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Kaduna gov, Uba Sani remains my mentor, says El-Rufai’s son

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By Francesca Hangeior.

 

The member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Bello El-Rufai, has stated that incumbent Governor Uba Sani is his mentor, adding that they still keep in touch.

Bello revealed this in a video interview hosted by Yaya Abba, titled, ‘With Shuraim’’.

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He recalled how two of his friends influenced his move to work under Sani while he was a serving Senator in the 9th Senate.

Bello noted that Sani’s first reaction was that he (Bello) would turn down the offer, citing the notion that people have regarding the children of “big men.”

“I think working with Senator Uba Sani taught me the politics that fits this country,” adding that he had a great influence on his knowledge of the politics of legislative representation.

“He’s still my mentor, we talk every day. After he (Sani) emerged as the APC candidate to replace my father, he told my father he wanted me to run for the Reps,” he said.

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He noted that his membership in the Green Chamber wasn’t his father’s call, adding that he (the father) “never campaigned for me.

“But Senator Uba Sani was adamant that I had learnt a few things while working in the 9th Senate as a senior legislative aide. That was the step towards me running,” he added.

Bello stressed that he’s aware of his responsibilities as the representative of his constituent, saying, “For me, where I’m from, I feel I’m genuinely responsible for every individual that’s in Kaduna North.”

The lawmaker stated that while he still feels the pressure of legislative representation, he remains grateful for the achievements of his office so far, including initiatives towards improving the education and health of his constituents, among others.

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Bello equally noted that his online presence had made people misjudge his person, saying he was seen as a “poster boy of arrogance.”

The lawmaker stated that people needed to understand the thin line between criticism and hatred.

“My first baptism of public service was when my sister died in 2011 in London. Somebody sent me a comment when someone said ‘he hopes she burns in hell twice,” adding that his leadership role has availed him of control on his social media comments.

Sani had revealed that his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, left a debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in contract liabilities.
 

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Meanwhile, the governor, through his spokesman, Mohammed Shehu, has said that Sani would not reply to another of El-Rufai’s sons, Bashir, who took to X to attack the governor over the state’s debt profile.

Bashir, on his social media handle, accused Sani of shying away from his responsibility by always staying away from the state and hibernating in Abuja.

The young El-Rufai accused the governor of surrounding himself with a retinue of incompetent aides appointed for political patronage.

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Bill For Independent Candidacy Recommitted, Referred To Constitution Review Committee

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By Gloria Ikibah 
 
 
A major milestone was recorded on Wednesday at plenary as a bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for independent candidacy in Nigeria was recommitted and referred to the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives for further legislative action.
This development is a significant step towards promoting electoral reforms and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Naijablitznews.com reports that th House of Representatives had earlier inaugurated a Constitution Review Committee to address various issues, including electoral reforms, devolution of powers, and fiscal federalism earlier this year.
 
 
The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represents the Ekiti North 1 (lkole/Oye) Federal Constituency. This piece of crucial legislation, is a legacy bill from previous assemblies (7th, 8th, 9th), was reintroduced for consideration after being read for the first time in the 10th Assembly on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
 
 
The sponsor of the bill emphasized the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy. 
 
 
He said: “This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity. “
 
 
The bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order 1, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.
 
 
Speaking to journalists on the bill after the plenary on Thursday, the Founder of ElectHER, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode said the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill was a critical and progressive milestone. 
 
 
She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusiivity. Faborode also highlighted that the progress of the bill in the 10th Assembly marked a defining moment for Nigeria, with the potential to significantly shape the future of its democracy. 
 
 
She therefore reaffirmed ElectHER’s continued partnership with the office of the House Spokesperson to champion public advocacy and engagement towards the final passage of the bill.
 
 
The bill was recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.
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Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

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In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

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“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

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“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

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Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

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In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said

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