I’m not running for Senate Presidency – Lawan
The President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan has denied reports that he aspiring for the position of the Senate in the yet-to-be-inaugurated 10th National Assembly, saying he is not running for the position he is presently occupying.
In a statement, he personally signed yesterday in Abuja. Lawan urged Nigerians to discountenance such reports, said that he has never told anyone or held a meeting with people to intimate them of such an ambition.
The President of the Senate’s statement read, “I have read some media reports that I have joined the race for the Presidency of the 10th Senate. Ordinarily, I would not have responded to these reports but when lies are not refuted, they have the tendency to create an illusion of truth.
“The truth is that I have never told anyone or held a meeting with anyone that I am running for the Presidency of the 10th Senate. So the public should discountenance the reports.
“The fact remains that I am part of the leadership of our great party, the APC, seeking to find solutions to the numerous issues arising from the contests for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and I will continue to remain focused on that.”
Why Tony Blair visited me — Tinubu
Former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday and met with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu, on his official Twitter account (@OfficialBAT), revealed the purpose of the visitation.
He said the visit was to discuss mutual interests between Nigeria and the Tony Blair Institute for Good Governance, an institute owned by the former UK Prime Minister.
He tweeted, “I received former British Prime Minister and founder of the Tony Blair Institute for Good Governance, Mr Tony Blair, at the Defence House, Abuja, earlier today.
“We discussed areas of mutual interest and how Nigeria can continue to benefit from the amazing work of the Institute.”
Meanwhile, the United States President, Joe Biden, has named his delegation to attend the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
New Customs Act will boost efficiency – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that the new Customs Act, which he recently signed into law, will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administration.
According to a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari disclosed this while unveiling the new Customs headquarters, named CUSTOMS HOUSE, in Abuja on Tuesday.
“We are all aware of our Customs Service’s challenges, particularly the fragile borders that provide opportunities for illicit activities. The recent increase in transnational crimes, smuggling, and security threats necessitates a robust and agile customs administration. I am fully conscious of these challenges and the urgent need to address them.
Tribunal to conclude hearing Aug 8
The presidential election petition court (PEPC) has concluded pre-hearing in all three petitions filed against Bola Tinubu, president-elect.
Tinubu, the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared as the winner of the February 25 election after scoring 8,794,726 votes.
Aggrieved by the outcome, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, are challenging Tinubu’s victory.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) is also challenging Tinubu’s election.
At the court session on Tuesday, the five-member panel consolidated all the petitions because of the time-bound nature of the case.
The court issues a trial schedule to aid the speedy dispensation of the petitions.
According to the electoral act, the tribunal has 180 days to determine the petitions. The court is expected to round up all its activities on or before September 16, 2023.
