The family of Ifeanyichukwu Okereke, a vendor who died after being shot by a security aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has written a letter to the Speaker, demanding N500m.

This is according to a letter dated November 23, 2020, signed by the lawyer of the family, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

Ozekhome was given the mandate to write the letter by the father of the deceased, Okorie Okereke; and the younger brother to the deceased, Destiny Okereke.

The Department of State Services had last week arrested the operative, Abdullahi Hassan, who shot Okereke while Gbajabiamila had also visited the family of the deceased and promised to ensure that they do not suffer.

However, the family demanded more, adding that nothing could bring back the dead vendor back to life.

“That you adequately compensate the Okereke family with a modest sum of N500m only. This monetary demand can never adequately replace or take the place of their son, husband, brother and breadwinner’s life. But it will at least mitigate the obvious trauma and hardship the premature demise of their irreplaceable breadwinner has placed on them,” the family said.

The family also asked the Speaker to ensure that the safety of vendors is guaranteed as they had become afraid to return to the streets since the tragic incident.

The Okereke family said it would take legal action against Gbajabiamila if all the demands are not met within seven days.

“Take note therefore that it is our clients’ firm instruction that in the event that you fail, refuse and/or neglect to accede to or proffer reasonable compensatory terms to our above modest demands within seven days from the date of this letter, we shall without any further correspondences from us, take appropriate legal steps to enforce our clients’ constitutional rights,” the letter stated.

Source:- Punch ng

The Senate on Tuesday received a request from the President, Major General, Muhammadu Buhari, (retd.), to confirm Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, by for a second term in office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The request was contained in a letter dated 21st October, 2020, and read on the floor by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter reads, “In accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu for appointment as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission for a second and final term.

“While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the reappointment of the nominee, please accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the Senate said it had yet to take a position Yakubu.

A leader of the caucus, who spoke with our correspondent on conditions of anonymity on the issue, on Tuesday, however, said members of the opposition party would ask appropriate questions during his screening.

He said, “There has been no formal resolution or decision of the caucus regarding his case yet.

“Usually, we meet as a caucus to take a position on issues like that. When the matter comes to the floor, we will ask appropriate questions,” he said.

Another PDP lawmaker from the South South geopolitical zone, who also spoke off record, said Yakubu have a strong case to answer when he comes for screening.

Also on Tuesday, the President in a separate letter, requested the upper chamber to confirm Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru as National Commissioner representing the North-West in INEC.

Source:- Punch ng

Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, on Tuesday, paid a visit to a former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), Igbere TV reports.

Senator Kalu, fondly called OUK, is a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and highest ranking elected officer of the Party in the South East region.

The senator today visited Ihejirika in his Ovim country home, Abia State. Kalu’s visit to the former army staff, Igbere TV learnt, is connected with his continuous persuasion of the retired general to join the APC.

The Abia North Senator was reported to have arrived Enugu Monday evening and headed to celebrate birthday of his long time ally and friend, Chief Clement Nwankwu.

Kalu who departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at exactly 3:30PM in his Gulfstream G650 private jet, landed the Enugu International Airport at 4PM and proceeded to Dr Tony Okam’s residence.

The birthday which was celebrated with great funfare and hosted by Dr Okam, had in attendance Ambassador-designate, Major General Chris Ugwu; former Chief of Staff to Abia State Government, Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu; former Deputy Chief of Staff to Abia state government, Dr Madukwe Ukaegbu; former Chairman, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Chibuike Jonas; Director General, Orji Uzor Kalu Movement, Rev. (Mrs) Jemima Ola Kalu, amongst others.

Sources close to Kalu Tuesday night revealed that the former governor is on a four-day visit to Abia where he is expected to convince more prominent politicians in the state to join the party.

Our source also said that many former and present members of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s cabinet have indicated interest of joining the APC, and Kalu is leaving no gap in consolidating the moves.

Source:- Igbere Tv