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Elections: NGO Drags Malami, Kalu To Court

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A human rights organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture, has dragged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to court over an alleged electoral crime.

Others also accused of breaching the electoral laws are the Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzo Kalu and Dim Emeka Obasi.

In the originating summons filed before the Federal High Court, the plaintiff is accusing the defendants of “gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act by displaying their ballot papers to the public immediately after casting their votes in their various polling units on the 25th day of February 2023”.

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It is averring that the action of the defendant’s “Including the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and some sitting Governors who are currently under immunity” sabotaged the secrecy of the ballot.

READ ALSO: Edo Govt Kicks As Doctor Alleges 30 Out Of 50 Pregnant Women Live With HIV

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by the National Coordinator of INAHURAT, Gerald Katchy Okoro, he stated that the plaintiff was accredited by INEC to observe the general elections of 25th February and 18th March 2023.

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He said, in line with the rules of engagement, the plaintiff posted its observers to observe the general election throughout the federation.

Furthermore, he averred that during the Presidential Election, the defendants “including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari and some sitting Governors who presently are under immunity” upon casting their votes displayed their ballot papers to the public.

He said they revealed to the public the candidate and the party they had voted for to influence the general election thereby undermining the secrecy of the ballot papers.

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READ ALSO: Wike Suffering From Post-election Trauma – Dino Melaye

As a result of the alleged infraction, the NGO is praying the court to order the electoral umpire and the IGP to investigate the alleged offenders by the provisions of the law.

It is praying the court for “a declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying and showing to the public their ballots papers on the 25th February, 2023 during the presidential and National Assembly election to show or review whom they voted for to influence the election is a clear and gross violation of Section 122 (1), (2) and (3 a & b) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

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“A declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying their ballot papers to the public to review the party and or candidate they voted for in the concluded presidential and National Assembly Election on the 25th February 2023 amounts to a gross violation of Section 122 (3) (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

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“A declaration that the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying their Ballot papers to the public after casting their votes to review the party and the candidates they had voted influenced the election and as such are in total violation of the secret ballot envisaged in section 122 of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

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“A declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying or reviewing to the public their ballot papers after casting their votes attracts the punishment prescribed under section 122 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

“An order directing the 1st and the 2nd defendants to investigate the 3rd and the 5th defendants and prosecute them accordingly and punish them in line with Section 122 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.
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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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