News

Court Dismisses PDP Petition Against Reps Majority Leader, Ihonvbere

Published

3 years ago

September 4, 2023

The National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin, on Monday, dismissed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) petition against member representing Owan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ihonvbere Onozuanvbo Julius, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jimoh Iruokhaimem Ojeiu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are 1st and 2nd petitioners in the petition marked EPT/ED/HR/03/2023.

In its unanimous decision, the tribunal, while dismissing the petition filed by Ojeiu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), upheld the victory of the House of Representatives majority leader, Ihonvbere.

Lead counsel to Ihonvbere,West Idahosa (SAN), had argued that Ojeiu’s petition failed and ought to be dismissed with punitive cost.

The tribunal consequently granted the prayer of West Idahosa against the petitioners.

Reacting to the over two hours judgement, Counsel to the 1st Petitioners, Rasak Isenalume, Esq, told our said: “As lawyers, our duty is to present the case as it is and back it up with relevant laws.

“So, it is for the tribunal to decide, you know we cannot change the law. All sides must have their positions and we canvassed ours eloquently. But the tribunal has come with its decision.

“Well, like I told the tribunal, we will await further instructions from our clients as there is a further step to go.

“Most of this cases we are citing today, they were cases done at the tribunal and reversed at the Court of Appeal and affirmed by the Supreme Court”

But Counsel to Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, 2nd Respondent, Famous Osawaru, who held brief for West Idahosa, SAN, described the judgement as “master class, meticulously written, articulately delivered and a victory for the people of Owan Federal Constituency”

He maintained that the tribunal dismissed the petition following the inability of the petitioners to prove the issues of over voting as alleged in their petition.

“They could not proved the elements to establish over votes in the election”, he said

On his part, Counsel to the respondent, the APC Victor Asumwan, esq said: “We are glad with the judgement and it is a reaffirmation of the decision of the electorates in Owan east and West Constituency when they voted massively for APC

“The tribunal has affirmed the position of the law that for one to prove over voting, there are certain requirements of the law you must meet.

“The petitioners obviously woefully failed to meet those provisions,” he averred.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.