2027 Election: Mohammed Hayatu-Deen Rejects ADC Withdrawal Claims

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[00:00:10]This is the sixth edition of News Central. I'm Charles Pus. Top stories this hour. ADC members move to decide party's presidential flag bearer.

[00:00:23]Nigeria steps up response against deadly Ebola outbreak.

[00:00:31]South Africa holds emergency security meeting over violence against foreigners.

[00:00:41]Details in a moment.

[00:00:54]We begin the news with political developments in Nigeria where all eyes are on the African Democratic Congress as the party commences the process of selecting its presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections. Party members across the 36 states and the federal capital territory are expected to take part in today's exercise with the ADC adopting the direct primary method after reported efforts to produce a consensus candidate failed. Former vice president Atiku Abu Bakrar, former minister of transportation Rotimir Machi and former banker Muhammad Hayatuin are all contested for the party's sole presidential ticket in what is expected to be a major political test ahead of the 2027 elections.

[00:01:40]Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Muhammad Hayatudin has dismissed speculations suggesting he withdrew from the African Democratic Congress presidential race, insisting he remains fully in the contest. Hayatudin spoke to new central Umar Kiraawa shortly after participating in the party's direct primary at his ward in Kadmari Jerry local government area of Bono state. The presidential aspirant described the rumors as false and politically motivated, maintaining that he remains committed to securing the party's ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Members of the ADC were seen gathered at the ward collision center as counting continued peacefully. I'm very pleased to be here today because I've come to my wardamari ward in Boro states about 7 milesi outside my door. I've just finished casting my vote and you can clearly see the demonstration of support from the video pictures that are currently being captured. I believe that my community and my states will vote massively for me. But while I do that, I might also sound a serious note of caution at this stage. There's a massive campaign of disinformation going on in places like Abuja, in Kaduna and other places that have actually stepped down for one particular candidate.

[00:03:16]That is simply a fabrication. There is no adult of truth, no gem of truth in this wild speculation.

[00:03:26]I thought that by now Nigeria actually has gone past the stage where people play all kinds of pranks simply to win an election. I would like to state categorically that I stand firm and resolute. I have not by any means dropped out of this campaign. I'm staying in and I'm going to fight it to the finish. Those who are spreading these fabrications and lies should really be ashamed of themselves.

[00:03:58]In certain places like in Kaduna or Zarya, people are being stopped from voting based on the fabrication that Muhammad Hayen has stepped down for a particular candidate. I think people are desperate, desperate for power. They are used to doing the things that they've been doing for the last 30 years. Shame on them. I stand firm and resolute and intend to continue Voting is underway across Rever state as members of the African Democratic Congress ADC participates in the party's presidential primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former River State Governor and ex-minister of transportation Chibuk Roamei is among the leading contenders in the race alongside former vice president Atiku Abubakar and businessman Mohamad Hayatu.

[00:05:26]AI cast his votes at W 8 in IQ local government area of River State. Speaking shortly after the voting, the former governor expressed confidence in the credibility of the process and pledged inclusive leadership if elected as the party's presidential candidate. Party officials say the exercise has remained peaceful across the state with resource expected to be collected at designated centers before the final declaration of the party's flag bearer.

[00:05:53]>> There was a huge number of turnout in their thousands in their thousands that turned out to to vote. First there was dancing celebrations and all that and then we got the in people involved and all that and I cast my I did cast my vote and I left the place. I hope that the system will be transparent as it was in my village. If it is transparent I will accept the result because from the one we agreed is that if the primary is free and fair nobody's going anywhere but where it is not free and fair a lot of us will react.

[00:06:33]Sag Ibrahim was at the collision center earlier and he joins me live from more updates in the studio. Sagir many thanks for joining. I mean you were at um one or two of the coalition centers here in the FCT. What were your findings?

[00:06:49]>> Well good evening Charles. I in fact visited the presidential primary coalition center uh which is doiled um at the transcore hilton and uh we had just come back from a press conference.

[00:07:01]So interestingly coalition we will not be commenting today um as per the words of the chairman of the presidential primary election committee and the reasons that he had given um is that there's still much that's going on at the different world level and state level with regards to the conduct of the primary election. So they might need to push the time until around 300 p.m.

[00:07:23]tomorrow afternoon for the commencement of the coalition and he had given the reasons why that is happening as because the process is as transparent as they can make it and as such uh they are trying as much as possible to allow many members of the party from across the different parts of the country to participate in the process. he had made several comparations between the ADC and the outcome of the APC primary elections much of which which of course we'll be seeing um in subsequent report but yes the expectation then is um the process is still very much at the different state level tomorrow we would be expecting or we will be seeing a commencement of the coalition of the primary election results in addition to the fact that he mentioned uh that for them it is a contest between three um individuals three big wigs if would call it that and at the moment it doesn't look like anybody knows who is going to uh win the primary election as it is. So we can only wait to see what the result is going to be.

[00:08:21]>> So what what specifically was the chairman speaking about in terms of comparison with between the primaries for the ADC and that of the APC?

[00:08:29]>> Well, it it was it was much of what many of us saw um when we observed the conduct of the APC primary election. And I mean Charles, we saw the videos online um of how counting would jump from 1 2 3 to 30 35 to 400 and then to 1,000 and the likes of that. So he was saying in his own words that um the ADC primary election is not going to be like that.

[00:08:53]Um they're counting people who are on the field, people who are on ground and there's no there's not going to be an inflation of of the figures is basically what he was talking about. So expectation then is that hopefully this allows for them uh you know more time to collate and clean up the result sheets more effectively and of course bring something that all members of their party um would generally accept. Of course, we saw the backlash from the All Progressives Congress own primary election across um different levels, the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, um the governorship, the senatorial primary election and we saw um you know the the drama that emanated from the conduct of you know those election from the different quarters and the individuals who were not satisfied and some of them who had described you know the election as being something else. So they are saying that um the ADC the APC has done theirs. They're doing as much as possible to show to Nigerians that um that of the ADC is going to be as transparent as possible and is going to be rankoff free. So >> right Sier Ibrahim many thanks appreciate your reporting on that. I'm sure that we'll keep an eye on this de developments with a view to bringing the viewers you know a little more about this development. Many >> pleasure.

[00:10:08]Still within the ADC, a faction of the African Democratic Congress aligned with the party's former presidential candidate Jabi Kachupu has announced the dissolution of the National Working Committee led by former president of the Senate David Mark.

[00:10:23]This was reached during a national convention held in Abuja where the party's electoral committee chairman Elas Adipu officially announced the adoption of maybe Kachiku as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. Kachu, however, maintained that the ADC's updated strategy focuses on forging a united front rather than feeding into tribalism and ethnic politics.

[00:10:51]>> I know we had an NWC which after that one we are putting another one today by the grace of God.

[00:11:00]So I want to move having discovered having dissolved themselves that they are no member of the NWC of this great party. I so move that it's hereby dissolved.

[00:11:22]I present to you warmly and happily heartly honorable chief as a candidate for ADC presidential election.

[00:11:44]We will no longer engage on the basis of housea ebu and euroba or north and south but on the basis of one indivisible Nigeria.

[00:11:53]>> This is our only fatherland. We will resist all those who make religion and tribe their mantra. It will no longer be business as usual. We will zone out all proponents of zoning and usher in a Nigeria that promotes merits, character and knowhow above primordial sentiments.

[00:12:16]we move straight to the APC. But before we do that, um, just to let you know, we're headed for a short break. When we get back, we would speak to Phelix Mo.

[00:12:25]Fix of course you know, is the public secretary of the APC and of course Stanley Oifo who contended against the presidents in the just concluded primaries. That will be right after the break. Just stay with us.

[00:12:47]And now to the APC. President Bola Ahmed Tunibu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027th January elections following a landslide victory in the party's nationwide direct primary. President Tunibu secured 10,990 votes to defeat his soul rivals Stanley Oifo who pulled 16,54 votes in the party's presidential primary elections held across 8,89 words nationwide. The president was formally presented with the APC certificate of return and party flag at a ceremony held at the international conference center where party leaders describe his emergence as a reflection of overwhelming support from members across the country.

[00:13:32]>> Having satisfied the requirements of APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner of the primary election. Amid chairs from party faithfuls and supporters, President Bolatinubu formally received the APC certificate of return and party flag as the ruling party's presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election cycle. The presentation ceremony held in Abuja brought together APC governors, members of the national executive committee and the national working committee, national assembly lawmakers and other top party stakeholders.

[00:14:08]>> This is good for democracy. This is very very transparent as you can see. So I don't think there'll be any issue and going forward I think things are going to be great for this country.

[00:14:18]>> President won overwhelmingly to show that the party people and the party supporters and party members are fully in support of the president. Now the job is on us to go to the nooks and cranny of this country to tell to try and sell the president again. We have over 12 million party registered party members who are who paid up to date their registration and they participated.

[00:14:41]>> Presenting the certificate to the president, APC national chairman Nentawe Yawata said the documents symbolize the collective mandate of millions of party supporters nationwide.

[00:14:51]>> Today we're presenting to you the flag as certificate of return.

[00:14:57]The flag is not a symbol of the party alone.

[00:15:00]the symbol of hope of millions of Nigerians.

[00:15:13]The former presentation followed the conclusion of the APC nationwide direct presidential primary conducted across 8,89 words in a 36 states and the federal capital territory. According to results announced by the party, the president secured 10.99 million votes to defeat his sole challenger Stanley Oivo, who pulled 16,54 votes.

[00:15:36]>> Today we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey.

[00:15:44]A is history not defined by any individual but by our collective resolve to build a stable, prosperious and just nation. I accept this nomination with a renewed resolve to serve our people.

[00:16:03]>> You have seen the result that was announced today. I don't want to dispute anything because it's my party. I don't want to do anything that will harm my party. I'm not interested in um confrontation or conflict because I don't want issues in my party.

[00:16:20]>> The outcome further consolidates President Tibu's position as an APC flag bearer in the buildup towards the 2027 general elections in Abuja for News Central Pers.

[00:16:36]And joining us now for a further discussion on the primaries that ended uh just yesterday of course is um Felix Moai is a national publicist secretary of the All Progressives Congress. Thank you for joining us. Good evening. And of course in the studio with me is Stanley Oifo who was the sole challenger of the president Bola Ahmed Tinu. Uh Phelix let me first of all uh get to you. Um, congratulations are in order uh for you as um the case may be. Uh, but before I get to that question, but let me give you this particular rundown. A massive political tsunami has swept through the All Progressives Congress primaries, completely reshaping the race for the 2027 elections. High-profile defectors who jump sheets to the ruling party hoping for safe passage have been hit with devastating defeats. Prominence lawmakers who recently cross carpeted to the APC, including Delta North Senator Ned Walker and Representatives Dennis Abu and Peter Abank were all rejected at the primaries. They join at an astonishingly long list of over 40 incumbent lawmakers who have lost their return tickets. Powerhouses like Edos Julius Eober and veteran senators Dan Juma Goj and Bengar Daniel were thoroughly beaten by grassroots challenges. Party insiders label the shocking upset as a voters revolt against business as usual politics.

[00:18:03]Well, the high stakes APC primary elections have delivered a major relative check to several cabinet members who resigned from President Tinubu's administration to pursue elective officers. While a few successful successfully clenched tickets, others suffered shocking defeats.

[00:18:21]Well, a cabinet gamble backfired spectacularly for former power minister Adibaya Deabu, exore affairs minister Yu Tuga and former transportation minister Sedu Alcali. All three lost Yabis for the APC governorship tickets in Oo, Beli and Gome state respectively. However, the political fortunes were completely different for foreign ministers of states in Kiruka, Georgia and YuSunu.

[00:18:48]Those successfully locked down APC House of Representatives returned tickets in Abia and Kebbe states keeping their 2027 legislative ambitions very much alive.

[00:19:03]And of course, Stanley for presidential hopeful and probably be called former now has joins me in the studio. And of course, like I mentioned earlier, Felix Moa um the APC national public secretary joins us via Zoom. I'll begin with you, Phillips. Congratulations are in order, but of course, what are the party faithfuls telling you? Are the reasons why they gave the president a second chance to fly the flag?

[00:19:33]Well, overall um party members who voted uh in this primary believe that uh the president is an open and short case for not just for return as candidate of the party but for that matter as as president. at the very uh hot uh about the prospect of the next election and so came out to very uh eloquently uh speak you know by their votes in support of this president who they believe has done an amazing job in you know three years to reposition Nigeria and to set Nigeria on a path of not just of recovery but of uh you know very expansive prospects you know for growth uh going forward. So you know uh our people are very excited so they came out uh to speak and speak very clearly.

[00:20:28]>> Speaking of the people who have come out um there have been several discrepancies about the numbers of persons who have uh particularly come out in the in the past uh around 2020 2019 or so the party had announced a 15.4 million in 2022 it was around 41 million and now we're talking about registered members of the party 12.6 6 million and given by the numbers that we saw uh 10.9 won by the president it looks like over 95% of party faithfuls came out to give him this mandate. I mean how true is this online voting or it was a direct primaries truly?

[00:21:07]>> Well I'm surprised you're asking this question because I expect that you know News Central would have had its correspondents monitor that uh primaries. So if you did then I don't know why you are you know hypothesizing about uh whether we this was online voting or not. I mean this was you know an election that was done. I supervised the election in River State. Um and I can tell you I traveled through so many ws and local governments in that state.

[00:21:34]People poured out uh to participate in that voting in my own state of Delta which I also partially uh visited and monitored. Uh the turnout was incredible.

[00:21:46]You see, look, I don't think we should panalyze the progress that we're making at democracy. You know, I I think that on the one hand, uh, you know, some of our friends in the media would say that Nigerians, you know, have become very heightened in their consciousness of what's going on in the country, but on the other hand, when they vote and vote overwhelmingly, we suggest that maybe it's it's a phantom, you know, kind of vote that that's inconsistent. uh fact is that you know people turned out they voted and we have the results which you know u culminated in the uh event yesterday where the president was uh handed his you know certificate of return and the flag of the party as candidate uh for the office of president in the next election >> right the reason why I asked that question is because I mean if you look at our electoral system in the in the past we haven't had um more than 30% of people turning out amongst the persons who have been you who have come out to register or even to to vote. In the entire elections in 2023 are judged to be you know the the most participatory we had just around 30%. So one would wonder 90% participation for the APC. So that's the reason for the question.

[00:22:59]>> No there's no reason for any sort of you know doubt or or guesswork.

[00:23:05]The elections were live in so many places. People monitored it. I don't think there's anywhere I've, you know, reports were made that members didn't turn up. You know, everywhere you went in so many states, people trooped out to vote. You see, part of what we are all doing, the parties, the media, the government, you know, even civil society actors, everyone is concerned about turning our people up. that our people must participate, must be enabled to participate in our processes. Now, when we witness those participation, we shouldn't just flip and become cynical and say, "Oh, because in 2023 at a national election, people didn't come out. Therefore, at an international election like the primaries, you also expect that, you know, the turnout to be low." But so, what is the value of all of the mobilizing, all of the organizing, all of the activities? Look, I can't speak for any other party, but I'm sure you know, like our viewers know that the APC has not rested. We have gone from one event to the other, one, you know, mobilizing to the other, you know, creating notes and systems to get our people to congregate and to organize. Yes, we have done enough work to actually expect that as man of some of us are disappointed. We thought we're going to have more than 10 million, you know, members come out to vote because we, you know, across this country, we have been, you know, relentless in pushing for our members to understand that our democracy begins at the primary party level. If you get it wrong there, then you get it wrong at the national level. So, you know, I think that we are very happy with the outcome and uh uh you know, we we hope that these numbers will, you know, um I think be reflected hopefully in support of our party in the next election.

[00:24:47]>> Okay. So let let me speak to Stanley Oifos. Stanley you are at the primaries.

[00:24:51]I was al also at the primaries and I spoke to a few persons who had told me that nobody goes against a sitting president in a manner that you did. Were you surprised um at the way people reacted especially parties towards at you going against the president at at at at the primaries?

[00:25:08]>> I didn't see any negative um reaction from anyone. you know is a party and um as a party that practice democracy we at this point in time had to deepen democrac democratic practice within the party. So what we what we did and what people saw is to show to the world to Nigerians that the all progressives congress is a is a party that practice democracy internally and that is a part they can learn from. So that's what we did. There was no negative reaction of any sort. Did you did you go into the primaries hoping to win? If you going for anything in life, your best option is to win. But if at the end of the day the contest comes out in in in the favor of the opponent or your own favor, you just have to take it that that way. So what has this process taught you?

[00:26:01]Because I am sure that you didn't go into the primaries and out the same way that you went into the contest. What has this whole entire process taught you?

[00:26:08]you know every day we learn and then we gain experiences. I think what I've gained is more experience within the political uh process which is very good for our democracy and it's not very there's nothing bad in the whole thing that has happened. So the party is still intact be before the primaries. I know I had met you in one of the functions and I also asked you um why you were getting into this contest and you said well there are a few things that the president is doing right and some of those that the president is doing wrong that you feel you can fix. Um has that position changed?

[00:26:38]>> Um if you listen to the president yesterday in his acceptance speech, he did make it very open that um we are we are one party number one and then number two we are open to receive ideas to rub together and then get things done. So he made that open yesterday. So with his speech yesterday, I think not just myself alone. Um those that are supporting organically and then those that are passive supporters and everybody in the party too, we have that open door that he has created now for us to have discussions on those areas that we feel we need to improve upon like I mentioned. So definitely as a party we are going to serve Nigeria in those areas and we're going to improve on those areas.

[00:27:16]>> Right. Um you spoke about economy, you spoke about u um the way and manner the subsidy has been handled. You know what better ways you think the president can handle those?

[00:27:26]>> Um I think subsidy was not part of what I talked about though uh if you talk about subsidy. So before the president came on board every other person was touting that he going to take off subsidy. um and it's been taken off and then if you watch the funds that initially was used in subsidizing fuel is now available for the government to use. If you watch before the coming of the current administration most states got lower um allocation monthly but I think by this time you can talk about some still have like 5 billion getting 20 billion um some have like four three billion getting up to 20 billion. So if you are having that you can see that the effect that we had from um the um abolition of the subsidy is being reflected powerfully within the state allocation each state receives. I think you see behans to effectively put those resources into use.

[00:28:22]>> All right >> because the government did not just take out those and hand over money for them to not use for the people. So we should be seeing more visible uh work from the governors.

[00:28:32]>> All right. Uh uh Phelix, my final question to you uh this evening would be I mean um we've seen ministers who have served under this government lose their primary elections. I mean what's your first take on on that? Because it's it's kind of shocking. It does look like it's more like a referendum from the presidency um not to basically uh have them cross that line. What do you think?

[00:28:56]you know, I I listened to the rundown you gave uh listing some of the eminent party, you know, leaders and maybe even incumbents who lost their seats uh in these elections. Um now, let me let me say that it it just underscores the the level of objectivity, fairness, and credibility of our primaries. uh we didn't have secret cows who were you know untouchable by the votes of our constituents um our constituents voted they voted as they will they are the sovereign of the party they voted and I think you know when the results are certified um you know those who win we proceed to fly the party's flag and those who didn't I hope would you know as loyal party men uh we go you know figure out exactly why they lost and to you know join hands with those who were uh elected to represent the party and to campaign vigorously uh to ensure a victory in the general election. But I think the point here is that um whether ministers, whether they are uh even city members, you know, look, that's the whole idea. It's a competition. Somebody wins and somebody doesn't. And uh those who win, we hope they be humble enough to appreciate and you know, focus on the the call to service uh that this whole mandate would mean uh for them.

[00:30:20]Does it also mean that um in some way that those people who lost doesn't have some clouds within their neighborhood or within their areas? You think? Look, >> no. You see, we can't over analyze this, my friend. When voters vote, you know, unless you conduct a referendum to actually a micro referendum where you, you know, audit people for why they voted, you know, we can only speculate.

[00:30:43]Important thing is that, you know, they spoken and we all must abide by uh the outcomes of their voting. They are the ones who constitutionally and by law have the powers to decide who represent them. Once they've spoken, there are no second opinions.

[00:30:56]>> All right. Um Oifo, just a final one to you. Um while the president was giving his acceptance speech, he mentioned something and a whole lot of persons want some clarity to that. He said at least you have earned your money. Did you get your money back?

[00:31:10]>> That's very good. you come to that um even before uh yesterday a lot of people have um made that let me say rumor or false news or fake news that the president gave me money to buy the form and uh is the one that is behind my aspiration. So it was so funny hearing it. It was strange. I think I've addressed it once or twice before. I think today let me make it very clear to everyone that the president never he has never ever in my lifetime and in his own lifetime given me any money not one cobo not one naira whatever is called money I've never received from his excellency president Bulaiu but but but when he said you have earned back your money it is that the APC gave you back the money you use in buying the the ticket. I didn't hear you have earned back your money. What he was just saying, you know, he got to a point where he was making a speech. He said you earn your money. No, not end. Say you earn. No, when you say earn, you're talking about plural. Said you earn your money. We all laughed. I think he just said that as a way of making everyone.

[00:32:28]>> No, but but you heard when he said you earned your money.

[00:32:31]>> Not earned. Earn.

[00:32:33]>> Earn. It's the same thing. Earn. earn his past things >> earned >> and you are still talking about okay maybe present continuous things earn your money >> when he said that well I think the president will be in a better position to really >> well well I we have the video I mean I probably have to play you can go ahead to do that >> okay let's hear it okay fine >> the APC flags of various elective primaries delegates and members of party and people from that were the second presidential aspirant.

[00:33:26]Well, congratulations for being a good sportman.

[00:33:35]At least you earn your money.

[00:33:42]You earn your money. I think what I was referring to there is um my money is not money got from anyone. Is what I work hard for. I'm a businessman.

[00:33:54]So if he says I earn my money, I think it's correct because actually I earn my money. I work for I worked hard for it.

[00:33:59]Okay. Not the ticket money that never ever never ever >> never. It's not my first time. Would you say he was one that gave me the money the first time?

[00:34:09]>> When I came out the second time to it was when he came out for the first time too. We were both together by the end of the year I had to withdraw for him because people spoke and everything we saw the challenges he was faced at that period. So sometimes you need to empathize with people. It was out of empathy. Many of us feel oh this man have done a lot for democracy. Let's see how we can also push for him. So he has never why I don't understand why Nigerians are saying that >> in fact sometimes um comments in the social media and statements media are just born out of um abstract reasoning or maybe out of perception that of what is not real. But the fact is that I am the one I Stanley I am the one that bought my firm. I am the one that did everything I did. I have 36 including federal capital territory. I have coordinators in it states. I have in the 774 local government area and have I have in all rewards and whatever I did I did in all the states right >> not just for my structure alone for other groups that supports me. So I spent my money I did not spend anybody's money. Nobody gave me a dime. Rather I'm the one giving. I'm the one supporting the party with my funds, my time and my resources. Nobody has ever given me a dime in the party.

[00:35:27]>> All right. Um let's get back to Phillips. Um Phyllis, I'm I'm sure you must have heard this particular rumor flying round. Um what's your what's your final take on that?

[00:35:39]>> Look, the the president was speaking figuratively. He was saying you earn your money, meaning you you bought the form, you participated in the process up until that moment when they were standing on the stage. Um he says, "Look, you know what? You you've come all the way." It was a compliment. It was a good commentary by the president to you know Mr. CEO commending him for his courage and for coming forward and standing firm up until the votes were counted. There's nothing else to suggest to that you know statement. You earn your money meaning your money worked for you to bring you to this far in the race for the office of president uh at least at the party level. That's that's the essence of that comment. Um and I think um I I would join the president to applaud Mr. for uh for participating and for being a a not just a a a dynamic party man but also for you know standing his ground up until the end. So you know we appreciate you Mr. Cifo.

[00:36:38]>> Thank you so much.

[00:36:38]>> Thank you >> Phix Moer National Publicity Secretary APC. Many thanks for your time. Truly appreciate you.

[00:36:46]>> And of course um Oifo many thanks for your time. True. We truly appreciate you coming into the studio.

[00:36:51]>> You're welcome.

[00:36:52]>> All right.

[00:36:54]And now to the SDP. The former national chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shabbam, has appeared at the FCT magistrate court in Abuja over charges bordering on breach of trust, forgery, and alleged financial misappropriation of over 35 millionaire belonging to the party. At the USA magistrate's court, the trial, which was precided over by the chief magistrate, Amuum ruled that the court has adequate jurisdiction to hear the case. While the defendants asked the courts to dismiss the case, claiming it borders on the internal affairs of the political party and urged the trial judge to award a cost of 20 million naira against the complainants. The judge adjoined the trial to 17th of June 2026 while equally urging both parties to explore dialogue and settlements of out settlements out of court.

[00:37:44]Alleged Musa Gabam the suspended and expelled national chairman of the party and Mr. Ubona Chuku refused to appear before the committee. They felt they are they above the law they above the constitution of the party the electoral the constitution of federal republic of Nigeria. That was why the matter took us a long time. Within the period under review, some eminent senior citizens of this country tried to intervene by calling us to a trust to ask us and plead with us to temper mercy with justice to give allegab soft landing. But nonetheless since the just in her own magnanimity which we respect her much he said if there is room for any reconciliation outside the court and so on cutting the Bible and the Quran we are we are happy with disposition irrespect of that Nigeria has intensified emergency preparedness measures following renewed Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control says no confirmed Ebola case has been detected in the country, but authorities warned the risk of importation remains high due to international travel and crossber movement. The agency has activated emergency response systems, increase monitoring at borders and airports, and placed rapid response teams on standby nationwide. Health officials are also strengthening hospital preparedness, laboratory testing capacity, and public awareness campaigns as concerns grow over the spread of the deadly virus across parts of central and east Africa.

[00:39:39]In celebration of children's day, the Lagos sector commands handed over leadership duties for 24 hours to teenager Jamil Aloko, who became one day sector commander. The initiative highlights leadership, discipline and road safety awareness among children and young people. New centrals Iani reports.

[00:40:01]Without years of service or formal training, teenager Jamu Alu steps into a role usually reserved for senior officers inspecting a guard of earner as one day sector commander of the FRSC Lagos sector command. At his side, the substantive sector commander guides him through the ceremonial duties, a symbolic gesture on the current discipline, responsibility and mentorship within the core. While we teach them, we still learn from them. We give them boldness. We give them confidence because what you see, what you saw him display recently is an act of practicing here and there. It shows that one should be open enough to believe that there's nothing so strange that somebody cannot learn and understand.

[00:40:50]>> It's one of the ways of ensuring that we pass ideas in the young ones. You know today he is made of command today and that lesson learned today will remain him till I don't come. So he will be able to impact that even to his friends that are not here.

[00:41:07]>> Now briefly occupying the office for 24 hours. Jam says his focus is clear improving road safety awareness amongst children and motorists alike. To my fellow officers and men, let today remind us that every child we protect on the road is a future leader, a doctor, a pilot, an engineer, or even an FRSC officer. To parents and guardians here present. Let us commit to being better role models on the road cuz we all know our children learn what they see.

[00:41:39]>> We look right. This year's Children's Day celebration themed advancing children's rights and future featured road safety education, games, mentorship sessions, and interactive activities designed to inspire future leaders.

[00:41:55]The event carries a deeper message on discipline, child development, and nation building.

[00:42:01]>> We believe that our children are among the most vulnerable road users in our society. They walk to school, cross busy roads, travel by buses and cars, and interact daily with traffic environment that can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. This makes it essential that we equip them early with the right knowledge, habits, and values.

[00:42:25]>> Today is really important for me because it's a day to celebrate us children. And I've learned so far about road safety, how to behave on the road and I also learned some fun things during this match pass. I learned about the types of roads uses of each roads and meaning of many road signs.

[00:42:44]>> We can teach them more and let every parent every road users appreciate and respect their rights. Although his tenure lasts just one day, Aluka says the lesson on safety, responsibility and leadership will remain long after the ceremonial uniform is returned in Lagos for new central Balani Oman.

[00:43:10]>> We're headed for a short break. When we return, we spotlight tourism across Africa. Stay with us.

[00:43:23]Nigeria's federal government has been tasked to create a conducive environment for private sector tourism enterprises to thrive. This was during a high level forum focused on repositioning the hospitality sub sector to effectively contribute to tourism across the African continent.

[00:43:53]Joining us live in the studio is Chibu Kim Dala. He is a tourism expert. Good to have you. Good evening. Thank you for joining us.

[00:44:01]>> Good evening. Thank you. Good to have you.

[00:44:03]>> Right. Um, so straight to the point, how much is Nigeria leaving on the table by not exploring tourism?

[00:44:14]I mean um thanks for that question because um we can't at this moment quantify how much because is it are we speaking from the perspective of employment generation or GDP contribution which is far below what it should be. So as far as I'm concerned Nigeria is living is losing so much because we are not even on the tableless of leaving the table. So um for years for instance uh the country does not have a working master plan for tourism and when you don't have a very sustainable working master plan you can have a sustainable prosperity that comes from it. We're talking about um diversification beyond oil beyond the extractive sector. And if you're saying that you want to diversify beyond oil and extractive sector, which is an African focus at the moment, then you need to look at tourism. You need to look at hospitality, beyond governments, you know, nationally. The greatest um employment generation sector is may not may not even be agriculture because our people are no more in the farms. We used to say it's agriculture, but people have left the farm because of insecurity and other issues. So, hospitality has become a major source of employment. So there is so much that the government and Nigeria as a whole has left on on the table because you know we are not really exploring the opportunities that we have for the sector.

[00:45:39]>> What specifically can the government do in order to reposition our tourism sector uh to be able to compete favorably at least at least make Nigeria the global destination on the African?

[00:45:49]>> You have to have a plan. You have to have a master plan and it has to be a sustainable master plan. I think the last one was when Mr. president of Basenjo who was was in power you know so and that's over 20 years ago so we need to have a plan that confronts the current reality that we face especially since covid-19 so there lot the dynamics have changed a lot for hospitality of course people see the booming side of it maybe in Lagos and Abuja but that's what about the other parts of the country we have a lot to gain from calam have a lot gain from bio state from Io state and stuff like that so the government needs to sit down the federal ministry of tourism and all the stakeholders need to come together number one and have a sustainable master plan for the sector that is first that will guide everybody all the subnational governments don't forget tourism is basically under the subnational governments basically so there has to be a a a collaboration between the federal the state and the local government to sit down and say what plan do we have for the next 10 years for the next 20 years look at Saudi Arabia what have they have all I mean in the Red Sea I mean this is a country that is very conservative and very private but now they've opened up and see what's happening in the Red Sea so so much is coming into the country through development in tourism development so Nigeria can also because we're a country of multi-thnic ethnicity and we can also we have a lot of potential a lot of young people look at what's happening in the creative industry the entertainment industry so that can also happen in the um hospitality sector so what is the plan secondly There needs to be proper classification. We don't have standardized and classified properties.

[00:47:30]You understand? So the NTDA and the nation as a whole need to come together with S and the FTA and stakeholders to say okay how do we ensure we have properly classified and standardized you know hospitality practices.

[00:47:44]>> How much of security or how much more security can play in terms of you know helping with um this growth in in these hospitalities? First of all, let me tell you how how bad how bad it is. For instance, or um security plays a lot of role. If you have to travel to another another city outside of Abuja, before you get into a hotel, you need to ask yourself, am I safe here? That's how bad it is. Ordinarily, you should go to any city, any community, and get into a hotel. You've had issues of what happened to people in several hotels. So now, for you to even get into a property, you need to ask yourself, is this safe? That's number one. Then number two, you need to also ask yourself if I get out of this hotel, am I able to get to my next destin destination? So security is very key. So whatever that is happening in this country, it's unfortunate we have faced with this level of insecurity. I'm sure government is working on it. But we as citizens should also do much more. But however, security is a major contribution to this.

[00:48:39]>> Jimmy Kim Da, many thanks. We truly appreciate you. I'm sure we're going to discuss this even further. um especially as it relates to tapping into the resource that this country has when it comes to tourism. Many thanks for your time.

[00:48:51]>> Thank you so much.

[00:49:05]The government of South Africa is set to convene an emergency security meeting as concerns grow over rising tensions linked to illegal immigration and xenophobic violence in parts of the country. Ministers responsible for justice, crime prevention and security are expected to attend the high level meeting aimed at developing a national action plan to strengthen social cohesion and public safety. Political parties, civil society actors, and anti- migrant groups are also expected to participate in the discussions.

[00:49:34]Authorities say the move is aimed at improving coordination, reducing tensions, and preventing further outbreaks of violence following recent protests and community clashes in several regions. Officials also indicate that new guidelines may be introduced to better manage public demonstrations while promoting dialogue, stability, and national unity across affected communities.

[00:50:01]And that's all at this hour. But before we go, here's another look at our top stories.

[00:50:10]ADC members move to decide party's presidential flag bearer.

[00:50:16]Nigeria steps up response against deadly Ebola outbreak.

[00:50:23]South Africa holds emergency security meeting over violence against foreigners.

[00:50:30]Remember you may send in your eyewitness reports to the WhatsApp number on the screen. Follow us on social media. We are at News Central TV. You can watch News Central live on DSTV channel 422, Go TV channel 23, Star Times channel 274, AO TV and YouTube.

[00:50:49]Many thanks for watching. I'm Charles Pipes. See you tomorrow.