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Atiku Hires New US Lobbyists For Recognition As ‘President-Elect’

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Atiku Abubakar, the defeated presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party is not solely casting his lot on his legal challenge of President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the 23 February election as he has enlisted the assistance of two high-powered Washington, D.C. lawyers.

Their role will be to lobby those in President Donald Trump’s inner circle and the US Congress to delay recognising Buhari as the winner as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) on 27 February. Instead, Atiku craved to be recognised as the ‘authentic president’ of Nigeria.

In addition, he has set up what he called a “US Situation Room’.

Bruce Fein, a former Justice Department official and his firm Fein & DelValle PLLC and W. Bruce DelValle are the new lobbyists hired by the failed candidate. They were registered as foreign agents on Abubakar’s behalf, according to a report by the Centre for Responsive Politics, a research group that tracks money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. The report was published on opensecrets.org

According to Opensecrets.org, Delvalle, one of the lawyers, has a varied background tackling civil rights and constitutional law issues, litigating intellectual property and liability disputes, along with representing a number of sports and entertainment personalities. Fein on the other hand was the associate deputy attorney general in Ronald Reagan’s administration and general counsel to the FCC. He was reported to have played a significant role in the repeal of the FCC’s “Fairness Doctrine.” He also later worked with then-Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.) in drafting articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton.

Atiku’s liaison with the American lawyers is a Nigerian lawyer, Lloyd Ukwu, who was described as the failed candidate’s confidant.

In the run-up to the election and Abubakar’s controversial visit to the United States, weeks to the election, Abubakar and his party hired political consultants such as Riva Levinson, who worked with Paul Manafort, and Brian Ballard, a major Trump fundraiser.

“The filing also asserts that the lobbying effort will demonstrate that an Abubakar presidency is “the will of the People.” It warns that if Abubakar is denied a victory, problems like genocide, poverty, corruption and strife will “undoubtedly continue.”

And when Abubakar visited the United States on 17 January this year, he opted to stay at Trump International Hotel to bolster his standing with Trump, like other foreign leaders seeking Trump’s attention.

Abubakar joins opposition politicians like Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó in turning to lobbyists to garner American support, opensecrets.org reported.

The lobbying agreement notes that Lloyd Ukwu, who is described as “a Nigerian barrister and trusted confidant [of Abubakar],” is assisting “in the operations of the U.S. Situation Room.”

According to the filing under the Foreign Agent Registration Act(FARA), Fein will be paid $30,000 over a 90-day contract to provide “legal, consultancy and public advocacy services to encourage Congress and the Executive” to wait on recognising a winner of the Nigerian election until after the legal challenge is “impartially and independently resolved.”

Opensecrets.org also reported another filing which lays out how the influence campaign will be conducted.

Lobbyists will meet with members of Congress and their staff to persuade them to pass resolutions in the House and Senate “to forebear from a final declaration and recognition of a winner” until after Abubakar’s appeals are decided fairly and independently. Additionally, the firm will “draft articles and op-ed pieces” about the issues surrounding the Nigerian election and appear on television and other media programs.

“In the contract, Fein’s firm is explicit in promising to “obtain official recognition that you are the authentic President of Nigeria based on an accurate counting of legal ballots.” The goal of the effort is straightforwardly described as “to convince the United States that your presidency would open a fresh and new chapter in Nigerian politics.”

“The filing also asserts that the lobbying effort will demonstrate that an Abubakar presidency is “the will of the People.” It warns that if Abubakar is denied a victory, problems like genocide, poverty, corruption and strife will “undoubtedly continue.”

Abubakar’s lobbying gambit may be a waste of energy and resources as the United States already recognised President Buhari as the winner of the 23 February election.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, in a statement on March 1, congratulated President Buhari and the people of Nigeria for the largely peaceful election.

Pompeo said: “The United States congratulates the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.

Buhari polled 15,191,847 votes while Atiku Abubakar polled 11,255,978 votes as runner-up, according to the official result by INEC.

Pompeo added: “We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.

“We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localised violence and irregularities. We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process”.

Abubakar has a rocky legal history in the United States. A Senate subcommittee report on foreign corruption cited him as a case study regarding his transfer of millions of dollars into the U.S. through shell companies. He was never prosecuted.

In 2009, the FBI alleged that Abubakar demanded bribes from former Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.), who was convicted of corruption charges. At one point, Jefferson claimed he stored $90,000 in cash for Abubakar in his freezer. That year, a search of Abubakar’s Maryland home, which he had since sold yielded nothing incriminating. But Abubakar never visited the US until his visit on 17 January for 24 hours.

(NAN)

BIG STORY

Sosi, Tyrod, Lil Lekxy Set For Big Beats Records Allstars Release

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Barely two months after signing on three new Afrobeats artists, Sosi, Tyrod, and Lil Lekzy under its management, Big Beats Records has announced plans to take the budding music stars to the next level in their career.

The chairman of the record label, Abimbola Hakeem expressed confidence in the potentials of Sosi, Tyrod, and Lil Lexzy saying they are the future of the Nigerian music industry.

“At Big Beats Records, we are confident of the talent imbued in Sosi, Tyrod, and Lil Lexzy because we went through a process before identifying their skills and potentials. These three young men are the future of Nigerian music and we are not in a rush to share their talent with the world of music. They are currently in the Big Beats Records academy, where they are going through a refining process and learning the tricks and hacks of the music industry while also creating new sounds that will compliment and dominate the music scene,” Abimbola said.

In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer, Kunle Rashid, expressed delight in the three signed artists saying, “One thing that will stand these rare talents out will be their distinctive styles which are different from what we have at the moment. Interestingly, they will be merging these individual talents to create a Big Beats Records Allstars release soon.”

Profiling the three artists, Rashid explained that the Big Beats Academy where the signed artists are currently undergoing a refining process and are working with an in-house music producer.

Speaking of the artists, Rashid began with Lil Lekxy, whose real name is Olanrewaju Abdul Rasheed Olamilekan.

He said, “Lil Lekxy was born June 17, 1999 to a family of four in Alimosho area of Lagos State. He started his music career at a tender age of 13 and dropped his first single at the age 15. Lil Lekxy is an Afro pop artist who grew up listening to the likes of 9ice, Olamide, Vector and others. Lil Lexxy who hails from Kwara State, was signed to Big Beats Records in April, 2024.

“For Sosi Saheed Sabi, his life’s journey has been laced with challenges. Yet, in the midst of those struggles, Sosi never lost hope. His journey reflects in his songs which are filled with his life’s stories and hometown vibes. A native of Kenu, a small town in Baruten, Sosi’s music has touched hearts everywhere, earning him the endearing nickname “Sabi Kenu” in his hometown. Sosi was born on September 13, 1995 to the family of Mr Sosi Audu in Ilorin, Kwara State and he started chasing his musical dreams at just 15. Inspired by the melodies of his hometown, he decided to make music his life’s journey. Leaving Kwara State behind, he went on a quest to find his place in the music world. Word of his journey spread, and excitement brewed. Sosi wasn’t just another musician; he was a symbol of perseverance, a beacon of hope, promising something big. And then came April 2024, Sosi’s moment arrived with signing a contract with none other than Big Beats Record Label.

“Quadri Rasheed Abiodun, popularly known as (Tyrod Omo Mopol), was born on (December 1, 1996) into the Rasheed Raji family as the youngest of five siblings. He grew up in Port Harcourt. Tyrod who hails from a royal family in Irin Oye, Okuku Local Government, Osun State, has an upbringing steeped in tradition. He completed his education at Community Secondary School Ogbororo in Rivers State before pursuing further studies at Rivers State University of Science and Technology. His interest in music sparked at the age of 15 during his secondary school days in Port Harcourt. Despite his passion, his father, a police officer, and his mother, a trader, expressed concerns about his chosen career path, especially due to his habit of sneaking out to attend late-night music events. Quadri’s musical style encompasses Afro pop and R&B. He began writing lyrics at 14 but only decided to pursue music professionally after moving from Port Harcourt to Lagos in 2021. His musical journey reached a milestone in 2023 with the release of his debut single, “Faraway.” Finally, in 2024, Quadri’s talent was officially recognized when he signed with Big Beats Record Label, marking a significant achievement in his career.

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UPDATE: Bayero’s Lawyers Withdraw From Kano Emirship Case

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In ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate, the legal team representing Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th emir of Kano, has withdrawn from the case before the Kano State High Court.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Abdul Muhammed, counsel for the first respondent, notified the court that he had filed an affidavit of facts on July 3, accompanied by a notice of appeal and a motion to stay proceedings.

He requested the court to suspend the case until the appeal court hears and determines the motion.

“When a judge of a high court is aware of application in a higher court, the notification in the dependency in the lower court must be in affidavit of facts,” he said.

“It is expected that a trial court should stop the hearing on the matter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

He told the court that they were served with the court processes on Thursday morning.

He sought an adjournment that would enable them to respond but the court refused his prayers.

He therefore announced his withdrawal of service from the case.

Sanusi Musa, another member of the team, announced their withdrawal from the case on behalf of the other counsels for the first respondent.

“Myself and other counsels apply for the withdrawal of our representation and appearances,” Musa said.

Hassan Kyaure, counsel to the third, fourth and fifth respondents, told the court that he has filed an application for an extension of time and counter affidavit in response to the originating motion.

Kyaure prayed the court to set aside the Kano State Emirate Council repeal law as due process was not followed. He also asked that a fine of N1 billion be awarded against the plaintiffs.

Sunday Ekwe, counsel to the sixth respondent, told the court that he had nothing to present.

Responding, Eyitayo Fatogun, counsel to the applicant, urged the court to discount the respondent’s affidavit of facts pursuant to order 39, rules 1 and 2 of the court.

“The motion refers to a proposed notice of appeal not a notice of appeal. It shows that the affidavit of facts is just to delay the proceedings. My lord, the business of today is for the hearing of all pending applications,” he said.

Fatogun asked the court to dismiss the third, fourth and fifth respondents’ applications on the issue of Kano Emirate Repeal Law because the issue is not before the court.

Delivering the ruling, Amina Adamu-Aliyu, presiding judge, refused the application for a stay of proceedings.

“The respondent did not disclose any special fact to warrant any stay of proceedings,” she said.

The judge adjourned the case until July 18 for ruling on the applications for extension of time, notice of preliminary objection, setting aside ex parte order, joinder application, and for the judge to recuse herself, among others.

The applicants in the suit are the attorney-general of Kano, the speaker, and the Kano house of assembly.

Respondents are Aminu Bayero, Nasiru Ado Bayero, Ibrahim Abubakar II, Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya, inspector-general of police (IGP), director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army.

In May, the court restrained Aminu Bayero from parading himself as the Emir of Kano pending the determination of the suit.

The court also ordered the police to take over the Nassarawa palace where Bayero has been sheltering since he returned to Kano after his dethronement.

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JUST IN: NCAA Suspends Licences Of 10 Private Jet Operators For Running As Commercial

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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of 10 private jet operators due to their failure to initiate the recertification process.

This decision was announced in a statement released on Friday in Abuja, signed by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

According to the NCAA, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 prohibit the use of private aircraft for commercial purposes, such as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward, without proper certification.

“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation, which should have been concluded by April 19, 2024.

“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd and Matrix Energy Ltd.

“Also, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations,” the agency said.

The agency said that its officials had been deployed to General Aviation Terminals and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.

 

NAN

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