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  • Court of Appeal Affirms Governor Oborevwori’s Election Victory, Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Appeal”

    Court of Appeal Affirms Governor Oborevwori’s Election Victory, Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Appeal”

    By Milcah Tanimu

    The information you provided indicates that the Court of Appeal in Lagos affirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s election victory in Delta State. The court dismissed the appeal brought by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the appeal lacked merit. The decision by the appellate court upheld the judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier confirmed Oborevwori as the winner of the March 18, 2023, governorship election.

    Senator Omo-Agege, who contested the election as the APC candidate and the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, had filed the appeal, seeking to be declared the winner of the election. However, the Court of Appeal sided with Oborevwori, maintaining that Omo-Agege’s appeal lacked merit.

    The judgment also mentioned the dismissal of separate appeals by Kenneth Gbaji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate, Ken Pela, challenging the lower tribunal’s decisions.

    In summary, the Court of Appeal upheld Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s election victory in Delta State and dismissed appeals challenging his win by Omo-Agege and other parties.

  • Northern Elders Forum Expresses Concerns Regarding the Judiciary’s Conduct

    Northern Elders Forum Expresses Concerns Regarding the Judiciary’s Conduct

    By Milcah Tanimu

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced apprehension about the present state of the country’s judiciary. In a statement released yesterday by its Convener, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, NEF emphasized the importance of the judiciary exercising caution in its actions to prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence.

    Abdullahi stated, “The potential consequences of these actions may ultimately validate the concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice, Dattijo Mohammed, in his valedictory remarks about corruption and undue compromises within the judiciary.

    “We recognize the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process.

    “Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation. NEF, therefore, calls on all levels of the judiciary to uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain impartiality in their decision-making processes.

    “Judges should exhibit unwavering integrity and resilience when adjudicating cases, especially those pertaining to elections. The judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining constitutional democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and providing checks and balances on the other branches of government. However, if the judiciary fails to fulfill its responsibilities, it can have severe implications for the stability and functioning of a democratic society.

    “The current trend may encourage politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair. When the judiciary fails to effectively adjudicate disputes and hold politicians accountable for their actions, it creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices, abuse their power, and disregard the principles of democracy. This erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms and values, ultimately undermining the legitimacy of the political system.

    “Furthermore, a collapsing judiciary jeopardizes the safeguarding of constitutionalism, which is the cornerstone of any democratic society. The judiciary acts as the guardian of the constitution, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the principles enshrined within it.

    “Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms. This can result in a loss of public confidence in the democratic process, as citizens may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their rights are being trampled upon.

    “The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.

    “NEF believes that the judiciary should be an unbiased and independent arm of government, which is essential to the success of democracy and it should not be seen as compromising the integrity of its decisions particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with a range of challenges.

    “NEF, therefore, calls on the judiciary to consider the consequences of its actions and decisions and strive to uphold the rule of law in all its activities to justify the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians.

    “The NEF called on the public to remain vigilant in as to the direction the nation’s judiciary is headed and not to hesitate to expose any perceived misconduct on the part of the judiciary.

    “It is our firm belief that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is crucial for the development and progress of our great nation. NEF, alongside other concerned stakeholders, will continue to closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalization to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians,” he added.

  • JUST IN: APC Dissolves Rivers State Executives, Appoints Caretaker Committee

    JUST IN: APC Dissolves Rivers State Executives, Appoints Caretaker Committee

    In a recent announcement, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Abdullahi Ganduje, has officially dissolved the executive team of the Rivers State chapter of the party.

    The NWC, in its decision, has established a caretaker committee responsible for overseeing the process of conducting new elections for the state executives.

    This development follows two months of grievances expressed by party chieftains, notably those aligned with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. Led by the state governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, they raised concerns that they were being overlooked in favor of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists, subtly orchestrated by President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking at a press conference held at the party secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, announced that the caretaker committee’s inauguration would occur at the party secretariat on Friday.

    Morka, joined by Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Ladipo, listed the members of the seven-person caretaker committee, including Chief Tony Okocha as Chairman and Eric Nwibani as Secretary. Other members are Chibuike Ikenga, Stephen Abolo, Silvester Vidin, Senibo Dan-Jumbo, and Miss Darling Amadi.

    He clarified that the caretaker committee would serve for six months until a new substantive executive team for the Rivers APC is elected.

  • “Senate Reshuffles Committees Amid Uproar Over Minority Leadership”

    “Senate Reshuffles Committees Amid Uproar Over Minority Leadership”

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced a reshuffling of standing committees, naming Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. This rearrangement, made during plenary, comes three months after the initial committee composition.

    Akpabio, addressing the Senate, cited the need for effectiveness as the reason behind the committee leadership changes. The new appointments include senators taking over committees previously chaired by sacked senators.

    Among the notable changes, Amos Yohanna was named Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, Patrick Ndubueze as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, Shuaibu Lau as Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, and Binos Yaroe as Chairman of the Committee on State and Local Government Affairs.

    However, an uproar ensued during the announcement of two minority leaders, with the Senate Minority Leader and Minority Whip seats becoming vacant due to court decisions. Senator Abba Moro was named Minority Leader and Osita Ngwu as Minority Whip, both receiving the majority support of their colleagues in the opposition.

    The announcement faced opposition from the Labour Party (LP) representatives, who raised concerns about their exclusion from the minority leadership positions. Senator Okechukwu Ezea protested what he deemed as an injustice against other minority parties, claiming that the PDP took three minority leadership seats. The Senate session turned rowdy, with LP lawmakers rejecting their party’s exclusion.

    In response, Akpabio defended his role, stating that he only announced names forwarded to him by the opposition caucus. He urged the opposition to put their house in order before presenting names and emphasized the importance of respecting the voice of the majority. After about 15 minutes of contention, the Senate President addressed the opposition, maintaining the legitimacy of the announced appointments.

  • Senator Wamakko Symphatised With Nasiru Mainiyo,Others Over Great Loses

    Senator Wamakko Symphatised With Nasiru Mainiyo,Others Over Great Loses

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    Senator Wamakko has symphatised with Alhaji Nasiru Mainiyo over the recent fire outbreak that gutted his warehouse and was also in some places for sympathy and condolences visit.

    At kantin Daji area, Senator Wamakko was received by the victim of the inferno Alh. Nasir Ghani Mainiyyo and his relatives for the sympathy visit.

    Senator Wamakko was shocked on the level of damage by the fire, and described that only Allah the almighty can do that in his powers.

    He consoled the victim to take heart as Allah, had every reason for the happening of all.

    Alh. Nasir Mainiyyo thanked the senator for the visit and prayed Allah to continue to reward him in his affairs.

    Mallam Bashir Gidan Kanawa offered a special prayer for Allah to prevent the future reoccurrence of such disaster.
    Up prayer.

    Senator Wamakko later inspected the scene of the inferno where all the warehouse of the victim got burnt to ashes.

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko accompanied by his entourage was also at Kalambaina area of Wamakko local government where he condoled Alh. Nasiru Garba Kalambaina special Advisor on SEMA over the demise of his in-law Alh.Umaru Garba Mai Zare Kalambaina an allied of the senator who died recently.

    Senator Wamakko described the death Alh. Umaru as shocking and prayed Allah the Almighty to forgive his sins and reward him with Jannatul Firdausi as his final abode.

    Bashar Abubakar who passed the information to our correspondent also said Senator Wamakko was also at Girgiri town of Dange Shuni local government for the condolence visit over the death of Hajiya Tamodi a mother to Alh. Umaru Mai Goro sarkin Goron Sarkin Yamma who died recently.

    The Senator described the deceased person as Godfairing and prayed Allah to forgiveness and reward her with Jannatul Firdausi.

    Hajiya Tamodi left behind 6 children and many grandchildren.

    Similarly, Senator Wamakko was at Mai kunchi village of same Dange Shuni area for the condolence of late Hajiya Ma’inna who died recently.

    The Former Governor and senator representing sokoto North district, described the death of Hajiya Ma’inna as a will of Allah.

    He prayed Allah the almighty to forgive the deceased and reward him with Jannatul Firdausi.

    In all the places visited, Mallam Bashir Gidan Kanawa prayed for the reposed of the souls of the deceased persons.

  • Zamfara: We’re not afraid of rerun – Governor Lawal

    Zamfara: We’re not afraid of rerun – Governor Lawal

    * Say’s the people bestow their trust in his administration

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state who’s election was recently declared inclusive, has restated that his people have bestowed their trust in his administration, saying he’s not afraid of rerun.

    The Governor, who returned on Monday from an official foreign trip, was greeted by an unprecedented crowd of supporters in an electrifying atmosphere upon his arrival in Gusau.

    A statement on Tuesday by the Spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the massive crowd that received the Governor was a testament to the high level of trust in his administration.

    According to him, Governor Lawal’s government garnered immense support from the people of Zamfara, who displayed their affection as a show of solidarity.

    He said: “Yesterday, while returning to Zamfara from an official trip in Abidjan, Governor Dauda Lawal was received by an unprecedented crowd of people.

    “Governor Lawal’s convoy was welcomed by a massive crowd from the Tsafe local government area to Gusau, the state capital”, he stated.

    In his remark at the State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Lawal reiterated that the people of Zamfara have placed their trust in his leadership. He vowed to work tirelessly to honour that confidence.

    “We are not afraid of a re-run. The people of Zamfara have entrusted us with their votes. We are prepared and optimistic; even if the election occurs tomorrow, we are ready to go to Maradun local government.

    “We are fully committed to our rescue mission, and no obstacle can impede our determination and focus.””, he stated.

  • Confusion Reigns in Kano as Certified True Copy of Gubernatorial Election Judgment Surfaces

    Confusion Reigns in Kano as Certified True Copy of Gubernatorial Election Judgment Surfaces

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Kano State experienced bewilderment on Tuesday as a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the state’s gubernatorial election surfaced, further muddling the already disputed outcome.

    Contrary to the widely publicized ruling last Friday, which seemingly affirmed the Court of Appeal’s support for the petition tribunal’s decision to unseat Governor Abba Yusuf, the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa-Dederi, asserted that the CTC of the judgment validated Yusuf’s victory at the polls.

    During a press conference on Tuesday night, Isa-Dederi revealed that, according to the written judgment, the Court of Appeal set aside the Kano Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling, deeming it lacking in merit.

    “Page 67 of the released Certified True Copy of the Appeal Court judgment, signed by Registrar Jameel Ibrahim Umar, clearly upholds the victory of Abba Kabiru Yusuf as the duly elected Governor of Kano,” Isa-Dederi stated.

    The confusion deepened as it was observed that the CTC contained apparent inconsistencies in its conclusions. Despite the lead judgment by Justice Moore Adumein favoring Yusuf, the judge’s final declaration also seemed to uphold the tribunal’s decision to dismiss the appeal, creating a contradictory narrative.

    In the midst of this confusion, it was discovered that the Court of Appeal, on November 17, 2023, dismissed Governor Yusuf’s appeal based on his membership status and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the March 25, 2023, governorship election in Kano State.

    Isa-Dederi emphasized that the written evidence in the CTC vindicated Yusuf as the legitimate governor, challenging the public perception created by the justices’ statements in the courtroom on November 17.

    The discrepancies in the judgment were particularly evident in Justice Adumein’s statement, “I find no merit in this appeal which is liable to be and is hereby dismissed,” juxtaposed with the resolution that set aside the tribunal’s decision and awarded costs in favor of Governor Yusuf.

    This perplexing situation was compounded by the agreement of the two other justices on the appeal court panel, Justice Bitrus Sanga and Justice Lateef Ganiyu, with the lead judgment.

  • **JUST IN: Senate Uproar as Akpabio Announces Minority Leaders**

    **JUST IN: Senate Uproar as Akpabio Announces Minority Leaders**

    Tension gripped the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed two minority leaders, triggering uproar among senators.

    The positions of Senate Minority Leader and Minority Whip were left vacant after the Court of Appeal ousted the former occupants, Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon (PDP, Plateau North) and Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia Central). The court nullified Mwadkwon’s election, ordering a rerun, while Nwokocha was replaced by Augustine Akobundu of the PDP.

    Last week, PDP senators convened an emergency meeting to decide on replacements for the vacant positions. Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Bauchi) announced that the opposition lawmakers agreed on the North Central geo-political zone for the Minority Leader.

    During the plenary, Akpabio declared Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) as the minority leader and Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West) as the minority whip. Akpabio claimed the new minority leaders had the majority support of their colleagues in the opposition, with 41 senators endorsing Moro and 30 supporting Ngwu. However, this announcement faced resistance, particularly from the Labour Party within the minority caucus.

  • “Turmoil at Rivers State Assembly: Police Take Control Amidst Factional Sessions”

    “Turmoil at Rivers State Assembly: Police Take Control Amidst Factional Sessions”

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Rivers State House of Assembly continues to be embroiled in turmoil as police once again assumed control of the complex on Tuesday. Allegedly, lawmakers aligned with different factions conducted separate sessions at various locations.

    The assembly complex’s entrance was monitored by four police patrol vans, and movement along the Moscow Road Axis was restricted. An Armoured Personnel Carrier patrolled the area, with numerous armed operatives strategically positioned.

    Although the reason for the heightened security was unclear, reports indicated that some lawmakers convened on Tuesday. House Speaker Martin Amaewhule led 25 lawmakers in early deliberations, addressing two issues related to the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria’s strike suspension.

    During the session, the lawmakers urged State Commissioner for Police Olatunji Disu to investigate the recent explosion at the Assembly, which resulted in the destruction of the Chamber and several properties. They commended the governor for developmental initiatives and security measures to maintain peace in the state.

    In a statement by Legislative Aide Ken Uchendu, the faction expressed support for the governor’s consolidation and continuity agenda. The lawmakers condemned the recent attack on a colleague’s residence and the burning of the House of Assembly. They appealed to the governor to expedite rehabilitation efforts and called on the Inspector General of Police and other security apparatus to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.

  • Presidential Anger Erupts in Response to Obasanjo’s Democracy Critique

    Presidential Anger Erupts in Response to Obasanjo’s Democracy Critique

    By Milcah Tanimu

    In a swift rebuttal on Monday, the Presidency held former President Olusegun Obasanjo responsible for the present condition of Nigeria’s democracy. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, conveyed this stance, asserting that the current democratic system in the country can be traced back to Obasanjo’s influence during his tenures as military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and civilian President from 1999 to 2007.

    Onanuga criticized Obasanjo’s recent commentary on democracy, stating, “Obasanjo ought to know that he brought this thing into Nigeria. He was the one who made us adopt it in 1979.” He went on to highlight the irony of Obasanjo’s critique, suggesting that the former president now appears to be expressing wisdom after leaving office.

    The reaction from the Presidency followed Obasanjo’s remarks at a high-level consultation on Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy in Africa. Obasanjo had raised concerns about the shortcomings of Western democracy in delivering good governance and development in Africa. He proposed the concept of “Afro democracy,” emphasizing the need for a system tailored to the unique circumstances and history of the continent.

    Obasanjo critiqued Western liberal democracy as a “government of a few people over all the people,” arguing that it did not fully represent the majority. He questioned the relevance of a system that, in his view, neglects and excludes the minority.

    In response, the Presidency faulted Obasanjo for poorly implementing the democratic model during his leadership, particularly his choice of the presidential system over the parliamentary system. Onanuga contended that Obasanjo, instead of advocating for a better system, accepted the recommendation for an American-style democracy, which he asserted was not in line with Nigeria’s historical practices.

    The Presidency also accused Obasanjo of incorrectly copying the presidential system’s form and structure without grasping its underlying spirit. Onanuga further highlighted that Obasanjo attempted to modify the constitution during his presidency, implying a flawed implementation of the democratic framework.