馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Labour Party state chairmen reject calls for INEC chairman's resignation, warn against new congresses
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The 36 elected state chairmen of the Labour Party LP have rejected calls for the resignation of Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. This position was announced by Abdurrahim Chindo, Secretary of the Forum of Elected State Chairmen and National Executive Committee, at a press conference in Abuja. The African Democratic Congress had previously called for Amupitan's resignation, citing an alleged pro-President Bola Tinubu tweet from 2023. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro have also defended Amupitan. The LP state chairmen emphasized that due process must be followed for concerns about public office holders and commended INEC's independence, stating they are not part of the calls for his resignation. Additionally, the LP chairmen warned INEC against recognizing or monitoring new congresses for the party, which they claim are being pushed by a rival faction led by Nenadi Usman. They described such a move as a threat to due process and party stability, asserting that their current structures are products of statutory and democratic processes duly monitored by INEC and recognized by law. They cautioned INEC against being pressured into actions that could jeopardize the commission's integrity, noting that only a court of competent jurisdiction can nullify congresses duly monitored by INEC.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.