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Edo Election Tribunal Chairman Sues For Cooperation As Sitting Commences

Published

9 months ago

December 9, 2024

The chairman, Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, on Monday called for cooperation from all the stakeholders as the tribunal commenced pre-hearing sitting.

Flanked by the other two members of the panel, Justices A.B. Yusuf and A.A. Adewole, Justice Kpochi also urged counsels not to engage in unnecessary arguments that could lead to shouting, craving that the conducive atmosphere he met should be sustained.

According to Kpochi, “I am impressed by the conducive and calm environment I am seeing and going forward, I will want this to continue, I appeal to you all that let us put our eyes on the ball so that we can have serene proceedings.

“You have SANs and very senior lawyers here, nobody is going to shout at you, please don’t also shout at us, if there are areas you feel not comfortable about, please draw our attention to it.”

Responding, one of the lead counsels to the PDP candidate , Asue Ighodalo, Ken Mozia, SAN, pledged their commitment to the proceedings as far as other parties would do the same.

He added: “We will do our best to represent our client, and we have admonished his supporters to be civil and not to even be in the court premises. We will do our best to cooperate with you.”

On his part, lead counsel to the governor, Oyinyechi Ikpazu, SAN, said they were ready to cooperate with the panel and other parties in the suits to ensure a smooth exercise.

“We sue for understanding and working together. We have done cases; we have also done cases against each other so we know ourselves and we will give our maximum cooperation for this.”

On his part, the chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Benin branch, Idemudia Osifo, while pledging cooperation from the association, however, expressed concerns about the space where the sitting took place.

He said the room used for the sitting was too small compared to the number of people present, and Justice Kpochi said he had taken note of that.

In today’s sitting, candidate of the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo was accompanied by the state chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.

Asue Ighodalo is challenging the September 21, 2024 election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Others challenging the result of the election are Accord Party (AC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Meanwhile, Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo was absent at today’s sitting, while his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented by the State Legal Adviser, Stephen Okoror and other chieftains of the party including the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Fran Okiye.

There was tight security in today’s inaugural sitting which was held at the Edo State High Court Premises along Sapele Road in Benin City.

In a related development , while sitting was ongoing inside the courtroom, suspected supporters of parties clashed outside the court premises

Some people believed to be supporters of some of the parties wearing white fez caps and T-Shirts with alleged inviting inscriptions were said to have clashed with other supporters who were said to have been against such inscriptions.

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W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes

Published

12 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.

The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.

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NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak

Published

12 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.

However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.

Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.

Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.

Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.

The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.

They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.

The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.

Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

News

5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know

Published

12 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

File Copy: Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele

Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.

The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.

Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.

Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”

According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.

Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.

Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.

Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:

Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?

No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:

“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.

Does it apply to all fuels?

No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?

Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:

He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”

Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?

The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”

Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?

Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”

Why not remove the surcharge entirely?

He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”

In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)