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PDP Asks Court To Declare Dogara’s Seat Vacant

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the seat of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara vacant.

The party is calling for the sack of the former Speaker for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still bearing the mandate of the party.

At the resumed hearing of the suit on Monday, the lawyer to the plaintiffs, Mr Jibril Jibril urged the court to abridge the time for the hearing of the suit owing to the fact that Mr. Dogara is already enjoying legislative privileges as a member of the House of Representatives.

Justice Okon Abang, after listening to the lawyers to the defendants who did not oppose the application to abridge time fixed February 14, 2021, for hearing.

Mr. Dogara, who is representing Dass, Tafawa Balewa, and Bogoro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, defected from the APC to the PDP before the last general election and won re-election to the house on the platform of the PDP.

The PDP and its Bauchi state chairman Hamza Koshe Akuyam, listed as plaintiffs in the suit, are contending, among others, that by virtue of section 68(1)(g) of the constitution, Mr. Dogara ought to vacate the seat for defecting from the party that sponsored him to the ninth national assembly before the expiration of his tenure.

The plaintiffs claim that the former speaker was no longer qualified to partake in the activities of the House of Representatives while still using his former party’s ticket.

Listed as defendants in the suit are Mr. Yakubu Dogara, the House of Representatives Speaker, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the APC.

Mr. Akuyam stated, in a supporting affidavit stated that there was no crisis or division in the first plaintiff, being the political platform by which the election of the first defendant (Dogara) as a serving member of the national assembly was sponsored and from which he has defected to the fifth defendant (APC) before the expiration of the period for which he was elected.

He also stated that there were no mergers involving the PDP, from which Dogara defected.

Mr Akuyam averred that having defected from the PDP before the expiration of his tenure, Dogara “has lost his seat/office as a member of the house of representatives and is no longer entitled to participate in the legislative proceedings and other businesses of the national assembly and/or entitled to salaries and allowances as a member of the national assembly”.

He added that given the facts and circumstances of the case, the speaker of the house of representatives “is under legal obligation” to declare Dogara’s seat vacant and allow INEC to conduct an election for his replacement.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to, among others, declare that Dogara has ceased to be a member of the national assembly from the date he defected to the APC.

They prayed the court to direct Dogara to vacate his seat in the national assembly and to refund all the salaries, allowances, and emoluments he collected from the date of his defection from the PDP.

They also prayed the court to direct the house of representatives speaker to give effect to section 68(1) of the constitution to forthwith declare Dogara’s seat vacant and for INEC to conduct a by-election for his replacement.

The court had initially rescheduled its hearing from December 17 2020 to March 5, 2021.

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Easter: Police Urge Nigerians To Show Love, Compassion

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The Nigeria Police Force has called on Nigerians to uphold the values of love, compassion, and empathy towards one another as they celebrate this year’s Easter.

The force made the call in a post on its Facebook handle on Friday.

It stated that by working together and remaining vigilant, Nigerians can contribute to maintaining road safety and enhancing community security.

The message read, “On this solemn occasion of Good Friday, the Nigeria Police Force extends heartfelt wishes to all Nigerians.


” May this day of reflection and sacrifice inspire unity, peace, and harmony across the country. Let us uphold the values of love, compassion, and empathy towards one another.

“Remember, in times of distress, our commitment to safety remains solid. If faced with the unfortunate event of vehicle theft, flag your vehicle as stolen on the NPF Motor Vehicle Info Certificate portal [https://cmris.npf.gov.ng]. Instant nationwide alert for a quick recovery!

“Together, let’s ensure our roads are secure. Visit the nearest police division/station for a detailed investigation and recovery.”

that the portal enables vehicle owners to comply with regulations by providing essential information online, aiding the police in maintaining accurate vehicle records

A piece of information from the NPF website about the portal read, “In carrying out this responsibility with regards to motor vehicle security, the Police established a Central Motor Registry (CMR) as a repository of information of vehicles operating on Nigerian roads.

“Every motor vehicle (cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc) owner is required to register the motor vehicle in the Registry and issued a Motor Vehicle Information Certificate.

“This portal is designed to enable motor vehicle owners to comply with regulatory requirements by providing information online about their vehicles, their ownership, and other necessary details that will support the Police in maintaining information on vehicles.

“This will be very useful in the investigation of motor vehicle theft and recovery processes.”

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Nigerians Mark Good Friday Amid Biting Economy

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Christians across Nigeria have joined their counterparts globally to mark Good Friday – a prelude to the Easter celebration – amid the high cost of living and security challenges in the country.

Good Friday is a remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In cities across the country, some churches are expected to hold services. Processions tagged the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ would also take place.

At the Saint Peter Cathedral in the diocese of Bukuru, Plateau State, worshippers joined their counterparts to observe the day.

In his sermon, Curate of the Cathedral Reverend Adewale Kolawole stressed the importance of forgiveness.

To mark the day, top government dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, governors, and others, felicitated the Christian faithful on the occasion.

Worshippers at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cathedral, Akure, Ondo State also observed the Good Friday mass.


Worshippers at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cathedral, Akure, Ondo State during a Good Friday procession.#GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/0hIBTHs11a

— Channels Television (@channelstv) March 29, 2024

‘Pursuit of a United, Peaceful Nation’

President Tinubu addresses traditional rulers and religious leaders


Earlier in his Easter message, Tinubu called on Nigerians to be compassionate to one another and work in unity. He called on Christians to imbibe the virtues of love, and sacrifice associated with the season.

“The President warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said.

“President Tinubu notes that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.”

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Tinubu Preaches Unity, Compassion At Easter, Hails Nigerians’ Sacrifices

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President Bola Tinubu has lauded Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months since his administration came on board.

Tinubu said since assuming office as President he has made conscious effort to steer the country to the path of recovery and sustainable growth.

He reassured Nigerians that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

The President stated this as part of his message to the Christian faithful on the commemoration of Easter.

Tinubu described Easter as a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.

The President warmly greeted Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.


In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesman, sent to State House Correspondents on Friday, he quoted the President as noting that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

“I strongly commend Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring them that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits,” Tinubu stated.

He said as Christians we must celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ.

The President also assured all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end

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