Connect with us

News

Court Restrains INEC From Conducting By-election Into Edo Assembly Seats

Published

on

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court, on Tuesday, stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting fresh election to replace 14 House of Assembly members-elect yet to be inaugurated to take their seats.

The electoral body was restrained from conducting any election to fill the 14 seats declare vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit against the leadership of the house.

Advertisement

Justice Ahmed Mohammed issued the restraining order sequel to a motion ex-parte filed by the members-elect.

The state legislators-elect who instituted the legal action include; Victor Edoro, Washington Osifo, Vincent Uwadiae, Kingsley Ugabi, Michael Ohio-Ezomo, Sunday Aghedo and Chris Okaeben.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Edo APC Crises: Oshiomhole Supporting EPM Is Disobedience To Benin Monarch – Publicity Scribe

Advertisement

Others are Crosby Eribo, Aliyu Oshiomhole, Oshomah Ahmed, Ganiyu Audu, Ugiagbe Dumez, Uyi Ekhosuehi and Eric Okaka.

They had approached the court, seeking an order of interim injunction restraining INEC from conducting by-elections in respect of their seats in the Edo State House of Assembly purportedly declared vacant by the speaker on December 4, 2019, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The suit dated December 10, 2019 has as respondents Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Frank Okiye and INEC as 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.

Advertisement

Delivering ruling in the ex-parte with suit: number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1582/19 and filed by Damian Dodo SAN, on behalf of the 14 lawmakers, Justice Mohammed ordered that parties in the suit should not take any further steps pending the determination of the motion before the court.

The judge had at the last hearing ordered the 1st and 2nd defendants to appear before the court on December 19 to show cause why the interim injunction being sought by the plaintiffs vide their motion ex-parte should not be granted.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: ‘I Have No Plan To Join APC’ – Rep

Advertisement

Justice Mohammed also ordered that the enrolled order to show cause on motion ex-parte for interim injunction, motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and the originating processes should be served on the respondents.

The judge, who ordered that hearing notices be issued on the respondents, had then adjourned the matter till December 19 for Okiye and INEC to appear and show cause.

Although the court did sit at the adjourned date (December 19, 2019) parties in the suit were given January 7, 2020. for further proceeding.

Advertisement

When the matter was called yesterday counsel to the applicants, Ikhide Ehighelua reminded the court about the motion ex-parte filed on December 10, 2019.

My Lord, my learned friend from INEC is here today,” he said.

Responding, INEC’s lawyer, Femi Adeyemi, though acknowledged that the commission was served with all the processes, including the enrolled order, said it was not served with the motion ex-parte.

Advertisement

Adeyemi, who told the court that INEC’s position on the matter was to be neutral, said the electoral umpire did not oppose the application filed by the plaintiffs.

My Lord, our position is that we want to retain our neutrality,” he told the judge.

He hinted that he had not filed an affidavit in support of the commission’s position.

Advertisement

Justice Mohammed, however, said based on provisions of Order 26 Rules 11, 12 and 13 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019, where a defendant is asked to come and show cause, the defendant is expected to file an affidavit in evidence and not an oral evidence.

What you are telling me here is evidence. I understand you very well. You filed an affidavit that you want to be neutral.

“File an affidavit and explain there even if it is a two paragraphs, but not to stand at the bar and explain,” the judge said.

Advertisement

The court held that INEC having decided not to oppose the applications filed by the lawmakers, the commission should restrain itself from taking further step since the matter was still pending in court.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: IZE-IYAMU: A Witch Hunt Turned Smear Campaign

Justice Mohammed in addition ordered INEC to file an affidavit in support of its position and to show cause why the interim injunction should not be granted before the next adjourned date.

Advertisement

The Judge ordered that the 1st defendant, Mr Okiye, who was not represented in court be issued with the hearing notice, adjourned the matter till January 28.

(SUN)

Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments

News

Why We Refused To Vote, Opted For Football – Lagos Youths

Published

on

While election officials and stakeholders made repeated calls for civic participation in the ongoing local government polls in Lagos, some young residents of Alausa, Ikeja, chose football over voting.

Between 9am and 2pm on Saturday, during the peak of the electioneering process, groups of youths were seen at three different spots in Alausa engrossed in football matches instead of heading to polling units.

Advertisement

When approached by our correspondent, many of them cited a lack of trust in the electoral outcome as the reason for staying away from the polls.

“You can’t force me to vote. I chose to play ball, and why will I vote?” said Ayomikun Ola, one of the youths.

READ ALSO: What May Change As Lagos Tenancy Bill Passes Second Reading

Advertisement

Another young man, Opeyemi Omoemi, was blunt in his response: “We all know that it’s the APC that wins all, as usual. So there is no need for me to disturb myself.”

Wasiu, also found on the field, said, “Bro, there is no need. I am satisfied with the football than the vote.”

Bayo, who joined the game, explained that he was underage. “I haven’t clocked 18, that’s why I didn’t vote. The best is to play football,” he said.

Advertisement

A young woman, Seriki Ganiyat, attending to customers at her shop nearby, said she could not afford to leave her business for the election.

READ ALSO: LASIEC Releases Validated Candidates’ List Gor Lagos LG Polls

It’s not necessary. I have children to feed. Imagine if I had to leave my shop to go and vote. What for and what will my children eat this night?” she asked.

Advertisement

Their views reflect a broader pattern of low voter turnout and widespread apathy observed across many polling units.

At Polling Unit 003, Ward 7, only 61 out of 1,000 registered voters had voted as of 1:05pm.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Vote Counting Begins In Yaba

Advertisement

Similarly, at PU 007 of the same ward, only 30 people had cast their ballots by 1pm., while PU 031 had recorded just four voters out of 29 by 1:12 p.m.

At PU 026, only one voter had shown up out of 21 registered. PU 027 recorded just five votes from 62 registered voters by 1:43pm.

In Ward F, PU 011, 45 voters turned up from a total of 908. PU 085 had no votes cast at all by 1:45pm, despite having four registered voters.

Advertisement

Ward C’s PU 004, with 913 registered voters, recorded just 30 ballots as of 1:47pm. At Ward F, PU 036, only 50 out of 986 had voted by 1:51pm.
(PUNCH)

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: Vote Counting Begins In Yaba

Published

on

Vote counting has officially commenced at Polling Unit 024 in Ward B, Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos, marking the winding down of the 2025 local government election across the state.

However, the conclusion of the poll has been overshadowed by a pervasive low voter turnout, raising questions about the exercise’s overall impact.

Advertisement

The lack of voter enthusiasm could impact the credibility and inclusiveness of the exercise,” an election observer noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many watching the democratic process unfold.

READ ALSO: Lagos Police Deploys 30,000 Officers For LG Polls

This concern comes as officials at Polling Unit 002, located in the same Ward B, continued to await the arrival of voters even as counting began elsewhere.

Advertisement

Despite a generally peaceful atmosphere reported across various polling units, voter turnout remained significantly low in many parts of Yaba.

At Ward F, 012, situated along Iwaya Road, voting was still ongoing as of press time, with officials describing the turnout as notably lower than anticipated.

READ ALSO: LASIEC Releases Validated Candidates’ List Gor Lagos LG Polls

Advertisement

Similar reports echoed from other sections of Iwaya, where Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission officials observed a sluggish pace of voting activity throughout the day.

In contrast, Ward G at St. Timothy College presented a more active scene, with multiple polling units—including 001, 002, 003, 004, and 005—conducting voting in an orderly manner.

This provided a glimpse of the organised process, even amidst the broader challenges of voter engagement.

Advertisement

Election observers, while commending the largely calm and disruption-free process, reiterated their concerns that the palpable lack of voter enthusiasm could indeed impact the credibility and inclusiveness of the local government elections.

LASIEC officials have continued their efforts to encourage eligible voters to come out and cast their ballots before the scheduled close of voting at 3pm.
(PUNCH)

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Delta Community King Joins His Ancestors

Published

on

The traditional ruler of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, also known as the Ohworode of Olomu, has passed away.

The official announcement was made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the kingdom’s spokesperson, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who was joined by members of the Olomu Traditional Council and the late king’s family.

Advertisement

As part of the tradition, the announcement was accompanied by cultural rites, including a performance from Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to symbolise the king’s journey to the afterlife.

READ ALSO: Bill To Establish Federal Oil And Gas Hospital In Delta Scales Second Reading In Senate

Following customs, all markets within the kingdom are to remain shut, and no burial or marriage ceremonies will take place during the mourning period. Shops may only open partially.

Advertisement

A one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025.

During this time, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are required to wear black armbands on their left arms and are not allowed to wear the traditional red Olomu chieftaincy cap, as a sign of respect for the late king.

In remembrance, a five-minute silence was held to honour the monarch, who began his reign on May 20, 2023.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending