Interim govt: Dangerous dimension by those not sure to win elections -Presidency

incitement of the public against the federal government.

"It is another dangerous dimension by people who are afraid that they may lose their elections.

"Everybody is aware that there is a lot of pressure on everyone-all of us- the party, its elected officials, its candidates and law enforcement agencies following the way the currency swap has gone but the way to go is not to panic.

"There is indeed a problem and nobody will pretend that it doesn’t exist.

"It is precisely because the President is concerned with this problem that he opened several avenues for consultation with leaders and groups across the country, culminating in his broadcast to the nation on Thursday morning.

"In line with the speech, his clear and unequivocal directive is that the problem of cash supply must be addressed without delay.

"While this is being done, there is no need to panic. We need to work together as leaders; as a people and as one nation. When panic hits, people go into overdrive. Shouting helps no one because no one can listen.

"The solution to the problem is not in sending Nigerians into confusion. Elections, just a week ahead, will hold and Nigerians will vote for the All

Progressives Congress, APC, (and any others if they so wish) on the basis of their choice.

"Our people want progress, good governance, law and order and will not be swayed by the negative energy that is being expended against a wellmeaning currency change.

"Finally, to state that: the President clearly has a favoured successor in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is not in doubt.

"The fact that Tinubu has been opposed to the speed and timing of the Naira swap timetable does not mean he is against the idea of Nigeria becoming a cashless society. Of course, Tinubu does support a cashless society: for he is a man of the future.

"What should be made crystal clear to the doubters and the speculators and the untruth-tellers is that in no way was the naira swap “engineered” to keep the President in office beyond May 29. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"The President looks forward to handing over the reins of power to his elected successor. This will happen on May 29, 2023 as the Constitution requires it.

"The days of unelected Nigerian leaders, and those who outstay their welcome by unconstitutionally extending it, have gone."

PDP Kaduna central: Supreme court affirms Lawal Usman’s candidacy

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Supreme Court has affirmed Lawal Adamu Usman as the Senatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Kaduna Central Senatorial District of Kaduna State.

The 5-man panel of the court, by the judgement, dismissed the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which had earlier voided and set aside the decision of a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Delivering judgment in an appeal filed by an aggrieved

Senatorial aspirant, Mr. Ibrahim Usman, the Supreme Court held that courts have no jurisdiction to dabble into the internal and domestic affairs of political parties.

Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, dismissed the appeal for want of merit.

The panel held that the decision of the PDP National Working Committee on the May 23, 2022 primary election was correct and cannot be faulted.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, had on December 19, 2022, reinstated Lawal Adamu Usman as the candidate of the PDP after his removal by a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, which had nullified the primary election for Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

After nullifying the primary election, the trial court ordered a re-run, which Usman again won and his name subsequently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, as the PDP candidate.

But Lawal Adamu’s victory was challenged in Federal High Court by Usman Ibrahim who came second in the primary election held on the 23rd of May 2022.

According to the High Court judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, the claims of the plaintiff (Ibrahim) were substantial and consequently declared the primary election null and void.

But, the Court of Appeal in its judgment delivered by Justice Peter Affen held that the High Court lacked the jurisdiction to inquire into the internal affairs of the PDP.

Consequently, the appeal was upheld and judgment of the high court was set aside.