Today's Headlines: Ministerial list: Blame South-East leaders, not President Tinubu – Osita Okechukwu, We’ve Learned Lesson—Yakubu

Ministerial list: Blame South-East leaders, not President Tinubu – Okechukwu

Photo Credit: Dailypost

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Enugu State, Mr Osita Okechukwu has absolved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of any blame in the nomination of only five people from the South-East as members of his cabinet.

Criticism has trailed Tinubu’s ministerial list, with some South-East leaders accusing him of marginalising the zone.

While the South-East was given its statutory five slots out of the 48 nominees, other zones got extra slots.

But answering questions from journalists in Enugu on Sunday on the perceived shabby treatment meted out to the South East, Mr Okechukwu, a foundation member of APC quipped that without holding brief or defending Mr President, “instead of blaming him, we should rather blame our so-called South East APC leaders.

2023 Poll: We’ve learned lessons — Yakubu

Photo Credit: Vanguard

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has said lessons have been learned from the 2023 general elections and that there would be an improvement in the forthcoming circle elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.

He added that the commission is satisfied with the feedback it got during the 2023 post-election review organized by the commission.

Speaking during the just concluded three-day review of the 2023 elections in Lagos, the INEC boss disclosed that most of the issues raised and recommendations made to improve the Nation’s elections would be tested in the coming elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.

“We promised Nigerians that we were going to hold the election review meeting and conclude it within one month. We started on the 4th of July, and today is the 4th of August. The response has been overwhelming. Remember, we started with the state-level consultation with the RECs, we had an engagement with the transport unions, we then met with the State collation of the presidential election in Abuja, and then we had engagements with political parties and civil organizations, among others. So overall, we are encouraged by the response of stakeholders across the board and the quality of the contributions they have made.

Asked about the challenges that popped up during the review, he said, The number of challenges that came up, technology for voter accreditation, and result management, have been some of the issues raised, and recommendations made.

“The issue of electoral logistics, so that elections can start promptly, also includes the production and collection of Permanent voter Cards, PVCs, among others. We are harvesting all the issues and all the recommendations, and those that require administrative actions by the commission would be dealt with, but those that require amendment to the existing laws, be it the electoral act of 2022 or the constitution, we will harvest and approach the National Assembly for consideration. “

Photo Credit: Google

MINISTERIAL LIST: Why Tinubu withdrew my nomination — Maryam Shetty

Photo Credit: Vanguard

Following the withdrawal of her name from the list of ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Maryam Shetty blamed life with its characteristic unpredictability for the action, saying, however, she bore no ill will towards anyone.

She said being nominated was a validation of her capabilities and a sign of the nation’s readiness to appoint young women from the most traditional parts to office.

Kano State-born Shetty, whose nomination was withdrawn and replaced with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said this in a statement yesterday.

As of press time, no reason was given for the decision to replace her name with Mahmoud’s who also hails from Kano.

Shetty, however, said she didn’t consider the development a setback.

Her words:”I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.

“The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.

“Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.”

LEAKED AUDIO: Enemies made me frame Omisore — Sister

Photo Credit: Vanguard

Following a viral audio indicting a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, his sister, Funmilayo Omisore, yesterday, disclosed that the former scribe’s political enemies instigated her to frame him.

An audio had gone viral where a female member of the Omisore family was heard accusing Omisore of allegedly misappropriating funds meant for the 2022 governorship election in Osun State and not assisting any family member while he was the APC scribe.

Members of the Omisore family, however, converged in Lagos, yesterday, to wade into the matter.

The family, led by Mr Folarin Omisore and Mr Ipoola Omisore, said it had resolved the matter.

Speaking at a press conference held to absolve Omisore of the false accusation, Funmilayo said she had no reason to accuse the former lawmaker, appealing for forgiveness from those whose names were mentioned in the audio.

She said: “The political enemies of Iyiola Omisore were the ones that made me frame all that I said. Before now, I never had any issue with Iyiola. I seek forgiveness from Senator Omisore, who is my good brother and also apologise to all those I mentioned like Chief Akinyelure, Chief Bisi Akande, President Bola Tinubu and the entire Omisore family.”

We accept her apologies — family

Meanwhile, President of the Omisore family, Ipoola Omisore, said: “She has apologised and we accept her apologies in good faith. Omisore is a star of the family.”

On his part, the family’s head, Folarin Omisore, added: “We came all the way from Ile-Ife to sort out this matter when we heard that someone was trying to cast aspersion on the star of the family. Thank God we we’ve been able to sort things out.”

Nasu001 (
)