News

Drama As APC, INEC Tender Conflicting Results At Bayelsa Gov Tribunal

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

The All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission, on Wednesday, tendered conflicting election results for the November 11, 2023 governorship election held in Bayelsa State at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

INEC had declared Douye Diri, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, as the winner of the election after polling a total of 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress who scored 115,262 votes.

Diri, and his deputy, Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, were on Wednesday inaugurated for their second term in office.

They took fresh oaths of office and allegiance administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, inside the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, Sylva and the APC are challenging the declaration of Diri as the winner of the election at the tribunal.

INEC, Diri, his deputy, Ewhirujakpo, and the PDP are the respondents in the matter.

Sylvia and APC are contending that the election was conducted in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Nembe Local Government Areas where INEC claimed that the election was not held due to the diversion of electoral materials among others.

However, at the commencement of the hearing of the petition, INEC presented its Certified True Copies of the election results, whereas the APC polling unit agents submitted diverse results for the areas where they were deployed.

An APC polling agent, Odungele Moses, before giving testimony, adopted his statement on oath which he deposed to on December 1, 2023.

Led in evidence by counsel for the petitioners, Tunde Falola, the witness maintained that the election took place in his polling unit, PU 15, Ward 4, and tendered a result which he claimed was issued to him by the election’s presiding officer.

However, during cross-examination by, counsel for the governor, Chris Uche, SAN, the witness admitted that although 16 political parties participated in the election, only the APC which he represented as an agent signed the result he tendered.

He, however, did not give reasons why others did not sign.

Another witness, Mallory Afin, who also testified for the petitioners tendered APC results which had the same serial number and number of accredited voters of 169 with INEC’s, but had different results recorded for the political parties.

During a cross-examination, Uche observed that the results tendered by the APC and its candidate at two different polling units were signed by the same presiding officer.

When put to Afin that the result he had was fake, the witness denied the allegations of parading fake election results.

Uche asked if he knew who had the power to conduct elections and declare a winner, the witness stated that it was INEC.

Although the two conflicting results were objected to by the different parties, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, admitted them as exhibits for the tribunal’s consideration during the hearing of the petition.

Adeleye subsequently adjourned further hearing till February 15, 2024.

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

1 hour ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.