Category: Politics

Election Tribunal: Obi Assures Supporters of Reclaiming Mandate, Calls for Calm

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the just concluded elections, Peter Obi has assured his supporters of victory at the election tribunal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu winner of the February 25th presidential election, with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Atiku Abubakar coming second and Obi third respectively.

However, Obi has gone to court, challenging the electoral process, and by extension, Tinubu’s victory, claiming he won the election.

The LP candidate, in a series of tweets on Tuesday night, reassured supporters of his determination to reclaim their mandate.

His words: “I encourage Nigerians to remain calm and steadfast in the journey to reclaiming their mandate of a New Nigeria. I will never give up on this journey until victory is achieved.

“I never expected the journey to a New Nigeria to be an easy one. The forces, who had over the years, lived off the old order, are bound to fight back, as is being experienced now.

-Advertisement-

“If they come at us through land, air, and sea, we will respond to them through land, air, and sea but, we will remain law abiding and will never give up on the nation. We are on the right path and we will remain committed to the course.

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a new Nigeria that will be beneficial to all while stating that the struggle to reclaim his mandate is not about him alone, but involves millions of Nigerians who placed their trust in his candidacy through their votes.

He further reiterated his promise to get Nigerians out of poverty, adding that he is not deterred by obstacles on his way to victory.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the millions of Nigerians who voted for LP in the presidential election invested their hopes in him and they deserve justice.

He continued: “We must stay the course. Beyond regaining our mandate, I am committed to lifting people out of poverty and I remain committed to transforming Nigeria starting from the North to every part of the nation.

“There may be more mud-slinging from those who are against the emergence of the New Nigeria but, I would never be deterred by the obstacles along the way to victory. I have always lived my life in the most law-abiding manner.

“Sometimes as humans, we make mistakes but, I will never knowingly break any law. I am therefore not afraid of the lies and propaganda against my person. They are part of the journey to a New Nigeria”.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist with over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism

November 13, 2024
Osun Election: Supreme Court Affirms Adeleke as Governor

The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the governor of Osun State.

Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, a five-member panel of the apex court set aside the appeal by Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the victory of Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, held that the court of appeal correctly reinstated Adeleke as governor.

According to all the members of the panel, the appeal lacked merit.

The apex court held that the appellant failed to adduce enough evidence to prove the allegation of overvoting in the July 16, 2022 governorship poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Adeleke the winner of the poll with a total of 403,371 votes, defeating Oyetola who was the then incumbent with 375,027.

The tribunal arrived at the decision citing overvoting in PDP strongholds. After deductions were made, they declared Oyetola the winner of the election.

Not satisfied with the judgment, Adeleke and the PDP headed to the Court of Appeal.

On March 24, a three-man panel led by Justice Mohammed Shuaibu, the Court of Appeal quashed the tribunal’s judgment and gave its verdict to uphold Adeleke as the rightful governor of Osun State.

Aggrieved with the Appeal Court’s verdict, Oyetola and the APC took the matter to the Supreme Court, which also backed the Appeal Court judgment and upheld Adeleke’s victory

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist with over two decades of practice and a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias toward logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

November 13, 2024
Adeleke: Buhari Hails Supreme Court Judgement

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Supreme Court judgment confirming Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun State.

The president, who took to his verified Twitter handle after the apex court’s affirmation, praised the judiciary for its role in deepening the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria.

He noted that the main task at hand is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, that guarantees a prosperous, peaceful, and stable Osun State.

His words: “With the final decision by the Supreme Court on the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun State, all hands should be on deck to provide the @AAdeleke_01 administration all the support needed to implement programs, policies & plans fashioned to make Osun flourish & succeed.

“Elections should be seen as a path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering. This is the time for inclusion and harmony in Osun State, at the end of litigation.

“Let me also recognize and acknowledge the important role of the judiciary in deepening the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria”.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, set aside the appeal by Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the victory of Adeleke.

Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the court of appeal correctly reinstated Adeleke as governor, after an election tribunal in Osun had sacked him from office.

The tribunal stated that there was over-voting in some polling units and Adeleke did not score majority of lawful votes during the election. After deduction, it declared Oyetola, the incumbent winner.

The Supreme Court judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim noted that the appellant failed to adduce enough evidence to prove allegation of over voting in the governorship poll.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist of over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism

November 13, 2024
Tinubu Opposes Live Broadcast of Election Petition Proceedings

By Gloria Afajagbe

The President-elect Bola Tinubu has opposed the application by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a live broadcast of the proceedings of the election petition.

In response to the application, Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, through a team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun said, the application is an abuse of the court.

Chief Olanipekun implored the Presidential Election Petition Court to dismiss the application, arguing that the relief demanded by the applicants is not such that the court could grant.

“With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court.

“It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.”

The application also touches on the powers and jurisdiction invested in the President of the Court of Appeal by the Constitution, over which this honorable court as presently constituted cannot entertain.

“The application touches on the administrative functions, which are exclusively reserved for the President of the Court of Appeal.

“The application is aimed at dissipating the precious judicial time of this honourable court.

“They said the application does not have any bearing with the petition filed by the petitioners before this honourable court.

“It is in the interest of justice for this honourable court to dismiss the said application filed by the petitioners,” Olanipekun said.

Olanipekun criticized the applicants’ reference to the fact that virtual proceedings were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic saying that, Atiku and the PDP failed to highlight the fact that practice directions were made by the respective courts for the exercise.

“Another angle to this very curious application is the invitation it extends to the court to make an order that it cannot supervise.

“The position of the law remains, and we do submit that the court, like nature, does not make an order in vain, or an order which is incapable of enforcement.

“The word ‘public’ as applied under Section 36(3) of the Constitution has been defined in a plethora of judicial authorities to mean a place where members of the public have unhindered access, and the court itself, sitting behind open doors, not in the camera.

“Even in situations where a class action is presented, the particular people constituting the class being represented by the plaintiffs or petitioners are always defined in the originating process.

“Here, in this application, the public at whose behest this application has been presented is not defined, not known, not discernable.

“Beyond all these, it is our submission that the court of law must and should always remain what it is, what it should be and what it is expected to be: a serene, disciplined, hallowed, tranquil, honourable and decorous institution and place”, he stated.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism

November 13, 2024
ANLCA Backs APC’s Choice of Ben Kalu for Deputy Speaker, House of Reps

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) choice of Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu as Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (HoR).

Following the zoning formula released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC after consulting President Bola Tinubu, Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State was identified as the Deputy Speaker-designate of the HoR in the 10th Assembly.

Stakeholders from different sectors have applauded the ruling party for making a very good choice.

ANLCA, in a press statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Public Affairs to the National President, Barr. Val Iwuchukwu extolled the virtue of Hon Kalu.

The statement reads: “It is a geometrical axiom to state that when one straight line falls perpendicular with another straight line that lies horizontal, the angles formed are supplementary angles of one hundred and eighty degrees, therefore the choice of Hon Ben Kalu as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is a round peg in a round hole.

“Benjamin Kalu was elected to represent the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State in the 2019 General Elections and sworn into office on the 11th of June 2019. He was re-elected to the same office in the 2023 General Election. He is currently the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives at the Nigeria National Assembly as the House Committee Chairman of Media and Public Affairs.

“His wealth of experience has been resourceful to the major committees of the house where he serves as a member; Defence, Airforce, Navy, National Security and Intelligence, Agricultural Services, Health Institutions, and Health Services, Basic Education, Federal Judiciary, Petroleum Upstream, Climate Change, Federal Character, Pensions and other Adhoc committees like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) etc.

“He sat in different stakeholder meetings where strategic decisions were taken, why such decisions were taken and its impact on the overall interest of the nation sank well with him and it has become an unforgettable experience. It is trite to say that in the 9th Assembly, he acquired matchless experience which makes him the best man (from the South East) for the job”.

The group further said: “He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who has been involved in a series of complex international business structuring from start-up, negotiation, pre and post-incorporation stages. He has been engaged in international trade, and import and export financing.

“He has handled a series of financing deals for marine vessel purchases and documentation which involved syndication with multilateral finance institutions and local banks. Before settling down for the practice of law, Benjamin built international businesses from start-up to international recognition.

“His communication skills within the public and private sectors acquired through years of experience in both sectors is an advantage to the value he will create as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“His experience in government and governmental affairs will assist him in upholding the interdependence of the arms of the government while upholding most importantly the independence of the Legislature” the statement concluded.

It will be recalled that on May 8, 2023, APC leadership released the zoning arrangement as follows: Senate President – (South-South) Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Deputy Senate President – (North West) Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano).

Speaker, House of Representatives – (North West) Hon Bass Tajudeen (Kaduna); Deputy Speaker – (South East) Hon Ben Kalu (Abia).

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist with over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

November 13, 2024
Edo 2024: ‘Riceman’ Imansuangbon Dumps PDP

A former governorship aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Barrister Ken Imansuangbon has resigned his membership in the party.

The Edo politician, in a press statement, thanked the leadership of the PDP and its entire body, describing his experience as memorable.

“Since 2009 in what was tagged the ‘Ewohimi Declaration’ where I had joined the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has remained a memorable journey for me and I want to thank God almighty for his benevolence.

“The course of my political journey in the PDP had afforded me the opportunity to make great and wonderful friends and had shared great moments with which I will cherish for a lifetime.

“However, the reality of the moment has made it decisive that there comes a time in a man’s life where he has to move ahead.

“Consequently, therefore I hereby tender my resignation of the membership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Once again, I thank the entire leadership and body of the PDP”.

Recall that, Imansuangbon who is known for his free rice distribution every December in the state, joined the governorship race since 2007 in the PDP. He later left for the Action Congress now known as All Progressive Congress (APC), before returning to the PDP.

He has consistently contested for governorship in Edo State and was prevailed upon to step down in 2020.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist of over two decades of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias toward logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism

November 13, 2024
Akpabio Emerges Senate President

The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been elected as President of the Senate.

He defeated Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, also of the APC to emerge on Tuesday.

Akpabio was returned elected as President of the 10th Senate after scoring 63 votes, to beat Senator Yari who scored 46 votes.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom who served as a Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022, represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial zone.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice and with multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

November 13, 2024
Bamidele, Umahi, Ndume Announced as Senate Principal Officers

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has announced Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central as the Senate Majority leader and former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South as the Senate Chief Whip.

Reading the letter from the All Progressives Congress, Akpabio also announced Senator Dave Umahi, APC, Ebonyi South as the Deputy Leader and Senator Lola Ashiru , APC, Kwara South as the Deputy Whip.

He stated, “The All Progressives Congress caucus of the Senate after consultations, has emerged with their leadership which will be the fulcrum of commencing other businesses of the chamber.

“I’m happy to announce that by consensus, the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, will be the Majority Leader.

“Sen. Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno) will be the Chief Whip of the 10th Senate; Sen. David Umahi (APC-Ebonyi), by your consent, will act as the Deputy Leader and Sen. Lola Ashiru (APC-Kwara) will be the Deputy Chief Whip.

Recall that the four candidates nominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for Senate and House of Representatives leadership won their elections in June.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice and with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism. Email: ismail.aniemu@aol.com

November 13, 2024
Court Jails Businessman for N1.1m Fraud in Maiduguri

Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, convicted and sentenced Ali Bukar Jidda to six months imprisonment.

This was contained in a press release signed by Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Oyewale stated that he was jailed upon being arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on one-count charge bordering on misappropriation to the tune of N1, 126,000.00( One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand Naira only)

The lone-count charge reads: “That you, Ali Bukar Jidda, that sometime in June 2020 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit; N1, 126,000.00 by Umar Odo Soja, for supply of food items, did dishonestly misappropriated the said sum and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 102 Laws of Borno State of Nigeria and punishable under Section 312 of the same law.”

The defendant pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

Prosecution counsel, S.O Saka prayed the court to convict him as charged, while counsel for the defendant A. M Umar pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Kumaliya thereafter convicted and sentenced Jidda to a fine of N100,000.00 ( One Hundred Thousand Naira only)or six months imprisonment.

The convict bagged his imprisonment for misappropriating a sum of N1.1 million entrusted to him for the supply of food items. He neither delivered the items nor returned the money to the petitioner.

November 9, 2024
Diri Threatens to Sack Traditional Rulers Involved in Election Violence

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has threatened to sack any traditional ruler that allows election violence in his domain during the November 11 gubernatorial election in the state.

Diri issued the warning at the weekend when he led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship campaign team on a visit to the palace of the Okpo XXI of Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo, at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of the state

He said “Let me caution that any traditional ruler that connives to breach the peace during the election risks being dethroned by my administration. We will not condone electoral violence as a government that upholds democratic principles.

“Political parties and their supporters should be allowed to canvass for votes without molestation.”

While thanking the Okpoama monarch, the council of chiefs and other stakeholders for their royal blessings and warm reception, the state’s helmsman urged them to sustain the prevailing peace in the state before, during and after the election

Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

November 9, 2024