HOPE UZODIMMA CONTINUES ON HIS MURDEROUS MISSION AGAINST NIGERIAN WORKERS AND TRADE UNION LEADERS: INVADES AND ATTACKS NLC PRESIDENT'S HOME COMMUNITY IN IMO STATE
The brazen and violent assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others on November lst, 2023, inside the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo State, by Governor Hope Uzodimma, his thugs, and the State Police Commissioner, stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which they are willing to go in their pursuit of suppression and brutality.
In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma, once again demonstrated his utter disregard for human rights and democratic principles by invading and attacking the community of Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State the hometown of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
It is evident that the Governor's sinister objective is the assassination of the President of the Congress, a motive laid bare by this latest act of aggression on the community. This invasion was carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.
The use of excessive force against citizens who hold differing opinions or dare to question the Governor's governance style, particularly in relation to the inhumane treatment of workers in Imo State, is an affront to democracy. The current situation in Imo State is nothing short of a descent into fascism, where terror takes precedence over reason, and dialogue is pushed to the sidelines.
We urgently call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in the Imo State Police Commissioner, preventing further abuse and desecration of the nation's Police force. The Commissioner has become a tool of oppression in the hands of the fascist Governor, perpetrating intimidation and harassment on the people of Imo State. Immediate removal is essential to prevent an impending crisis.
The President of the Federal Republic and all patriotic citizens of Nigeria must not remain silent in the face of this bloodshed. It is imperative that the Governor be held accountable. We believe that the President holds the means to rein the excesses of the Governor, and these measures must be swiftly employed to safeguard lives and properties in the State.
The people of Azalla Owalla are entitled to their peace, and the continued occupation of their community by the Police and Uzodimma's thugs, in the wake of the assault on their fellow citizen, constitutes an ongoing insult. The occupying forces must immediately vacate the territory, granting the people the freedom to engage in their socio-economic activities without the looming spectre he looming specter of terror.
Governor Hope Uzodimma should be under no illusion - Nigerian workers remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of Imo State workers, undeterred by the current wave of violence he has chosen to pursue. We draw strength from the events of November lst, which will guide our future interactions with the Governor. The workers of Imo State will prevail, and Hope's attempts to thwart our cause through intimidation and violence will be in vain.
Less than nine days to the Bayelsa governorship election, a fresh suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has commenced at a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.
The suit, presently before Justice Emeka Nwite, sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as PDP’s candidates in the Nov. 11 poll.
It also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC, its agents, privies or whosoever called, from further publishing their names as standard bearers for the party in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa. The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1448/23 and filed by a Bayelsan woman, Blessing Clement Azibanagbal, through her lawyer, Ifeanyi Nsowu, further sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was not qualified to run as deputy governor under the PDP.
Azibanagbal, in the originating summons dated Oct. 26 and filed on Oct. 30, sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was also not qualified to be a running mate with Diri.
Besides, she prayed the court to declare that Ewhrudjakpo had multiple of names without any evidence to proof “that he is the same person.”
She, therefore, urged the court to declare that the PDP had no candidate in the poll.
The suit, which was brought under Rule 3, Order 9 of the FHC Civil Procedure Rules, 2019, sought “a declaration that the 3rd defendant (PDP) does not have any qualified candidate to run for the governorship election in Bayelsa.”
Recall reports that Gov. Diri, Ewhrudjakpo, PDP and INEC are 1st to 4th defendants respectively in the matter
Raising five issues for determination, Azibanagbal asked whether a first school living certificate holder can run for governorship election of a state in line with provision of 1999 Constitution.
“Whether the failure of the 1st (Diri);and 3rd defendants (PDP) to provide a candidate that has the qualification to run for the governorship of a state can be a ground to disqualify both candidates.
“Whether a candidate with multiple names without any evidence to substantiate the names can contest for governorship election in a state.
“Whether the 2nd defendant (Ewhrudjakpo), submitting only his first school living certificate in his Form EC9 submitted with INEC qualifies him to contest election as deputy governor of Bayelsa State.
“Considering issues 1 to 4 above, whether this honourable ¢court has jurisdiction to order the 4th defendant to remove the names of 1st and 2nd defendants as candidates in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State,” it read.
In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Yenle Istifanus, a litigation secretary with Compendium Chambers, the lawyer said she knew as a fact that Azibanagbal, who hails from Bayelsa and as a good citizen of Nigeria, had the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action.
She said though Diri and Ewhrudjakpo submitted their Form EC9 in INEC which empowered them to contest in the poll, Istifanus said this must be strictly in line with a constitutional provision for qualifications for a person to run for the office of a governor and deputy governor of a state.
The lawyer, who averred that failure to comply with the said qualification amounted to disqualification of the said candidate, stated that all the documents submitted by Ewhrudjakpo “bear different names with no substantial evidence to substantiate that he is the same person in the said documents.”
“That I know as a fact that failure of the 2nd defendant to produce documents that bear the same names disqualifies him to contest as a deputy governor of a state,” she said.
She said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application as the defendants would not be prejudiced.
Nwosu, in an ex-parte motion seeking a leave to serve Diri and Ewhrudjakpo at the Government House in Bayelsa, through courier service, moved the application on Friday.
The suit, which was the only matter in the Friday’s cause list, was heard at the judge’s chamber.
NAN, however, gathered that Justice Nwite granted the prayer. He subsequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 30 for hearing.
The president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, is to be flown abroad for medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during a scuffle in Imo state.
The NLC president was in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, to mobilize Imo workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government.
However, the planned peaceful protest turned violent with allegations that thugs emerged and descended on the protesters and labour leaders.
Speaking to The Nation on Thursday, the NLC publicity secretary, Benson Upah, said the NLC president could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri because of the nature of the injuries he sustained during the scuffle.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, November 1, told governors of the People Democratic Party (PDP) that he could not be intimidated.
He warned against any tampering with the political structure in Rivers state.
The Minister said this after a closed-door meeting with members of the PDP Governors’ Forum led by chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, on a courtesy visit to the minister’s office, accompanied by Governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas.
Recall that a crisis had erupted in Rivers State on Monday, October 30, after an attempt by the Rivers State Assembly, to impeach the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
However, Wike while addressing the PDP governors, said he would not be intimidated, noting that impeachment moves were not equivalent to a military coup, but was a provision in the country’s Constitution.
He dismissed rumours of interest in monies belonging to Rivers state, adding that nobody could take away the political structure in the state.
He said: “Nobody can intimidate me. If I want to do something, I will do it. Impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the Constitution. I’m not interested in all the rumours, money, this, and that. Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. I just left office how many months ago? And I’m FCT Minister, so which money?
“But nobody can take away our political structure. No one. You cannot work and people will begin to bring enemies, those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office. Nobody does that. I’m not a political ingrate, but don’t touch the political structure of the state. I will not shut my eyes.”
Wike also appreciated the Governor’s Forum for the courtesy visit and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as FCT Minister, while reiterating his support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, thanked Wike for his willingness to resolve issues, noting that the Forum had “waded into the matter”, which showed the importance of Rivers State.
He also commended the President for his appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, noting that his antecedents spoke volumes about his ability to lead.
PROTEST IN RIVERS ASSEMBLY: POLICE QUELL RIOTOUS GATHERING, AS GOVERNOR ASSESSES DAMAGE TO STATE ASSEMBLY STRUCTURE
Following the receipt of credible intelligence on the intention of some armed group of persons to cause mayhem in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, particularly at the State House of Assembly on Monday 30th October, and recalling the previous case of arson on the State House of Assembly a day prior which is currently being investigated, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations immediately deployed armed police operatives which he personally supervised in order to intercept the ‘hoodlums’ and ensure the protection of lives and properties within the State House of Assembly facility and its environ.
At the entrance of the Complex, it was observed that youths numbering over a hundred had begun a protest to gain access to the Complex and conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace. This led to the Police deploying non-lethal crowd control equipment including tear gas and water cannon to disperse the riotous and uncontrollable protesters.
However, some minutes later, another aggressive group of persons approached the entrance of the complex and advanced towards the premises. The Police therefore engaged them in like manner but observed that the Executive Governor of the State His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, was in their midst.
The presence of the Governor at the scene was of great surprise and shock as there was no prior communication to the Police on the visit of the Governor to the scene of the crime which ordinarily is the usual protocol and complimentary that we accompany his guard for proper safety considering the intelligence of security threat at hand then.
In consideration of this, the DC Ops quickly took deliberate security steps to ensure his protection and safety, while the Governor and his entourage went on to assess the level of damage caused by the fire incident.
Thus, it's pertinent to state that the Police did not deliberately attack the Governor, or even attempt to hurt anyone let alone the Chief Executive and security officer of the state which it's our most essential role to protect as being peddled in the news. Due to the present situation, and the misrepresentation in some sections of the media, it is pertinent to make this clarification.
Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command has emplaced adequate security measures to ensure that the situation de-escalates and total calm is restored in the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, psc, LLB, Ph.D., has urged all residents of the state to go about their lawful duties and support the Police and other security agencies to collectively ensure that absolute peace is restored in Port Harcourt and Rivers State at large.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR Police Public Relations Officer, For: The Commissioner of Police Rivers State Police Command, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara left for Abuja this morning with some top chieftains of the PDP.
The Governor was accompanied by top party members like Sam Jaja, Sergeant Awuse, Emma Anyanwu, and the state PDP chairman Desmond Akawor, among others.
It followed the impeachment proceedings against him which sparked a political crisis, yesterday.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Monday said he has not committed any offence to warrant impeachment by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment,” the governor said while addressing his supporters at the Assembly Complex.
The governor, who assured the people of the state of getting the dividends of democracy, said he would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time I will address the press,” he said.
Robert Clarke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the lawyers who represented the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in suits challenging President Bola Tinubu’s election did not display a good sense of legal practice.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday affirmed the election of President Tinubu in the 2023 election.
The apex court affirmed Tinubu’s victory after it dismissed the appeals filed by the PDP, the Labour Party, and their candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi respectively.
Speaking during an interview on a Channels Television programme on Thursday, Clarke said the lawyers did not do enough.
He advised the parties to sit down, reorganise and get good hands to look after their affairs.
Clark said that Labour Party never won the election on any grounds, adding that its candidate did not have the highest number of votes or the votes of 25% of all the 36 states.
He said, "The party should sit down, reorganize themselves, get good hands to look after their affairs, get better people who can seek out information for them. Because if you don't bring a matter to the court, the court will not help you, the court is not a Father Christmas.
"If Atiku had Tinubu's dossier those years, 20 years ago and did not bring it and now wants to blame the Supreme Court, ‘haba!’ I think they are overblowing everything. We are not all foolish, let them do their work well first; once they do their work then we may join them in fighting on their behalf but on the matter of this appeal, the PDP has no point at all. They didn't do their homework before coming to the court - definitely, not within the jurisdictional conference of the Nigerian court.
“Let us be honest with ourselves, lawyers do not manufacture evidence. If evidence is available and they are aware of the evidence, their lawyers should have worked higher than what they have done now. You have assembled all these facts.
"Failure one, to assemble the facts at all because they never brought these facts and bringing these facts now at the time that the courts have finished with the original matter.”
"I don't see why they could even think of bringing such a matter in directly to the Supreme Court,” he said.
"Their lapses are so much, they have not done a thorough job, I am sorry to say this. If not that this is politics we are talking about, no lawyer will be so tardy as to know what the law is, refuse to do what the law says he should do and still believe that the law on its own can assume jurisdiction, in which it is clear that it has no power to do.
"I am not saying they fumbled the case, what I am saying is that they have not displayed a good sense of legal practice. They knew and God bless all of us, we don't work for money alone we work for prestige, we work on the facts and we ensure that the law carries the day if it has to.”
He continued, "I will not allow any junior in my chambers, even one or two years old to carry such a brief to go and argue in a court. When I have looked into all the facts, and the facts are very clear, there's a limitation of time, wherein election matters, you can or you cannot do certain things.
"They had the opportunity as a pre-election matter, they never brought it out, they had the opportunity as a matter within the tribunal's case, they never brought it. They are now coming and bringing matters that should have been argued in the lower tribunal, and where the Supreme Court will now be receiving such evidence as an appellate matter and not as an original jurisdictional matter. I am sorry to say, the lawyers have not done enough.”
Talking about the Labour Party chieftains who have expressed the belief that their mandate was stolen by Tinubu and the APC, he said, “What has been stolen? Is it by electoral decision? The Labour Party never won the election on any grounds. They did not have the highest votes, they did not have the votes of the 25% of all the 36 states. Then what has been stolen? They cannot steal what you don't have, they can only steal from you if you own it.”
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of nine (9) new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:
Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner
Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State Resident Electoral Commissioner.
President Tinubu expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct in Nigeria.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mandated the demand and verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a pre-condition for business transactions in the FCT.
Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat, FCT Administration (FCTA), made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
"I am here today to announce that the Minister of the FCT has approved the implementation of Section 85 of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and Section 31 of the FCT Internal Revenue Service Act, 2015.
"Both sections provide for demand and verification of TCC by the Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); commercial banks; and FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs).
"Implementation of these laws is intended to ensure that all eligible taxpayers in the FCT comply with their tax obligations.
"This will ensure that the FCT Administration gets the required resources it needs to provide essential services to FCT residents," he said.
Elechi explained that Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011, provides that MDAs or a commercial bank demand for TCC when transacting with any person as specified by the law.
He added that the TCC would cover the immediate past three years preceding the current year of assessment.
He further said that MDAs or commercial banks shall also verify the authenticity of the tax clearance certificate by the issuing tax authority before carrying out any of the transactions.
"Section 85 of PITA also provides that for purposes of obtaining a TCC, any person who gives incorrect information or obtains a TCC through misrepresentation, forgery or falsification is guilty of an offence.
"Such a person is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦50,000, plus twice the tax payable by him or her, or to imprisonment for three years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
"Similarly, a person, be it a government organisation or corporate entity to whom Section 85 applies, who fails to demand for, or verify a TCC, is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million, or to imprisonment for three years or both fine and imprisonment," he said.
The mandate secretary added that Section 31 of the FCT–IRS Act equally makes TCC a pre-condition for transacting any business in the FCT.
He identified some of the transactions that require a TCC as property transactions, certificate of occupancy, registration as a contractor, awards of contracts and building plan approval.
Others are: government licence or permit, application relating to the establishment or conduct of business, FCTA housing loan, motor vehicle registration, registration of distributorship and confirmation of membership of any public board.
Other affected transactions include: registration of a limited partnership, application for market stalls, and appointment or election into public office among others.
"Consequently, all MDAs, commercial banks and SDAs were required to demand and verify TCC from all taxpayers before providing them with any services.
"On behalf of the FCT Administration, we urge all individuals, corporations, corporation-soles, trustees, or executors to ensure that they pay their taxes, obtain their TCCs and present them whenever required," Elechi said.
According to him, the primary mandate of the government is to provide security and welfare of the people, adding that this cannot be achieved if citizens do not pay their taxes.
"Taxes are essential to the foundation of any government, and it is important that everyone pays their fair share as a civic duty and responsibility," he added.
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION SECTORS
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight ( new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation:
(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu
(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Muhammed Bulama
(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Charles Ebuebu
(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace
(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Lekan Fadolapo
(7) News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) — Managing Director / CEO — Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali
( Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr. Dili Ezughah
The President tasks the newly entrusted leadership in these important sub-sectors to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage upon through the effective reform of these key institutions of government which function to unify our people, reshape mindsets, and showcase this great nation to the rest of the world.
By these directives of the President, the above listed appointments take immediate effect.
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has refuted rumours alleging that he is advocating for policies that are against Islamic religious practices.
He said this when he received members of the Abuja National Mosque management committee led by the Etsu of Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar on Wednesday, October 18.
This comes after a popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi described Wike as "a satanic person", adding that "Tinubu should remove the minister of Abuja; if not, we will collide with him. On the day of a bath, the navel is not hidden."
Responding to the allegations, Wike said: "There's no government, not one that will hesistate not to support the maintenance of our national monument be it Islam, be it Christain because all of us we are in authority. Everyday we say may God help us, if we say may God help us what are the centres of worship of that God you call to help you, if that center of worship is not there how then would you begin to say may God help us.So you also have a role to make sure that centre of worship is still maintained well for the worship of God. So let me declare to you here sir, whatever assistance you think which the previous administration or authority has been helping, if we do not surpass it we will continue to do that."
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Olufemi Oladapo Soneye as our Chief Corporate Communications Officer.
Mr. Soneye, a seasoned journalist with full-time and freelance experiences at some of the world’s most respected publications in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States of America, will lead our Corporate Communications team and drive our brand penetration, strategic communications initiatives, and stakeholder management.
He is a member of reputable bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers.
Mr. Soneye is the former President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners, Washington, D.C.
We look forward to his valuable contributions to our Company.
Dr David Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Tuesday declared that the candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) Peter Gregory Obi, won the February 25, presidential election and not Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Babachir Lawal disclosed that President Bola Tinubu came a distant third in the number of votes scored.
The former SGF Babachir Lawal hinted that available factual data as aggregated from several independent sources indicated that Obi got the majority votes while Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party came second in the election.
“I have resisted the temptation to engage in the contemporary political discourse since the May 2023 election faux pas.
“I did this for two reasons; the first being that as an active player in the drama, I needed time to analyze and digest the data that led to the outcome(s), so I could arrive at an informed decision; the second, being that the rainy season had just set in and it was necessary that I focused my attention on my farms which are the mainstay of my livelihood.
“The current topical issues for political discourse and inquiry are whether or not Bola Tinubu won the presidential election and/or that he was apriori, qualified to participate in the election given his murky biodata as is now being publicly unveiled daily in an avalanche.
“My answer to the first inquiry is that regardless of whatever INEC or Appeal Court said or did, Bola did not win the election.
“Right from the start of the campaigns, Bola knew he was not going to win the election in a free and fair contest so he decided to go by all means,” Babachir Lawal said in a statement.
According to Lawal, “Available factual data as aggregated from several independent sources indicate that Obi got the majority votes while Atiku came second. Bola came a distant third in the number of votes scored.
“My answer to the second inquiry is that given the now unfolding deluge of uncomplimentary information about who or what he actually is, ordinarily, sound ethics and morality should have convinced him to voluntarily excuse himself from participation in the election.
“But this, notwithstanding, I believe he still has time and opportunity to save himself this public humiliation and embarrassment to his person, both locally and internationally by resigning so that he can give more attention to his health.
“After all, no one knows about the truism of these severely embarrassing and humiliating exposures about his person than the man himself.
“Leadership is all about integrity; sound pedigree, trustworthiness, and the ability to unite and instill hope and confidence in the people one seeks to lead. In these qualities, most Nigerians are in total agreement that Bola has them in very very short supply indeed.
“But now, six months down the line, the chicken has come home to roost as Nigerians have come to the realization that we have not got what we deserve politically.
“Confusion and despondency are now all over the nation as no one trusts the government to do what it says it will do. No one trusts the leader, and no one trusts appointees who are appointed as rewards for their roles in the election or who had in the past helped him in his life.
“Bola the President and his group are now in government and are in full control of Nigeria’s vast resources and opportunities. They are enjoying their offices while Nigerians languish in insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness” the former SGF said.
Lawal stated that during the campaign, Bola mouthed some platitudes about competence; “but we are so far yet to see it reflected in his political appointments.
“It seems more like he is rewarding people who supported him to get the Presidency at all costs.
“This band of appointees that Bola is assembling into his government don’t care about Nigeria at all.
“Fuel prices will continue to gallop upwards until only they can afford it; the Naira will continue to race downhill in a free-fall until only they can afford anything in the market; insecurity will continue its escalation until every community in the nation is consumed by it” the Adamawa born politician declared.
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW AIDES IN CHARGE OF MINISTERIAL COORDINATION AND STRATEGY
As part of efforts to prioritize effective and efficient working synergy between the Presidency and Federal Ministries, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointments of professionals who have prior working experience within the architecture of the Federal Ministries they will be coordinating with, in addition to duties that will be carried out at the President's discretion:
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy — Mr. Bayo Onanuga
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation — Ms. Delu Bulus Yakubu
The President wishes the new presidential aides well in the discharge of their duties.
BAYELSA STATE APC SAYS, COURT JUDGEMENT: NO CAUSE FOR ALARM, A MERE DISTRACTION.
The Bayelsa All Progressives Congress Gubernatorial Campaign Council has re-assured Bayelsans of a landslide victory at the November 11, 2023 governorship elections and subsequent swearing in of its Governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva on February 14, 2024.
This reassurance is coming on the heels of a judgement which has the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate written all over it by a Federal High Court in Abuja in an already failed bid to dash the hopes of Bayelsans to have their preferred candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva as the next helmsman at Creek Haven by February 14, 2024.
Sections 29 and 84 of the 2022 Electoral Act states that only persons who contested primaries of a political party that has the locus standi to file a pre- election matter to challenge the qualification of the party’s candidate in any election hence the suit filed by one Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo who is not a member of the All Progressives Congress and didn’t contest our party’s governorship primaries do not have the locus standi to sue in the matter.
Section 285 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution enjoins any aggrieved party to file a or election matter within 14 days of the occurrence of the event but this case was filed on the 13th of June 2023 whereas INEC published the names of the governorship candidates for Bayelsa, IMO and Kogi on the 12th of May 2023. Thus, the case was filed outside the constitutional prescribed 14 days thereby making the case statute barred. It is surprising to the party and Bayelsans that the court ignored the fact that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to sue and went ahead to give judgement in their favour.
Additionally, there is a practice directive by the Supreme Court that all pre-election matters be heard in the state where the primaries took place. To perfect their sinister act, the case was filed in Abuja. Is Abuja, Bayelsa?
Subsequently, the Bayelsa All Progressives Congress can smell the coffee and sinister move by Governor Douye Diri to go through the back door which is his usual practice having realized that our governorship candidate Chief Timipre Sylva is coasting home to victory already following unrivaled acceptance in the eight local government areas of the state.
The Party has briefed its lawyers to appeal the judgement and it is confident that the Court of Appeal will overturn the judgement of the Federal High Court.
Our dear bayelsans, fear not! This clandestine strategy by the PDP should not deter the resolve to elect Chief Timipre Sylva as the next Governor of Bayelsa State.
We will win.
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Perry Tukuwei Director Media and Publicity All Progressives Congress Bayelsa Gubernatorial Campaign Council
President Bola Tinubu presented a forged degree certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when he filed his paperwork to lead Nigeria in June 2022, Peoples Gazette can report based on the testimony of the institution he arrogated, introducing a new but potentially fatal front in the ongoing battle to oust the Nigerian leader for his documented misdeeds from years gone by.
The official repudiation of Mr Tinubu’s certificate — the only academic qualification he presented to the electoral office — came at a deposition of school officials on Tuesday in Chicago. An expanded transcript of the session is still being processed, but The Gazette has learnt about what has perhaps been the most crucial expectation of Nigerians: How the school would characterise Mr Tinubu’s certificate under oath and penalty of perjury.
Caleb Westberg, the registrar at Chicago State University, said Mr Tinubu’s certificate, dated June 22, 1979, and tendered to INEC on June 17, 2022, was not issued by the school and its administrators could, therefore, not be able to authenticate its source, The Gazette learnt.
The categorical statement capped a successful outcome for the monthslong legal strategy of Atiku Abubakar, Mr Tinubu’s main opponent, who approached the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago to ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of the document. Federal district judge Nancy Maldonado granted a final other for CSU administrators to turn over all documents relating to Mr Tinubu to the school and also sit down for deposition by an adversarial team of lawyers deployed by Mr Abubakar.
Mr Tinubu, sensing the intractable consequences of the proceeding, vigorously fought to thwart its successful outcome, with his lawyers warning the judge in a September 21 hearing that releasing the documents with deposition would inevitably inflict severe, irreparable harm against the Nigerian president.
The school had long insisted that Mr Tinubu was its student, entering in 1977 and graduating in 1979, but its inability to authenticate the certificate the Nigerian president submitted would ripple through Nigeria’s over 200 million population for the foreseeable future.
Previously in 1999, Mr Tinubu had lied under oath when he ran for governor of Lagos, claiming he obtained a degree from the prestigious University of Chicago. However, he managed to escape being held accountable for the breach because he had been elected before it was discovered, and he did not submit a certificate backing his claim, only an affidavit that was later found to be fiction, and the Nigerian Supreme Court said he could not be charged with crimes as a serving governor. He subsequently stopped claiming attendance at the University of Chicago, holding on instead to a claim that he attended Chicago State University, one of Illinois State University campuses traditionally popular among black people.
Mr Tinubu was narrowly declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election, and he was only sworn in on May 29. But today’s development could all but mark a putative end to his presidency due to the constitutional proscription against the submission of a fake certificate to the electoral office.
Section 137 (1)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution (amended in 2010) specifically stated that no one would be legitimately elected president of Nigeria if the person “has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The records obtained from the school, the deposition and other material collected through the U.S. legal system are now being prepared for onward submission to the Nigeria Supreme Court, where a final decision on the presidential election challenge would be made on or before December 6, 2023.
FULL TEXT OF THE PRESS STATEMENT ON THE MEETING BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND LEADERSHIP OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), AND TRADE UNIONS CONGRESS (TUC).
The Federal Government, on Sunday, October 1, 2023 met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on measures to address the dispute arising from the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The parties noted the following:
i) The Federal Government has announced N25,000 only as provisional wage increment for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.
ii) The Federal Government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy.
iii) The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises.
iv) VAT on diesel will be waived for the next 6 months.
v) The Federal Government will commence payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October-December 2023.
RESOLUTIONS:
In light of the discussions held during the meeting, the following resolutions were reached:
i) The issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike.
ii) Labour Unions argued for higher wage award and the Federal Government Team promised to present Labour’s request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.
iii) A sub-committee to be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
iv) The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State needs to be addressed urgently and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who participated virtually, pledged to resolve the matter.
v.) NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.
Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President, TUC, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, among others.
Mallam Mohammed Idris Minister of Information and National Orientation October 1, 2023
Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs, NLC
Except President Bola Tinubu summons the requisite political will and empathy for the people nothing will change with the strike action. Organised labour has never been this patient, we have been talking for months with no action from the Federal government
In a bid to prevent the looming nationwide indefinite strike declared by organized Labour, the federal government has again extended an invitation to Labour leaders for another discussion scheduled for 2 pm today, October 1st, at the State House in Abuja.
The State House meeting that was slated for Friday, September 29, between government officials and Labour representatives didn’t take place because the organized Labour group declined to participate.
In a memorandum from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Director Emmanuel Igbinosun, representing the Minister, addressed the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), scheduling the meeting to take place in the State House’s Chief of Staff’s Conference Room.
The statement read: “Further to my earlier correspondence on the above subject, I once again bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.
“I am directed to invite the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a meeting with the Government on the above subject scheduled as follows; Date:- Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Time:- 2 pm; Venue:- Aso Villa Conference Room of the office of the Chief of Staff to Mr President.
“Please be assured as always of the kind regards of the Hon. Minister of Labour & Employment”, the memorandum said.
The meeting is expected to be attended by the national leadership of both the NLC and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The government’s representation at the meeting will include the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon Simon Lalong, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and various other high-ranking government officials.
Kidnappers of the worshippers in Ondo State have demanded N50 million as ransom for their release.
Benjamin Akanmu, Regional Superintendent of the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), Odubanjo Headquarters in Akure, revealed this to Daily Trust on Saturday night.
Akanmu said the gunmen got in contact with him using the mobile phone of one of the worshippers.
“One of those in captivity called to inform me that their abductors are demanding the sum of 50 million Naira as ransom.”
“In the process, one of the abductors grabbed the phone from him and said we must provide the 50 million Naira immediately if we indeed love our members,” he said.
According to him, 20 worshippers travelling for the burial ceremony were abducted as against twenty-five being reported in the media.
He disclosed that the abducted church worshippers were mostly “choristers” who embarked on the journey to Ifon for the Christian wake in honour of one of the organists of the church who was to lay his father to rest this weekend.
“They (victims) took off from Akure on Friday and were supposed to be back today (Saturday) after the burial.
“It was around 4 pm on Friday that someone called me that a bus belonging to the church was seen abandoned by the roadside around Elegbeka, and nobody was inside at the time.
“The caller said he suspected the passengers had been kidnapped and so we started contacting our members and security agencies. That was how I got to know,” Akanmu said.
He, however, added that the members of the church had gone spiritual and embarked on a marathon prayer for the rescue of the worshippers.
“Nine of the victims are currently with the abductors while 8 have regained their freedom but we cannot ascertain the whereabouts of 3 other members.
“I believe God will help the security agencies to rescue the 9 individuals still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators of the criminal act,” Pastor Akanmu said.
BREAKING: The Nigerian Police(@PoliceNG) has rescued 08 out of 25 abducted CAC members Kidnapped by Gunmen along Benin - Akure expressway. Effort still ongoing to rescue 17 others. More to follow....
About 25 members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) from Akure, the state capital, were reportedly abducted by some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday afternoon.
The victims who were said to be traveling to Ifon, in Ose local government area of the state, for a burial ceremony were stopped by the suspect kidnappers who whisked them away.
According to a source who explained that the victims were members of the Oke Igan branch of CAC in Akure, who were traveling with the church vehicle.
The source who confirmed that about two members of her family were among the kidnapped members of the church said there was no news from the victims.
She explained that they were reportedly going for a programme in Ose council area of the state.
She said the victims were kidnapped around 3 pm on Friday, with their vehicle conveying members of the choir and others abandoned on the side of the road
Confirming the incident, the State Police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said the command was informed about the development on Friday afternoon
She said men from command swung into action immediately, saying detectives from the command have been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers.
Odunlami said; “Yesterday afternoon, the police was informed that a church bus with the Inscription CAC was abandoned around Elegbeka area.
“There are suspicions that the passengers in the vehicle were kidnapped and the Police Anti kidnapping squad and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to rescue the victims and arrest all involved in the crime”.
She said further information will be communicated later if there is any new development.
The Owo-Ifon-Benin road which is notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery is currently in deplorable condition.
•State NLC, TUC chapters mobilise workers to shut down economy •We are ready for troublemakers —Lagos police
ORGANISED labour insisted on Friday that it would shut down Nigeria on Tuesday because of government’s refusal to do something positive about the pains inflicted on Nigerians by fuel subsidy removal.
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) across the states of the federation told Saturday Tribune on Friday that the directive of their national headquarters for an indefinite strike starting from Tuesday would be firmly carried out.
They advised Nigerians to stock their homes with food and other essential items so as to minimise the effects of the shut down.
Ekiti State
The NLC chairman in Ekiti State, Kolapo Olatunde, told Saturday Tribune that the Federal Government has failed in its responsibility of providing practical and effective measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal since May 29, 2023.
Olatunde said: “President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidy since May 29 without consulting stakeholders so as to devise means to make life easy for the citizenry.
“After the independence holiday on Monday, every worker should stay home. This is not partisan. It has nothing to do with religion. If fuel price should be jacked up, something urgent should be done about that so that salary will be able to buy necessities.
“If nothing is done before Tuesday, it (the strike) is going to be indefinite and total. We are all in it together. There won’t be any form of working activity. If any union is going short of the national order, the leadership will be held responsible.
“People should endeavour to get enough foodstuffs at home this weekend. Also, those who need to get drugs should do so quickly.
“It is abnormal for President Tinubu to remove subsidy without consulting the stakeholders. The majority of Nigerians are suffering, begging, and still, the Federal Government has gained more money from the removal of fuel subsidy but failed to do the needful.”
Oyo State
The Oyo State chapter of the NLC and TUC also insisted on a total shutdown of business and other related activities in the state.
The chairman of the NLC in the state, Kayode Martins, and his TUC counterpart, in separate telephone interviews, submitted that if there was no contrary directive prior to the commencement of the industrial action, it is going to be total shutdown.
Martins said necessary steps have been taken to ensure effective takeoff of the strike in the state.
He said: “We are mobilising our members across the 33 local government areas of the state for the action.
“There is going to be strict and total compliance with the national secretariat of our union’s directive.”
Speaking in the same vein, the TUC chairman disclosed that a sensitisation programme was ongoing on in all the local government areas of the state on the need for members of the union to participate actively in the strike.
It was gathered that the state police command has mapped out strategies to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
A top police officer who craved anonymity disclosed that there would be deployment of officers across the state to monitor the process.
Lagos State
The Lagos State chairperson of the NLC, Funmi Sessi, said on Friday that workers in the state were prepared for the national strike.
Speaking with Saturday Tribune, she said that both the NLC and TUC in the state would hold a joint press conference on Monday.
“We are holding another meeting on Monday by 10am at Nurses House and by 12 noon. We will be holding a joint meeting with the TUC and other civil society groups,” she said.
According to her, secretaries of NLC and TUC in the state have also notified the state government that “workers are going to obey our national bodies and are going to shut down the economy.”
She said: “All the national affiliate unions have issued letters to all the state affiliates of the NLC that they should mobilise all their members and be prepared.
“Things are hard and difficult. It is only workers that are not benefiting. The legislative arm already had N70 billion in the kitty; the judiciary already had N35 billion; and, in the executive arm, each of the governors has been given some allocation to do palliatives.
“People in the informal sector, immediately the removal of subsidy, they also increased prices of goods and services. It is only the salaried workers that have nothing to show for the removal of subsidy. We can’t continue this way.”
Ogun State
The Ogun State chairman of the NLC, Ademola Hammed Benco, said going ahead with the strike called by the national leadership of the body was sacrosanct.
He said a meeting with members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the congress on the planned strike resolved that Ogun NLC would comply with the directive.
He explained that all the 52 affiliates of the council had been adequately informed.
The NLC chairman said: “We held a zoom meeting with the SEC members and, unanimously, we have resolved to comply with the directive of the national body by commencing the strike on Tuesday, 3rd October. Nothing is stopping us from going on strike.
“All the 52 affiliates in Ogun State have been well informed. I have just sent another reminder telling all affiliates to comply maximally.”
Cross River State
The Cross River State chapter of the NLC said it would join the industrial action.
The chairman, Gregory Ulayi, in a telephone interview with Saturday Tribune on Friday, said: “It is a national strike and we have no other option than to join in the strike. There is currently no agreement with the Federal Government to cancel the indefinite strike scheduled for October 3.
“As a reminder, labour has unanimously committed to a nationwide economic shutdown next Tuesday due to the Federal Government’s continued refusal to engage, in good faith, in meaningful and productive dialogue.”
Kebbi State
In Kebbi State, the NLC said it was prepared to join forces with the national body of the union to shut down the state on Tuesday.
The chapter’s chairman, Yusuf Umar, told Saturday Tribune that what the citizens were passing through had become so terrible that no sane labour movement would fold its arms and watch citizens wallow in misery.
Osun State
The leadership of the (NLC in Osun State on Friday affirmed that the union had concluded arrangements to mobilise its members in preparation for the proposed strike.
The caretaker committee chairperson of the union in the state, Modupe Oyedele, in an interview, said there was no going back on the action.
Oyedele stressed that all the affiliated unions of the NLC in the state were poised to make the strike effective.
Kano State
The Kano State chapter chairman of the union, Alhaji Kabir Inuwa, also said arrangements had been concluded to shut down all economic activities on Tuesday.
He said the strike was expected to commence on Tuesday until the day the Federal Government addressed the demands of the NLC.
“We have informed the state security for their support and we call on our members to be vigilant and ensure that miscreants are not allowed to hijack whatever the union would be doing in the course of the strike,” Inuwa said.
Bauchi State
The Bauchi State council of NLC also declared its readiness to join the strike.
The chairman of the union in the state, Dauda Shuaibu, said on Friday that all stakeholders had been mobilised and were ready to participate effectively as directed.
Also, the TUC chairman in the state, Ningi, said his members and affiliates had been well mobilised to participate in the industrial action.
Ondo State
The Ondo State chairman of the NLC, Mr Victor Amoko, declared that there was no going back on the planned indefinite strike.
Amoko stated that workers in the state were committed to the action unless there was a counter-directive.
Amoko told Saturday Tribune that all workers in the state had been directed to stay away from office as from October 3, 2023.
He said: “If there is any contrary directive from the national office of the union, it will be communicated to them.
“We have met at the state level and we have pitched our tent with the national body of the NLC and as we speak, there is no contrary directive, so the strike will go on as scheduled.
“We held our meeting and instructed all our affiliate unions to stay off their duties and office as from Tuesday. The labor unions cannot fold our arms and keep quiet on all the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of the petrol subsidy.”
Delta State
In Delta State, labour leaders are in top gear mobilising workers ahead of the commencement of the industrial action.
It was gathered on Friday afternoon that affiliate associations and unions were being contacted ahead of the indefinite strike.
Kogi State
THE Kogi State chairman of the NLC, Mr Gabriel Amari, on Friday said the labour movement in the state was prepared to comply with the national directive for the indefinite strike.
Amari told newsmen in Lokoja on Friday that a meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) and the State Executive Council (SEC) of the union, which was held on Thursday, was meant to examine the issues and enforce the directive in the state.
He appealed to every worker to be involved in the struggle.
Plateau State
The NLC and the TUC in Plateau State said there was no going back on the strike as all affiliate unions have been sensitised and mobilised for the industrial action.
The state chairman of the NLC, Eugene Manji, told Saturday Tribune that the strike would proceed as directed by the national body, saying the reasons adduced for the action were cogent and hinged on the survival of average Nigerians and not just the workers.
We are ready for troublemakers —Lagos police
Meanwhile, the police in Lagos State have warned that anybody who might want to hide under the planned nationwide strike by the labour unions to forment trouble in the state to be prepared to face the law.
The state police command also assured residents of the state of their safety if the labour unions go ahead with the strike.
The image maker of the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, told Saturday Tribune that the police were “prepared to forestall any breakout of lawlessness.”
He said: “You can see how we dispersed those who converged on the Lekki Toll Gate to forment trouble under the guise of holding candlelight procession for the late Mohbad. “Any person who wants to foment trouble will be identified, isolated, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. We will not allow any breakdown of law and order in Lagos State. The residents are assured of their safety. They should not entertain any fear or worry.”
DELTA PDP CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR OBOREVWORI ON HIS TRIBUNAL VICTORY, CALLS ON OPPOSITION TO JOIN HANDS WITH HIM IN THE INTEREST OF DELTA[/b]
Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has congratulated the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on his well-deserved victory at the State Election Petitions Tribunal.
The felicitations was contained in a message by the Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, which reads:
"Your Excellency, our leader, it is with tremendous joy that the entire PDP family in Delta State, offer our hearty congratulations to you, on your well-deserved victory at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which confirmed what we already know, that you are undoubtedly, the duly elected Governor of Delta State.
"The Tribunal's decision is not only a sweet victory for all Deltans but also, a clear endorsement of the desire of our people, who came out enmasse to vote overwhelmingly for PDP, on March 18, 2023 and we applaud the judiciary for a thorough, articulate and well-delivered judgement.
"We therefore advise the three petitioners, Mr. Ken Pela, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi in good faith, not to expend more resources in these hard times, in pursuit of further litigation that will amount to futile effort, but should join hands with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who has indeed, started so well and exhibited impressive governance and excellent leadership skills since assuming office, to continue the fine work of delivering the dividends of Democracy to our people in line with his MORE Agenda.
"Once again, Congratulations, Your Excellency."
PDP! Power to the People!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Delta State.
Omo-Agege vows to Appeal
DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION TRIBUNAL’S JUDGEMENT: AN APPEAL FOR CALM, AS WE CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR CASE AND CAUSE
Today, the 29th of September, 2023, the Governorship Election Tribunal holden in Asaba, Delta State gave judgement in our petition challenging the return of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The outcome is not what we expected.
Let it be said with every sense of conviction and responsibility that in reaching its judgment, the Tribunal in Asaba, in our respectful view, failed to avert its mind to the intendment of the plethora of unambiguous innovations now contained in the Electoral Act, 2022. In relation to the instant petition, these are most particularly evident in sections 137 and 73(2) and paragraph 46(4) [First Schedule) of the Act mandating the Tribunal on how to properly handle the required evidence duly placed before it by the petitioners in proof of the petition and corroborated by INEC itself.
We hold the reasoned view that if the Tribunal dutifully attended to the unassailable evidence in support of ALL the polling unit results and every other relevant electoral document duly tendered before it using our present electoral jurisprudence and benchmarks already set by the Supreme Court as its compass, today’s outcome would have been clearly in our favour.
As chief proponents of a clean electoral system, we disagree that ballots obtained in manifest breach of the Electoral Act and our Constitution are lawful and valid votes in the 2023 Delta State Governorship Election. Further, we also do not believe that the law permits the Tribunal to do nothing having found as a matter of fact and consistent with the petition that votes were arbitrarily inflated in favour of our opponents.
Also, we do not believe that today’s judgment is in consonance with the letters and spirit of the new Act which, for the first time in our electoral history and jurisprudence, now unequivocally mandates a Tribunal to reject and cancel an election conducted at a polling unit if the serial numbers and other identities of the electoral materials used are not formally recorded into the INEC prescribed forms. We know that where this particular infraction is manifest on documentary evidence before the tribunal, the Act clearly says such must be thoroughly considered by a Tribunal and the result cancelled, as same is unlawful. This, regrettably, is not the case with the instant decision.
So, let us be clear. For the matters mentioned herein and much more, we say with calm confidence and conviction that today’s judgment is nothing but a grave injustice that will not stand appellate scrutiny. But we must thank their Lordships for all they did as humans given the very toxic and intimidating environment in which they operated in the last six months. We wish them well.
In view of the foregoing, I have instructed my erudite legal team to immediately appeal the judgement of the Tribunal. We are grateful for their steady industry and extraordinary commitment.
I call on our people to remain calm and law-abiding. We came into this race to rescue our beloved Delta State knowing that it will not be a smooth sail. So, keep hope alive. With God, we shall get to our destination under His abiding grace.
Signed: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR (Obarisi of Urhoboland & 2023 Delta State Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress)
Nigerian tourism minister has been hospitalised in Abuja after suffering acute poisoning from unknown origins, Peoples Gazette was told, as her family members fear time was running against their efforts to save her life.
Lola Ade-John, 60, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, shortly after she started manifesting symptoms of her poisoning, according to family sources familiar with her ordeal. She has spent four days at the facility as of Friday morning, The Gazette heard.
Ms Ade-John, a career banker and tech investor, has been on a machine to aid her breathing, our sources said. The specifics as to what substance she ingested and how could not be immediately established by The Gazette. The police and the State Security Service did not immediately return a request on whether or not any investigations had been opened into the matter.
Her worsening situation has further set the family against the government, with the permanent secretary of her ministry said to be in disagreement as to whether she should continue receiving treatment at a public hospital or be moved to a better-equipped private facility downtown.
The permanent secretary, Ngozi Onwudike, was said to have insisted that the minister should not be transferred because the FMC is a public hospital and its services wouldn’t attract substantial charges to the government, a position her family rebuffed. But they remained with her as they could not raise funds to move her to a private hospital, our sources said. A phone number for the permanent secretary did not connect on Friday morning.
A spokesperson for the FMC did not immediately return a request seeking comments from The Gazette about Ms Ade-John’s condition.
Ms Ade-John was appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu in August. She was immediately touted as one of the few cabinet members appointed from outside the political beltway. She was based in London for years before she was asked to return to the country to serve by the president.
Onanuga is a former Director, Media & Publicity if the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council
Social media need to be regulated urgently. So many spurious reports today about the Kaduna governorship verdict by the Election Tribunal. The most notoriously shared headline: "Kaduna governorship election declared inconclusive". This was circulating while the tribunal was still reading its judgment. There should be some control in the social media space, otherwise the misinformation and disinformation being disseminated will one day trigger a civil war in our country.
Politics › Uzodimma's Thugs Attacked And Invaded Ajaero's Community - NLC Alleges by chokekachy(op): 7:53pm On Nov 05, 2023
new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation: