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JUST IN: Countdown begins as INEC releases date for Dino Melaye’s recall (see timetable) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the commencement of the recall of Senator Dino Melaye. The timetable shows INEC would verify the constituents’ signatures on August 19 and publish the results immediately. Melaye, who represents Kogi West district at the Senate, is facing the recall even though he recently went to court demanding that the action be stopped. INEC’s timetable was released on Monday, July 3, days after it said it received a petition from Melaye’s constituents demanding his release. Premium Times reports that the spokesperson of INEC, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said in a telephone call earlier: “Yes, it is true we received a letter from his lawyer but that is just an intention to go to court, the case has not been heard so you can’t say we should stop our process because he wants to go to court. “He can go to court and pursue what...

My government will be for the people, not for me - Senator Andy Uba - All eyes are on Anambra state as the preparations for the forthcoming governorship election are in top gear - Political activities in the state are gaining momentum - At the forefront of it all is Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Andy Uba has promised to run an all inclusive government laced with equity and justice if he is elected the governor of Anambra state. The APC leading aspirant made the statement on Friday, June 30 while touring several communities in different local government areas of the state. Senator Uba has been campaigning vigorously across the length and breadth of the state NAIJ.com gathered that the local governments the senator visited included Ukpor, Nnewi North Ozubulu, Ekwusigo, Nnewi and Ihiala. “I will run an all inclusive government laced with equity and justice enshrined in the fundamental principles of true democracy,” Senator Uba promised. ...

Jubilation as APC aspirant renovates schools, hostel (photos) - All eyes are on Anambra state as the preparations for the forthcoming governorship election are in top gear - Political activities in the state are gaining momentum - At the forefront of it all is Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) The senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Andy Uba has raised an alarm over the pitiable state of infrastructures in educational facilities in Anambra state. The lawmaker made the disclosure while paying a routine visit to Girls High School Uga in Aguata local government area, one of the numerous schools he renovated not so long ago. Senator Andy Uba arriving the school for the inspection of the renovation he embarked on The APC gubernatorial aspirant, expressed disappointment at the rate of infrastructural decay that has almost grounded academic activities at the school, were it not for his timely intervention. Senator Uba had earlier ren...

GEJ's minister Chidoka boasts, says UPP only platform for political redirection in Nigeria - A former minister of aviation said Anambra state and Nigeria as a whole needs social, economic and political redirection - Osita Chidoka said such redirection must be guaranteed based on equity, justice and fairness; where no man is oppressed - He said the time has come for a peaceful national rethink and dialogue that will bring Nigeria out of its current situation The former minister of aviation Osita Chidoka has said that his new party the United Progressive Party (UPP) is the only genuine platform for the desired redirection in Anambra state and the nation at large. Chidoka also said that the party is focused on delivering the desired social, economic and political redirection in the state. While addressing National Convention of the UPP on Thursday, June 29, in Awka, Anambra state capital, Chidoka said what is needed in Nigeria today, is the guarantee of a functioning country. ...

BREAKING: Federal High Court dismisses allegation of certificate forgery against Senator Andy Uba - Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is like the cat with nine lives - Despite moves to distract him, the senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District has forged on - The court has affirmed the legality of his senatorial ambition and governorship aspiration after several moves to stop him Reports reaching NAIJ.com indicates that moves to sack Senator Andy Uba from the Senate and stop his Anambra governorship aspiration has failed. This is due to the ruling of an Abuja High Court sitting in Apo which cleared Senator Uba of the allegations of certificate forgery against him. The court also went ahead to affirm the originality of senator's WAEC certificate and eligibility to hold any public office in Nigeria. The end of the court case will most likely energize the Andy Uba campaign organisation which has been meeting with several groups across ...

Acting President Osinbajo makes 14 crucial appointments ahead of 2019 (see full list) - The appointments by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo comes after the confirmation of the National Assembly - While 13 of the newly appointed are in their first term, one is currently observing his second term Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has reportedly granted approval for the appointment of 14 new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The newly appointed would be joining their colleagues at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). READ ALSO: Quit notice: Ganduje reveals what will happen to south-easterners in Kano state A statement by Bolaji Adebiyi, the director of press, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) said 13 of the new appointees are in their first term. The 14 appointees are to work as RECs for INEC Hussaini Halilu Pai of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was re-appointed. The newly appointed are: 1. Professor Godwill Obiom...

Acting President Osinbajo makes 14 crucial appointments ahead of 2019 (see full list) - The appointments by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo comes after the confirmation of the National Assembly - While 13 of the newly appointed are in their first term, one is currently observing his second term Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has reportedly granted approval for the appointment of 14 new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The newly appointed would be joining their colleagues at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). READ ALSO: Quit notice: Ganduje reveals what will happen to south-easterners in Kano state A statement by Bolaji Adebiyi, the director of press, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), said 13 of the new appointees are in their first term. The 14 appointees are to work as RECs for INEC Hussaini Halilu Pai of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was re-appointed. The newly appointed are: 1. Professor Godwill Obio...

Kogi West indigenes blast Dino Melaye, vows to support his recall to the end - The process to recall Senator Dino Melaye is still generating buzz - The senator representing Kogi West senatorial district is at loggerheads with political leaders in Kogi state - He also seem to have lost the support of some prominent people in the Okun nation Okun indigenous groups and township associations in Lagos on Wednesday, June 28 said they are in support of the electoral processes to recall Senator Dino Melaye. Melaye represents Kogi West Senatorial District, an ancestral domain of the Okun people. The group in a statement signed by Rotimi Ajibulu and Adebukola Ebenezer said Okun residents in Lagos are very happy with the process, insisting that Senator Melaye had been a bad ambassador of the Okun people. Senator Dino Melaye is battling to save his political career Ajibulu is a former executive member of the Federation of Okun Students, while Adebukola is the President of Okun Progr...

He brought disgrace to Okun Nation! Kogi West indigenes berates Dino Melaye - The process to recall Senator Dino Melaye is still generating buzz - The senator representing Kogi West senatorial district is at loggerheads with political leaders in Kogi state - He also seem to have lost the support of some prominent people in the Okun nation Okun indigenous groups and township associations in Lagos on Wednesday, June 28 said they are in support of the electoral processes to recall Senator Dino Melaye. Melaye represents Kogi West Senatorial District, an ancestral domain of the Okun people. The group in a statement signed by Rotimi Ajibulu and Adebukola Ebenezer said Okun residents in Lagos are very happy with the process, insisting that Senator Melaye had been a bad ambassador of the Okun people. Senator Dino Melaye is battling to save his political career Ajibulu is a former executive member of the Federation of Okun Students, while Adebukola is the President of Okun Progre...

Okorocha reveals why PDP chieftains are planning one-million-man march against his government - Imo state state, Rochas Okorocha reacts to reports on a planned one-million-man march against his government - Okorocha claims the march was because he “does not share money,” for people - The Imo state governor alleges that the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly is behind the march Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has reacted to the planned one-million-man march against his government on July 3. The Imo state governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo on Wednesday, June 28, claimed that the march was because he “does not share money,” for people in the state. READ ALSO: Why we have not charged Evans to court – Police NAIJ.com gathered that Okorocha accused the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kelechi Nwagwu of being behind the alleged march. Read the statement below: “This is to bring to the knowledge of the gene...

Biafra agitation: This is evidence that Igbos are marginalized - Reno Omokri - Reno Omokri has said that the marginalization of Igbos in Nigeria is no fictitious tale - Omokri says evidence of the marginalization can be seen in the way in which Aba and Nnewi have been treated - The cleric says the two areas in the southeast are very productive but the government has turned a blind eye to the ingenuity of the people Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has said that for too long unfair treatment has been meted out to Igbos in Nigeria. Omokri who made his claims via social-media, said there is a deliberate attempt to under-develop the southeast. The cleric said the Igbos are highly industrious, but manufacturing cities like Aba and Nnwi do not get the support required. READ ALSO: Buhari's health: Embassy source makes stunning revelation of president's status Reno Omokri says Igbos are being marginalized in Nigeria and there is a deliberate attempt...

Over 2000 PDP members defect to APC in Rivers - PDP suffers huge setback in Rivers as over 2000 members of the party join APC in Degema local government area - An APC chieftain Dr. Sokonte Davies describes his party as the only party that is capable of meeting the aspirations of Nigerians - The defectors say their decision to quit the PDP was informed by the leadership style of the APC leaders at all levels which they described as people oriented Over two thousand members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Degema local government area of Rivers state have defected to the main opposition party All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The defectors were welcomed on Monday, June 26, at Tombia, Degema local government area, during an empowerment programme. On hand to welcome the defectors, Dr. Sokonte Davies, a chieftain of the APC in Rivers and a former member of the House of Representatives representing Degema/Bonny constituency, described APC as the only par...

Excitement for Melaye as ex-ministers, other heavyweights disown signatures to recall senator - The planned recall of Dino Melaye by his constituents may hit the rock following this denial from some Nigerian leaders - The leaders under the Okun Development Initiative said they did not give out their signatures to have Melaye recalled Some top Nigerians standing for the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi have disowned the signatures collected to recall Senator Dino Melaye. Under the Okun Development Initiative, a socio-cultural association, the top leaders said the recall was the result of misguided advice. NAIJ.com understands that those who stood in support of Melaye include former minister for Justice and Attorney General of Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, Professor Eyitayo Lambo, General David Jemibowon (rtd), Tunde Ipinmisho and General Julius Oshanopin. For Dino Melaye, it could be a time to smile They claimed the collected signatures did not come from their area. “It has be...

APC chieftain reveals why Amaechi and Senator Abe are at loggerheads - The center can no longer hold in the Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) - The battle of wits between the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe has taken center stage - A chieftain of the party indicts Senator Abe for the crisis rocking the party Senator Magnus Abe's desperation to emerge as the APC's gubernatorial candidate in 2019 is the reason why the Rivers state chapter of the party is in crisis. This was the position of a chieftain of the APC in the state who spoke to Thisday under the condition of anonymity. This also, the party chief said, was responsible for the media reports detailing the strained relationship between Abe and Amaechi, both of whom were once political allies. Abe trying to undermine Amaechi's leadership in Rivers APC - Party chieftain READ ALSO: Finance minister Kemi Adeosun denies Twitter post insulting Igbos ...

INEC accused of frustrating efforts to ensure free and fair polls in 2019 Editor's note: A post-g raduate engineering student at Coventry University, London, Engineer Best Agbese, outlines how the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) came up with a solution strong enough to terminate electoral fraud in Nigeria and beyond, but its effort is being frustrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Read below: All over the world, what confers credibility on democracies is the propensity of nations to conduct free and fair polls. But to achieve credibility or perfection in the electoral process is most times a near impossibility, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. One can safely conclude that it is largely a problem of Africans and the African continent generally. In Ghana, Angola, Liberia, and Nigeria or anywhere else on the continent, politicians execute a brazen abuse of the otherwise sacred process. Zimbabwe’s Robert M...

Ahead of 2019, Shehu Sani hands Governor El-Rufai his report card and it is not good at all - Shehu Sani, a senator representing Kaduna central district, gave credence to the speculation that El-Rufai plans to contest for presidency in 2019 - Sani lamented that while El-Rufai castigated the government of Muhammadu Buhari as failed, his state has been facing serious insecurity Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna central district, has described the administration of Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state as a failure. Sani, who has been in a long-standing battle with El-Rufai, urged the governor to shelve his presidential ambition for 2019 since he has failed as a governor. In a widely reported statement on Wednesday, June 21, Sani slammed El-Rufai for sitting as governor and allowing insecurity take the toll of the state. Shehu Sani said El-Rufai has failed as governor of Kaduna state Sani lamented that while El-Rufai could not handle Kaduna state, he was accusing Presidenr Muhammad...

Dino Melaye set to lose Senate seat as 188,580 constituents sign recall registers (See LGAs breakdown) - The process to recall Senator Dino Melaye seems to have been successful - The senator representing Kogi West senatorial district is at loggerheads with political leaders in Kogi state - The leaders say they now have the signatures required to recall the controversial senator A total of 188,580 electorates from Kogi West Senatorial District have signed the registers to recall Senator Dino Melaye. Announcing the figures at the All progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, the returning officer for the recall exercise, Adamu Yusuf explained that out of 360,098 of the total registered voters of the seven local governments in the area, 188, 588 have signed. The local governments in the senatorial district are Yagba West, Mopa Muro, Kabba Bunu, Yagba East, Koton Karfe, Lokoja and Ijumu. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 news app ...