Category: Politics

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule. This decision comes after the state election petition tribunal initially nullified the governor’s election, declaring David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the March 18, 2023 election.

The appellate court intervened, reinstating Governor Sule and highlighting that the tribunal erred in relying on the evidence of eight PDP witnesses, as their statements on oath were not presented alongside the petition. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, delivering the lead judgment, asserted that the appeal lacked merit.

This Supreme Court ruling solidifies Abdullahi Sule’s position as the duly elected governor of Nasarawa State, bringing resolution to the electoral dispute that had ensued.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged the newly posted State Independent National Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe to uphold the principles of neutrality and fairness in the conduct of elections in the state.

Eno who made the call when Ehimeakue paid him a familiarization visit in Uyo yesterday however acknowledged the Commission’s record of conducting credible elections over time in the State.

The Governor described the recent Supreme Court verdict on the March 18, 2023 guber election in the State as a collective victory and affirmation of INEC’s integrity in the conduct of elections in the State.

“We trust that you will continue to maintain a very neutral stand in your conduct as always. For us as a people, we believe that the will of the people should always be respected, and people should vote their conscience in elections.” He explained.

He observed that elections in the state have always generally been peaceful, fair and credible and commended INEC for creating the level playing field for such to happen.

Ehimeakhe who had thanked the Governor for the warm reception to the State pledged the continuos determination of the Commission to deepen democratic culture and inclusive electoral processes that would always uphold the will of the people.

…Residents Fear Insecurity if Justice Miscarried

In anticipation of the impending Supreme Court judgment Friday 19th of January,2024 on the Nasarawa Gubernatorial poll, residents voiced concerns over potential miscarriages of justice, emphasizing the heightened risk of insecurity.

Expressing their anxieties, citizens warned that a deviation from the will and mandate of the masses could lead to a precarious crossroads for democracy and unity within the state.

During a survey of major towns and villages, residents conveyed growing apprehension, suggesting that an unfavorable verdict might unravel the fragile peace currently maintained in the state.

Jonathan Abimiku from Karu remarked, “When a court delivers a judgment contrary to democratic integrity and the wishes of the masses, the consequences may result in insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping.”

Retired civil servant Hajiya Hassana Murina Ahmed cautioned the judiciary against judgments that could spark controversy in electoral matters, asserting that such decisions not only jeopardize democratic processes but also sow seeds of disunity.

In Obi local government, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed implored the Supreme Court to adjudicate the Nasarawa case on its merit, urging a consideration of the devastating consequences of decisions that may undermine the people’s trust.

Amidst reports of tension in Karu local government, a security operative, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the prevailing unease. However, the operative urged residents to accept the judgment in good faith for the sake of peace.

A women’s advocacy group, Women for Justice, pleaded with the Supreme Court to ensure justice for Nasarawa State, vowing to continue peaceful protests until fair and just decisions are delivered for the masses, emphasizing the restoration of unity and development in the state.

…calls for step to stem miscarriage of justice

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN has called on those thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not interfering in the Supreme Court judgement in Kano and others to desist from eroding the confidence of electorates in the judiciary since it was purely a judicial matter and Tinubu could never have interfered as a true democrat.

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Aondoakaa who made the call during an interview on the programme, New Day on Arise TV, monitored by our correspondent also advised the NJC to urgently take steps to bring Justices to adhere to precedences set the Supreme Court to stem the tide of justice miscarriage.

According him, “politicians simply do not like giving credit to whom it’s due. Dragging Mr. President into a purely judicial matter is unfortunate. The President is not supposed to interfere in judicial matters especially as it relates to elections. As a true democrat who fought for democracy even during the military era, Tinubu could never have thought of interfering.

“Those thanking the President for not interfering are eroding people’s confidence in the judiciary. They are doing the President disservice by implying that he chooses those to support. Nigerians should rather thank the justices of Supreme Court for acting promptly and preventing Nigeria from sliding into a one party State. The justices of the Supreme Court are men of integrity who cannot be compromised”.

In the case of Plateau State where some People Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers lost their seats to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the former AGF opined that “any judgement given with lack of jurisdiction is in nullity. The Court that gave that judgment has inherent jurisdiction to set aside the judgment. Since the Supreme Court has ruled that the Election Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to determine the validity of the Primary elections conducted by the PDP, the lawmakers should approach the Appeal Court, Plateau Division with the Judgement of the Supreme Court and have the judgment set aside.

“Since the tribunal had no jurisdiction, the Appeal Court also had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter. The lawmakers can therefore file an application at the Appeal Court except for the time bound nature of electoral matters.

On the seeming illegalities in judgments and disregard for judicial precedents by most Appeal Court justices, the legal luminary advocated for “judicial education through seminars and workshops as well as judicial discipline as tools for harmonising judgements of the different divisions of the Appeal court and strict adherence to judicial precedents. He insisted that except there’s any basis for deliberate malice, involving the National Judicial Commission (NJC) does not arise.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially published the final list and personal details of candidates slated for the upcoming bye-elections. This announcement comes through a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

Scheduled for February 3, 2024, the bye-elections will span nine states, encompassing two senatorial districts (Ebonyi South and Yobe East), four federal constituencies (Shanga/Ngaski/Yauri Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, and Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State), and three state constituencies (Guma I State Constituency of Benue State, Chibok State Constituency of Borno State, and Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State).

Olumekun emphasized that the personal details and final list of candidates were officially published on Wednesday in the commission’s state offices and the respective constituencies affected by the bye-elections. This publication adheres to the provisions outlined in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The commission urged Nigerians to carefully scrutinize the personal particulars, including Form EC9 and academic credentials, of the candidates. Candidates who participated in their party primaries and possess reasonable grounds to doubt the accuracy of the provided information can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as stipulated in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Olumekun clarified that this publication exclusively pertains to the forthcoming bye-elections, emphasizing that it concerns fresh elections where political parties conducted primaries and nominated their candidates. Additionally, he noted that the list and personal details of candidates for rerun elections scheduled for February 3, 2024, were previously published before the 2023 General Election. These rerun elections are conducted based on the orders of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals and do not involve new or disqualified candidates.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari affirmed his unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday. This statement was made during the book launch titled “Working with Buhari” and “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy – 2015 – 2023 (Vols 1-5),” which delved into his eight years in office.

The book “Working with Buhari,” authored by Buhari’s former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, was reviewed by Shola Oshunkeye, a former CNN Journalist of the Year. Additionally, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy – 2015 – 2023 (Vols 1-5)” was reviewed by Professor Eghosa Osaghae, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and Professor Kabiru Mayo, a Professor of Political Science. The book was edited by Dr Udu Yakubu.

During the event, Buhari stated, “I remain committed to our party, All Progressives Congress, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Dignitaries present included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, and former Minister for Aviation Hadi Abubakar Sirika.

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision that reinstated Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

A five-member panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from the counsels involved in the appeal. Justice Kekere-Ekun mentioned that the parties would be notified once the judgment is ready.

Earlier, the state election petition tribunal had removed Governor Sule and declared David Ombugadu, the PDP candidate, as the winner of the March 18, 2023, election. The tribunal’s decision was based on the claim that the election results were manipulated in favor of Sule.

However, the Court of Appeal reinstated Governor Sule, citing an error in the tribunal’s reliance on evidence from eight PDP witnesses, whose statements were not presented alongside the petition. Ombugadu has now taken the case to the Supreme Court.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, officially began his second term on Monday, taking the oath of office alongside his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru. Sworn in at approximately 3:47 pm, Governor Uzodimma, elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, expressed gratitude to the people for their massive support during the November 11, 2023, governorship election.

Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka, administered the oaths to both the governor and deputy governor, with the ceremony attended by prominent figures including President Bola Tinubu and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Dignitaries present also included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governors Dapo Abiodun, Alex Otti, and Siminalayi Fubara.

Former governors Rochas Okorocha and Ikedi Ohakim, traditional leaders Ooni of Ife, Obi of Onitsha, King Jaja of Opobo, and Etsu of Nupe, among others, graced the occasion.

Governor Uzodimma pledged to prioritize massive infrastructure development and the welfare of workers during his second term. He introduced the Community Economic Development Initiative, focusing on rural areas, where each community is expected to undertake a significant project. Urging citizens to actively contribute to building the state, he emphasized collective responsibility in shaping the future of Imo State.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has officially been sworn in for his second term in office. The ceremony took place in Owerri around 3:24 pm on Monday, following the oath administered to him and his deputy, Chinyere Ekomaru.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Uzodimma the winner of the state’s governorship election held in November 2023. Securing victory with 540,308 votes, Uzodimma, a member of the All Progressives Congress, maintained a significant lead over Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 71,503 votes, securing the second position.

Athan Achonu of the Labour Party took the third position with 64,081 votes.

The swearing-in ceremony attracted notable figures such as President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as well as prominent All Progressives Congress members and supporters.”

As the anticipated Supreme Court judgment on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, draws near, the Advocate Women for Justice (AWJ), a Nasarawa State women’s group, fervently appeals to the Supreme Court judges for an unbiased resolution in the ongoing governorship dispute.

Mrs. Hanatu John, delivering her message at the party Secretariat on Jos Road on Monday, emphasized the critical importance of the judges resisting external pressures. She urged, “We plead with the judges not to succumb to any form of pressure, as yielding to such influences could tarnish the hard-earned name and reputation you have painstakingly built over the years.”

The AWJ praised recent courageous judgments in Kano and Plateau states, expressing hope for a similarly principled decision in Nasarawa State.

Jemilatu Hussaini underscored the judiciary’s role as the last bastion of hope for the common man, urging the court to consider popular votes and review BVAS records in areas where rigging allegations emerged during the March 18 election.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, Charity Samuel stated, “I trust that the judges will ensure justice for the people of Nasarawa State, restoring peace, unity, and development to the state.”

The dispute revolves around Mr. David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the victory of Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 governorship election. The women’s group persists in its peaceful protests, advocating for a fair and just resolution.