Today's Headlines: I Was Baited But Won 2023 Election Fairly – Tinubu; Thousands rally in support of Niger military coup

I was ‘baited’ but won 2023 election fairly – Tinubu

Photo credit: Punch papers

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he was aware ‘some people’ baited him before the 2023 presidential election, stressing that he deliberately honoured their wishes to prove he can still win fairly in spite of the obstacle.

The President made the revelation in his address during Thursday’s meeting of the National Executive Committee that produced former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, as the new national chairman and secretary of the APC respectively.

Tinubu also defended the legitimacy of the 2023 poll, warning that those still struggling to accept the outcome of the ‘free and fair election’ don’t deserve the joy of victory.

He said, “Some people baited us but we honoured their wishes and yet coasted to victory. Yes, we are facing challenges in court and I say this is one of the freest and fairest elections in the history of Nigeria. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the result of a free and fair election, do not deserve the joy of victory.

”We have worked hard, and we have received the trophy. Winning an election is the first part of the process. What is next is good governance and quality service delivery. We must promote unity, peace, and love among all organs of the party.

”You are the makers and drivers of the party. When we have all passengers inside the bus, the driver must not fall asleep. The brake must also work well. Party loyalty must exist.”

On the main agenda of the NEC meeting, which appointed new external auditors to audit party accounts and fill the vacant offices of National Chairman and National Secretary, Tinubu urged the NEC to devolve some of its powers to the National Working Committee of the party to also fill other vacancies in the party.

This request was sequel to a motion moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and seconded by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.

In his acceptance speech, the former Kano governor promised to promote unity among party members, carry out reforms and adhere to internal democracy.

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Thousands rally in support of Niger military coup

Demonstrators took to the streets of Niger’s capital Niamey on Thursday in a show of support for the country’s new leadership, a week after a military coup in the West African country.

People rallied on the streets of Niamey to signal their support for de facto president Abdourahmane Tchiani and his junta, a dpa correspondent in the capital reported.

The demonstrations followed a call by civil society associations, according to reports.

They came on the 63rd anniversary of Niger gaining independence from former colonial power France.

According to local media, people also demonstrated in the city of Agadez, with posters seen expressing support for the putschists. Russian flags are also said to have been waived.

Agadez is on the edge of the Sahara Desert, which many migrants pass through on their way to Libya and towards the Mediterranean.

The coup plotters managed to ignite a “nationalistic fire” in the population within a week, said Olaf Bernau from the migration network Afrique-Europe-Interact.

Part of the reason for this is the EU’s migration strategy in Niger.

For several years, Niger, as an important transit country for migrants heading for Europe, has received financial support to limit migration. Since 2015, a law in Niger has criminalized illegal migration and its support.

Jonathan Mourns Bayelsa Ex-Chief Judge, Abiri

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of the immediate past Chief judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, describing her as a dedicated servant in the temple of justice.

In a condolence message by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, to the family of the deceased and the Government of Bayelsa State, Jonathan noted that the deceased left an enble track record of honesty and integrity, adding that the jurist would be sorely missed.

In the message, the former president stated: “I condole with the Abiri and Waritimi families and the Government of Bayelsa State on the demise of the immediate past Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri who died on Thursday August 3, 2023.

“Justice Abiri was a jurist with an enble track record of honesty, integrity and steadfastness in the pursuit of truth and justice. She was an incorruptible judge, a symbol of courage, hope and inspiration to many across the country.”Photo Credit: Google

He also described her as a dedicated servant renowned for her piety and total commitment to upholding the rule of law.“Her death is a big loss to her family, Bayelsa and members of the legal profession. I urge them to find solace in her notable strides and the fulfilling life that she lived. She will be missed by many Nigerians across the country. I pray that God grants all the bereaved the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he stated further.

PDP, LP Mock APC As NEC Ratifies Ganduje Party Chair

Photo Credit:Punch papers

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party have berated the ruling All Progressives Congress for appointing former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as the new National Chairman of the ruling party, saying the 73-year-old politician has corruption baggage hanging around his neck.

However, Ganduje, who emerged APC National Chairman on Thursday at the party’s National Executive Committee in Abuja, promised to promote unity among party members, carry out reforms and adhere to internal democracy under his watch.

At the APC NEC meeting, attended by President Bola Tinubu, a former Senate spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, was also appointed as the APC National Secretary.

In his welcome address, Tinubu defended the legitimacy of the presidential poll.

He said, “Some people baited us but we honoured their wishes and yet coasted to victory. Yes, we are facing challenges in court and I say this is one of the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the result of a free and fair election, do not deserve the joy of victory.

‘’We have worked hard, and we have received the trophy. Winning an election is the first part of the process. What is next is good governance and quality service delivery. We must promote unity, peace, and love among all organs of the party.”

‘’You are the makers and drivers of the party. When we have all passengers inside the bus, the driver must not fall asleep. The brake must also work well. Party loyalty must exist.”

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