Federalist News

Adams Oshiomhole The North-Central APC Young Patriots, a coalition of youth groups of the All Progressives Congress in the geopolitical zone, has vowed to resist zoning of the Speakership of the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly to the South West. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday at the Stone Edge Hotel, Abuja, the Convener, APC Young Patriot, Mr. Dominic Alancha, said though the party had yet to officially announce the zoning to the South West, it should not do so to avoid opposition to the party’s candidate like in 2015. Alancha said, “If the party goes ahead to zone the position of the Speaker to the South West because it wants to foist a particular candidate on lawmakers, disregarding popular support and equitable zoning formula, it will thereby be shortchanging the North Central of its hard-earned right which will be resisted by this group. “One would expect that since the Senate presidency was zoned to the North East being the zon...

Senator Ademola Adeleke  The World Bishops Council (WBC) Africa has praised the judiciary in Nigeria for its courage in adjudicating with the fear of God the Osun State Governorship case handled by an election petition tribunal. In a statement issued on Friday, 22nd March, 2019 by the Council’s spokesman, Bishop Seun Adeoye on behalf of WBC’s Africa  Nuncio,  Bishop Godspower Akandu, it described the judgment as victory for the judiciary in Nigeria under the present dispensation. The WBC stated that with the judgment there is now hope for the common man in the country, adding that democracy will now feel a sign of relief.   “Nigeria democracy is almost on the verge of suffocation with what transpired during the last general elections in the country and till now the world is yet to come to term with the heavily monetized and militarized polls. “It is now clear that judiciary can save the most populous black nation from imminent trouble. ...

The Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has described the ban on protests announced by the Rivers State Government as the  “height of absurdity”  by a government. The APC in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt today by the party’s spokesman, Senibo Chris Finebone said, the party believe that Gov. Nyesom Wike who authorised the ban is unaware that Rivers people and indeed Nigerians have inalienable right to peaceful protest. Perhaps the governor should be reminded that Honourable Justice Adekeye J.S.C. (rtd) once stated that, “A rally or placard carrying demonstration has become a form of expression of views on current issues affecting government and the governed in a sovereign state. It is a tread recognized and deeply entrenched in the system of governance in civilized countries. We must borrow a leaf from those who have trekked the rugged path of democracy and are now reaping the dividend of their experience.” ...

The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has commended the electoral management body; INEC for demonstrating a high capacity and consistent improvement in the overall conduct of elections in Nigeria. While addressing the media on Saturday in Abuja, the Director General, Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness (CCLCA). Dr. Nwambu Gabriel upheld INEC’s conduct of the supplementary elections in Kano State. He said that the election complies significantly with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as Amended) and the INEC’s regulations and guidelines as provided by the enabling laws of Nigeria. “For us, it is our firm belief that inconclusive election is not peculiar to Kano state alone but rather a process that demonstrates the resolute determination of INEC in ensuring the conduct of transparent, free, fair and credible elections en route positive sustainability of democrac...

Mukhtar Shehu Idris  The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria (CODWON) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to release and issue the certificate of return to the authentic candidates of Zamfara State APC and Governor-Elect, Muktar Shehu and 38 other APC lawmakers in Zamfara State. At a media briefing on Friday, Inusah Tijani who spoke on behalf of the coalition, he said that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unfortunately and most regrettably arrogated to itself the powers of rule and divide and cash and carry policy to illegally withhold the Certificate of Return of the Governor-Elect of Zamfara State, Muktar Shehu and 38 other APC lawmakers in Zamfara State even when a competent High Court of Law sitting in Zamfara State had issued an order for INEC to recognize same persons as the only authentic candidates of the primaries conducted by the Zamfara APC. The statement read, “it is with great regret we welcome you today be...