assistant on Media to the CAN President, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, kicked against the endorsement, saying the group of clerics is a faceless one.
Jannamike disclosed that as much as the body cannot prevent individuals and self-acclaimed ministers from carrying out their activities, they cannot be seen joining issues with religious blocs not affiliated with CAN.
He said, “The message is very simple and clear. We still stand on our earlier stance of ‘No to same faith ticket.’ As far as we are concerned, they are a faceless group. We can really be seen joining issues with them. They are free to do what they want to do.
“We need to be conscious of the fact that people have right to congregate under any platform they want and say whatever they want. These people are not affiliated to CAN and we don’t even know them. They (Abuja pastors) are individuals who chose to endorse Tinubu. Good luck to them!”
Punch
Politics
Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP
Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP
Dr. Jasper Uche, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has officially tendered his resignation from the party.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuaku Ward in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Uche’s decision to step down was clearly stated. The letter copied to both the PDP Chairman of Umunneochi LGA and the State Chairman of the party, reads:
“This is to notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today.
“Kindly note that this decision was taken after extensive consultation.
“I thank the party for giving me the platform, which culminated in my nomination as Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections”.
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In a related development, Hon Ikechukwu Nwabekee, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Osisioma Ngwa North constituency, has also chosen to sever ties with the party.
In a letter directed to the party chairman of Amasaa Ward 5 in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Nwabekee stated:
“Kindly note that the decision is taken after extensive consultations and out of deep personal conviction.
“The firm resolve to withdraw my membership is without prejudice to my friends, associates, and numerous supporters who might have different opinions, as I seek for new challenges.
“I thank the party for giving me a great platform to perform, including rising to the position of Chief Whip Abia State House of Assembly,” Nwabekee added.
Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP
Politics
BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent
BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent
Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday ignored the state governor Siminialayi Fubara’s consent in passing a new law.
The lawmakers specifically passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 into Law
It is the third time in three months that the state assembly would override the governor.
In March, the assembly had ruled against Fubara to enact the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law.
It took same measure in April by passing the local government amendment bill into law despite the refusal of Fubara to give his assent.
The lawmakers also threatened to take stringent measures against the governor “if he continues to flout the laws of the state”.
The assembly said it acted in consonance with the provisions of Section 100 (5)of the 1999 Constitution voted, and with a two-third majority votes passed the bill into law.
The lawmakers had passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 on the 26th of March, 2024, and transmitted it to the governor for assent, which he declined.
Speaking on the bill , the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said it was to secure taxpayers’ money and ensure that it is not spent on frivolities and twisted contracts.
Amaewhule condemned a situation where due process is relegated to the background, contracts awarded without legal backing and the state being governed in a “dictatorial panache”.
Politics
Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt
Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt
In anticipation of the upcoming governorship election slated for September 21 in Edo State, the state chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for the fair representation of Muslims in the state’s governance.
Mallam Abdulazeez Igbinidu, the Chairman of Edo State’s NSCIA, voiced this demand during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City. He emphasized the inadequate representation of Muslims in the state’s governance structures.
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Addressing the attendees, Mallam Igbinidu highlighted the purpose of the meeting, which aimed to collectively address the concerns of Muslims regarding the conduct of the upcoming governorship election.
He stressed the necessity for equity and fairness in representation within the state’s governance framework to ensure that Muslims are adequately represented.
The call for equitable representation underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in governance, reflecting the need for all population segments to be adequately represented in decision-making processes.
Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt
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