News

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

Published

5 years ago

January 7, 2020

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

News

How Fake Miracle Water-producing Church Is Resisting Investigation – NAFDAC

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to faith-based organizations regarding the illegal production of regulated products that fail to meet regulatory standards.

The agency also cautioned the public to steer clear of so-called ‘miracle products.’

The advisory followed the discovery that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, a church located in Delta State along KM 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, has been involved in producing ‘miracle water’ and has been resisting NAFDAC’s efforts to investigate.

The church is accused of selling this miracle water with a counterfeit NAFDAC registration.

However, NAFDAC Director General (DG), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Sunday, September 8, revealed that following numerous public inquiries regarding the authenticity of the product, allegedly bearing a NAFDAC certification, the agency launched an investigation that has faced resistance.

Emphasizing that as a science-based organization, NAFDAC would not compromise its responsibility to safeguard public health for spiritual claims, the DG said after being inundated with inquiries by the public to ascertain the authenticity of the product given its NAFDAC certification, the agency was forced to commence an investigation that has met resistance so far.

Adeyeye, in a statement, detailed the events and multiple attempts made by the church to evade investigation, saying, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC’s name to deceive unsuspecting public.

“Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry.

“The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness.

“He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.

“The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims.

“The products include Miracle & Healing Water; River Jordan Water; The Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida; A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water; Water of Life; Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L); A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water; and Father Smelled Perfume.

“Upon receipt of the petitions, NAFDAC, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) NAFDAC, contacted the Delta State Coordinator to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office.

“The coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced.

“The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.

“On Wednesday 14th August 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service (HOS) – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer (CSO).

“The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product.

“The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.

“On 27th August 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry, to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team.

“Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on 28th August, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on 28th August 2024 and asked to come back on the 3rd September 2024 to organize their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report at the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.

“Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On 3rd September 2024, they forwarded some documents instead asking for more time to report.

“In a document, made available to the NAFDAC Office on the evening of 3rd September, the faith organization claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State. This act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

“In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed Globod Table Water factory for aiding and abetting the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.

“At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered “Miracle” products.

“NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC.

“The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is a scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

“In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them.

“I want to use this opportunity to warn either faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements.

“I want to assure Nigerians of our resolve to continue safeguarding the health of the citizens”.
NATION

News

Ijaw Nation Vows To Protect Fubara’s Government From ‘Strangers

Published

6 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Editor

Prominent Niger Delta rights and environmental activist, Comrade Ozobo Austin, has stated that the Ijaw nation will not permit “strangers” to destabilize the government of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

Ozobo specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike Nyesom, as one of the “strangers” who will not be allowed to undermine Fubara’s administration.

According to Ozobo, Governor Fubara is the “original aborigine” of Rivers State, adding that the Ijaw nation will not allow outsiders to disrupt his government.

Ozobo’s statement comes amid reports of political tensions in Rivers State, with some individuals allegedly trying to undermine Fubara’s government.

Ozobo who is also the president of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, emphasised that the Ijaw people have a vested interest in ensuring the success of Fubara’s administration, which they believe is working in their best interests.

Ozobo made it clear that the Ijaw nation will not stand idly by while “strangers” try to rock the boat.

“We will not allow anyone to come into our state and cause trouble,” Ozobo said.

“Governor Fubara is our son, and we will protect his government from any external interference.”

Ozobo’s comments have been seen as a warning to those who may be trying to destabilize Fubara’s administration.

“The Ijaw nation is a powerful force in Rivers State, and their support for Fubara’s government is crucial to its success.

“One thing is clear: the Ijaw nation will not allow anyone to undermine Fubara’s government without a fight,” he noted.

News

ATBU Alumni Donate N7.2m Laboratory Equipment To Bauchi University

Published

6 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Editor

A group, under the aegis of 2001/2002 Alumni class of Electrical Engineering Department of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, has donated laboratory equipment and furniture to the department.

Speaking during the presentation of the equipment on Saturday, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Nurudeen Umar, said that the equipment was worth N7.2 million.

Umar, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano, said the group felt they should go to the school and make the donation as a sign of gratitude to the school.

“We are here this morning at the Electrical Engineering Department of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi to donate some equipment and furniture to the department.

“We are alumni of this great department class 2001/2002 and we felt we need to give back to the department and that’s why we are here today.

“We donated some items, mostly laboratory equipment and furniture.

“We donated desktop computers along with computer tables, we donated more than 200 tools, we donated office blinds, multimeters, magnifying glasses, sockets and other items that can be used in the workshop.

“Basically, they are laboratory equipment, tools and furniture,” he said.

Receiving the equipment, Prof. Sani Kunya, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, said that the gesture marked another milestone moment for the university at this critical point in time.

“I feel humbled on behalf of the university to have this presentation.

“Not even the presentation but when you look at the amount involved, we really appreciate this gesture.

“This would go down in the history of the department, the faculty and the university as a whole,” he said.

Kunya assured that all what was donated would be used judiciously and highly maintained.