Updates from Nigerian Newspapers of Thursday 26th October 2023

1. House of Representatives to Probe Legal Service Providers in P&ID Case

The House of Representatives, during its Wednesday session, resolved to launch an investigation into the legal and service providers involved in the case between Nigeria and the foreign company, Process and Industrial Development Limited. This decision came after a motion was presented by Kama Nkemkanma, the lawmaker representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State.

1. Political Parties Optimistic as Supreme Court Prepares to Rule on Presidential Election

On Wednesday, the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, as well as the two opposition parties – the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, expressed confidence in securing victory as the Supreme Court prepared to deliver its judgment on the February 25 presidential election. Dr. Festus Akande, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, confirmed that the judgment on the appeals brought by Atiku and Peter Obi was scheduled for Thursday.

1. Sangotedo Family Protests Alleged Disregard for Court Ruling by Lagos State Government

Members of the Oyetubo Jokotade family in the Sangotedo area of Ajah, along with their allottees, staged a protest on Wednesday, alleging the Lagos State Government’s disregard for a court ruling. The protestors, armed with placards, raised concerns about the ongoing presence of heavily armed policemen on their land.

1. INEC Emphasizes Importance of November 11 Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has underscored the significance of the upcoming governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, made this statement during a quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organizations on Wednesday. He also urged accredited election observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation.

1. Tribunal Upholds Aminu Tambuwal’s Election as Senator

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Sokoto affirmed the election of Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of the state, as the duly elected senator representing Sokoto South. The three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Denis Echesi, dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Senator Ibrahim Danbaba, challenging the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate.

1. Former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa Released by DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Abdulrasheed Bawa, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa had been in custody since June, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

1. President Tinubu Appoints 10 New Resident Electoral Commissioners for INEC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed 10 new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These appointments are for a five-year term, pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. The announcement was made in a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday.

1. INEC Releases Amended Governorship Candidates List in Bayelsa

On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued an amended list of governorship candidates for the November 11 election in Bayelsa State. Notably, the name of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, were excluded. The list, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contained remarks citing a “Court order.”

1. No Three-Month Tenure Extension for Recalled Ambassadors, Says Foreign Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified on Wednesday that there is no three-month tenure extension for the recently recalled ambassadors by the Federal Government. Additionally, the Federal Government has imposed an embargo on foreign missions’ accounts to curb frivolous spending by envoys.

1. President Tinubu Appoints New Heads for NIWA and NSC

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Alhaji Munirudeen Oyebamiji as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Mr. Akutah Ukeyima as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).