Tribunal Dismisses APM Petition Against Tinubu, Shettima’s Nominations.

Tribunal Dismisses APM Petition Against Tinubu, Shettima’s Nominations.

The Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC), on Wednesday morning, dismissed the petition filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.

The PEPC in a ruling, upheld the preliminary objections raised against the competence of the petition by the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC),  President Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima and Kabir Masari.

Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the lead ruling, held that the issue of nomination, which is a pre-election matter is outside the scope of the court’s jurisdiction, sitting as an election tribunal.

He held that the issue ought to have been raised before the Federal High Court, adding that even if it was to be heard by the PEPC, the issue is statute barred.

Justice Tsammani also held that the petitioner lacked the locus standi to have brought the petition, b cause the law did not allow a political party to query the process adopted by another political party in nominating its candidate.

The PEPC Chairman held that invalid nomination or double nomination did not qualify as a ground for disqualification in respect of presidential election as provided in sections 131 and 137 of the Constitutional.

He also held that the Masari, who was nominated as placeholder by the APC (for the position of the Vice President) was no tva necessary party to the petition because he was neither a candidate nor did he win election.

Justice Tsammani also found that Masari was not a necessary party because no claim was raised against him by the petitioner.

He is currently considering the petition on the merit.

JUST IN: Obi Failed To Specify How He Scored Majority Of Votes, Says Presidential Election Tribunal, Strikes Out Several Paragraphs Of Petition.

JUST IN: Obi Failed To Specify How He Scored Majority Of Votes, Says Presidential Election Tribunal, Strikes Out Several Paragraphs Of Petition.

The court has struck out several paragraphs of the LP’s petition for being generic and vague.

As stated earlier, the tribunal said the affected paragraphs failed to name the specific polling units where irregularities occurred.

Justice Abba Mohammed said LP made “generic allegations of irregularities and said they would rely on spreadsheets, inspection reports and forensic analysis filed with the petition during trial but the documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition.

“They also failed to prove that their votes were suppressed by failing to specify the number of votes suppressed.”

On the Obi/LP petition, the tribunal said the petitioners only made “generic accusations of irregularities” in the election but failed to specify the anomaly, the places where it occurred and those affected.”

The court said although Peter Obi and LP claimed to have scored the majority of lawful votes cast, they failed to state the number of lawful votes they scored.

“They failed to state the number of votes affected and the number of people disenfranchised,” says Justice Abba Mohammed.

“The determination of election is about figures,” the court held.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Remarkable 100 Days in Office.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Remarkable 100 Days in Office.

.....A Nation Renewed: Nigeria's Journey Towards Progress and Unity under President Tinubu's Vision.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi.

 In a gesture of unwavering support and admiration, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has extended warm congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on reaching the significant milestone of 100 days in office. Hon. Tunji-Ojo's heartfelt message reflects the optimism and hope that has swept across the nation during this tenure.

Under President Tinubu's audacious leadership, the nation has witnessed remarkable progress and a renewed sense of national rebirth. This 100-day period has been marked by transformative initiatives and policies aimed at steering Nigeria toward a brighter future.

Hon. Tunji-Ojo's statement echoed the sentiment of many as he remarked, "Within 100 days of your audacious leadership, we have sown the seed of progress and national rebirth. Our path is paved with renewed hope. Your vision has become our guiding star, and we are assured of a better Nigeria for all."

The President's visionary approach has already made a profound impact on various sectors, from economic reforms to infrastructural development. This includes initiatives to enhance job creation, strengthen security, and foster unity among the diverse communities that make up Nigeria.

One notable achievement during this period is the focus on national reconciliation, which has aimed to heal divisions and promote inclusivity. President Tinubu's administration has demonstrated a commitment to fostering unity and fostering a sense of belonging among all Nigerians.

Furthermore, the government's commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability has garnered widespread praise, both domestically and internationally. These principles are seen as essential to building a prosperous and stable Nigeria.

As the nation celebrates these 100 days of transformative leadership, the message from Minister Tunji-Ojo underscores the collective belief in President Tinubu's ability to steer Nigeria toward greater prosperity and unity. The journey ahead holds the promise of a brighter future, with President Tinubu at the helm, leading the nation on a path of progress and national renewal.

Land Disputes: Ekiti Govt Decries Rising Court Cases, Advocates Honesty in All Land Matters.

Land Disputes: Ekiti Govt Decries Rising Court Cases, Advocates Honesty in All Land Matters.

The Ekiti State Government, has lamented the increasing pending land matters  in various courts and intra-family land scubbles in the state, warning that  these are ripping many towns apart and causing disunity across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State. 

The state government appealed to families and towns  embroiled in these scenarios  to withdraw their  cases  and  settle out of courts based on the advice given by government and traditional council that people should learn how to admister their lands honestly and prudently.

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said this in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, while presiding over a long-drawn intra-family crisis brewing over a Parcel of Lands owned by Agbaakin family of Ikere Ekiti.

The government's intervention followed a petition written by a section of Agbaakin family of Okeruku Quarters, Ikere Ekiti, claiming  that some members were planning to demolish some houses to reclaim some plots of land sold to developers on the contentious land. 

Mrs Afuye, had while presiding over the matter , regretted that many cases relating to land disputes that were brought to the notice of government are pending in various hierarchies of courts, saying this had disunited many families , quarters and towns.

She warned that the scenarios are affecting the peace and development of some communities negatively, saying the current government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji viewed such tendencies with worries and resentment.

"It was sad that many families and communities  that were supposed to be united and progress speedily have been torn apart by land disputes. Most disturbing was the fact that the money they are supposed to spend to build houses and education of children were being wasted on frivolous cases in courts.

"I advise  those whose family lands are in their custodies to learn how to be open, transparent and honest in land matters. They shouldn't personalise whatever  belongs to the family, this I think had been the basis for all these crises".

Presiding over the matter, Mrs Afuye advised the Agbaakin and the family head, Chief James Falola, to unite the family and forge a united front that would add value to Ikere community.

The Deputy Governor told the family head and those opposed to his leadership to withdraw all their cases in Court and convene a peace meeting to resolve all pending  issues amicably.

"I want to appeal to you that your family won't be recognised in Ikere Ekiti if you are not united. You won't progress like others as well. So, I want you to listen to the position of Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado that this case should be settled out of court, so that you can be united.

"I also plead with you not to demolish anybody's building, this will worsen the already brewing tension. And whatever amount you make on sale of lands should be deposited in the family's accounts because that land belongs to all of you, not one person".

Also pleading with the family to eschew crisis, the Sao of Ikere Ekiti , High Chief Kayode Omodara, said the land crisis in the family has prevented it from having effective representation in Ogoga-in-Council. 

Chief Omodara added that  the family may lose respect they command in the town should they allow the matter to linger and fester unnecessarily, saying the crisis has not gone beyond settlement if they heed the voices of reason. 

The Secretary of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Coker Alonge, who was present at the parley, appreciated Governor Oyebanji's government for intervening in the matter, saying this will surely bring enduring solution to the protracted land dispute.

NANS Lauds Oyebanji's Financial Support For Inauguration.

NANS Lauds Oyebanji's Financial Support For Inauguration.

…Says Governor's Leadership Qualities Inspire Students.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has appreciated Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for his financial assistance towards the forthcoming inauguration ceremony of the students' group.

The Deputy Coordinator of the students' umbrella body in the Southwest Zone, Comrade Taiwo Owolewa, stated this in a letter to the Governor, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He said the financial contribution  remained a testament to Governor Oyebanji's unwavering commitment to the student community with a renewed hope of organizing the inauguration without financial strain.

"Your support has not only lightened our burden but has also inspired us to carry out our responsibilities with greater fervour. We are profoundly grateful for your persistent efforts in cultivating a conducive environment for learning and personal growth," Comrade Owolewa said.

The Deputy Coordinator of NANS, Southwest Zone D, however gave assurance that the generous support of the Governor would be put to judicious use with the motive of fostering a sense of unity among students of Ekiti State and NANS in the Southwest Zone.

He added that the leadership qualities of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has again inspired the students of the state to strive for excellence and make positive difference in the society.

INEC redeploys Edo, Ekiti REC, reopens collection of PVC in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo.

INEC redeploys Edo, Ekiti REC, reopens collection of PVC in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) in Edo and Ekiti states to Bayelsa and Lagos States respectively.

The commission has also announced the collection of Permanent Voters Cards in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states ahead of the off-circle elections in the three states scheduled for November 11.

In a statement signed by the newly appointed national commissioner in charge of Information and voter education, Sam Olumekun mni, the commission said while Obo Effanga takes over in Bayless state, Prof. Ayobami Salami heads to Lagos from Ekiti.

He said the redeployment of the new RECs followed the expiration of the tenure of the RECs in Bayelsa and Lagos states,

Olumekun also said that the collection of Permanent Voters Cards will only affect the three states where the governorship election will take place.

The statement reads: “In continuation of our preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, lmo and Kogi States, the Commission has approved the resumption of collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for registered voters who could not collect their PVCs before the suspension of the exercise on 5th February 2023 ahead of the last General Election.

“The current exercise only covers the three states where Governorship elections will be held on Saturday 11th November 2023.

“The PVCs will be available for collection at all our Local Government area offices in the three states: eight in Bayelsa, 27 in Imo and 21 in Kogi.

“In addition, the Commission has created other designated centres with a large number of uncollected PVCs. The details of all centres will be made available by the Resident Electoral Commissioners in the three states.

“The Commission has earmarked weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm for the collection of PVCs for a period of four weeks from 11th September – 9th October 2023.

“The Commission once again enjoins all political parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and to avoid utterances and actions capable of causing a breach of peace in their ongoing campaigns”.

DSS Arrests Officials Diverting FG’s Palliatives.

DSS Arrests Officials Diverting FG’s Palliatives.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, nabbed some officials of State Emergency Management Agency diverting palliatives meant for the citizens to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Some of the suspects arrested at a popular market in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital where the items were being resold included officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices.

Spokesman of the secret police, Peter Afunanya, who disclosed the development to journalists in Abuja, explained that some of the diverted items were recovered from the suspects.

Afunanya called on members of the public who may have information relating to the emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action, saying the culprits would be punished according to laws.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects,” the DSS spokesman noted.

He noted that while their operation was ongoing in other states, the service has already intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.

The federal government had a few weeks ago shared thousands of bags of rice, a staple food, across 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in order to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, particularly on the vulnerable citizens.