A pattern is obviously playing out in Nigeria and that is conflict of interest, which has put the integrity of government institutions to question. We have seen it with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and now, the presidential elections petition tribunal.

In the build up to the 2019 general elections, there were a lot of questions on whether a National Commissioner of INEC, Amina Zakari, should be involve in the conduct of the election. Many had doubted her impartiality given her blood tie to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on the ballot for re-election, strengthening call for her to recuse herself from the process.

But neither Zakari or her employer heeded those calls, putting the credibility of the election on trial. Questions of credibility thrown at the electoral umpire by opposition parties and concerned Nigerians have made it difficult for the outcome of the results to be generally accepted.

Similar question abound now that the outcome of the election is being subjected to litigation. It is no other but the raging controversy on the composition of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which has the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the chairman of the five-man panel.

Justice Bulkachuwa had arose expectations on the panel to serve fairness when she declared in the inaugural sitting of tribunal that "the Court of Appeal will work in accordance and within the dictates of the constitution, the law and international best practices, to dispense justice to all, without fear or favour, affection or ill will”.

But in another breadth, she observed that "Elections are held every in Nigeria every four years into elective position. No matter how well the election is conducted, there are bound to be complaint(s)."

Predictably, the observation of Justice Bulkachuwa pitched her against the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who questioned her impartiality and asked her to recuse herself from the panel. In a letter to justify its call, the national Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, rallied the fear of PDP to get justice from the Bulkachuwa led panel considering that "your dear husband, Hon. Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa, contested for February 23, 2019 election for the position of a Senatorial role in Bauchi North Senatorial district and won same on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)."

That was a valid observation that put trust on trial and integrity of the panel under public scrutiny. It's a general expectation that judges must be an umpire– a neutral and impartial arbiter who favours no political party, litigant or policy. But when this sort principle is abandoned– for instance, a judge observing that "no matter how well an election is conducted" before a trial starts– is obviously improper.

It send a wrong signal that justice may not be within reach and that is dangerous. Even before taking a look at the merit or otherwise of the petition filed against the election outcome, Justice Bulkachuwa tone in her address seemed like a first step toward compromise.

PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar were convinced that the election was not conducted well and that the return made by INEC was unjustified, hence, their petition before the court. That was the right thing to do. That is the most acceptable route in a democracy but the faith in that approach can only be sustained if the arbiter does not presume the intent of petitions.

Judges are like every other human and as such, have ties and affinity. From their immediate family to mutual friends– ex-school mates or social acquaintance, there will always be interest. In some instances, it could be surreptitious political interest, financial exchange and even mutual investment interests that could constitute bias for a judge.

These are realities that can't be entirely discarded. However, when such relationships do create a perception of bias, a judge is duty-bound to take their hands of such case. That has been the call for Justice Bulkachuwa to recuse herself from the panel that would determine the petition that arise from the last presidential election.

From the details available, Justice Bulkachuwa marriage to an APC chieftain, who is now a senator-elect on the platform of the APC, is enough ground for compromise. This is deepened by the fact that the learned justice faith makes her submissive to her husband and this may decisively weigh on her opinion and decision on the dispute.

This fear was captured in PDP’s letter to Justice Bulkachuwa on the need for her to excuse herself from the panel by noting that "it would be impossible for your lordship to convince any reasonable man that your dear husband never discussed this petition, which he is patiently interested in its outcome with you, throughout the trial." That is the doubt agitating the minds of many interested Nigerians and unfortunately, Justice Bulkachuwa cannot entirely clear that mistrust.

Compounding the mistrust, is the revelation that Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, a biological son of Justice Bulkachuwa campaigned for President Buhari in the election that is being contested before the panel she head. PDP had made the disclosure in a motion to push for Justice Bulkachuwa withdrawal from the panel, pointing out that her (Bulkachuwa) biological son, Aliyu Haidar Abubakar is a card-carrying member of the 3rd respondent (APC) and he contested the governorship primary election of the 3rd respondent in Gombe State." The party went on provide Facebook page and pictures to support it claims.

Without doubt, available details are not assuring of an impartial arbiter. And if the maxim of he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, Justice Bulkachuwa should step down from the panel without any further delay. The petition before the panel is a delicate one as it will preface the future of Nigeria and a legal precedence for years to come. It would therefore be a grave injury to our democracy and setback to many who considers judiciary as the last hope of the hopeless due to conflict of interest.

Oke Umurhohwo is a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached via oke.umu@gmail.com

https://thepunditng.com/presidential-elections-petition-tribunal-like-zakari-like-bulkachuwa-by-oke-umurhohwo/

The bad losers are at it again. Always crying like babies even when the breast is in their mouth.

These town criers have forgotten so soon that Mary Odilli was among the panel that gave judgment on the dollar man ex-CJN case and she's the only one that gave contrary judgment in support of the man. She wasn't asked to step aside despite her glaring corrupt ties with the ex-CJN. She has been in the Supreme Court presiding and giving judgment over PDP cases and no one has asked her to step aside.

The dead party is just looking for excuses knowing they have a shaky case hinged on one imaginary server that can't serve any purpose.

Anyways, I'm happy PDP is now suffering from the same monster they created, and the suffering is going to be a long one.

This article is obviously one-sided

rottennaija:
This article is obviously one-sided

How is it one sided? Are you aware that she is a person of interest in the matter and ought to excuse herself from the case?

.

For those that can't read this lengthy piece.
One of the argument is that Balkathua is married to an APC chieftain and still yet in the tribunal

An article written by an ipob analyst, who has collected dollars from father Christmas Atiku, this Cameroonian is still dreaming and wishing that he will be president. The wise words of Tinubu the PDP slayer comes to mind, "pity the PDP cripples and help them overcome their colossal failure". PDP, ipob and all the wailers and dumb regions, how market?

Selective justice is the problem of Nigerian judiciary.

Dannyset:
The bad losers are at it again. Always crying like babies even when the breast is in their mouth.

These town criers have forgotten so soon that Mary Odilli was among the panel that gave judgment on the dollar man ex-CJN case and she's the only one that gave contrary judgment in support of the man. She wasn't asked to step aside despite her glaring corrupt ties with the ex-CJN. She has been in the Supreme Court presiding and giving judgment over PDP cases and no one has asked her to step aside.

The dead party is just looking for excuses knowing they have a shaky case hinged on one imaginary server that can't serve any purpose.

Anyways, I'm happy PDP is now suffering from the same monster they created, and the suffering is going to be a long one.

There is a big differnce netween being a panel member and heading a panel as big as presidential trubunal and an appeal court prresident at that.

There's a saying that he whose brother is on top a mango tree does not eat unriped mango. In this case, he whose wife is heading an appeal court does not get unfavorable judgment in that court.
This is Nigeria, trust anyone at your own perils

OEPHIUS:


A pattern is obviously playing out in Nigeria and that is conflict of interest, which has put the integrity of government institutions to question. We have seen it with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and now, the presidential elections petition tribunal.

In the build up to the 2019 general elections, there were a lot of questions on whether a National Commissioner of INEC, Amina Zakari, should be involve in the conduct of the election. Many had doubted her impartiality given her blood tie to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on the ballot for re-election, strengthening call for her to recuse herself from the process.

But neither Zakari or her employer heeded those calls, putting the credibility of the election on trial. Questions of credibility thrown at the electoral umpire by opposition parties and concerned Nigerians have made it difficult for the outcome of the results to be generally accepted.

Similar question abound now that the outcome of the election is being subjected to litigation. It is no other but the raging controversy on the composition of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which has the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the chairman of the five-man panel.

Justice Bulkachuwa had arose expectations on the panel to serve fairness when she declared in the inaugural sitting of tribunal that "the Court of Appeal will work in accordance and within the dictates of the constitution, the law and international best practices, to dispense justice to all, without fear or favour, affection or ill will”.

But in another breadth, she observed that "Elections are held every in Nigeria every four years into elective position. No matter how well the election is conducted, there are bound to be complaint(s)."

Predictably, the observation of Justice Bulkachuwa pitched her against the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who questioned her impartiality and asked her to recuse herself from the panel. In a letter to justify its call, the national Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, rallied the fear of PDP to get justice from the Bulkachuwa led panel considering that "your dear husband, Hon. Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa, contested for February 23, 2019 election for the position of a Senatorial role in Bauchi North Senatorial district and won same on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)."

That was a valid observation that put trust on trial and integrity of the panel under public scrutiny. It's a general expectation that judges must be an umpire– a neutral and impartial arbiter who favours no political party, litigant or policy. But when this sort principle is abandoned– for instance, a judge observing that "no matter how well an election is conducted" before a trial starts– is obviously improper.

It send a wrong signal that justice may not be within reach and that is dangerous. Even before taking a look at the merit or otherwise of the petition filed against the election outcome, Justice Bulkachuwa tone in her address seemed like a first step toward compromise.

PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar were convinced that the election was not conducted well and that the return made by INEC was unjustified, hence, their petition before the court. That was the right thing to do. That is the most acceptable route in a democracy but the faith in that approach can only be sustained if the arbiter does not presume the intent of petitions.

Judges are like every other human and as such, have ties and affinity. From their immediate family to mutual friends– ex-school mates or social acquaintance, there will always be interest. In some instances, it could be surreptitious political interest, financial exchange and even mutual investment interests that could constitute bias for a judge.

These are realities that can't be entirely discarded. However, when such relationships do create a perception of bias, a judge is duty-bound to take their hands of such case. That has been the call for Justice Bulkachuwa to recuse herself from the panel that would determine the petition that arise from the last presidential election.

From the details available, Justice Bulkachuwa marriage to an APC chieftain, who is now a senator-elect on the platform of the APC, is enough ground for compromise. This is deepened by the fact that the learned justice faith makes her submissive to her husband and this may decisively weigh on her opinion and decision on the dispute.

This fear was captured in PDP’s letter to Justice Bulkachuwa on the need for her to excuse herself from the panel by noting that "it would be impossible for your lordship to convince any reasonable man that your dear husband never discussed this petition, which he is patiently interested in its outcome with you, throughout the trial." That is the doubt agitating the minds of many interested Nigerians and unfortunately, Justice Bulkachuwa cannot entirely clear that mistrust.

Compounding the mistrust, is the revelation that Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, a biological son of Justice Bulkachuwa campaigned for President Buhari in the election that is being contested before the panel she head. PDP had made the disclosure in a motion to push for Justice Bulkachuwa withdrawal from the panel, pointing out that her (Bulkachuwa) biological son, Aliyu Haidar Abubakar is a card-carrying member of the 3rd respondent (APC) and he contested the governorship primary election of the 3rd respondent in Gombe State." The party went on provide Facebook page and pictures to support it claims.

Without doubt, available details are not assuring of an impartial arbiter. And if the maxim of he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, Justice Bulkachuwa should step down from the panel without any further delay. The petition before the panel is a delicate one as it will preface the future of Nigeria and a legal precedence for years to come. It would therefore be a grave injury to our democracy and setback to many who considers judiciary as the last hope of the hopeless due to conflict of interest.

Oke Umurhohwo is a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached via oke.umu@gmail.com

https://thepunditng.com/presidential-elections-petition-tribunal-like-zakari-like-bulkachuwa-by-oke-umurhohwo/

Yet another masterpiece Mr. Oke. I have one soft criticism to make though if you'll entertain it. But first allow me solidly welcome you into the hallmark of transcended men who speak for truth and integrity. As you continue to tred the path of impartialty speaking the truth, may you continue to shine.

Your husband is a senator under APC. Your son campaigned vigorously for Buhari and you expect us to believe you will go home and not brief oga on the case or judge without taking sides? This woman should recuse herself to save the judiciary.

OEPHIUS:


A pattern is obviously playing out in Nigeria and that is conflict of interest, which has put the integrity of government institutions to question. We have seen it with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and now, the presidential elections petition tribunal.

In the build up to the 2019 general elections, there were a lot of questions on whether a National Commissioner of INEC, Amina Zakari, should be involve in the conduct of the election. Many had doubted her impartiality given her blood tie to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on the ballot for re-election, strengthening call for her to recuse herself from the process.

But neither Zakari or her employer heeded those calls, putting the credibility of the election on trial. Questions of credibility thrown at the electoral umpire by opposition parties and concerned Nigerians have made it difficult for the outcome of the results to be generally accepted.

Similar question abound now that the outcome of the election is being subjected to litigation. It is no other but the raging controversy on the composition of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which has the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the chairman of the five-man panel.

Justice Bulkachuwa had arose expectations on the panel to serve fairness when she declared in the inaugural sitting of tribunal that "the Court of Appeal will work in accordance and within the dictates of the constitution, the law and international best practices, to dispense justice to all, without fear or favour, affection or ill will”.

But in another breadth, she observed that "Elections are held every in Nigeria every four years into elective position. No matter how well the election is conducted, there are bound to be complaint(s)."

Predictably, the observation of Justice Bulkachuwa pitched her against the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who questioned her impartiality and asked her to recuse herself from the panel. In a letter to justify its call, the national Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, rallied the fear of PDP to get justice from the Bulkachuwa led panel considering that "your dear husband, Hon. Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa, contested for February 23, 2019 election for the position of a Senatorial role in Bauchi North Senatorial district and won same on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)."

That was a valid observation that put trust on trial and integrity of the panel under public scrutiny. It's a general expectation that judges must be an umpire– a neutral and impartial arbiter who favours no political party, litigant or policy. But when this sort principle is abandoned– for instance, a judge observing that "no matter how well an election is conducted" before a trial starts– is obviously improper.

It send a wrong signal that justice may not be within reach and that is dangerous. Even before taking a look at the merit or otherwise of the petition filed against the election outcome, Justice Bulkachuwa tone in her address seemed like a first step toward compromise.

PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar were convinced that the election was not conducted well and that the return made by INEC was unjustified, hence, their petition before the court. That was the right thing to do. That is the most acceptable route in a democracy but the faith in that approach can only be sustained if the arbiter does not presume the intent of petitions.

Judges are like every other human and as such, have ties and affinity. From their immediate family to mutual friends– ex-school mates or social acquaintance, there will always be interest. In some instances, it could be surreptitious political interest, financial exchange and even mutual investment interests that could constitute bias for a judge.

These are realities that can't be entirely discarded. However, when such relationships do create a perception of bias, a judge is duty-bound to take their hands of such case. That has been the call for Justice Bulkachuwa to recuse herself from the panel that would determine the petition that arise from the last presidential election.

From the details available, Justice Bulkachuwa marriage to an APC chieftain, who is now a senator-elect on the platform of the APC, is enough ground for compromise. This is deepened by the fact that the learned justice faith makes her submissive to her husband and this may decisively weigh on her opinion and decision on the dispute.

This fear was captured in PDP’s letter to Justice Bulkachuwa on the need for her to excuse herself from the panel by noting that "it would be impossible for your lordship to convince any reasonable man that your dear husband never discussed this petition, which he is patiently interested in its outcome with you, throughout the trial." That is the doubt agitating the minds of many interested Nigerians and unfortunately, Justice Bulkachuwa cannot entirely clear that mistrust.

Compounding the mistrust, is the revelation that Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, a biological son of Justice Bulkachuwa campaigned for President Buhari in the election that is being contested before the panel she head. PDP had made the disclosure in a motion to push for Justice Bulkachuwa withdrawal from the panel, pointing out that her (Bulkachuwa) biological son, Aliyu Haidar Abubakar is a card-carrying member of the 3rd respondent (APC) and he contested the governorship primary election of the 3rd respondent in Gombe State." The party went on provide Facebook page and pictures to support it claims.

Without doubt, available details are not assuring of an impartial arbiter. And if the maxim of he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, Justice Bulkachuwa should step down from the panel without any further delay. The petition before the panel is a delicate one as it will preface the future of Nigeria and a legal precedence for years to come. It would therefore be a grave injury to our democracy and setback to many who considers judiciary as the last hope of the hopeless due to conflict of interest.

Oke Umurhohwo is a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached via oke.umu@gmail.com

https://thepunditng.com/presidential-elections-petition-tribunal-like-zakari-like-bulkachuwa-by-oke-umurhohwo/

Yet another masterpiece Mr. Oke. I have one soft criticism to make though if you'll entertain it. But first allow me solidly welcome you into the hallmark of transcended men who speak for truth and integrity. As you continue to tred the path of impartialty speaking the truth, may you continue to shine..

What of Justice Odili?

kunleweb:





Yet another masterpiece Mr. Oke. I have one soft criticism to make though if you'll entertain it. But first allow me solidly welcome you into the hallmark of transcended men who speak for truth and integrity. As you continue to tred the path of impartialty speaking the truth, may you continue to shine.

And you had to quote the entire write up just to make this comment

Ultimatezlant:
Okechukwu as usual yet they would tell you they don't give a damn about Nigeria politics.


How I wish they had brain to decipher that the justice is only a chairman of the panel and have just one judgement alongside are fellow justices on the panel.

At the end of the day a case that is solid need not to be panicked about cos you can easily get 3 in 5 justices

It doesn't mean. If the case were reversed they too won't accept it. Panelist or chief judge

Dannyset:
The bad losers are at it again. Always crying like babies even when the breast is in their mouth.

These town criers have forgotten so soon that Mary Odilli was among the panel that gave judgment on the dollar man ex-CJN case and she's the only one that gave contrary judgment in support of the man. She wasn't asked to step aside despite her glaring corrupt ties with the ex-CJN. She has been in the Supreme Court presiding and giving judgment over PDP cases and no one has asked her to step aside.

The dead party is just looking for excuses knowing they have a shaky case hinged on one imaginary server that can't serve any purpose.

Anyways, I'm happy PDP is now suffering from the same monster they created, and the suffering is going to be a long one.

Be reasonable now its morning. Don't let hate for PDP kee u

Skirmishes:


There is a big differnce netween being a panel member and heading a panel as big as presidential trubunal and an appeal court prresident at that.

Was the submission of the Chairman that headed Osun Tribunal binding against the submission of the 2 other panel members? You guys just take side with what makes you feel better regardless of how senseless it may seem.

Nigeria is a game of chess

Godjone:
Be reasonable now its morning. Don't let hate for PDP kee u

People like you are not meant to be dignified with a mention. You can enjoy this as long as it last you.

jchioma:



How is it one sided? Are you aware that she is a person of interest in the matter and ought to excuse herself from the case?

pdp is a minority party is the problem

This woman should do the needful and step aside.
Whatever she do will be misinterpreted because of her husband being a card carrying member of APC.

Dannyset:


Was the submission of the Chairman that headed Osun Tribunal binding against the submission of the 2 other panel members? You guys just take side with what makes you feel better regardless of how senseless it may seem.

It seems you dont know the enormous power of an appeal court president than an ordinary judge headin a panel..

kunleweb:





Yet another masterpiece Mr. Oke. I have one soft criticism to make though if you'll entertain it. But first allow me solidly welcome you into the hallmark of transcended men who speak for truth and integrity. As you continue to tred the path of impartialty speaking the truth, may you continue to shine.

Thank you sir. Please share the criticism. It's one major way to check myself

Letting Of The Week.

3bedroom upstairs with separate stairs cases, prepaid metal ₦650k a yr. On Aina grammar school.

Big shop at budland street have is own toilet inside ₦250 A yr , good for tailoring, bar, etc.

2bedroom upstairs ₦550 a yr.
Mini 2bedroom bungalow

₦450k a yr.
_Miniflat upstairs ₦500 a yr.

Standard roomselfcontain up stairs ₦350k a yr.

All the property are on the same place. Ojodu Grammar school.







Newyly built mini with 1toilet at genesis estate aboru 250k per year

Newly built mini flat at harmony estate aboru with 2toilets and wardrobe 300k per year

Newly built 3bedroom flat all rooms ensuit,wardrobes and kitchen cabinet in an estate at aboru 600k per year

Newly built 2bedroom flat with all modern facilities at command road 500k per year

: Newly built 2bedroon flat at idoani street,off Gowon estate 500k per year

Newly built 3bedroom flat at gemade , Gowon estate 800k per year

VERY URGENT SALE.

4 Bedroom bungalow all room ensuite on a 807.5sqm @ owode ibese Ikorodu, Abaca close. ₦15million asking. Documents R / S . pictures is available for serious client.





: *Update Letting*

Miniflat 2t&b at budland Street Ojodu ₦350k

Miniflat in a decent compound at Odozi str Ojodu ₦350k

Miniflat at Harmony estate Ojodu ₦300k

Standard Miniflat 2t&b upstairs at S.Timothy area Ojodu ₦400k

2bedroom flat all room ensuit upstairs at Dankaro estate Ojodu ₦700k

2bedroom flat 3t&b at adebayo str Ojodu ₦450k

2bedroom flat 2t&b at S.Timothy area Ojodu ₦500k

Clean 2bedroom flat 2t&b at Akinsanya str Ojodu ₦500k

Portable decent 2bedroom flat 1t&b off grammar school Ojodu ₦450k

Decent 3bedroom flat at Ojodu abiodun ₦600k

Standard 3bedroom flat 4toilet and 3bath at Moses adebayo Street Ojodu ₦700k (pics available)

Standard 3bedroom flat all ensuit Morgan phase1 Ojodu ₦850k

Clean 3bedroom flat 2t&b all tiles at Morgan phase1 ₦750k

Clean 3bedroom flat upstairs at Morgan phase2 Ojodu ₦800k

Renovated clean 3bedroom flat at Ojodu estate all ensuit ₦800k

Lovely 3bedroom flat upstairs all room ensuit at Odozi Street Ojodu ₦600k + 100k service charge

4bedroom duplex all ensuit 2 in compound in a gated str Ojodu ₦1m

2&3 bedroom office flat at Ojodu ₦500k,₦600k & ₦700k respectively.



[This is the newly built 2bedroom flat with 3toilets and baths,kitchen cabinet,wardrobes with pop ceiling 500k per year

Newly built mini flat at harmony estate aboru with 2toilets and wardrobe 300k per year

Newyly built mini with 1toilet at genesis estate aboru 250k per year

Newly built 3bedroom flat all rooms ensuit,wardrobes and kitchen cabinet in an estate at aboru 600k per year

Newly built 2bedroom flat with all modern facilities at command road 500k per year

Newly built 3bedroom flat at gemade , Gowon estate 800k per year

Newly built 2bedroon flat at idoani street,off Gowon estate 500k per year

danjumakolo:
For those that can't read this lengthy piece.
One of the argument is that Balkathua is married to an APC chieftain and yet in the tribunal

Odili married to a PDP chieftain and She has been sitting on matters that concern PDP in the supreme court and nobody has ever asked her to resign