Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday nullified the victory of Sen. Abubakar Ohere as the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election.

The court further declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan as the actual winner of the February senatorial election

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, who read the unanimous judgement of the three-man panel, said Ohere results were inflated in nine polling units of Ajaokuta Local Government Area (LGA) while that of Natasha was intentionally reduced in the areas by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as three other polling units result that was deliberately not entered for Natasha in the same LGA.

The court after making the proper correction, declared Natasha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the poll having polled 54,074 against Ohere

We didn’t Lose Any Life to Flooding in Ekiti — Oyebanji.

We didn’t Lose Any Life to Flooding in Ekiti — Oyebanji.

...Condoles victims, promises safer actions against reoccurrence.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, today denied the rumour that five people were drwoned by flooding that affected some sections of Ado Ekiti capital city, on Tuesday.

Areas ravaged by water after over five hours of torrential downpour include: Ureje Bridge along Polytechnic road, Eminrin Estate, Ilupeju avenue, Elemi, Ita Eku, Basiri, among others.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, accompanied by  the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko and other top government functionaries, gave the denial, on Wednesday, while visiting the affected areas to assess the level of destruction caused by the incident.

Oyebanji, who regretted the level of havoc wreaked by the flood, assured that his government would map out life-saving mechanisms to mitigate destruction of property in areas submerged by water.

Reiterating that no life was lost in all the flood ravaged areas visited, Oyebanji said: “Our people should discountenance that rumour that five people died. Nothing of such happened. We have it on good authority that those who fell victim were saved by divers. So, our people shouldn’t panic.

“It was to avoid flooding that this government embarked on aggressive dredging of Ureje and Elemi Rivers early this year. We also channelised many drainages in Ado Ekiti. If not for that proactive actions, the wreckage could have been worse and more destructive.

“We sympathise with those that were affected by this flooding. My government won’t abandon them. We will take quick steps to address all your issues. We will surely come to your aid because the welfare of the people is paramount to Governor Biodun Oyebanji”.

Oyebanji warned Ekiti residents against unwholesome practices like reckless dumping of refuse and sewages inside canals and erection of buildings on waterways, describing these as actions that were exacerbating flooding in the state.

Also corroborating the Governor’s position, the diver, who rescued the five victims at Ureje Bridge, Chief Kolawole Falajiki, who was one of those that received the entourage, clarified that the victims were saved while being washed away by water, contrary to the rumour being peddled on social media.

“Nobody died , we ensured we saved all those that were caught in the web of flooding. Commuters numbering over 800 were trapped here at Ureje bank. They were witnessed to my story that nobody died”.

Falajiki alongside spokesmen of Ureje and Eminrin estate: Mr Tayo Olawuyi, Rasheed Akanbi and Alhaji Shine Salami, applauded the state government for dredging the river earlier in the year, saying the havoc could have been more disastrous if not for that well conceived action.

“The only way we can overcome this flooding permanently is for the government to blast the rock that is raising the water level inside Ureje River. That was why the water was overflowing the high bridge that connects Ado Ekiti to Afe Babalola University.

“Another way is that they should use concrete to channel the water downslope. These are the permanent solutions to the challenge”.

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.