Statement By Edeoga/Nwokeabia Campagn Organisation On The Judgement Of The Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal delivered its judgement on the petition brought by the Labour Party and its candidate, Barr Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga, following the outcome of the March 18, 2023 Governorship elections in the state, which was announced in favour of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Peter Mbah.

We wish to convey the acknowledgment by the Labour Party and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, of the judgement as delivered at the tribunal, and to state our preparedness to challenge the outcome of this judgement at the Court of Appeal and to all extents as permitted by law.

To this end, we urge our supporters across the state and in other parts of the country to remain calm, law-abiding, and to go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.

We retain a firm belief in the justice, and will go the full extent legally possible in ensuring that the hopes of Enugu people who turned out in their numbers to vote for Labour Party candidates on March 18, 2023 are realised.

Signed,

Engr George Ugwu
Spokesman, Edeoga/Nwokeabia Campaign Organisation

Exhumation completed. Autopsy to commence.

#JusticeForMohad #Justice4Mohbad

KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
20TH SEPTEMBER 2023

PRESS RELEASE

ENFORCEMENT OF TWENTY-FOUR HOURS (24HRS) CURFEW BY KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

… As Residents are Warned that Violators will be Arrested and Made to Face Wrath of the Law

1. In view of the Constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force alongside the relevant Internal Security and Law Enforcement Agencies to preserve law and order in the State, the Kano State Police Command have mapped out strategies on that direction and call on the good people of the State to give the necessary confidence and supports.

2. Going forward, Kano State residents are called upon to note that combined Security Forces have already been dispatched to the nooks and crannies including the entry and exits of the State to ensure enforcement and strict compliance of the Twenty-Four Hours (24hrs) Curfew order as communicated by the State Government via letter with Reference No: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated 20th September, 2023 taking effect from 6pm of Wednesday, 20th September to 6pm of Thursday, 21st September 2023. Violators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

3. Finally, I wish to appreciate all the peace-loving People of the State and urge them to remain law abiding as it’s in the best interest of all that we come together to maintain law and order in the State.

CP MOHAMMED USAINI GUMEL, FIPMA, psc
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
KANO STATE COMMAND.

Following the judgement of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has appealed to the people of the state to remain peaceful.

Reacting to Wednesday, September 20, judgment which affirmed Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC as validly elected governor of the state, Ganduje, who spoke with newsmen in his Abuja residence, urged the people of Kano state to remain calm, assuring them that businesses will flourish again.

Recall that the APC had challenged the declaration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP as the winner of the March 18th, 2023 governorship election.

Ganduje who was flanked by Gawuna and a former governor of the state, Senator Kabir Gaya also expressed confidence that people will now be free to go about their businesses without fear of intimidation.

Also reacting, Gawuna, the APC candidate adjudged to have won the election by the tribunal promised to continue the legacy of the immediate past administration of Ganduje, where he served as deputy governor.

He equally appealed to the people to go after their works and businesses peacefully, declaring the judgement as the will of “Allah”.

On behalf of my family, I condole with the mother and entire family of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, Mohbad, over his painful demise. I know how difficult it is for parents to lose a child, especially one with such a promising future as his.

I urge the government and the security agencies to probe the circumstances that led to his untimely demise and to leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death. With his demise, the nation has lost a promising talent in our growing music and entertainment industry. I pray God to grant him eternal rest, and grant his parents, family, and teeming fans the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss. -PO

SANWO-OLU INVITES DSS TO JOIN PROBE OF MOHBAD’s DEATH
The @followlasg has noted the developments that have followed the death of music star Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (aka MohBad).

The Government commiserates with his family and fans. We feel the pains of losing such a talented and promising young man, who made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry.

May The Almighty grant his soul rest and comfort his bereaved family and fans.

Following Governor @jidesanwoolu's directive, the Police in Lagos State have launched a major investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young star.

A 19-man police panel has been asked to unravel the mystery of the musician’s death.

Further to this and to boost the investigation, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invited the Department of State Services (@OfficialDSSNG) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best in class technology to unearth the truth.

Mr. Sanwo-Olu has directed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.

Consequently, Department of State Services (@OfficialDSSNG) has also joined the investigation so as to get justice for the youngster, his family and teeming fans.

The Government pleads with all those who may have vital information that may assist the investigation process to avail the investigating team with such.

Government also appeals to the investigating team to guarantee the confidentiality and protection of all witnesses who may come forward with vital information or indicative evidence that may assist the process.

The government appeals to all friends and fans of the deceased to stay calm and refrain from making inflammary utterances and reaching prejudicial conclusions on this matter.

Staying calm and following the process keenly will be our most solemn tribute to the memory of the departed talent.

Besides, the grieving family should be allowed to mourn their loss in peace. It is, indeed, a difficult time for us all - the government, the family and MohBad’s fans. Any action that can aggravate the grief should be avoided.

The Police and the DSS have been admonished to brief the public on their efforts periodically.

Gbenga Omotoso
HC(I&S)

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has disowned Taiwo Obasanjo who claimed to be his wife and apologised on his behalf for debasing traditional rulers.

Taiwo Obasanjo had told traditional rulers to forgive her husband for ordering them to stand up and sit down like school children at a function in Oyo State.

In a statement titled: “Oyo Kings: A plea for forgiveness”, Mrs Obasanjo begged “for permanent and eternal forgiveness and pardon from all Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide, fathers and mothers, youths, teenagers and children, Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers, all leaders in Yoruba land and the Council of Kings in Yoruba land.”

But the former president on Monday said his had been drawn to a statement purported to be issued by his wife with the photograph of one Ms. Taiwo Martins as the author of the statement.

“For the records, Ms. Martins has two children, Jonwo and Bunmi, for Chief Obasanjo but to say emphatically that she is not his wife nor a member of the Obasanjo family.

“Her posturing as Chief Obasanjo’s wife is false and that of an impostor. Nobody makes statement on behalf of the Obasanjo family except Chief Obasanjo or people delegated by him to do so,” said Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant on Media to the former president.

Akinyemi said it must be noted that the state of health of Ms. Martins is known to all and sundry and that whatever she said or did has nothing to do with Obasanjo as an individual or the Obasanjo family as a whole.

“However, the former President has affirmed that he stood firmly, unapologetically and uncompromisingly on the position that the Governor of a State holds the highest office in the State.

“By that position, the respect, protocol and dignity that must be given to the office by virtue of the Constitution must not be denied. To do otherwise is to deride the office and the Constitution,” Akinyemi said.

BREAKING NEWS

Governor Adeleke Declares Curfew in Orolu & Irepodun LGs

OSOGBO - 17/09/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the communal clash between Ilobu amd Ifon communities, imposing curfew on the affected communities to enforce law and order.

The notice of curfew conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi reads as follows:

This is to inform the public that the attention of the Osun state government has been drawn to the communal clash on land dispute between Ilobu and Ifon Communities.

Based on this, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that Curfew begins immediately in the two Local Governments: Orolu and Irepodun local governments.

The Curfew will start between the hours of 8pm every night, and 6am in the morning. Human and vehicular movement is hereby restricted during the curfew till further notice.

This is to forestall attempts of destruction of lives and properties during this period, because of the land dispute.

Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu local governments during the curfew period will be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

Governor Ademola Adeleke sued for peace between these two local governments, and asked that the ethos of Peace, Love and Unity which the state is known for, be imbibed.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Commissioner for Information
And Public Enlightenment

President Bola Tinubu has nominated the former head of Citibank in Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, to serve as the country's new central bank governor, days before its next interest rate meeting, a presidential spokesperson said on Friday.

Government sources told Reuters that Godwin Emefiele, who was suspended as central bank chief by Tinubu in June and later detained by state police and charged with procurement fraud, resigned last month, effectively clearing the way for Cardoso to replace him.

The central bank did not respond to a request for comment on whether Emefiele and his deputy governors had resigned. Ngelale declined to comment when asked about Emefiele's resignation.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has effected the retirement of three Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs).

While the retirement affected senior management staff, who are due for retirement in 2024, THEWILL gathered that the move is part of the progress being made in the ongoing reforms of the NNPC Ltd to position itself for global competitiveness

Those affected by the retirement are the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye; Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energies, Abdulkabir Ahmed; and Executive Vice President, Downstream, Adeyemi Adetunji.

Meanwhile, the NNPCL has announced their replacement with Olalekan Ogunleye now appointed as the EVP Gas, Power and New Energies. He replaced Ahmed, who had served the company in various capacities before his retirement.

Also, EVP Upstream Tombomieye was replaced by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, who before now was the Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer.

Eyesan, who led the commercial negotiation and superintended over the Joint Entitlement Models for managing the renewed PSCs in OMLs 133, 138, 125, 132, 128 & 132, would now take charge as the EVP in charge of upstream.

For the EVP Downstream Adetunji, he would be replaced by Adedapo Segun.

PRESS RELEASE

NNPC LTD. MAKES SENIOR MANAGEMENT CHANGES

In line with NNPC Ltd.'s commitment and drive for organisational renewal, anchored on our business imperatives, standards of excellence, people development, and strengthening our competencies and capabilities through broad-based leadership exposures, the company wishes to announce the following executive appointments with immediate effect:

1. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream
2. Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power, and New Energy
3. Adedapo A. Segun, Executive Vice President, Downstream

Garba Deen Muhammad
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja

16.09.2023

The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of Labour Party (LP), on Saturday, owned up that the party truly lost the February 25 Presidential election, saying that the party’s Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and Mr. Julius Abure knew the truth about the performance of the party at the poll.

This position was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, by Abayomi Arabambi, spokesperson of the Apapa-led faction of the party, in support of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka’s comment in South Africa, on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.

According to Arabambi, “it is condemnable and highly disturbing that rather than going back to the drawing board to meticulously examine where things have fallen apart and re-strategize for 2027 elections, some irredentist masquerading as members of the Labour Party have chosen to be attacking the highly revered scholar for only re-echoing the truth that is not hidden to discerning Nigerians.

He revealed that the party sees the reaction of its factional Chairman, Julius Abure through his personal media aide, Mr Obiorah Ifoh to Soyinka’s statement as nothing but “affront and abuse from a rude boy to his grandfather”.

Arabambi said, “even Prof. Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State where Obi hailed from had also said in the past that the probability of Obi clinching third position in the presidential race was very slim not to talk of winning the elections.

“As a party, we knew that Professor Wole Soyinka was right in his submission because how does anyone claim to have won an election based solely on pejoratives, assumption, vague rhetorics and zero evidence pointing to such being the case, but on the expectation that the actual winner would be disqualified and by some stroke of black magic, the candidate in the 3rd place will suddenly be declared winner without any proof of having scored the majority vote is absolute judicial madness on display by Peter Obi, Julius Abure and their blind allies.

“We know we lost that election, it was true Obi and Abure wanted to do ‘gbajue’ because ab initio, even when the Presidential campaign council was formed, in the North, Peter Obi uses Igbo as State Coordinators while northerner remains their deputies.

“That’s why we failed woefully. Imagine somebody that has no polling unit result sheet, no agents in majority of the polling units now turn around to claim election victory. So, how then do we say we won.

“Labour Party has been reduced to a regional party under him as he is only interested in National officers of Igbo extraction.”

He among other things alluded to the failure of the party to refuse to plan saying that it was an open secret that the party in its preparation towards 2023 elections had poor logistics and suffered dearly for it.

PRESS RELEASE 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2023

The Editors,

PUBLIC NOTICE/AWARENESS

The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to notify the public of the proactive security measures which everyone is required to be acquainted with and adhere to in order to enhance general safety and security in the state.

On this note, the proactive measures came up following a Credible Intelligence and analysis of security threats identified by the Command. The Command has identified the following vices as potential security threats for the Ember-months season.

They are:
Herders'/farmers Feud and Communal clashes
Armed Robbery
Kidnapping and Abduction
Road Traffic Accidents
Stealing of Farm produce and Mischief
Youths' Restiveness (Thuggery), amongst others

Herders'/farmers and Communal clashes: To avoid herders-farmers and communal clashes, the Command wishes to call on the respective organs to refrain from acts of mischief or any acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and Public peace. However, farmers are advised to evacuate their farm produce in good time before herders start grazing freely and it degenerates into the aforementioned. All herders are unequivocally warned to desist from trespassing into farmer’s crops before they harvest them.

Armed Robbery: This Crime case is mostly a trend during ember months. Consequently, the Command’s crime analysis advises travellers to shun the act of night-time journeys or travelling during the wee hours of the day. They are further advised to look for the nearest convenient places to sleep and proceed with their journeys when the day breaks for their safety.

Kidnapping and Abduction: This menace was almost rampant during the last ember months of the year 2022. In the year 2023, the Command has grounded a strategic map-out of the kidnapper’s enclaves and introduced modern security tactics and more sophisticated approaches in order to strengthen the operational bodies for serious battles against these crimes and others in the State.

Night-time Travelling and Over-Speeding: Due to the increased number of road accidents resulting from night-time travelling and over-speeding, the Command advises all travellers particularly drivers to shun the act of speeding especially during the wee hours to avert occurrences of avoidable road accidents which might result in loss of lives or fatalities and properties.

Stealing of farm produce/Mischief: Farmers are advised to be familiar with their farm terrains and farm neighbours or farm owners around them. They are enjoined to be very vigilant with their farm produce and evacuate them when they are due for harvest timeously to avoid either being stolen, unlawful grazing by herders or destruction by night fire.

Youths Restiveness and Thuggery (Yan-Sara-Suka): Citizens are advised to be very vigilant with their belongings in every circumstance and avoid being indolent. They are also enjoined to advise youths around them to shun any unruly behaviour which will jeopardise the peaceful atmosphere of the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Police Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad psc, reiterates that the Command’s commitment and relentless efforts toward ensuring a crime-free society in our beloved state will never be halted. Consequently, the CP re-emphasises that community engagement in crime prevention, management and control is very crucial in attaining the desired goals and our primary mandate, which is the protection of lives and property amongst others.

Accept the assurance of our esteemed regards, please.

SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Anipr,
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
For: Commissioner of Police,
Bauchi State Command.

Ireti Kingibe, Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has warned the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to desist from working without the supervision of the National Assembly.

Kingibe said Wike does not have the executive powers but must operate within the constitutional frameworks of the country’s legislative arm.

The FCT senator said this while addressing a press conference after the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal upheld her victory in the February 25 polls.

Kingibe said, “You also have to remember that the minister of the FCT – I’m not sure we have had a former governor as minister, I think we have had one. Some [former] governors may think that as FCT minister… the minister does not have executive powers. He works hand-in-hand with the National Assembly and the president to administer FCT.”

She also faulted the recent appointment and inauguration of the mandate secretaries of the FCTA by Wike, saying they were supposed to be screened by federal lawmakers.

According to her, the National Assembly would serve the legislative duties to the FCTA as the state Houses of Assembly does to the state governments, adding that as state assemblies were to the states, so was the FCTA to the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly has the duties to screen them as the state houses of assembly usually screen the state commissioners before they would be sworn in,” she stated.

Kingibe said Wike was new to the FCT and therefore, needed to be guided to discharge his duties as the FCT Minister.

She said, “You must remember that the minister and I have different goals. I was elected by the people, so, I’m answerable to you the people of the FCT, he is not. But working together, I hope we can merge our interests.

“I cannot force myself on the minister. You have to remember that and the senate is in recess. I am a lawmaker. I have not been around. So, they are not approving anything, you cannot get approval from a house that is not sitting.

“Yesterday night, the election tribunal affirmed my election as duly elected senator of the federal capital territory. I feel a great sense of relief that I can now start facing the work the people of the FCT elected me to do. First, I would like to thank the best legal team, the best lawyers anybody could have. I’m really blessed to have had them

“I have been engrossed in my case and the minister is new. We have not met. We spoke for the first time today (Tuesday) when he called to congratulate me and we assured each other that we would work together.”

Speaking on threats of demolitions in the FCT, Senator Kingibe said, “For one thing, I’m not telling you that there would not be demolitions. There are many problems within the FCT. Look at the flooding taking place in FCT, why? Houses are being built on flood channels, permission are being given to people to build estates on flood plains. There are so many things that we need to fix.”

Citing the building on the green areas and water ways, using the Trademore estate as an example, the senator said such would not be allowed to continue, but added that the welfare and interest of the people in the FCT would be protected.

She said the Abuja indigenes were aware of the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) that the FCT cannot enjoy a special status.

“After the matter has been disposed of at the Supreme Court and if the same position is maintained, then we will agitate for a governor, three senators and other status of a state, but for now, let the matter remain as it is,” she added.

AMIDST dwindling revenue generation, revenue to debt management and increasing demand by citizens for improved infrastructural development, state governors are increasing the number of their appointees, and the appointments cost millions in monthly remunerations for the beneficiaries.

The ICIR observed that five newly elected governors (Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kano, Niger) and two re-elected Governors (Adamawa, Yobe) created new offices to accommodate more people into the Government, shunning concerns about the rising cost of governance in their recurrent expenditures.

In Sections 196 and 208 of the 1999 Constitution, a Governor is empowered to appoint aides to assist him in performing his functions. However, the Constitution does not limit the number of persons to be appointed.

The law states that “the number of such Advisers and their remunerations and allowances shall be prescribed by law or by resolution of the House of Assembly of the State.”

Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun said the appointment was an abuse of scarce state resources, adding that the law does not support reckless abuse of meagre state resources.

He said, “There must be prudence, accountability and transparency in government. If Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution says the people’s security and welfare shall be the government’s primary purpose, then appointing an endless list of appointees will defeat that purpose because the resources meant for the people will now be used to pay political appointees. Profligacy in government is unconstitutional.”

At the federal level, The ICIR reported how the appointment of 46 ministers by President Bola Tinubu would cost N29.91 million monthly to pay the basic salaries of these ministers. The ICIR also reported N110 billion palliative and N218 million holiday allowance for lawmakers and how the funds could improve some sectors of the economy.

Salaries costing states millions
According to the remuneration approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), if a review has not been made, each special adviser earns N380,241.76 monthly and N4.6 million annually. Also, the assistants or advisers are entitled to other allowances like accommodations, furniture estacodes, medical, severance gratuity, leave and motor vehicle loans, which are paid based on application.

The ICIR used the amount provided by the commission as an estimate to determine how much it would cost the state governors monthly to offset the payment of their aides’ salaries.

For instance, in Adamawa, The ICIR reported how the Governor, Ahmadu Finitiri, appointed 47 media aides. These appointments, by calculations, would cost the government N17.9 million to offset the aides’ monthly salaries.

Similarly, Governor Alex Otti appointed 52 Special Advisers and Assistants to his cabinet in Abia. This would cost the state N19.77 million monthly to pay the aides’ basic salaries.

In Kano state, a report captured that the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, appointed 197 Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Reporters. By calculation, the Governor would be paying N74.9 million monthly, while in Yobe State, where the governor, Mai Mala Buni, appointed 642 aides, nothing less than N244.11 million would be spent on their salaries monthly.

In Niger State, Governor Umar Bago appointed 131 women into his cabinet to fulfil his campaign promise of women’s inclusion in his administration. Out of this, 90 women were appointed as SSAs. This amounts to N34.22 million monthly in salary payments.

Similarly, in Ebonyi state, a report showed that Governor Francis Nwifuru appointed 41 Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants, translating to N15.59 paid monthly as salaries to the officials by the governor.

Meanwhile, in Enugu state, Governor Peter Mbah had earlier appointed 24 special advisers and senior assistants but got the approval of the state House of Assembly to appoint 50 more aides. By calculation, the state would be spending N28.14 million monthly salaries for the 74 aides.

Aside from the appointment of SAs and SSAs, some of the state Governors, like Ebonyi and Niger, also appointed as high as 35 and 30 commissioners in their respective states. According to RMAFC, a Commissioner is expected to earn N406,739.25 monthly. This means Ebonyi and Niger states would pay N14.24 million and N12.02 million on monthly remuneration for their commissioners. The ICIR captured the appointment of commissioners by state governors in this report.

Looming challenges
While there are questions about how state governors can manage the cost of running their administrations, the perceived waste of taxpayers’ money can be reinvested into addressing some challenges in the state.

For instance, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) data, Enugu and Kano states are among the highest states with foreign debt profiles. Also, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Yobe and Kano states have one of the country’s highest numbers of out-of-school children, while Yobe state ranked poorly in providing primary health services.

Nigeria has again been thrown into darkness after the national grid system, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo in Osun State collapsed.

A check by The Guardian in the early hour of today showed that the grid plummeted to a meagre 273 megawatts of electricity coming from two out of the over 27 electricity generation.

This comes barely a week after TCN, rolled out the drum to celebrate a questionable 400 days of grid stability.

A number of Distribution Companies confirmed to The Guardian that the grid went down at 00:41 AM, disclosing that most of their feeders are out.

As of 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, five generating plants were on the grid. Afam VI had 0.70MW, Dadinkowa was generating 0.00MW, Ibom Power had 32.90MW, Jebba had 240MW and Olorunsogo was on the grid with zero generation.

At about 1AM midnight, the total power on the grid was 35MW, indicating that the country experienced a total collapse.

The grid went to 193MW at about 3AM before climbing to 273MW when this report was filed.

The TCN has not responded to inquiries by our correspondent about the development.

I can't contain my joy after the recent victory at the Senatorial Election Petition tribunal here in Jos. I want to express my deep gratitude to God and the incredible people of Plateau South Senatorial District for their unwavering support.

It is a Monday I'll never forget. I was in Abuja, presiding over an official function at the Ministry of Labour and Employment when I received the news of the tribunal's decision. The ruling nullifying my opponent's earlier declaration and declaring me the rightful winner filled me with immense satisfaction. To me, this victory signifies a triumph for democracy and justice.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the tribunal members for their meticulous examination of our arguments and the presentations made by my party, the APC. Their dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency has not gone unnoticed.

I must also commend my loyal supporters and the dedicated members of the APC in Plateau State. Throughout this process, they remained steadfast and displayed remarkable calmness while awaiting the tribunal's verdict. Their unwavering support has been a source of strength for me.

As we celebrate this victory, I urge everyone to maintain peace and unity. Even if my opponent decides to exercise his constitutionally guaranteed right to appeal the judgement, let us continue to uphold the values of democracy and respect for the rule of law.

The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Idris Dankawu of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for forging his West African School Certificate (WAEC) which he submitted for election into the Kumbotso Federal House of Representatives Constituency of Kano State.

Munir Babba Danagudi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who contested against Dankawu, had filed a petition, alleging that Dankawu presented a fraudulent Secondary School Certificate to gain admission into Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Kaduna.

Following the petition., Justice I.P. Chima delivered a verdict that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. He declared: “Idris Dankawu of NNPP has forged his WAEC certificate,” and as a consequence, the election is voided.

The tribunal did not stop there. It instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to set aside the Certificate of Return previously awarded to Dankawu. Instead, the tribunal declared Danagudi as the winner of the Kumbotso Federal Constituency poll which took place on February 25, 2023.

Justice Chima emphasised the tribunal’s adherence to the law, stating, “Having satisfied with the provision of the law, we hereby declare and return Munir Babba Danagudi as the winner of the Kumbotso Federal House of Representatives Election”.

The ruling concluded with a call for the parties to bear their own costs.

The House of Representatives Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Asaba has declared Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi of the PDP winner of the February 25, 2023 election for Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency.

INEC declared Waive winner with 42,226 votes to PDP candidate, Hon Solomon Awhinawhi who scored 32,391 votes.

TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT
Today the 11th of Sept 2023, the National Assembly Elections Tribunal Asaba ruled (in layman’s language) that the non publication of my educational qualifications in INEC portal is ground to disqualify me and declare the loser of the election the winner.

Let me state clearly like I did before the Tribunal with documented evidence that I did submit all required documents including my qualifications as required by INEC. The non publication of same on the INEC portal is definitely not my making or within my power to effect. And I did write INEC on this.

Very importantly however, the non publication by INEC is not known to our laws as a ground for disqualification of a candidate.

Consequently I have instructed my lawyers to appeal the judgement.
I call on our people to remain calm and law abiding as we continue in the struggle to make our country a better place to live in.

Signed
Rt Rev (Hon) Francis Ejiroghene Waive (MHR)
Honorable member representing the entire people of Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency
House of Representatives

Tribunal Sacks PDP Lawmaker in Plateau, Declares Labour Party Fom Chollom Winner

[quote]The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, nullified the election of Peter Gyengdeng, as the lawmaker representing Barkin/Riyom Federal Constituency of the state.

The tribunal equally declared Fom Chollom of the Labour Party as the validly elected representative for the federal constituency.
The PUNCH reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Gyengdeng of the Peoples Democratic Party winner of the National Assembly poll conducted on February 25, 2023.

But Fom had challenged the PDP candidate’s victory at the tribunal on the ground that he was not validly nominated by his party claiming that PDP had no valid structure in the state at the time of his nomination as a candidate.

One of the Ministers of President Bola Tinubu has been declared as winner of the February 25 Parliamentary election.

Simon Lalong, former Plateau State governor, who was Director-General of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign, was among the seven governors declared as losers of senatorial elections.

Tinubu had subsequently appointed him as Minister of Labour.

But on Monday, the National and State Petition Election Tribunal sitting in Jos sacked the senator representing Plateau South, Napoleon Bali, and declared Lalong as winner.

Bali contested the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Lalong ran under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The tribunal also sacked Peter Gyendeng as member representing Barikin Ladi/ Riyom federal constituency of the House of Representatives and declared Fom Dalyop of the Labour Party (LP) who became second in the February 25 general elections in the state, as winner.

In their separate rulings, Justice Omaka Elekwo and Justice Muhammad Tukur nullified the election of the two PDP candidates because of the party’s refusal to respect the order of a Jos High court to conduct ward congresses before the last general elections.

The Justices therefore said the evidence presented by the APC and LP candidates were relevant and admissible.

The Police has arrived at a scene where a mob had gathered to lynch two after one man, unnamed, said his penis and testicles disappeared.

The incident occurred moments ago at the roundabout linking Akai Effa (MCC Road) with the GoodLuck Ebele Jonathan bypass road in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Witnesses at the scene say when the man felt his penis had disappeared, he immediately raised an alarm and removed his trousers and what he saw left him dismayed.

“What he saw was smaller than a grain of rice and there were no testicles too,” Jeremiah Archibong, the Board Secretary of the Association of Cross Online Journalists told CrossRiverWatch newsroom over the phone after he called the Police to intervene on the matter.

“The Police have since arrived and calmed the situation,” Mr. Archibong added.

In recent weeks, reports of male genitals magically disappearing after handshakes have been on the increase in Calabar.

A similar incident at Nyanghasang community of Calabar Municipal led to a Police raid which caused a reprisal by the community. A Police van was damaged and an entertainer, Kandy Umoh was among those arrested.

While Mr. Umoh was later released alongside a few others, nearly two dozen residents of the community were arraigned before a Magistrate Court and remanded at the Medium Security Custodial Center in Afokang.

About a fortnight ago, a similar incident occurred at night in Ekpo Abasi junction close to the gate of the Main Campus of the University of Cross River State.

The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu, weekend, sacked the House of Representatives member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency, Mr Chijioke Okereke.

Okereke is of the Labour Party (LP).

The three-man panel led by Justice Nusirat I. Umar declared Chief Anayo Onwuegbu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner of the election held on February 25, 2023.

THE WHISTLER reports that Onwuegbu, an engineer, had approached the tribunal challenging the victory of Okereke. Onwuegbu anchored his prayers on the grounds that Okereke’s name was not on the result sheet as the candidate of the Labour Party.

The panel, in the ruling, held that Okereke was not duly elected because it was not his name that was on the result sheet. The panel therefore directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue a certificate of return to the PDP candidate.

Our correspondent gathered that it was the name of former minority leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Toby Okechukwu, that was on the list published by INEC for the election. Also, his name appeared on the result sheet and not that of Okereke.

Okechukwu had, before the election, disassociated himself from LP, paving the way for the emergence of Okereke, who approached a High Court sitting in Enugu where the court ruled in his favour to become the standard-bearer of Labour Party.

With his sack, he joins Prof Sunday Nnamchi representing Enugu-East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, who was sacked on Thursday for wrong nomination.

Out of eight House of Representatives seats in Enugu State, LP won seven while PDP won one by in the last election.

09 | 09 | 2023

PRESS STATEMENT: PDP | LP TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT.

Ndi Greater Awgu,

1. I want to address the recent judgment delivered by the election petition tribunal sitting in Enugu today regarding the petition filed by the People's Democratic Party and its House of Representatives candidate, Engr. Bedford Anayo Onwuegbu.

2. While I respect the tribunal's decision and the due process of our legal system, I must express my profound disappointment with the grounds and outcome.

3. As I mentioned in my previous speeches, our campaign and the subsequent election were driven by a commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and need-driven governance, as outlined in my manifesto.

4. The people of this constituency placed their trust in me, and I take that trust very seriously. I firmly believe that we received a strong mandate from the electorate to represent their interests and work towards their betterment.

5. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I announce our decision to pursue the protection of the people's mandate through the APPEAL COURT immediately.

6. We believe that the facts and merits of our case warrant a second look, and we are determined to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure that the voice of the people is heard and their mandate is upheld.

7. Our democracy is built upon the principle of the people's right to choose their representatives, and it is our duty to safeguard and protect that right.

8. We are not alone in this pursuit; we have the support and prayers of countless constituents who believe in the vision we presented during the campaign.

9. I want to assure you all that we will approach the appeal process with the utmost respect for the rule of law and with unwavering determination.

10. We will continue to advocate for the principles of inclusive, sustainable, and need-driven governance that we hold dear. Our resolve to serve the best interests of this constituency remains unshaken.

11. I call upon our supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and patient during this legal process. I also encourage all stakeholders, including our opponents, to respect the legal proceedings and uphold the values of our democratic system.

12. In closing, let me reaffirm our commitment to the people of this constituency. We are determined to see this through to the end, not just for ourselves but for the sake of every citizen who placed their trust in us.

13. Together, we will continue to strive for a brighter and more prosperous future for our constituency.

14. Thank you, and may justice prevail.

Hon. Engr. Chijioke Stanislaus Okereke - CSO (MHR). Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Science Research Institutions.

Labour Party under the leadership of Alhaj Lamidi Apapa has reacted to the verdict of the Presidential Election tribunal, saying that the Party had warned against the stand of its Presidential candidate that he was only chasing a wild goose.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Dr Abayomi Arabambi while reacting to the verdict on behalf of the Party said it is a shame that the legal team of Mr Peter Obi failed to advice him properly before going to the tribunal.

While saying that the Party accept the verdict without any bias, Arabambi said that the whole process is a waste of time.

"Peter Obi has just gone on a wild goose chase, imaging the candidate that failed to fund the Party in order to engage the number of required polling agents, also the filing of the witnesses outside the stipulated time has shown that the legal team is a failure.

Some of us have been saying that Peter Obi decided to go to the tribunal to justify all the money he collected during the campaign, all that money was corruptly syphoned.

Its unfortunate that Obi failed to convince the Tribunal those polling units where he was rigged out.

The tribunal also said that he "made generic allegations of irregularities against the respondent without specifying the polling units

“The petitioners allege irregularities and will use spreadsheets, inspection reports, and forensic analysis as evidence in the trial.

“The documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition and served on the respondents,” he added.

The Justices ruled that Obi and the Labour Party did not adequately detail their allegations of corrupt practices, vote suppression, fictitious results, and other irregularities in their petition.

Labour party noted with all sense of purpose and in full agreement with the Presidential Tribunal that Strikes Out Report From The EU Tendered By Peter Obi From Its Record For Not Meeting The Clarification Guidelines.

The court said it rejected the reports on the ground that it was not tendered by official of the body which is the author and has custody of the document and also that Peter Obi lawyers were aware that the actual copy of the report was earlier in line with all extant Law that same report had earlier been tendered by Atiku Abubakar and PDP while prosecuting their petition before the tribunal.

The Tribunal also affirmed that the Nigeria Police, through its IGP, had written to the US to confirm the criminal status of Bola Tinubu and the US government had replied in 2003 stating that Bola Tinubu had no criminal records in the US.

Thus, our previous position has now been confirmed that Peter Obi was just all out to defraud our party of donations made towards 2023 General Election which was in a scary Sum of $15m dollars and N12 billion Naira that Peter Obi deliberate used for cure ABURE Poverty lineage and help other Julius ABURE IPOB irresponsible ethnic irredeemable irredentist supporters in order to have a life line.

Our party is also in tandem with the tribunal that the Claim By The Labour Party Concerning the Blurred 18,088 Results Sheets Is Totally Unfounded As The Party Ought To Have Agents At Every Polling Unit Who Will Have A Copy Of The Result Sheet but here Peter Obi fraudulently converted all monies due to our agent across the country and they all refuse to represent the party at all pooling units.

On Peter Obi request that 25% FCT vote is a requirement before a president can be declared, we noted that this is a shame on the part of Peter Obi legal teams to be told in clear terms that Abuja Is Equal To Every Other States In Nigeria since according to the Tribunal , Residents Of Abuja Don't Have Special Privileges, Every Nigerian Is Equal.

Finally ,in the hall of fame of absurdities,the prayers presented at the tribunal by Peter Obi and the restrained former National Chairman Julius Abure should be framed for entertainment of future students of Law.

How does anyone claim to have won an election based solely on pejoratives, assumption,vague rhetorics and zero evidence pointing to such being the case ,but on the expectation that the actual winner would be disqualified and by some stroke of black magic the candidate in the 3rd place will suddenly be declared winner , without any proof of having scored the Majority vote is absolute rascality on display by Peter Obi and Julius Abure.

As a law abiding Party, we accept the verdict, and we are going back to the drawing board to know where we have gone wrong.

Signed

Dr Arabambi Abayomi
Comrade Non-controversial Gentleman

National Publicity Secretary
6th September 2023

The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Wednesday, sacked the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency, Hon Amobi Ogah (Labour Party).

It subsequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the certificate of return given to Ogah and issue same to the Petitioner, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

ISSUES DETERMINED SO FAR BY THE TRIBUNAL

1. Allegation of double nomination by APM against Vice-President Kashim Shettima holds no water.

2. Peter Obi could not prove that his votes were suppressed and that he scored the majority of lawful votes cast.

3. Out of the 13 witnesses called by Obi/LP, 10 were not accepted by the court.

4. The tribunal said President Bola Tinubu was not convicted because civil forfeiture is not a criminal matter.

5. The tribunal said INEC is at liberty to define the mode of results transmission it intends to use.

6. The tribunal said there is no specific provision for the electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act 2022.

7. Obi/LP failed to prove INEC deliberately refused to upload results.

8. Obi/LP failed to prove how they were affected by the failure of INEC to electronically transmit results.

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, on Wednesday, rejected the European Union Election Observers Mission report on the 25 February presidential election tendered by Peter Obi and the Labour Party.

The court said it rejected the report on the grounds that it was not tendered by an official of the body, which is the author and has custody of the document.

The court also rejected the 18,088 blurred results sheets tendered by the petitioners on the grounds that they are not tied to any of the polling units to which the results referred to, and which the petitioners failed to specify in their petition.

The PUNCH reports that the actual copy of the report was earlier tendered by Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party while prosecuting their petition before the tribunal.

PRESS RELEASE

CASE OF CONSPIRACY, CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, CYBERSTALKING, CYBERBULLYING: CHIKE IBEZIM COMPLICIT, TO BE ARRAIGNED ONCE COURT RESUMES

Following a report from Priory Terrace Solicitors on behalf of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, CON, against one Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, Police Investigators from the Force Intelligence Bureau carried out intensive investigations into the complaint and discovered that the suspect made a false publication on his handle - @ReporteraNews on the social media platform ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter on Saturday 5th August, 2023, alleging that the complainant was involved in the drafting of a controversial verdict in the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and that the military have been deployed to his residence to restrict movement thereby intending to cast aspersion on the person of the former Minister, contrary to Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015, which has the potential to cause harm, distress, and damage to his reputation, as well as posing great threats to national security and stability of our dear country.

Further investigations to wit technical and tactical analysis into the phone number used for making the publication in question, it was discovered that it is registered to one Chike Ibezim. Armed with this intelligence, police investigators proceeded to the office address of the suspect in Maitama, Abuja, where Chike Ibezim was arrested, while Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, and one Tope who it was alleged handles all social media correspondences are currently at large and have not honoured all invitations by the Nigeria Police Force.

In this wise, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that our radar is on other individuals who are involved in this case and others alike for possible arrest and prosecution. The NPF thereby warns that cyberstalking and other cyber-related unguarded utterances are criminal and capable of heating up the polity and causing chaos.

This new trend of cyberstalking, and a massive spread of fake news should be discouraged in all manners for our collective sake, and the sake of our dear country.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

5th September, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a new National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, marking the conclusion of Festus Okoye’s five-year tenure.

This was communicated through INEC’s WhatsApp platform on Tuesday.

Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun was announced as Festus Okoye’s successor. Okoye’s tenure, which began on July 25, 2018, as representative of the South-East geopolitical zone in the commission, formally came to an end on July 24, 2023.

While National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners hold a five-year tenure and are eligible for a second term of five years, Okoye’s tenure was not renewed by President Bola Tinubu.

The process of appointing a new INEC Chairman and Commissioners involves nomination by the President, ratification by the Council of State, and confirmation by the Senate.

As of September 2022, Olumekun was the INEC National Commissioner in charge of the commission’s Election and Party Monitoring Committee.

In his new role, he will oversee public awareness, voter education, and the dissemination of information pertaining to electoral matters and INEC.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU AMENDS NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD AND MANAGEMENT NOMINATION LIST

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC's Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase.

The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC's Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.

Furthermore, the immedate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate's confirmation of his reappointment.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

Finally i accept the reality of the End to a Road!

A sad reality that gives room & hope for a brighter and more fulfilling future!
A reality that is SAD for my loving and adorable children but necessary for a peaceful and loveable future.

A sad reality i prayed, nutured and worked tirelessly hard never to experience for the sake of all.

A sad reality i now have to accept as i realize that my kids are much grown with better sense of understanding and knowledge of my pain & struggles regarding them!

A sad reality that screams that i wont live or be around forever and must take care of my health & mental state for the goodness of all.
May God help me and reward me with all i truly deserve or punish me for all i have done wrong if that be the case.

In the end we will all live with the consequences of our actions.

Sad but real and true!

Now i have to do and be better for the sake of the same children i fought so hard never to be seperated from.

The journey thus far only makes me stronger as i come to terms with what i truly need and deserve for all my relentless hard work & efforts in life.

Heart broken but not shattered yet i stand tall as i break this sad but true news to the same world who adores my beautiful family & I.
My wife & I have decided to go our separate ways and headed for an irreconcilable marriage dissolution.

Please respect our privacy and pray for us during this process as we heal and move on with our independent lives while jointly taking care of what we love most, Our children!
God bless all 🙏🏾