₦airaland Forum

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hameed Adekunle Makama, CON, Tegbosun iii, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to merge the Nigerian Army University with the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the implementation of Steve Oronsaye report.

Oba Makama, in a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday in Kuta, said Nigerian Army University, Biu, unlike the Nigerian Defence Academy,
Is a full fledged federal university like other federal universities in the country, offers various courses, and not specialised like NDA.

Again, the monarch said the Nigerian Army University was established by the Act of Parliament and can not be reversed without going back to the national assembly to repeal the act that set it up.
Merging NAUB with NDA means the federal government is ready to merge every federal university created by the act of Parliament.

Oba Makama also reminded President Tinubu that Nigerian Army University was set up to cater for the multitude of students in search of university education in the north east axis, adding that merging it with the NDA will reduce it to an institution where military personnel are trained.

Oba Makama, however, commended President Tinubu for the political will to implement a far-reaching civil service reform that was initiated twelve years ago so as to cut the overbloted costs of governance

Finally, I believe the mixed up should not have arisen if proper wide consultation is made before advising Mr. President on inclusion of NAUB because Army University is not even in existence during the Orosanye panel.
May God continue to protect and guide Mr. President.

Former Gov Yahaya Bello's legacy in infrastructure, health, others worth emulating, says Nigerian Guild of Editors


. Declares 'Kogi State is working, editors highly impressed'


The Nigerian Guild of Editors has commended the Kogi State Government for what it described as a highly impressive performance in infrastructure, education and health.

The Guild gave the commendation during a tour of some of the projects initiated and completed under the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, who briefed journalists at the end of the project tour, specifically said, from what he and other editors had seen, first-hand, the former governor had left a legacy worthy of emulation in critical sectors.

He, however, added that the current Governor of the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo, was doing well to consolidate on the good work of his predecessor.

The NGE was in Lokoja to hold its standing committee meeting. In all, about 40 editors, across the print, electronic and online media participated in the meeting. The editors used the opportunity to inspect some of the projects executed by the past administration in the state.

According to the NGE President, the Reference Hospital in Okene is one that can help the country in the area of medical tourism.

"Recently, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria told the whole world that medical tourism alone was costing this country a fortune. So, if Nigerians patronise this hospital, it will save this country a lot of money and help put our economy in good shape. With what we have seen here, Nigerians should be happy for it," he said.

He stated, "The immediate past administration has left a legacy worthy of emulation. I am appealing to the current administration to consolidate on the good work of the immediate past Governor of the state because he has done a lot in education, health and infrastructure development and such achievements should be sustained by the present administration.

"I and other members of the NGE have gone round projects executed by the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration and I am saying this without mincing words that Kogi State is working and the current administration under Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is doing well to sustain the legacies of his former boss.

"Democracy is about the people and the facilities we have seen, including the network of roads. If the road network is strong like we saw, I am sure Nigeria will be better for it. I am highly commending the State Government for what my team and I have seen so far.

"Government is a continuum. I would advise the current Government to follow the footstep of his predecessors. It is only in that way the Citizens will benefit and Kogi State will become the best place in the Country. People will know that democracy has taken root in Kogi State and the people are benefitting.

"At the end of the day, Governance is about the people. From what I have seen, from what my colleagues saw, Kogi is working in terms of education infrastructure and medical care.

"From a lay man perspective, I am not a Doctor. From what the Doctors have told me and my team and what we saw with our eyes, it is hugely impressive. The MRI machine and other laboratory equipment are very impressive. I have to commend the Kogi State Government for making this available.

"I would advise the people to put this to test and if this works, they will save Nigeria huge sums of money. Recently, the CBN Governor told the whole world that medical tourism alone is costing this country a fortune. So, if Nigerians patronise this hospital, it will save this country a lot of money and put our economy in good shape. What we have seen here, Nigeria should be happy for it."

The Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo; and his Health counterpart, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, thanked the editors for finding time to inspect the projects and encouraged them to tell Nigerians exactly what they saw.

"If we are to go round all the projects initiated and completed under the immediate past administration in Kogi State, you will be here for more than one week. There was massive projects execution," Fanwo told the editors.

Former Gov Yahaya Bello's legacy in infrastructure, health, others worth emulating, says Nigerian Guild of Editors


. Declares 'Kogi State is working, editors highly impressed'


The Nigerian Guild of Editors has commended the Kogi State Government for what it described as a highly impressive performance in infrastructure, education and health.

The Guild gave the commendation during a tour of some of the projects initiated and completed under the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, who briefed journalists at the end of the project tour, specifically said, from what he and other editors had seen, first-hand, the former governor had left a legacy worthy of emulation in critical sectors.

He, however, added that the current Governor of the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo, was doing well to consolidate on the good work of his predecessor.

The NGE was in Lokoja to hold its standing committee meeting. In all, about 40 editors, across the print, electronic and online media participated in the meeting. The editors used the opportunity to inspect some of the projects executed by the past administration in the state.

According to the NGE President, the Reference Hospital in Okene is one that can help the country in the area of medical tourism.

"Recently, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria told the whole world that medical tourism alone was costing this country a fortune. So, if Nigerians patronise this hospital, it will save this country a lot of money and help put our economy in good shape. With what we have seen here, Nigerians should be happy for it," he said.

He stated, "The immediate past administration has left a legacy worthy of emulation. I am appealing to the current administration to consolidate on the good work of the immediate past Governor of the state because he has done a lot in education, health and infrastructure development and such achievements should be sustained by the present administration.

"I and other members of the NGE have gone round projects executed by the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration and I am saying this without mincing words that Kogi State is working and the current administration under Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is doing well to sustain the legacies of his former boss.

"Democracy is about the people and the facilities we have seen, including the network of roads. If the road network is strong like we saw, I am sure Nigeria will be better for it. I am highly commending the State Government for what my team and I have seen so far.

"Government is a continuum. I would advise the current Government to follow the footstep of his predecessors. It is only in that way the Citizens will benefit and Kogi State will become the best place in the Country. People will know that democracy has taken root in Kogi State and the people are benefitting.

"At the end of the day, Governance is about the people. From what I have seen, from what my colleagues saw, Kogi is working in terms of education infrastructure and medical care.

"From a lay man perspective, I am not a Doctor. From what the Doctors have told me and my team and what we saw with our eyes, it is hugely impressive. The MRI machine and other laboratory equipment are very impressive. I have to commend the Kogi State Government for making this available.

"I would advise the people to put this to test and if this works, they will save Nigeria huge sums of money. Recently, the CBN Governor told the whole world that medical tourism alone is costing this country a fortune. So, if Nigerians patronise this hospital, it will save this country a lot of money and put our economy in good shape. What we have seen here, Nigeria should be happy for it."

The Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo; and his Health counterpart, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, thanked the editors for finding time to inspect the projects and encouraged them to tell Nigerians exactly what they saw.

"If we are to go round all the projects initiated and completed under the immediate past administration in Kogi State, you will be here for more than one week. There was massive projects execution," Fanwo told the editors.

FRN Vs. Ali Bello & Anor: Drama As EFCC's Witness Counters Agency's Allegations Of Threats----Drama erupted on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that its main witness, Rabiu Musa, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN v. Ali Bello & Anor, had been scared away from trial.

The witness, an Abuja based Bureau De Change operator, was alleged to have been threatened, following his appearance at the last trial and got scared.

Lawyer to the anti-graft agency, Hannatu Kofamaisa, made the allegations at the resumed trial of Ali Bello and Daudu Suleiman.

She told Justice James Omotoso that the witness would not be in court to continue his evidence, based on his experience of threats at the last adjourned date, adding that she had called the witness five times but that he was no longer picking her calls.

Counsel to Ali Bello, Abdullahi Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told the court that he would not react to the EFCC's allegations because they were not targeted at his client and did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

Drama, however, unfolded when the witness alleged to have been threatened away from court and would not attend the trial, suddenly walked into the court room without any signs of apprehension.

The counsel to Ali Bello got up and drew the attention of Justice Omotoso to the quiet arrival of the witness into the court room.

Justice Omotoso however doused tension when he prevented lawyers to Ali Bello and Daudu Suleman from joining issues with EFCC on the allegations.

In his testimony, the witness identitied one of his record books of transactions seized from him by EFCC during a raid of his office at Wuse, in Abuja and also admitted knowing Ali Bello.

Under cross examination by Nureni Jimoh SAN who stood for Daudu Suleman, the Bureau De Change operator who claimed to be an illiterate said most of the transactions were recorded for him by one Mubarak who he said was literate and now a student at a University.

He also admitted that parts of the transactions were recorded in his absence but that he was always briefed upon his arrival at the office.

Justice Omotoso thereafter fixed February 22 and 23 for continuation of trial.

Kogi: Anti-Corruption CSOs warn EFCC against 'cankerworms of previous management'

. Advise Olukoyede to shut out miscreants mistaking EFCC for political structure

. Say latest charge against ex-Kogi Gov embarrassing, reflects victimization



Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations, on Wednesday, warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede, to refrain from allowing "cankerworms of the previous management left in the system" rubbish his credentials as the Head of the Commission.

The over 300 anti-corruption activists, under seven broad frontline organisations, noted that it was pertinent for them to sound an early note of warning in view of the fact that the misuse of the EFCC by political gladiators, as a veritable tool of victimization and score-settling, which they thought had been tackled, was suddenly rearing its head again.

The anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations advised the EFCC boss to sit up and stop the Commission from being accessed by "political miscreants who think EFCC is an extension of their political structures to be manipulated at will."

They specifically referred to the Kogi State Government's press statement, which was released on Tuesday, alerting the public to an alleged fresh move by the Commission to witch-hunt the ex-Governor with spurious claims for political reasons.

The activists pointed out that the crux of the latest persecution, going by the EFCC's amended charge sheet, which featured ex-Governor Bello's name, showed a clear case of desperation for spurious claims to whip up public sentiment against the target, adding that any litigation on corruption founded on political conspiracy would always have no merits to pursue it.

"While we stand solidly behind any credible anticorruption drive, we, however, oppose and condemn unequivocally any and all corruption allegations with the trappings and trademarks of political victimization as this Kogi case clearly seems to be," they declared.

They described the latest amended charge as extremely embarrassing, saying, "A Court document at our disposal submitted to the Court by EFCC is alleging that the former Governor and his nephew, one Alli Bello, converted Kogi State's money to the tune of over Eighty Billion Naira since September 2015!

"This looks like a hurriedly prepared amendment targeted at an individual without paying much attention whatsoever to facts. Except the Commission is able to prove before the court that the duo had been involved in financial transactions with Kogi State money before Yahaya Bello assumed office in January 2016 as Kogi State Governor, then they have a lot of questions to answer Nigerians."

"This is always how bad-intentioned and politically motivated allegations are exposed and it smacks of a profound dearth of professionalism on the part of the EFCC. If they come up with a nebulous excuse of typographical error, this further exposes their lack of professionalism and calls to question the competency of the EFCC leadership and legal team/department," the activists noted.

They vowed to expose political actors behind the incessant EFCC political victimization, stating, "We are working with others across the country and we are ready to expose those behind this witch hunting and also expose their dirty dealings which have continued to undermine the current administration's efforts at economic revitalisation, to the public."

While referring to a recent statement by Olukoyede against the conduct of some EFCC officials, the anti-corruption activists said, "If the EFCC chairman doesn't want the embarrassing public image he personally painted and actually known to all Nigerians to continue, he should sit up and get rid of all politically motivated allegations and stop the EFCC from being accessed by political miscreants who think EFCC is an extension of their political structures to be manipulated at will."

They stated, "After two decades of its establishment, we believe that the EFCC should have garnered enough experience to be strictly professional. But, alas, that doesn't seem to be the case now. The Commission commits unforgivable legal and procedural faux pas that makes it lose considerable percentage of its cases in Court. For one, the Commission's agents don't seem to be thorough enough in their investigations especially in cases that have political undertones.

"Due to lack of merits in those cases, oftentimes, the Commission exposes itself to unnecessary public ridicules and embarrasses itself in Court. Any litigation on corruption founded on political conspiracy will always have no merits to pursue it because the Courts won't ever be convinced otherwise."

"We can see that one of the major agenda of the current administration of President Ahmed Tinubu is also to fight corruption. We doubt very much that the Commission can meet up with the expected standards as envisaged by the current administration," their statement added.

Giving a background of their age-long activities geared towards fruitful anti-corruption struggles, the frontline acitivists noted, "As rights anticorruption organizations, we have been in the Vanguard of clamoring for corruption to be eliminated from Nigeria's civil service and governance for years. We are convinced that corruption, above any other factor, is responsible for the myriads of developmental challenges confronting Nigeria from a long time even before now.

"That was why we celebrated the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission in the year 200 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in 2003 believing that these two elite anticorruption agencies would stamp out corruption from our system if not completely but, at least, considerably. It was a good step in a good direction.

"But we have observed a disturbing trend in the operations one of these two anticorruption agencies, the EFCC, which tends towards political witchunt. Of course, this didn't start today but we have to exorcize that spirit from the soul and body of the EFCC.

"There are two major disagreeable patterns in EFCC’s modus operandi for a long time now that should never have been part of any anticorruption regime and these are politicization of cases and media trials through excessive sensationalism of cases under investigation.

"We have witnessed occasions in this country when the EFCC arrested all members of a state assembly, whisked them to their Abuja headquarters, only for the latter to return ro their state and commence impeachment proceedings against their state Governor. Any anticorruption exercise that applies tools of intimidation and blackmail loses its integrity and public trust ultimately, including international support.

"One instance would suffice here. We remember vividly how only five out of a 24-member legislature of Plateau state in 2006 met at 6:00am and 'impeached' Governor Joshua Dariye after their alleged meeting with EFCC operatives. We cried out at that time that politicizing the operations of the Commission would kill its noble objectives. Moreover, you don't need to use extra-constitutional means in fighting the anticorruption war because you cannot use corrupt means to fight corruption successfully. There were, at least, three more instances in this regard.

"After much advocacy by NGOs and other concerned activists, this trend seemed to stop for a while only to rear its ugly head again under the ignoble tenure of Mr. Rasheed Bawa. That error of judgment and the heavy corruption allegations against Bawa were mostly responsible for his premature but well-deserved removal from office last year.

"We had assumed that that would be the end of such misuse of the EFCC by political gladiators who have discovered the use of the Commission as a veritable tool of political victimization and score-settling. But it does seem now that we are wrong.

"We are disappointed that the current EFCC leadership seems to have decided to tow the line of the ignoble Bawa way of doing things the wrong way."

The statement was signed on behalf of others by the Director, Publicity and Research, Sustainable Initiative for Nurturing Growth, Fisayo Abayomi; Chairman, Zero Graft Coalition, Dr. Olusegun Adesanmi; and National Coordinator, Integrity Forum, Engr. Mohammed Zakari.

Others include the President, Transparency Movement of Nigeria, Barr. Esther Ezechukwu; Chairman, Stop Corruption Coalition, Arc. Samuel Ogedegbe; Executive Director, Africa Accountability Centre, Godwin Ozogula; and Comrade Isiak Aderounmu for
Youthcentric Advocacy Initiative.

EFCC'S Political Agenda Exposed As Commission Desperately Charges Yahaya Bello For Diverting Kogi's Funds Months Before He Assumed Office----INSISTS KOGI'S MONEY WORKING FOR ITS PEOPLE, NOT MISSING 

The Kogi State Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a desperate attempt by "criminals masquerading as politicians" to tarnish the image of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, HE Yahaya Bello, for selfish reasons, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

The state government said, in its desperation, "which would leave Nigerians wondering who exactly is afraid of Yahaya Bello", the EFCC has, in an amended charge, accused the former Governor of diverting Kogi State Government funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a Governor.

It said this was not only laughable but portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. 

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, said, "The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. 1. Ali Bello 2. Dauda Suleiman, currently pending before Honorable Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division further amended the 'Amended Charge' to include in the count, the name of H.E Yahaya Bello, describing him as being "at large", is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. 

"Being 'at large' of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest. 

"For the sake of clarity, the original charge is against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, Ali’s associate. The offence which H.E Yahaya Bello is alleged to have committed upon which he has been named in the count is conspiracy to convert the total sum of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo) which offence is said to have occurred on or about September 2015 in Abuja. His co-conspirators according to the Count are Abdulsalami Hudu (Kogi State Government House Cashier) described as being ‘at large’ too, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman. 

"In the EFCC's desperation to nail H.E Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home. 

"The Count of the offence is most laughable as the election that produced H.E Yahaya Bello, CON, as Governor of Kogi was only conducted in November 2015. Indeed, H.E. Captain Idris Wada of the PDP held sway as Governor of Kogi State at the material time until he handed over to H.E Yahaya Bello on the 27th day of January 2016.

"H.E Yahaya Bello could therefore not have as of September 2015 conspired with anyone, including Abdulsalami Hudu, a Kogi Government House Cashier to convert any money belonging to the Kogi State Government. It is to be noted that H.E Yahaya Bello before becoming the Governor of Kogi State had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government which could have permitted him to convert monies belonging to the Kogi State Government, hence,  one’s dismay at the allegation."

The state government warned political actors to steer clear of Kogi State affairs and desist from their campaign of calumny "as the state government has not said its money is missing, and has been adjudged, both locally and internationally, as top in the area of transparency and accountability." 

The state government asked: "Why should Nigerians trust the leadership of the agency that made such a ridiculous, shameless and indefensible allegation? The Chairman of the Commission should tender unreserved apologies to the Nigerian people for making us a laughing stock in the comity of nations."

It called on the President to step in to save the integrity of the EFCC from those "pushing the Commission into a fight that should be left to politicians." 

"The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo will continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. We will also continue to promote probity, accountability and transparency and open our books to agencies and institutions constitutionally empowered to look into them. We will continue to win awards in transparency and accountability," the state government added. 

The journey did not begin today, according to Fanwo. 

He said, "In 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a desperate bid to embarrass the Government of Kogi State then under the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, came out with a false claim that it had uncovered over N20 billion Naira of the state's bail out fund in a Fixed Deposit Account in Sterling Bank. Emboldened by its innocence, the Kogi State Government wrote a letter to Sterling Bank for clarifications. 

"The Bank came out clean that the State Government had no such account with it, rubbishing the blatant falsehood of the EFCC in a manner that was so embarrassing to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

"But rather than apologize to the Government of Kogi State and the general public, the EFCC chose to harass the officials of Sterling Bank, coercing them to do everything possible to achieve the aim of roping tue Kogi State Government into their ignominy ring. It ended with a conspiratorial exchange between the EFCC and the CBN. Today, Nigerians are not confused about the personae of Bawa and Emefiele. 

"The sack of Bawa and the startling revelations that followed threw Nigerians into jubilation. Their hope was that EFCC will birth a new era of separating political vendetta from the actual fight against corruption. But recent happenings have shown that it isn't war against corruption anymore but a clear manifestation of hired gun approach to hack down political opponents by certain elements within and outside the anti graft agency. 

"This betrays the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to retool the agency and make it more vibrant in preventing and fighting corruption in a genuine and objective manner within the ambit of the rule of law."

According to him, the current leadership of the EFCC has now continued to tow the path of the leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa who woke up one day in August 2021, decided in his mind that the Kogi State Government had Twenty Billion Naira in an account, secured ex-parte, an Order of the Federal High Court, Lagos empowering him to direct the Manager of Sterling Bank Plc to freeze Account No. 0073572696 with the name Kogi State Salary Bail Out Account pending the conclusion of investigation or possible prosecution.

"They went on even when Sterling Bank through a letter addressed to the Kogi State Government dated 1st September, 2021 confirmed that 'the Kogi State Government does not currently operate or maintain a Fixed Deposit Account with Sterling Bank’

‘There is no mandate letter from the Kogi State Government to open account number 0073572696 with Sterling’ and that 'Sterling Bank account 0073572696’ is an internal (mirror) account operated by the Bank for purposes of managing the Kogi State salary bailout facility," he said.

The state government added, "While the EFCC’s suit was withdrawn and the Order of Court vacated upon a challenge by the Kogi State Government, the EFCC continued to issue press statements on all its social media platforms, attaching the pictures of H.E Yahaya Bello to those statements and insisting that the factual basis of their claim was genuine. To cover up the falsehood and their shame, the EFCC under Bawa compelled Sterling Bank Plc and the CBN under its embattled Governor Emefiele, to write letters confirming the return of funds belonging to the Kogi State Government to the CBN, when no such funds existed. 

"The EFCC has since refused to answer to the suit filed against it since 2021 by the Kogi State Government and its officials challenging the falsehood on the issue of bailout funds. The EFCC has continued to maintain frivolous appeals even when the Court of Appeal had confirmed that the trial Court had the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

"A similar modus operandi was employed by the EFCC with respect to the former first lady of Kogi State, Rashida Bello. She was named in the counts of offence and described as being at large in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/573/2022: FRN V. (1) ALI BELLO (2) ABBA ADAUDU (3) YAKUBU SIYAKA ADABENEGE (4) IYADI SADAT and was alleged to have conspired to criminally misappropriate over Three Billion Naira, funds allegedly belonging to some Local Government Areas of Kogi State. It is noteworthy that she was never invited by the EFCC or arrested before branding her as being ‘at large’.

"As usual, the EFCC employed rogue ‘news’ platforms who sensationalized the issue, claiming that the then First Lady has been charged to Court and was running from justice!" 

The Kogi Government said the current leadership of the EFCC seemed to have picked up the gauntlet from where Bawa left it. 

"They have started using their media cronies and other faceless blogs and rogue media handles to spread lies about H.E Yahaya Bello. The purpose of the current amendment of Charge No. 550/2022 is no doubt to allow their irresponsible bloggers gleefully but erroneously claim that Yahaya Bello has been charged to Court for the conversion of over 80 Billion of Kogi money, an offence which was allegedly committed when he was not yet a Governor.

"The unprecedented extent to which the EFCC is ready to go to tarnish the image of the Kogi State Government and also the image of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Alh Yahaya Bello, has left much to be desired. 

"It is in our character to fight in defence of the integrity of the Government and over 5 million Kogites whose common patrimony the Government allocates on their behalf. We are prepared to use the instrumentality of law to defend the integrity of the State Government. 

"We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm and law abiding in the face of relentless provocation by EFCC who is insisting that the money we used to build infrastructure in the state is missing. We will never lose a just battle."

Signed: Kingsley Femi Fanwo

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

6th February, 2024.

17-Year-Old Entitlement Claim: Ex-Staff Files Motion to Compel MTN to Deposit Judgment Debt and Interest to Court of Appeal

Former expatriate staff of the MTN Group, Mr. Paul Odunewu, has filed a further-reply-affidavit and written address dated December 28, 2023, at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in support of his application praying the Court for an Order to compel the telecommunications giant MTN, to deposit with the Court the judgement debt and accrued interest as ordered by the National Industrial Court Nigeria (NICN), Akure Division.

In a judgement delivered by Honourable Justice Oyejoju Oyewunmi on September 17, 2017, the trial Court had found that termination of the employment of the former Network Group Operations Manager on February 28, 2006, was wrongful and malicious; and had ordered the company to pay Mr. Odunewu’s entitlements including share options valued at $13,144,512.00.

MTN had faulted the judgement of NICN and straightaway appealed on September 29, 2017, through their external Counsel, Professor G Elias & Co., vide a notice of appeal containing two grounds alleging that the trial Court breached their fundamental right to fair hearing. MTN also filed a Motion for stay of execution of the judgement, but Mr. Odunewu’s Counsel, Prof A. B. Kasunmu’s Chambers, opposed the Stay of Execution Motion on the ground that the initiating notice of appeal is not competent.

MTN Group Limited, South Africa (MTNG); MTN Nigeria (MTNN) and MTN International, Mauritius (MTNI) is the first, second, and third Appellant respectively, in this six-year-old appeal which had lasted more than 10 years from the Lagos State High Court to the NICN before judgement was delivered in September 2017.

In his application filed on January 8, 2020, with appeal number CA/1346/2017, Mr. Odunewu’s grounds of the motion include assertions that the Notice of Appeal filed by MTN on September 29, 2017, is highly incompetent and does not raise any substantial or recondite issues of law. Also, MTN have been facing huge fines from various Authorities in Nigeria for regulatory and tax infringements and the cumulative impact of these fines raises existential issues for MTN Nigeria and their ability to pay the judgement sum as due at the determination of the case. Furthermore, the Appellants (MTN) have not been prosecuting this appeal diligently and expeditiously.

Mr. Odunewu supported the motion with financial statements and press releases by MTN (among others). MTN completed in 2019 payment of ₦330 billion Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) fine, and MTN Group had paid $100 million to Lawyers within six months to negotiate the NCC fine. MTN Nigeria reported preferential shares redemption as of December 30, 2019, at a total amount of ₦148.19 billion (or US$399.59 million) in favour of MTN Group. This, consequently, reduced share capital of MTN Nigeria to ₦17.623 billion in 2019 compared to ₦65.145 billion in 2018. On the 24th of December 2018, MTN announced payment of $52.6 Million as a “notional reversal” of $1.0 billion private placement in 2008 based on certificate that did not have final approval and thereby resolved the $8.1 billion dividend repatriation issue with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A Nigeria Senate Committee had investigated MTN for capital flight and had reported that a total capital inflow of $1.24 Billion was injected for MTN operations in Nigeria for the period 2001 – 2016 whereas MTN Nigeria repatriated $13.92 billion from 2006 to 2016 in the guise of dividends/profit, repayment of loans and licenses/management fee. This meant that MTN, as of 2016, were repatriating US$11.00 for every US$1.00 that they injected into their business in Nigeria.

In a Reply-Affidavit dated February 4, 2022, one Temitayo Adeniyi, a Lawyer at Prof A. B. Kasunmu’s Chambers, deposed that MTN “substituted payment of the fines and associated costs with huge debt and are, therefore, running their operations in Nigeria with riskier financial structure than 2014 (before the 2015 NCC fine)”. “In the current Nigerian climate of stronger regulatory oversight, MTN Group redeemed its preference shares and thereby reduced their exposure in Nigeria but created significant financial and economic risk to boost shareholder returns with much higher leverage in 2019 than 2018”. Furthermore, MTN “have not prosecuted this appeal expeditiously but instead they have been prevaricating to regularize the initiating Notice of Appeal dated 29th September 2017 thereby causing enormous delay to the determination of this Appeal”. “The Appellants have failed or are unable to take advantage of this honourable Court’s ruling on the 17th of October 2018, that the Motion for Stay of Execution shall abide the determination of the appeal, which is adjourned to 27th February 2019.” He further deposed: “the entire appeal is a masterful delay tactic, cleverly designed by the Appellants to deny the Respondent from enjoying the fruit of the Judgement.”

In a Further-Counter-Affidavit by MTN dated 18th February 2022, one Athanasius Akor, a Lawyer at G. Elias & Co, deposed: “the fact that there is an appeal against the judgement and a pending application for stay of execution are an exercise of the constitutional rights of the appellants”. He deposed that MTN “is not dissipating and is not repatriating its assets out of Nigeria”; and that MTN “conducted an offer for sale of its share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) which is a testament of its long term believe and its intention to remain as an active participant in the Nigerian economy.” He further deposed that the 2015 fine has been fully paid since May 2019 and that MTN Nigeria has been making profit and declaring dividends. Mr. Akor deposed that share price of MTN Nigeria jumped to ₦199.8 per share on 17th February 2022. He further deposed that Mr. Odunewu based his analyses on the MTN Nigeria 2018 Audited Account and not the latest 2021 Audited Financial Statement in which MTN Nigeria declared a revenue of circa ₦1.7 Trillion and a profit of circa ₦286 billion. Also MTN“ has no financial issues that will prevent them from meeting their financial obligations or paying the judgement debt and accrued interest in the event that the appeal is determined in favour of the Applicant and against the Respondents”.

In a Further-Reply-Affidavit sworn to on 28th December 2023, one Ejike Mitchel Maduagwu, a Lawyer at Prof A. B. Kasunmu’s Chambers, deposed that MTN Nigeria “is still being investigated for other tax and revenue leakage matters. Meanwhile the Respondents have repatriated out of Nigeria their huge profit and replaced it with huge debt. The huge revenue, profit, and share price in 2021, as reported in the 2021 Audited Account, are unreliable indicators to determine the Respondents’ ability or willingness to pay the judgement debt or withstand future shock to their business, be it regulatory, economic, or political”. MTN Nigeria reported in their 2021 Audited Account that the demand notice for ₦242 Billion and US$1.3 Billion alleged revenue indebtedness is still undergoing review and reconciliation with both Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). House of Representatives’ (HOR) tax compliance check and alleged US$30 Billion revenue leakage against MTN Nigeria is still undergoing review.

Mr. Maduagwu further deposed: “from 2001 till 2021, MTN reported a cumulative total revenue of about ₦13.66 Trillion from Nigeria at an EBITDA (operating profit) margin of, at least, 50% or EBITDA of ₦6.84 Trillion minimum. In 2021, MTN Nigeria (sic) reported that they are running their business with a Liability of circa ₦2 Trillion”. “The Judgement Debtors are still running their operations in Nigeria with riskier financial structure (characterized by higher Leverage, worse Liquidity, and worse Solvency) in 2021 than in 2014 (before the 2015 NCC Fine).” “MTN Nigeria liquidity deteriorated by ₦356.99 billion from ₦47.66 billion surplus at the end of 2014 (before the 2015 NCC fine) down to ₦309.333 billion deficit at the end of 2021”.

He deposed that the reported share price of circa ₦200 in February 2022, for each 2 kobo share, “results to ₦10,000.00 for every ₦1 that MTN invested in 2001. The annual yield / interest rate (r) of the Respondents’ investment in Nigeria from 2001 till 2021 is 58%; MTN Group received US$399.59 Million in December 2019 as redemption of its preference shares investment of US$2,012,951.31 in November 2007. For every US$1.00 investment MTN Group redeemed US$198.51 as well as annual dividends during the period of twelve years. This gives an annual yield / interest rate (r) of 55%. In addition to substantial annual dividends, the Respondents are enjoying investment yield of at least 55% annually which is a much higher rate than the judgement debt default interest rate of 21% annually”.

Mr. Odunewu concluded that it is in the interest of justice to grant his application and “direct the Respondents to deposit with this honourable Court the judgement debt and interest accrued till a day of fund transfer; or in the alternative, we pray the Court to direct the Respondents to provide a Bank Guarantee to secure the judgment debt pending the determination of this appeal.”

The Industrial Court had found that MTN Group is the Parent Company and the life wire of both MTNN and MTNI that controls them and thus integral part of the both companies. Also, MTN Nigeria has no power of its own to act under its contractual agreement with Mr. Odunewu except as approved by its Parent Company, MTN Group. In 2017 NICN had ordered that the judgement sums of $13.47 million, ₦2.54 million, and £10 thousand be paid by the second and third defendants (MTNN & MTNI), “except the issue of costs which is to be paid by all the defendants (MTN sic)”. The trial judge had ordered MTN to make the payments within 30 days, failing which the sums would appreciate at 21 percent interest per annum.

The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, further reiterated federal government support to Marriage Registries to deliver on its mandates towards the citizens. This was evident in the recent approval of six (6) additional marriage registries in new locations to be established in the country to ease the flow of processing of legal marriages.

The Minister said as a government with the interest of its citizens at heart, they are doing all that is possible to ensure efficient service delivery to all citizens willing to be legally married and obtain a recognized Federal Marriage Certificate from their various states without having to travel far to get it done.

According to the Honorable Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the approved six (6) additional registries to be established in the country are going to be situated in the following States: Asaba, Delta State; Akure, Ondo State; Ibadan Oyo State; Jalingo, Taraba State, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State and Makurdi, Benue State.

The initiative is part of the strategies of the ministry to actualize the agenda of the department of Citizenship and Business who has been given the responsibility to deliver a topnotch administration of Federal Marriage Registries in the country. The newly approved registries with the existing ones will boost the effectiveness and smooth delivery in the operations of the legal marriage processes in the country.

Full operations is expected to commence in the new registries by early March, 2024.

The Ministry through the Citizenship and Business Department has recorded tremendous achievement since inception which included the automation of the Federal Marriage Registries in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Owerri and Kano.

The Citizenship and Business Department, under Ministry of Interior, is responsible for Processing and granting of Expatriate Quota requests and Business Permit; Monitoring of the implementation of the Expatriate Quota facilities by the benefitting companies in conjunction with the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS). Processing of applications from applicants for Nigerian Citizenship by Naturalization, Registration and Confirmation; Administration of Federal Marriage Registries in the country; and Processing and granting of license to worship centers for the conduct of Statutory Marriages under the Marriage Act, 1963. Over the years, the Ministry through the Department has recorded tremendous achievement since inception.

James Hope College (JHC) Lagos, a beacon of academic excellence, has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering exceptional learning experiences, as reflected in the outstanding results of the recently released November Cambridge IGCSE Examinations.

In the latest examination cycle, James Hope College has produced scholars who achieved an impressive 98% A* - A Grades and a remarkable 100% A* - B Grades across all 13 registered subjects. This stellar performance further solidifies the College's reputation for consistently delivering top-tier academic results.

This exceptional achievement comes on the heels of James Hope College receiving the High Achievement Award in Design & Technology at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learners (BROCLA) award ceremony held in Lagos in July 2023. The College has continued to distinguish itself on both the national and international stage.

In a remarkable feat in October 2023, five students from James Hope College clinched four Gold Medals and One Silver award medal in the prestigious 2023 Commonwealth Essay Competition, showcasing the students' prowess in critical thinking and writing skills.

It is noteworthy that the British Council recognized the excellence of James Hope College students in July 2022, awarding them eighteen accolades at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for the June & November 2021 Cambridge IGCSE. These awards included 3 in the Best in the World Category, 14 in the Best in Nigeria Category, and 1 in the Best across eight ( subjects’ Global Category, affirming the College's consistent commitment to academic distinction.

James Hope College has also maintained a tradition of exceptional performance in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results, further cementing its position as a leading institution in the academic landscape.

Commenting on this extraordinary achievement, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Founder/Chairman of James Hope College Lagos, extended heartfelt congratulations to the scholars and commended the dedicated staff and management of the College. Mr. Ovia emphasized, "The College will continually offer world-class education that would enable James Hope College students to achieve outstanding grades and compete favorably on a global scale."

Indeed, James Hope College Lagos remains at the forefront of shaping the academic landscape, not only within Nigeria but also on the global stage.

For more information, visit www.jameshopecollege.edu.ngJames Hope College (JHC) Lagos, a beacon of academic excellence, has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering exceptional learning experiences, as reflected in the outstanding results of the recently released November Cambridge IGCSE Examinations.

In the latest examination cycle, James Hope College has produced scholars who achieved an impressive 98% A* - A Grades and a remarkable 100% A* - B Grades across all 13 registered subjects. This stellar performance further solidifies the College's reputation for consistently delivering top-tier academic results.

This exceptional achievement comes on the heels of James Hope College receiving the High Achievement Award in Design & Technology at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learners (BROCLA) award ceremony held in Lagos in July 2023. The College has continued to distinguish itself on both the national and international stage.

In a remarkable feat in October 2023, five students from James Hope College clinched four Gold Medals and One Silver award medal in the prestigious 2023 Commonwealth Essay Competition, showcasing the students' prowess in critical thinking and writing skills.

It is noteworthy that the British Council recognized the excellence of James Hope College students in July 2022, awarding them eighteen accolades at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for the June & November 2021 Cambridge IGCSE. These awards included 3 in the Best in the World Category, 14 in the Best in Nigeria Category, and 1 in the Best across eight ( subjects’ Global Category, affirming the College's consistent commitment to academic distinction.

James Hope College has also maintained a tradition of exceptional performance in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results, further cementing its position as a leading institution in the academic landscape.

Commenting on this extraordinary achievement, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Founder/Chairman of James Hope College Lagos, extended heartfelt congratulations to the scholars and commended the dedicated staff and management of the College. Mr. Ovia emphasized, "The College will continually offer world-class education that would enable James Hope College students to achieve outstanding grades and compete favorably on a global scale."

Indeed, James Hope College Lagos remains at the forefront of shaping the academic landscape, not only within Nigeria but also on the global stage.

For more information, visit www.jameshopecollege.edu.ng

BREAKING: Portable Defeat Charles Okocha To Win First Celebrity Boxing Match [VIDEOS]---The Genius Media Nigeria reports that Singer portable has just defeated Charles Okocha in a first celebrity boxing match held Wednesday Morning at the Landmark Beach in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The feud between Zazoo crooner, Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable and Nigerian actor, Charles Okocha over a N40million has now been settled with....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/12/27/breaking-portable-defeat-charles-okocha-to-win-first-celebrity-boxing-match-videos/

The Joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, UNDP and FRED Unveil Trailer for  New Movie on Gender-Based Violence [VIDEO]

The Joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, UNDP and FRED Unveil Trailer for  New Movie on Gender-Based Violence [VIDEO]
 
The Joint European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and in partnership with the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development (FRED),  is set to release a Nigerian Film which addresses the protracted issue of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, to the viewing public. The film titled “Deafening Silence” is a Feature Length Feature Film, comprising 8 Episode Limited Series, and  44 Episode TV Series.
 
The Trailer of this Star-studded Film which seeks to spark deep conversations and create further awareness-around gender social norms and its challenges and the societal impact of GBV on women and girls, was unveiled to the media and key stakeholders on Tuesday, December 5, 2023,  at the United Nations, UN, Auditorium, Abuja. It highlights critical and important aspects of the movie that will keep Nigerians on edge, agitate their mind, and evoke important lessons about GBV issues in our society. It showed moments of reflection, sober mood, anger, and scenes that will stimulate the peoples unwavering support and resolution to join hands in the fight against the scourge.
 
In his opening address at the trailer reveal, the Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP, Mr. Blessed Chimrimuta said that the collaboration of the EU-UN, UNDP, and FRED with the Spotlight Initiative aligns seamlessly with the plans of the government of Nigeria and the EU-UN Gender Action Points. “This intervention” he said, “seeks to challenge and reshape prevailing gender norms not only in Nigeria but beyond.” He admonished the participants at the event to reflect on the significance of the transformative journey we are embarking on. He reminded the audience that “Deafening Silence is not just a movie for entertainment,” but according to him, “It is a movie in search to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking moments that will serve as a catalyst for sparking wider conversation around gender inequality, and gender violence, against women.”
 
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mattias Schmale, in his own remark expressed satisfaction for being part of the intervention against GBV, which is a priority for his organisation. He emphasised the need to find better ways of communicating and engaging the people on the issue of gender-based violence. He said that there is need to produce more films based on tackling the issues of human rights - which is relevant today as it was seventy five years ago. He reiterated that human rights of vulnerable people including women and children, particularly girls, should be protected.
 
The Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, emphasized that gender based violence is a global problem. He said that there is evidence to show that one in every three women out there is subjected to physical, sexual, or any other form of violence, in their lifetime. He affirmed that in the 21st century gender inequality remains among the key drivers of poverty and this undermines cohesion and balance in our society.
 
The Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebe commended Spotlight Initiative and the partners and collaborators who joined forces to conceive and work on this project. He promised to stand behind the partners on the project and pledged to give all the necessary support within his jurisdiction. He frowned at a situation where people who suffer gender-based violence shy away from speaking up against abuse because of sociocultural reasons. He also talked about the challenges of none or ineffective laws to tackle the problem frontally.
 
In her overview of the Film “Deafening Silence” Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, UNDP Gender and Human Rights Lead, said that “The title "Deafening Silence" has been carefully chosen to encapsulate the profound paradox inherent in the issues, the movie and television series aim to address: Gender Equality, Gender Empowerment, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).” She further stated that this film is to showcase to the world the transformative result chain Intervention Nigeria is capable of doing. “ Anchoring on the UNDP Human Development Report on Gender and Social Norms, there is need to showcase what we are doing global. We know that there are different types of gender-based violence, and we also understand that to change norms requires time - so it is not an overnight venture. This is why we are starting with a 5-Year plan,  and also to call on all our partners to come together for collaboration rather than fragmenting our efforts.” She said that Deafening Silence is an exciting and captivating Drama project that aims to deliver an immersive and compelling cinematic experience to its audience. The project story revolves around spotlighting the issues, challenges, and victories surrounding survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and spotlighting all factors relating to GBV.
 
According to Onyinye, the film is weaved “Through a carefully crafted narrative and dynamic characters, as the project intends to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, leaving a lasting impact. The aim, she said, is to capture the imagination and attention of the target audience, providing an enthralling and memorable viewing experience, while spotlighting the vices surrounding GBV.” She added that, “The project is committed to achieving a high level of artistic quality, utilizing innovative storytelling techniques, exceptional cinematography, and engaging performances.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU9haak5kC8
 
Fielding questions from reporters at the event, she said that, “The project is a splendid pointer to a public investment through meaningful storytelling that showcases various instances of abuse and injustice, such as rape, human trafficking, forced surrogacy, blackmail, and marital abandonment. It highlights the role of agencies in helping victims seek justice and support.”
 
The Film directed by Biodun Stephen Stars the Best of Nollywood - including but not limited to Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw, Femi Jacobs, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chidi Mokeme, and Bimbo Akintola. Others in the Blockbuster Film are Debby Felix and Ekamma Etim-Inyang. It also features Abiodun Adebayo as the Editor; Biodun Stephen as  Director; and Eemem Isong Misodi as Producer.
 
The movie which tells the horrible story of the social impact of GBV and its effect on people, families, and society in general, will be available in cinemas and selected TV stations as a series. The main aim is to inform, educate, and curb the issue of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.

Backdoor petition: Over 400 lawyers raise alarm over threats to whistleblower's life

. Say Tribunal Secretary's claims of attack suspicious, must be investigated

. Call on President Tinubu, security chiefs to protect colleague, nab sponsors of violence

Over 400 lawyers, on Friday, raised the alarm over persistent threats to the life of one of their colleagues, Barr. Yetunde Olubunmi Shaibu, Convener of the United Front for Democracy (UFD), by certain interests loyal to the Social Democratic Party and its Governorship candidate.

The lawyers, from across the six geo-political zones of the county, under the aegis of the Commitee for the Defence of Democracy, said this followed UFD's whistleblowing on an alleged clandestine move by the Social Democratic Party and its Governorship candidate to file their petition against the outcome of the November 11 election through the backdoor and backdate same to circumvent the provisions of the Electoral Act, having failed to do so within the 21-day window prescribed by law.

The lawyers, who spoke at an emergency press conference in Abuja, attended by 20 representatives of the organisation representing their zones, said the claim by the Secretary of the Tribunal that he was attacked and petitions stolen, shortly after the whistleblowing, was suspicious.

They noted that ever since Shaibu's organisation raised the alarm on Monday, this week, she had received series of threat messages, while her family members had also been harassed endlessly for no crime other than the fact that she engaged in a patriotic act in defence of democracy and called for investigation into a crucial matter after diligent findings.

The lawyers called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security chiefs and all relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in protecting their colleague, saying "an injury to one is an injury to all of us."

"With the insecurity challenge in Nigeria today, and the lawlessness being displayed, especially by desperate politicians in Kogi State in particular, and beyond, threats of this nature must not be glossed over, especially when the dare-devil politicians have made their evil intentions known even on public platforms," they stressed.

The Convener of CDD, Barr. Ambrose Ajoyo Omoleaupen, Esq, who briefed the press on behalf of others, said, "All threats to her life must not be taken for granted but thoroughly investigated and the culprits and their sponsors nabbed before they carry out their nefarious criminality."

According to him, the latest twist, which has involved the threat to the life of their colleague called for a closer look at the issues surrounding the issue at hand - petition filing by the political parties concerned in Kogi State.

On this, the laywers said, "It is instructive to note that suddenly after the whistleblowing, as if to lend credence to UFD's allegations, the Secretary of the Tribunal raised the alarm, in a manner that seemed an effort to cover up something, that he had been attacked by armed hoodlums and all documents related to the petition had been taken away at gunpoint while on his way to the office from his hotel room.

"As lawyers, we deal with tangible evidence and facts, not speculations. It is on the basis of this that we have decided, without prejudice to whatever processes that are currently ongoing, to unveil the facts, to interrogate a few critical variables surrounding the whole incident as a way of furthering the cause of democracy and justice, which is a collective responsibility of all citizens.

"In the first instance, election petition documents are voluminous by nature, moreso when you are talking about petitions purportedly submitted by four (4) Political Parties. One wonders what all of those documents were doing in the custody of the Tribunal's Secretary when they should have been safely kept in an office.

"You can't be driving around town with such voluminous and sensitive documents that determine the very life of a petition.

"Secondly, a whole week after the purported filing and allegations raised publicly that no petition was filed, especially by the Social Democratic Party, the latter has not deemed it fit to put in the public domain valid evidence that it submitted any petition to the tribunal. At least there must have been acknowledgement documents or receipts or what is called counterpart copies given to the petitioners by the Election Petition Tribunal.

"We are of the opinion that, if the SDP had any of such documents, it would have displayed it publicly within minutes or hours of the allegations made against it by the whistle blower. Not doing that within reasonable time span, which should not be more than 12 hours after such serious allegations were raised against it, further raises credible suspicions as to question the veracity of any petition submitted within the constitutionally stipulated 21-day limit by SDP or any other Party for that matter on the Kogi State governorship election.

"To the best of our knowledge, in all of its public statements till date, the SDP has not shown any documentary evidence or proof of filing any petition within the window allowed by law. All it has been doing is to make counter allegations. We should ask whether the legal team of the SDP was also attacked by the armed hoodlums and their own copies or receipts relating to the petition were also stolen.

"Furthermore, it is somehow interesting to note that the three other political parties mentioned as having filed their own petitions, too, have remained noticeably silent on the incident whilst the SDP has been so vociferous, even assuming the position of spokesman for the tribunal's secretary whom they claimed was allegedly 'working' on their petition when he was attacked.

"It is suspicious that it was after allegations of non filing of petition by the Parties that the alleged stealing of the petitions was reported. That would be a hard sell anywhere."

The lawyers, however, threw up key questions:

"When did the SDP Governorship candidate pay for the filing of his petition? Where did he file it? At the secretariat of the Tribunal or the hotel room of the Tribunal Secretary?

"How come there was no display at the tribunal secretariat on the number of petitions filed before it was moved to Abuja?

"Is it procedurally permissible for the Tribunal's Secretary to receive election petitions in his hotel room? How come only the SDP was aware of the alleged attack on the secretary and the one issuing statements in his defence?

"Where exactly did the Witnesses sign their statements on oath? Did they all physically sign before him and when?"

The lawyers challenged the Tribunal Secretary to show the whole world the receipt of the three other parties he claimed filed petitions.

"It does not serve the purpose of democracy or rule of law to try to supplant the fundamental tenets of justice by compromising set rules of engagement in an election.

"We wish to call on all relevant security agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating and getting to the root of this laughable but serious incident," they stated.

The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the pedestrian bridge at Alapere has just collapsed

According to eyewitnesses, the Pedestrian Bridge at Alapere Estate Bustop which collapsed was hit by a crane

Kogi APC calls for immediate arrest of SDP candidate, Ajaka, over attack on INEC Commissioner's residence, attempted attack on Govt House, Party Secretariat

...says SDP trying desperately to cover 'heist committed in Kogi East', corrupt INEC documents



The Kogi State All Progressives Congress Governorship Campaign Council has called on the Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to immediately arrest what it described as the slide to anarchy in the state by arresting the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, and his supporters who allegedly masterminded the attack on the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state in the early hours of Friday.

The APC Campaign Council said the attack was perpetrated days after it alerted the nation of the plans of SDP thugs to attack INEC, adding that "they have finally done their worst by attacking the residence of the Kogi State INEC Commissioner, engaging security agents in a fierce gun battle and eventually burning down some vehicles in the residence and in the area."

The Director of Media and Publicity/Spokesperson for the Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, who spoke at an emergency press briefing on Friday, said, "The same arsonists also had an attempt to burn down the Kogi State Government House foiled by our eagle-eye security agents. The same attempt was foiled at the State APC Secretariat in Lokoja."

According to the APC, the SDP in the state and their collaborators are desperate to destroy some documents in INEC to cover the heist they committed in Kogi East where they allegedly killed APC supporters "and drove them out of collation centres to forge the results that were eventually trumped by the massive votes of Kogites for the Governor-Elect."

The Campaign Council alleged that the SDP candidate and his collaborators were attempting to corrupt certain documents in INEC before handing them to their legal team.

"We have no problem allowing legal teams to access documents and materials. It is the norm. But we won't allow any desperate blood thirsty politician tamper with the true verdict of the Kogi people," Fanwo declared.

He noted that "the bold-face criminality being perpetrated by the defeated SDP candidate and his violent gang of criminals was as a result of the lack of consequences over the gruesome killing of an APC supporter, Khadijat, at Kotonkarfe by agents of the SDP," adding that they had imported thugs from neighbouring states into Kogi.

"They shamelessly came out to say Khadijat was bearing an arm. Till date, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and his gun welding killers have been moving freely on the streets. If they had been arrested for killing an innocent woman, they wouldn't have had the gut to attempt to attack the Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner," he stressed.

The Campaign Spokesperson stated, "We also told the world of plans by the SDP to burn down the INEC Office in Lokoja. We thank the Police and other security agencies for protecting the INEC Office. Frustrated by the watertight security around INEC, the gun throttling SDP criminals went to the residence of the Kogi State INEC Commissioner in an attempt to kill him. They were engaged in a fierce gun battle and they resorted to burning vehicles and other valuables around the area.

"The reason they are desperate to destroy some documents in INEC is to cover the heist they committed in Kogi East where they killed APC supporters and drove them out of collation centres to forge the results that were eventually trumped by the massive votes of Kogites for the Governor-Elect. They are attempting to corrupt certain documents in INEC before handing them to their legal team. We have no problem allowing legal teams to access documents and materials. It is the norm. But we won't allow any desperate blood thirsty politician tamper with the true verdict of the Kogi people.

"After their violent protests a few days ago, our people have also moved to Lokoja to ensure their mandate is protected. Resorting to assassination and arson will never help the Social Democratic Party and their confused candidate.

"Now is the time to arrest Muritala Yakubu Ajaka before he throws Kogi into a state of anomie. Democracy is the expression of the wishes of the people. Those wishes have been expressed and no amount of bullets can silence the voice of the ballot. We are calling on the Police, DSS and other security agencies to immediately arrest the slide to anarchy by arresting Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and his co-swimmers in the pool of violence. We have cautioned our supporters to remain calm and the call will be more effective if the anarchists are immediately apprehended and prosecuted.

"The violence witnessed in Kogi East because of the desperation of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka was not witnessed in the West and Central. He turned himself to an outlaw, attacking the opposition, killing opposition members and boasting to go free because of his mouthed connection with certain powerful people. Kogi must not be allowed to become a lawless place and the only solution now is to use Muritala Yakubu Ajaka as a Scape goat. He was not the only one who contested the election. But he is the only one who feels he must kill everything and everyone standing on his path to his irredeemable dream of grabbing power by force. Totalitarianism has no place in a democratic setting.

"Gentlemen of the press, we will continue to preach peace and harmony. Kogi is our project and we will keep the flag flying."

Some supporters of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State stormed the State Secretariat of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , in Lokoja, on Wednesday, to protest against what they termed "INEC's dubious tampering with election materials".
Security agencies, however, moved in on time to prevent an attack on the INEC Office, dispersing the protesters with tear gas and barricading the road leading to the office.

The protest, which was monitored by our correspondent, started peacefully, until some of the protesters, who behaved like thugs, started throwing harmful objects and harassing passers-by.
The SDP protesters were demanding that the election materials be moved to Abuja.
One of the protesters who identified himself as Danjuma told newsmen that they were sure the materials at the INEC Office had been compromised by the APC.
"We have it on good authority that the APC and Yahaya Bello have tampered with the election materials. The materials they are taking to the tribunal have already been doctored. So, we are calling on INEC to take the original material to INEC, or we will make Kogi State ungovernable.
"Those who stole the mandate of Kogi East must not live to enjoy it. We are calling on the President and also the National Chairman of INEC to ensure the doctored materials are immediately replaced with the original ones before they are presented at the tribunal. Anything other than that will be resisted," he said.
When contacted, the Director, Media and Publicity/Spokesperson of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, dismissed the allegations as senseless and called on the authorities to call the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, and his supporters to order.
He said the APC would assess the situation and issue an official statement on it later, noting that "the SDP people know they have no evidence to back their claims. They are playing the victim to cover their shame."
He, however, said the SDP should allow the Tribunal to sit peacefully and give INEC the breathing space to do their work as required by the law.
Usman Ododo of the APC won the November 11 governorship election with a wide margin, polling 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the SDP, who got 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party polled 46,362 votes.
Below is the statement from Fanwo:
KOGI APC GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE
CONFUSED SDP HARASSING INEC, PLAYING VICTIM - APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
. SAYS PARTY HAS NO EVIDENCE TO BACK RIGGING CLAIMS
. 'ALLEGATIONS AGAINST APC SENSELESS'
1. Today's failed attack by supporters and thugs of the Social Democratic Party to attack the State INEC Office in Lokoja has confirmed our recent alarm that the party is determined to destroy every relevant government institution just to maintain their false claim to popularity.
2. The attempted plan to lynch INEC staff and burn down the INEC Office was gallantly averted by security agents. Their promptness and professionalism is highly commended as their timely intervention saved what would have been a bloody day as weapon-wielding thugs of the SDP were dangerously threatening to make the state ungovernable.
3. The laughable story of the SDP that the thugs were hired by our party is no deviation from their culture of terrible and senseless propaganda and strategy to blame everyone else for their own actions. It is high time the thoroughly defeated candidate of the SDP and his co-travellers to an unknown destination are arrested to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
4. We call on APC supporters to remain law abiding in the face of glaring provocation. War is about using one's best to the worst to oneself. The Governor-Elect will be sworn in on January 27, 2024 to advance the frontiers of development in our dear state.
5. As earlier stated, we wish to reiterate our readiness for any legal challenge as we know we won an election adjudged as the freest and fairest in the history of our dear state.
*Kingsley Femi Fanwo,
Spokesperson/Director of Media and Publicity.

Gov poll: Kogi youths storm INEC headquarters, back election outcome

. Warn 'bad losers' against blackmailing umpire

. Vow to occupy INEC 'as long as necessary'


Youths of Kogi State, on Wednesday, marched, in their numbers to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, to declare their utmost confidence in the umpire and also affirm their support for the Governor-elect of the state, Usman Ododo.

The indigenes, who warned mischief makers in the state, under the guise of opposition parties, to desist from blackmailing the INEC, said the good people of Kogi State "stand by the mandate given to the duly elected Governor, Usman Ododo".

They stressed that ethnic agenda had been nailed in the state and would not have a place again in its polity, and commended the good people of Kogi East who refused to be misled by those pursuing their own selfish interests at the expense of the collective good of the entire people of Kogi State.

The protesters who carried placards with inscriptions such as "Ododo is Kogi Agenda", "The people of Kogi have spoken on November 11", "INEC, Kogi youths are saying thank you", and "Kogi has decided", among others, said they would continue to gather at the INEC headquarters for as long as those they described as "dubious politicians" continued their "evil misinformation".

One of the protesters who spoke at the rally, AbdulRahman Umar, said they were at the INEC headquarters to commend the authorities, including the security agencies for making the last election in the state the most peaceful and fairest in the history of Kogi State.

"We will never allow criminals and election robbers go away with misinformation. We all have a voice in Kogi State and the voice of truth is always louder no matter how hard they try. We have spoken loudly on November 11, and we will continue to speak until we stamp out ethnicity in our dear state," he said.

Another lady protester, Asmau Idris, said Kogi indigenes were surprised when some people came out to say they were protesting against the INEC on Saturday's election and decided to all come en masse to Abuja to truncate "the evil agenda".

"They told us to come out and vote. We voted en masse for our choice. It was free and fair. What else do they want? We will tell them that we all own Kogi State. The Okuns are with us in this struggle; the Central are with us; and the Igalas are with us. Our mandate must be protected," she said.

Other youths and stakeholders of the state who spoke at the rally vowed to remain at the headquarters everyday for as long as the action was needed, stressing that Kogi State was united and not divided.

INEC, last Sunday, declared Ododo Ahmed Usman of the All Progressives Congress as the Governor-elect of Kogi State, having won the governorship election with a wide margin and satisfied all requirements. He polled a total of 446,237 votes to defeat other candidates.

Addressing the protesters, National Commissioner and Chairman, Security Committee of INEC, Maj. Gen. Modibbo Alkali (retd), appreciated their cooperation with the Commission and reiterated that the off-cycle elections conducted in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states were conducted fairly and credibly, in line with laid down guidelines.

The Genius Media Nigeria reports that at last Olamide has been nominated for Grammy awards after decade since his breakthrough year.
This was made known by Grammy Recording Academy.
Unveiling the nomination, The........https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/11/10/breaking-singer-olamide-finally-get-rare-grammy-nomination-over-a-decade-see-full-list-grammys/

According to latest report from Social Media Personality and Influencer,Very Dark Man, Mr Ibu’s leg has been reportedly amputated.
This was made known via his official twitter page
Recall that a few weeks ago, the 62-Year Old Comic actor disclosed that he is battling with an undisclosed illness that may result in him losing his leg.
The Genius Media Nigeria earlier reported that Nollywood comic actor, John------https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/11/06/breaking-mr-ibus-leg-has-been-amputated-video/

Kogi: SDP, gov candidate blackmailing security agencies, must be called to order, Lawyers, Activists tell President, security chiefs


. Lambast Muritala Ajaka for allegedly trying to compromise security agencies for sinister motives


. Urge security agencies to checkmate anyone posing threat to guber poll


Scores of Lawyers and Activists, on Wednesday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to caution desperate politicians blackmailing Nigeria's security agencies for selfish, sinister motives, saying that the Social Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in Kogi State should be particularly called to order.

The Activists, under the aegis of Lawyers and Activists for Good Governance, who have been in the struggle against bad governance for over 16 years, called on security chiefs in the country to caution and deal appropriately with politicians that have continued to drag security agencies into the dirty arena of politics through unwarranted and incessant blackmail with which they hope to compromise them.

The good governance Activists, numbering about 500 across Nigeria, and represented by stakeholders from the geopolitical zones at a press conference in Abuja, said this must be done as a matter of priority to ensure violence and crisis-free elections, especially in Kogi State.

They specifically accused the Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Muritala Yakubu of deliberately blackmailing the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, to prevent them from carrying out their constitutional assignments of ensuring security of lives and property and preventing criminal activities from festering.

According to them, they had raised the same alarm in July, this year, when the trend first reared its ugly head.

Co-Convener, Lawyers and Activists for Good Governance, Comrade Mohammed Sanni, who addressed the press, referred to a recent press release by the SDP, in which the party passed a vote of no confidence in the security agencies in the state, while alleging that they were planning to arrest some of their members.

According to him, the SDP Candidate is the only candidate that has had a running battle with every Police Commissioner posted to the Kogi State and should be thoroughly investigated.

He said, "We consider as unfortunate and irresponsible the Press Release authored by the Social Democratic Party a few days ago, which amounted to blackmailing the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, for carrying out their constitutional assignments of providing security for politicians and the electorate alike.

"In the said Press Release, the SDP claimed to have passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Police and DSS in the state and called for their removal. The Party alleged that the security agencies were planning to arrest some of their people. If those people have committed crimes worth investigating, why would they not be invited or arrested as the case warrants?"

The Activists added, "You will recall that the state's Police Commissioner recently issued a statement saying that all invitations extended to Mr Muritala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the SDP, either for peace meetings with other candidates or to respond to several allegations of violent conduct against him and his supporters were not honored by the candidate.

"It is given that, except you have constitutional immunity,  ignoring Police invitation is criminal in nature. Nobody is above the law and,  certainly, Mr Ajaka has no constitutional immunity and cannot be treating our security agencies with disdain while still trying to blackmail them from performing their lawful duties.

"We have nothing against him and his Party. But the idea of acting as if above the law is not only unacceptable but totally condemnable. There are 18 political Parties participating in the Kogi election and no one candidate should be allowed to hold the state to ransom for his own selfish political ambition.

"Out of these 18 candidates, it appears to us that it is only Mr Ajaka who has been having troubles with security agents across board. You have refused to honour Police invitations but now turn around to accuse the Police and DSS of partiality. If they were to be partial, once you have ignored their invitations, they would have just declared you wanted and get you arrested.

"For whatever reasons, they haven't done that but you have decided to embark on campaign of blackmail against them. This is dangerous because it can incite the citizens against security agencies and lead to avoidable anarchy that will ultimately jeopardize the election in its entirety which seems to be the dark goal of these desperate politicians.

"We reiterate our support for the Police and DSS for the good works of securing Kogi State and we urge them to remain unperturbed and focused on ensuring that we have a peaceful election on November 11 by checkmating whoever poses a threat to the upcoming election."

"We urge them never to succumb to cheap blackmail but to continue doing their jobs professionally and patriotically," they concluded.

The Genius Media Nigeria reports that an Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso, today nullified the selection of Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso

The court nullified Ghandi’s emergence and.....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/25/breaking-former-rccg-pastor-afolabi-ghandi-removed-as-soun-of-ogbomosholand/

Dozens of Reactions have been trailing as moment, Nigerian journalist and author, David Hundeyin made an allegation about Widely Known Religion sect, Jehovah’s Witnesses a religious cult.
This is coming after Hundeying made a viral post saying he grew up inside a religious cult where for the first 16 years of my life, he was required to carry this death warrant around in my pocket.

Though to some, its strange to know he was a witnewss while not to few who has been monotoring his tweet because in 2020, he publicly revealed when he stopped being a Jehovah’s Witness.
In his tweet revealed that himself and Keyamo were both....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/23/straight-bullet-mixed-reactions-as-david-hundeyin-call-jehovahs-witness-a-religious-cult-over-no-blood-card/

Kogi guber: Certificate forgery scandal, provision of false information to INEC hit SDP; Yakubu, Abenemi in trouble


Three weeks to the conduct of the governorship election in Kogi State, an eligibility crisis has erupted in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Murtala Yakubu (Ajaka) and Abenemi Sam Ranti are the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the party for the November 11 election.

But, it is no longer at ease with the duo and their supporters as allegations of Perjury, False Declaration, Use of False Document and Possession of Forged Record are not only drizzling literally on their ambition, they are pouring seriously and obliterating any moral compass they have to stand for election and canvass for votes.

The latest scandal is now at the centre of every discussion among voters in the Confluence State. With official confirmation by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to the Department of State Services (DSS) that the running mate allegedly forged the 1979 GCE secondary school certificate he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the duo may have kissed their dream of occupying the Government House, Lokoja bye bye.

In fact, legally, the candidate and his running mate are not on the ballot, going by similar cases in the past.

Documents obtained by Freedom Online in the build up to the election show that it is going to be an exercise in futility for the duo and they may have to wait till the 2027 election, that is, if genuine documents certified by government agencies are presented.

In essence, all votes cast for Yakubu and Abenemi on November 11 will eventually be declared by the Tribunal as wasted, win or lose, due to the established legal incapacity of Abenemi and SDP’s nomination as a whole unless they are able to provide admissible facts to the contrary.

Due to the alleged illegality involved in the documents submitted, the Director of Public Prosecution, Kogi State Ministry of Justice has preferred a four-count charge bordering on Perjury, False Declaration, Use of False Document, and Possession of Forged Record contrary to the provisions of the Kogi State Penal Code Law, 2019, against Abenemi Sam Ranti at the High Court of Justice, Kogi State.

Documents obtained by Freedom Online have shown that Yakubu and Abenemi are neck deep in allegations of submission of false information and forged certificate to INEC.

In a petition dated June 2023 and directed to the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), it was also alleged Yakubu might have submitted a forged certificate to INEC as the Date of Birth submitted to the electoral body on his Form EC9 - (Substitute) was 13/02/1978, whereas the Date of Birth on the WAEC certificate submitted to INEC upon verification shows that the Date of Birth on same is 2/11/1978. It was, therefore, alleged that Yakubu might have submitted false evidence on oath to INEC.

On July 5, 2023, one Shaibu O. Abdullahi, in a petition written to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the DSS, alleged that the "WAEC GCE Notification of Result with number 14709101 issued on 16/05/80 to one ‘Abenimi Ranti Samuel’ in respect of a General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level December 1979 Examination’ is forged or fake." The said Notification of Result was submitted to INEC by Abenemi for the November 11 election.

Details have now emerged that the DSS investigated the allegation of forged Certificate, and found that the candidate number stated on the said GCE Notification of Result submitted by the Deputy Governorship candidate belongs to another person and not Abenemi.

In response to official enquiries by the DSS, WAEC reportedly confirmed that the Deputy Governorship candidate was not the owner of the Candidate Number and the result contained in the GCE Examination Notification of Result submitted to INEC.

It was revealed that the candidate with the number sat for five subjects instead of the two stated on Abenemi’s alleged forged certificate.

Investigation also revealed that in his Form EC9-(Substitute)(Affidavit in Support of Personal Particulars), which the Deputy Governorship Candidate submitted to INEC on 26/5/2023, he stated on oath that he possesses a WAEC Certificate obtained in 1979, and, as evidence, attached the allegedly forged GCE 1979 Notification of Result.

His form EC9 also showed that while he claimed on oath to have a First School Leaving Certificate obtained in 1971, he did not attach same to the Form EC9. Hence, the only Certificate submitted by Abenemi in support of his qualification for the office of Deputy Governor of Kogi State was the allegedly forged 1979 GCE Notification of Result.

Consequent upon the foregoing, the Director of Public Prosecution, Kogi State Ministry of Justice preferred a four-count charge bordering on Perjury, False Declaration, Use of False Document, and Possession of Forged Record contrary to the provisions of the Kogi State Penal Code Law, 2019, against Abenemi at the High Court of Justice, Kogi State.

While the proceedings are ongoing, the development has raised concerns as to the eligibility or legal capacity of the candidates to participate in the elections and the overall effect of the alleged forgery should the SDP win the election.

With or without the conviction of Abenemi by the court, the fact of the forgery, having been confirmed by WAEC, has already created a burden for SDP and its candidates. While the SDP will not be precluded from participating in the election on the basis of the forgery, it is generally believed that there is no useful value to the party's participation.

More or less, it would amount to an exercise in futility, according to political analysts and legal experts.

Interpreting the scenario, a frontline lawyer and activist from one of the Northern states, who spoke with Freedom Online on the condition of anonymity, said, "All votes cast for the party at the election will eventually be declared by the Tribunal as wasted votes, win or lose, due to the established legal incapacity of Abenemi and SDP’s nomination as a whole.

"The reasons for the foregoing prognosis are very clear: Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prescribes the qualification criteria for a person to contest as a Governor and Deputy Governor (see 187(2)). One of such criteria (paragraph 177(d)) is that such a person ‘has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.’

"Hence, if a person does not have a minimum requirement or qualification to contest for the position of Governor/Deputy Governor  of a State, it means that he is not qualified to so contest for the position.
In the case of Abenemi who has only presented a GCE Notification of Result, which has been verified to be forged by WAEC, it is clear that he is not qualified to contest for the position of Deputy Governor, hence the joint ticket, automatically becomes invalid by virtue of Section 187(2) of the 1999 Constitution(as amended).
 
"Another reason is the fact that Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which provides for grounds for disqualification of a person from contesting the seat of Governor/Deputy Governor of a State specifically disqualifies a person who has provided a forged certificate to INEC in the following words: No person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if ... he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.’

"The foregoing provisions which are clear and unambiguous and which must be given their natural meaning gives no room for any doubt as to the fatal effect of the forged GCE Notification of Result submitted to INEC by Abenemi.

"It is clear that in the event of the SDP winning the elections, the victory will no doubt be nullified on the basis of the candidates’ legal incapacity occasioned by non-qualification and presentation of forged certificate to INEC by Abenemi.

"This is reminiscent of the Supreme Court case of PDP & Ors v. Degi-Eremienyo & Ors (2020) LPELR-49734(SC)  (Pp. 8-16 paras. D-D) where the joint ticket of David Lyon and his Deputy Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa State was held to be vitiated by the disqualification of the Deputy Governorship Candidate based on submission of false information/document to INEC.

"In fact, both candidates were disqualified by the Supreme Court and ‘deemed not to be candidates at the governorship election conducted in Bayelsa State.’"

It is generally believed that this is the fate which awaits Yakubu, Abenemi and the SDP at the election, should they win, according to opinion polls.

Also, in the case they do not win the said election, the SDP and their Candidates’ locus standi to challenge the victory of the winner of the election at the Tribunal will be incapacitated as the issue of their qualification may be raised in response to their petition or as a cross petition.

However, Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022 allows political parties to substitute their candidates only in the case of death of the nominated candidates or withdrawal.

In the case of withdrawal, there is a deadline for such substitution. For the Kogi election, the deadline for the substitution of candidates set by INEC expired on May 26, 2023.

Indeed, this window of substitution brought in Yakubu and Abenemi as SDP candidates on May 20, 2023.

"Hence, the only ‘remedy’ which is most impracticable is death which nobody prays for. Sections 33 and 34 of the Electoral Act 2022  provides copious provisions on this process," the lawyer said.

It must, however, be noted that in the entire history of democratic elections in Nigeria, only one substitution (arguably) occasioned by death has been recorded and coincidentally same occurred in the 2015 Kogi State Governorship Election which produced the current Governor, H.E. Yahaya Bello.

Going by this statistics, it is impracticable near impossible that this will repeat itself to save the troubled SDP ticket. 

While the SDP will not be precluded from participating in the November 11 election based on the certificate forgery scandal, the futility of the party’s participation in the election is a big source of worry to the party, according to a top national SDP official who spoke in confidence to our reporter.
*Culled from Freedom Online

Kogi guber: Stop undermining chances of serious Igala contenders with orchestrated violence, propaganda, Kogi East stakeholders lambast SDP candidate, Yakubu


. Threaten mass action against him over breach of peace, violence in Igala land

. Call on govt, security agencies to wade in, protect Kogi East from desperate politicians



Stakeholders in Kogi State, especially those from Kogi East, have condemned the alleged instigation of violence in the senatorial district by the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Muritala Yakubu, saying it is capable of disenfranchising voters in the zone and working against serious contenders from Kogi East.

The stakeholders who spoke on behalf of thousands of responsible Igala sons and daughters across the zone, and Kogites, generally, who are members of the Kogi East Patriotic Association, accused Ajaka of needless and reckless propaganda, being stage-managed at the expense of security in the area.

They spoke at an emergency press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, in reaction to what they termed the latest spurious allegation of attempted assassination by the SDP candidate and the involvement of a Police officer who was allegedly severely injured by Yakubu's thugs.

The stakeholders, who said they were not campaigning for any candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, noted that Kogi State indigenes and Nigerians were aware that other governorship candidates from opposition parties had been going about their campaigns without bloodshed or violence, but that the SDP and its candidate had, unfortunately, allegedly made orchestrated bloodshed the hallmark of their campaign.

"Each time Ajaka goes out, it is always blood, crying and tears for Kogites. Is he the only governorship candidate in Kogi State? Certainly not," they declared.

The Convener, Kogi East Patriotic Association, Abdulkadir Ojonugwa, who addressed the press on behalf of others, said, "We have never had a governorship candidate as unruly and crude as the SDP candidate, Muritala Yakubu, in the history of Kogi State politics.

"His handlers are also as clueless and have failed to realise that while elections would go on smoothly in other parts of the state and others would record more wins, their gameplan would only decimate the votes in Kogi East at the detriment of serious contenders. And we say no to this. Enough is enough."

They accused him of creating tension in the region even after he had refused to honour Police invitations and threatened to effect a citizens' arrest "and hand him over to the Police" if the horrible trend continues.

"Our people are getting fed up with all these violent shenanigans and if the Police and the state government refuse to do the needful, the people of Kogi East will have no choice than to effect a citizens' arrest of Ajaka and hand him over to the relevant authorities before he kills all of us for his inordinate ambition," Ojonugwa, who is from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi East, said.

On the Police officer in the purported video of assault, the stakeholders noted, "The Police officer seen in that video would have been made to say things under duress to save his own life because that was the only way that man could still be alive today.

"We could hear clearly as the thugs were shouting to be allowed to kill a police officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria inside a Police Station and turning around to blame all that on the state government."

The Kogi East stakeholders stated, "As bona-fide citizens of Kogi State from Kogi East, it is our desire to see a peaceful and credible election in our dear state. We have been monitoring developments in the state since the beginning of the campaign for the Kogi State governorship election and the trend of campaign of ethnic divisionism and violence has not escaped our attention. 

"Our sense of urgency in arranging for this emergency Press Conference was further heightened by the violence we witnessed yesterday in Kogi State whereby a senior Police officer was almost lynched allegedly by the thugs of the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party under the spurious claims that he was involved in an attack against the convoy of Mr Murtala Ajaka.

"First, we must call on the highest authorities of the Nigeria Police to swiftly arrest all individuals who were involved in that dastardly act. If you watch that video closely,  you will hear some people shouting 'let us kill this idiot. You will die today' and so on. And to think that they succeeded in gaining access inside the Idah Police station and almost succeeded in killing that Police Officer inside the Police station was more than scary and so unfathomable."

"In this man's desperation to be governor, he doesn't seem to care how many lives can be lost and the extent of destruction that can pave the way to get him there.  He has perfected the means of engaging in propaganda to blame every violence he orchestrates on the state's government but every Kogite no longer buys his story. What happened yesterday was a stage-managed  bloody violence scripted by Mr Ajaka and his committee of thugs," they stated.

The stakeholders added that no matter the alleged "evil propaganda and lies manufactured daily by Ajaka and his cohorts", Kogi East votes had already been dedicated to those deserving of the votes.

"Even amongst us in Igala land, we know who we can trust. But we're not here to campaign for anybody but to warn those whose stock in trade is orchestrating violence and playing the victim that they can't put all of us at risk because of their unpopular ambition.

"We stand for peace, justice and credible election on November 11 and whoever will make that impossible must be caged by security agents before that time. The continued security, peace and prosperity of Kogi State is our ultimate desire and we will do everything to make it happen.

"We condemn politics of ethnic bigotry and violence in all ramifications. We are educated, knowledgeable and reasonable people in Kogi East and we will not tolerate dishonorable conduct from any politician even if he is our brother or sister," they declared.

Kogi 2023: Smart Adeyemi exhibiting signs of severe depression, needs help, Okun indigenes cry out

. Say 'he's trying to save battered image, but committing political suicide'

. Ask him to go home and show Nigerians his supporters



The people of Kogi West have called on well meaning sons and daughters of the senatorial district to take a second look at the recent activities of Senator Smart Adeyemi, and realise that he desperately needs their help to overcome the fear of the unknown, which they said had allegedly made him to start exhibiting what they described as "severe signs of depression".

The Kogi West leaders, in a statement in reaction to Adeyemi's Channels TV interview on Wednesday, said his utterances were totally devoid of logic, especially as regards a state "where he has absolutely no followership."

The statement, signed on behalf of over 4,000 Okun indigenes, across all wards, by the Coordinator, Kogi Collective Interest Group, Abdul-Ganiyu Yusuf, challenged Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly, to go to his ward to demonstrate his popularity to Nigerians, insisting that he would be booed as a result of non-performance while in office.

Yusuf, a High Chief from Ife-Olukotun, Yagba East Local Government, blamed Governor Yahaya Bello for "dashing him (Adeyemi) a third term", saying all Kogi West people were united in their determination not to allow the former Senator get the third term ticket but for the plea by the Governor on his behalf.

The indigenes called on Adeyemi’s family members "not to watch him grieve alone as he has started showing dangerous signs of depression."

"How can a man in his right frame of mind begin to hop from one TV station to the other, desperately, to say unfounded things about a matter that is already before the Supreme Court? Both the High and Appeal Courts have crushed his case. And any one who was in court on the day of the Supreme Court hearing already knows this man is completely unserious.

"He has absolutely no base in his hometown or state. He is begging to appear on TV stations desperately as if his life depends on it. Unfortunately, those that he is trying to seek their help know that he drinks palm wine and breaks the keg like his colleagues in the media have described him.

"Serious politicians are on the field aligning with one political party or the other and doing meaningful things with their time. Even as a Senator, he was a complete failure. He is the only orphan in the mix now. So, one should understand his grief and pity him, sincerely, instead of getting angry with a confused, battered, expired politician who, in the process of seeking to save a drowning image, is inadvertently committing political suicide.

"Please tell Smart Adeyemi to go home and show Nigerians his supporters and stop making a fool of himself on TV. The politicians we have at the top in Nigeria, as well as our indefatigable judges cannot be swayed by unintelligent serial betrayers and blackmailers. They know them when they see them and they can decode the signs of severe depression," they stated.

The Arambambi faction of Labour Party has accused Mr Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate of Identity theft.

According to the factional spokesperson, Mr Arambambi said Peter Obi is using the identity of his dead brother. The spokesperson said he does not understand what the LP presidential candidate wants to achieve with his recent moves and utterances.


“This destination that he is going to, I don’t know what he wants to achieve. We have before the Supreme Court his own petition and the pleadings are not there, you are now calling out someone to come and reveal his true identity.


“For us, we don’t know the true identity of Peter Obi even in the Labour Party.....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/14/breaking-labour-party-says-peter-obi-is-using-his-dead-brother-certificate-video/

Officially Steps Out With Their Newborn Twins [VIRAL VIDEO]----The genius Media Nigeria reports that Nigerian singer Davido and his wife, Chioma, have finally confirmed reports of welcoming twins in the United States, as a video shows the couple smiling while carrying the babies.

This online newspaper earlier  previously reported that the Nigerian singer, Davido, welcomed twins in the United States.

Several notable Nigerian celebrities have congratulated the singer. However, Davido had not released an official statement confirming or debunking the news until now.

A few days later, a video that has generated reactions online shows the singer and his wife----https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/13/breaking-excitement-as-davido-and-chioma-officially-steps-out-with-their-newborn-twins-viral-video/

The OBO Crooner, Davido has sent a message to the public following news that the singer and his wife, Chioma welcomed twins.

Taking to the micro-blogging platform, Twitter, Davido warned the public to stop circulating the photo of him and Chioma on a hospital bed when they welcomed their late son, Ifeanyi.

“Stop....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/11/breaking-davido-finally-speaks-as-he-welcomes-a-set-of-twins-with-chioma-send-warning/

As against the purported news going on in the media space, Governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the last general election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi FNIM, OON, has refuted the rumour, making the rounds that former head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), is dead.

The former Minister of State for Education, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Orusi Kenneth, on Monday October 9th 2023, described the purported death as “handiwork of mischief makers”.

Gbagi, disclosed that General Gowon, is alive, hale and hearty and presently in London.

Quoting the much respected leader, Gbagi said: “General Gowon, is still much....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/09/its-fake-news-former-military-head-of-state-yakubu-gowon-is-alive/

The Genius Media Nigeria reports that The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Idowu Owohunwa is presently addressing journalists over an ongoing investigation into the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.


Watch the live stream....https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/06/breaking-watch-live-stream-as-police-give-live-update-about-mohbads-death-justiceformohbad/

According to report, the lawyers of Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar have received Tinubu's dossiers from the Chicago State University

This was made known in a recent post by The Nigerian Investigative Journalist, David Hundeyin

This is coming after a United States Court has ordered the Chicago----https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2023/10/02/breaking-atikus-lawyers-receives-president-tinubus-academic-records-from-chicago-state-university-screenshot/

Killing of APC supporter: Police accuse Kogi SDP candidate, Yakubu, of undermining security efforts

.Say he moves around with suspected thugs, engages in 'political brigandage'

. Direct DCP, CID, SCID to investigate parties' accusations and counter-accusations


The Kogi State Police Command says it has begun investigations into the circumstances that led to the killing of a supporter of the All Progressives Congress in Kotonkarfe, Kogi LGA of Kogi State on Saturday.

The Police, in a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, SP William Ovye Aya, for the Commissioner of Police, said the Command  received a report where some persons were said to have been killed and injured in the process through political violence.

While assuring the people of the state that no stone would be left unturned to secure lives and property, the CP condemned, in strong terms, acts by some politicians whose stock-in-trade was violence and who had taken it upon themselves to cause mayhem and heat up the state through "their unguarded utterances and unregulated activities".

He specifically accused the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the state, Muritala Yakubu, of conducts that had allegedly continued to jeopardize security efforts in the state, saying that the SDP candidate "moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth."

"His riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good," the Police said in the statement.

According to the CP, while other parties have been carrying the Police along in their activities, "the SDP Candidate has consistently and vehemently refused to honour any of Police invitations for investigation, or inform the Commissioner of Police nor the Command while embarking on political rallies."

The statement said the CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to commence a thorough, diligent and wholistic investigation of all acts of political violence, accusations and counter-accusations on all the Political Parties and Actors with a view to bringing offenders to book.

The statement reads in full: "The Kogi State Police Command received a report of alleged attack on the SDP Campaign at Koton-Karfe where some persons were said to have been injured in the process through political violence.

"The CP Kogi State Command CP Bethrand C.Onuoha psc(+) wishes to sympathize with all victims of political violence in the State while condemning in strong terms some Politicians whose stock-in-trade is violence and who have taken it upon themselves to cause mayhem and heat up the State through their unguarded utterances and unregulated activities.     

"The CP further directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, SCID to commence a thorough, diligent and wholistic investigation of all acts of political violence, accusations and counter-accusations on all the Political Parties and Actors with a view to bringing all offenders to book.

"The CP assures of the Command's unwavering commitment to the protection of all lives and property in the State.                
 
"He further stated that these instances of violence are attributed to the failure of most of the political actors to honour invitations and partake in series of Stakeholders Parleys/Interactions where issues bordering on security and the need to conduct political  activities as enshrined in The Electoral Act are discussed.

"While Chairmen and Candidates of the other Political Parties have continued to honour Police Invitations to discuss petitions and or allegations with the Police, and other salient issues germane to peaceful campaigns, and that of the INTER-AGENCY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON ELECTION SECURITY (ICCES), be it emphasised here that several invitations (have been) extended to the SDP and ADC Candidates for interaction and consultation with the Police to shed light, provide explanations and give their own side of the story on Petitions written against them but to no avail.

"While these other Parties have been carrying the Police along in their activities, the SDP Candidate has consistently and vehemently refused to honour any of Police invitations for investigation, or inform the Commissioner of Police nor the Command while embarking on political rallies to enable the Police provide adequate security coverage.

"His refusal to deal with the Police is undermining peace in the State, has been impeding efforts to stream-line and regulate political activities which in turn has greatly contributed to the pockets of political violence being witnessed in the State presently.

"His riding rough-shod and engaging in political brinkmanship and brigandage is an ill-wind that blows no one any good.

"For instance on the complaint of Breach of Security Against The Executive Governor of Kogi State at Banda on 3rd June, 2023, the SDP Candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has consistently refused to honour Police several invitations to give his own side of the story!

"Again, since he applied for Police Security, he was invited to come but till date, he refused to show up. He moves around with a retinue of suspected political thugs armed to the teeth. Consequently, the above facts and scenario, coupled with his recalcitrance and obduracy have continued to jeopardize Police Investigation and maintenance of law and order in the State.

"The CP uses this medium to sternly warn all the Political Parties in the State and their supporters to play by the Rules and stop heating up the State, desist from all forms of violence as anyone caught disrupting the prevailing peaceful environment in the State will be made to face the full wrath of the Law.

"He appealed to the Political Actors to give peace a chance by conducting themselves in peaceful manner and shunning all acts capable of truncating the peace, tranquility and unity of Kogi State.    

"To this end, the CP therefore, for the last time, warns would-be trouble-makers to have a change of heart and desist from acts of intolerance as the Police is ever determined to deal decisively with anyone who will not give peace a chance in the State."


SP William Ovye Aya,
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police,
Kogi State Police Command