Curious Case of Gov Lawal and Scarcity of US Dollars in Abuja

By Lawal Datti 

In the bustling city of Abuja, a peculiar situation has unfolded at the main forex trading market in Zone 4. Rumors have been circulating that Governor Lawal and his merry band of men are on a quest for hard currency, causing a scarcity of US dollars. The scarcity of US dollars in the forex market has caused chaos and uncertainty among traders and investors. The demand for US dollars has skyrocketed, leading to a significant increase in its value. This scarcity has raised questions about the motives behind Governor Lawal's actions.Governor Lawal's desperate pursuit of hard currency raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity. The reasons behind his fixation on acquiring US dollars need to be examined. One possible explanation could be the anticipation of the final decision of the Supreme Court on the appeal between the Governor and his challenger, Bello Matawalle.The impending decision of the Supreme Court on the appeal between Governor Lawal and Bello Matawalle holds immense significance. It is plausible that Governor Lawal intends to use the acquired hard currency to influence the outcome of the appeal. This raises concerns about the integrity of the judicial process and the potential abuse of power.The scarcity of US dollars and Governor Lawal's quest for hard currency fuel speculations about his motives. One possibility is that he intends to bribe or influence key individuals involved in the appeal process. This would allow him to secure a favorable outcome and maintain his position as Governor. However, these speculations remain conjectures until concrete evidence emerges.The scarcity of US dollars and the potential manipulation of the appeal process have far-reaching implications. It undermines the credibility of the judicial system, erodes public trust, and perpetuates corruption. Such actions can have detrimental effects on the economy, foreign investments, and the overall development of Abuja.The curious situation of Governor Lawal's desperation on acquiring hard currency amidst the scarcity of US dollars in Abuja raises numerous questions and speculations. The impending decision of the Supreme Court on the appeal between Governor Lawal and Bello Matawalle adds further complexity to the situation. The motives behind Governor Lawal's actions remain unclear, but the potential implications and consequences are significant. It is crucial for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law to prevail in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial system and foster a conducive environment for economic growth and development in Abuja.

Yoruba Youths Says President Tinubu to put Zamfara state Governor on the watch

.... Jamie Job

The Yoruba Youth Council has deplored what it described as worrisome underdevelopment of Zamfara State couples with hightened insecurity since the exit of the former Governor Bello Matawalle.

"We observed that since the nullification by appeal court of results from the three local governments that produced Governor of Zamfara State, the state have been going through challenges".

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the Council, which is an umbrella body of the Yoruba youths noted particularly that the state has been going through challenges since the Court of Appeal on November 27 ordered a rerun by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  of the March 18 election which produced the incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner.

The statement said that based on its overview, "the Council observed that the current state of underdevelopment in the state is due to alleged fear and uncertainty being entertained by the governor on whether he would win or lose the three Local Government Areas in the incoming rerun." 

Oluwole said: "We called on the Mr President to put Governor Dauda Lawal under watch and checking, there is need for the Governor to concentrate his full energy on delivering meaningful governance to the good people of Zamfara State who are looking up to their leaders full hope, while patiently awaiting the final decision of the Supreme Court on his pending appeal against the nullification of his election by the lower Court and the Appeal Court.

We also observe then that his part of the people that showed much interest in Mr President on Toronto certificate issue.

Yoruba youths also said they learnt that Mr Governor has been financing some groups in other to carry out protest and therefore called on security agencies to be on alert to arrest any person that want to cause problem in the state.

"Already, the current state of underdevelopment in Zamfara State is disturbing enough, Mr Governor should not do anything to further jeopardize the interest and especially the much-needed overall socioeconomic development of the state."

The youth leader then urged Governor Lawal to, pending the verdict of the Supreme Court on his appeal,  he should vigorously follow the footsteps of his predecessor and now Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle "with his brilliant record of achievements as the immediate former Governor of Zamfara State."

It would be recalled that in a unanimous decision by its three-member panel led by Justice Oyebisi Folayemi, including Justice Cordelia Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, and Justice Sybil Nwaka Gbagi, the appellate court had declared the March 18 Zamfara State Governorship Election as inconclusive and nullified Lawal's return.

It further ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election in three Local Government Areas of the state including Maradun, Birnin-Magaji and Bukkuyum, where elections had not been held previously or where results from various polling units were not counted. 

Also, the court held that it was wrong for INEC to rely on information it obtained from its INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to collate the final result of the governorship election.

The judgment was on an appeal brought before the court by the immediate former governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 election

Oluwole noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission did not include about 98,000 votes meant for Bello Matawalle in its tally, called on the Supreme Court to simply add it up and decide in Matawalle’s favor without the need for a rerun and declare him winner.

"We advise Mr Governor to wait for the Supreme Court ruling, the state should not geopardize it's efforts, so far, Nigeria belong to all of us, there is need for everyone to obey the Court ruling. The state needs to be stable for development and security.

Supreme Court Ruling: Deal With Trouble Makers, NEN URGES Federal Government.

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has issued a fervent call to the federal government to take proactive measures in dealing with any form of dissent or incitement to misconduct that may arise from the outcome of the expected Supreme Court ruling on the Zamfara Governorship appeal. 

NEN emphasized the importance of ensuring the stability of the country, urging the government to be prepared and steadfast in the face of any desperate attempts to subvert it.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of NEN, Suleiman Abbah, the group appealed to the Supreme Court justices to meticulously consider the facts before them when delivering their verdict.

Notably, the NEN highlighted the fact that the use of Biomodal Voters' Accreditation System (BVAS) in elections is not a mandatory provision of the law. Consequently, the group called on the court to resolve the dispute in favor of Matawalle Bello, recognizing him as the bonafide winner of the election.

The NEN firmly believes that a fair and just ruling in favor of Matawalle Bello will not only promote peace and stability in Zamfara State but will also serve as a remarkable affirmation of the rule of law in Nigeria as a whole. 

The group urges the Supreme Court to prioritize the collective interest of the Nigerian people above any other considerations in its decision-making process.Chairman Suleiman Abbah expressed the importance of upholding the values of democracy, transparency, and justice throughout this legal process. 

He affirmed NEN's commitment to supporting and advocating for the preservation of democracy and the well-being of the Nigerian society.

"As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its verdict on the Zamfara Governorship appeal, the nation looks to the federal government to ensure the enforcement of law and order while dealing strictly with any attempts to disrupt peace or incite misconduct.

The NEN urges the government to stand firm against troublemakers and protect the stability of the country during this crucial period," he said

NNPP Causes Stir, Says Gov. Abba Yusuf Not Registered NNPP Member

Hafsat Fari : Kano 

... Accuse  Kwankwaso, others of  Ochestrating Riots

The New Nigeria Peoples Party General Assembly has finally dumped the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf saying he is not a registered member of the party as the Election Tribunal and Appeal Court ruled.

 Referring to letters addressed to the Inspector General of Police and Director General of the Directorate of the State Security Services, the NNPP at a press conference addressed by its National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major expressed concern over the escalating issues in Kano State. 

They lamented that the unrest, characterized by press interviews, protests, incitements, attacks on the judiciary, malicious remarks, institutional disruptions, visits to embassies, and road blockades, have reached an alarming level. "Red-capped individuals, both young and vibrant, wielding various weapons, have taken to the streets, disturbing the peace," the Publicity Secretary said.

 He said that upon thorough investigation, the party discovered that the riots were coordinated by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and led by non-Kano indigenes, namely Dipo Johnson, Kawu Alli, and Onu, all of whom are expelled members of our party.

The Chairman said following a three-day retreat after submitting letters to relevant security agencies and embassies, they have reached the following resolutions:"Our party upholds the sanctity of Nigeria and is committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

"Our Great Party, founded by Boniface Anebolum, categorically asserts that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not its founder."We advocate for legal redress options and reject the notion of self-help in addressing matters.

"Our party denounces the deliberate mischief of expelled members presenting themselves as the leaders of the protests, specifically Dipo Johnson, Kawu Ali, and Onu. These individuals are not representatives of our party," Major said. 

He said NNPP strongly supports the rule of law and the judiciary, disapproving of any attacks against the judicial system."Our party has won cases at the National Assembly and House of Assembly tribunals and appeals without inciting violence or making disparaging remarks against the judiciary.

"We condemn the threats made by expelled members that forced Election Tribunal judges to leave Kano," he said. He pointed out that the tribunal and appeal court rulings that Governor Abba Yusuf is not a registered member of the NNPP arose from non-compliance with our party's constitution.

"The misfortune of the NNPP is attributed to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s high-handedness, preventing party members from registering according to the law."The party has been taken over by the red-cap Kwankwasiya faction with no regard for party principles.

"Violence and killing are not part of the NNPP manifesto, and we urge the people of Kano to pursue peace and order," he said. He further explained that Dipo Johnson, the spokesperson of Kwankwaso, and presidential candidate, is not a registered member of NNPP and has been hired for his role in inciting protests.

"We invite security agencies to investigate the activities of Dipo Johnson and his cohorts, clarifying that they do not represent NNPP."NNPP disassociates itself from the incitement of the masses and attacks on the judiciary, calling for a thorough investigation," he said. 

He concluded by saying the party attributes the misfortunes of NNPP to Kwankwaso's high-handed approach, leading to non-compliance with the party's constitution and electoral laws, prompting the withdrawal from the MOU and the resultant legal action.

AYCF Gives Reasons Why Supreme Court Should Rule In Favour Of Mutawalle

Moses Oshoke

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has waded into  controversy surrounding the governorship election in Zamfara State over the non-counting of about 90,000 ballots by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

 Reacting to the development, AYCF President General Yerima Shettima called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to resolve this issue in favor of former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle in deciding the appeal before it. 

The AYCF insists that the use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced by INEC does not carry the same weight as the Electoral Act, and its mandatory use is questionable.

According to Shettima, Section 60 of the Electoral Act clearly states that the presiding officer must record each candidate's votes in a form prescribed by INEC. Additionally, section 60(5) mandates the presiding officer to transfer results, including total accredited voters and ballot results in a manner prescribed by INEC. 

However, AYCF argues that BVAS does not hold the same legal weight as the Electoral Act itself.Shettima further explained that while BVAS was introduced by INEC to enhance electoral credibility, it is not explicitly mandated by the Electoral Act. 

Therefore, its use cannot be made mandatory without proper legal backing. The appeal to Nigeria's Supreme Court is based on this argument that BVAS should not supersede provisions of the Electoral Act - which governs elections in Nigeria.

AYCF believes that it is crucial for Nigeria's highest judicial authority to address this appeal and provide a resolution that upholds democratic principles such as fairness, justice, and rule of law. 

Not counting 90,000 ballots raises concerns about electoral integrity and disenfranchisement of many voters. By resolving this appeal, Nigeria's Supreme Court can send a strong message that it is committed to ensuring free and fair elections while restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

Finally, AYCF urges Nigeria's Supreme Court to intervene and resolve Zamfara State's election controversy following INEC's non-counting of approximately 90,000 ballots in favor of former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

 They argue that BVAS does not carry equal weight with provisions stipulated by Nigeria's Electoral Act governing elections in Nigeria. Resolving this matter will uphold democratic principles such as fairness, justice and rule of law while restoring public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.