We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again stated that it’s illegal and unconstitutional for Julius Abure to continue portraying himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The commission said it does not recognise Abure and other national working committee members of the party because their tenure expired in June 2024.

INEC’s position was contained in a counter affidavit filed in response to the Labour Party’s suit challenging its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

INEC asserted that the Labour Party’s leadership, including Abure, is now invalid, and the Commission did not recognise the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which claimed to re-elect Abure as chairman.

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INEC insisted that the convention violated the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act, stressing that it only engages with parties that have valid and subsisting leadership.

In a written address in support of the counter affidavit, INEC’s legal team, led by Tanko Inuwa, SAN, argued that the Labour Party’s suit is seeking declaratory reliefs, which cannot be granted as a matter of course or based on mere admissions.

They contended that the Labour Party must succeed on the strength of its case, even in the face of admissions.

The Commission’s lawyers further submitted that having failed to comply with the extant legal frameworks in conducting its national convention; the Labour Party does not have a valid leadership that INEC can engage.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the Labour Party is not entitled to the reliefs sought.

We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC

Why Lagos govt sealed Cubana Chief priest’s food outlet – Commissioner

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed Donald’s Fast Food, a restaurant owned by Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chiefpriest, due to persistent noise pollution and environmental violations.

The fast food outlet, located on Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki 1, was closed by LASEPA after failing to comply with environmental regulations despite several warnings and abatement notices.

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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure on Sunday via his social media handle, stating: “After several warnings and abatement notices, LASEPA sealed Donald’s Fast Food on Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki 1 over noise pollution and other environmental infractions.”

Why Lagos govt sealed Cubana Chief priest’s food outlet – Commissioner

More flooding coming, FG warns states, residents, assesses Borno situation

The Federal Government has clarified that the recent flooding near the Alau Dam in Borno State was not due to a collapse but rather excessive rainfall and climate change impacts. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, offered condolences to the people of Borno State and warned that the worst of the flooding is not yet over, with more water expected.

The minister reminded the public that flood risk assessments identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas. He emphasized that technical teams from various government agencies, including the Chad Basin Development Authority, are currently assessing the damage and devising solutions.

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Prof. Utsev cautioned residents about the potential risks of contaminated water and the spread of waterborne diseases. He also expressed concerns about potential river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging states to remain alert and take preventive measures.

The Federal Government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval, has allocated N108 billion for flood prevention efforts across the 36 states. The minister called on state governments to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to minimize the impact of future floods.

In addition, the minister explained that many dams across the country are struggling to manage the excess water caused by increased rainfall. As part of the government’s long-term response, plans are underway for dam rehabilitation, with budget allocations set for 2024 and 2025. He assured affected communities that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting and preventing further disasters.

More flooding coming, FG warns states, residents, assesses Borno situation