News

Fate Of 7 Govs Uncertain

Published

5 years ago

January 9, 2020

Niger and Taraba states in the March 9, 2019 governorship polls while seven other governors await the determination of appeals challenging their elections.

The states whose governorship elections are yet to be decided are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Imo, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto.

A five-member panel of justices presided by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, yesterday dismissed the appeals before the Supreme Court and affirmed the elections of governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia, PDP); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta, PDP); Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger, APC); and Darius Ishaku (Taraba, PDP).

In the first judgement on Abia delivered by Justice Adamu Galinje, the apex court held that the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alex Otti, failed to prove the allegation of over-voting against Ikpeazu and the PDP by relying solely on the card reader.

He ruled that the position of the apex court has been that where documents are dumped on the court, it would not attach any probative value to it.

He added that the makers of Forms EC8As, which statements of results contained names of accredited voters and number of voters, should have been called to demonstrate them.

Ruling on the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the election of Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, Justice Ejembi Eko held that a Federal High Court having disqualified its original candidate, the party had no flag bearer in the March 9 governorship election and ought not to have challenged the election.

Photo credit: dailytrust.com

Citing the provisions of sections 141 and 285 of the Electoral Act, Justice Eko said Professor Muhammad Sani Yahaya, who was presented by the party in Taraba, did not participate in all the processes of the election and is prohibited by law to be a successor to a candidate who was disqualified by a Federal High Court.

He explained that since the party proceeded to participate in the election despite the subsisting court order disqualifying its candidate, Abubakar Danladi, the votes cast for it are not valid but “wasted votes.”

“The appeal is mere academic exercise and will serve no useful purpose,” he said.

On the Niger appeal brought by PDP’s Umar Mohammed Nasko, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the issue of non-qualification and false information against Governor Bello had become statute barred having been brought outside the 180 days allowed by law.

She said the apex court cannot interfere with the decision made by the Court of Appeal on the judgement of the Niger State Election Petitions Tribunal, adding that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction on the matter.

In the appeal by Great Ogboru of APC against Governor Okowa of Delta, Justice Cletus Nweze ruled that the appellant dumped documents on the tribunal without demonstrating their relevance to his case.

He held that Ogboru relied too much on hearsay evidence in his allegations of over-voting and other electoral malpractices in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.

S/Court to decide petitions against 7 state govs

The Supreme Court is expected to decide within this month, the remaining seven cases including the appeal by former governor of Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow (APC) against Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (PDP); Bauchi appeal between former governor Mohammed Abubakar (APC) against Governor Bala Mohammed (PDP); and Benue appeal brought by Emmanuel Jime (APC) against Governor Samuel Ortom (PDP).

Other cases are those against Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha (PDP) by the APC candidate, Hope Uzodimma.

There are other appeals by Action Alliance (AA) candidate, Uche Nwosu and the candidate of APGA Ifeanyi Ararume, all of them challenging the validity of the election of Ihedioha.

In Kano, there is the appeal by Abba Kabiru Yusuf (PDP) against Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano; the appeal by Jeremiah Useni (PDP) against Simon Lalong of Plateau State; and in Sokoto, the appeal was brought by APC’s Ahmed Aliyu challenging the election of Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

Other cases dispensed by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the appeals involving Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo and Rivers affirming the election of the governors.

But the petitions filed against governors of Cross River, Enugu, Gombe, Kebbi and Kwara did not make it to the Supreme Court.

The governorship elections in Yobe and Jigawa did not attract any petition, while Kogi election, which held on November 16, 2019, is still at the tribunal.

Controversial appeals still at the S/Court

Adamawa

Governor Umar Fintiri will know his fate when the appeal by Bindow is heard at the Supreme Court.

At the tribunal, Bindow alleged over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act as well as irregularities during the March 2019 re-run governorship election.

Fintiri polled 376,552 votes to defeat the incumbent Bindow who got 336,386 votes. Fintiri won by 40,166 votes.

Bauchi

The appeal filed by Abubakar who sought for a second term in Bauchi but was defeated by Mohammed is expected to deepen legal understanding on election litigation in Nigeria.

The ex-governor filed his petition after conceding defeat to his would-be successor.

INEC initially declared the election of March 9 inconclusive as Mohammed polled 469,512 votes while Abubakar, who was rounding up his first term scored, 465, 453 votes.

The re-run election held on March 23, 2019 in 36 polling units across 15 local government areas, including results of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, were stalled by a Federal High Court in Abuja on March 19, 2019 after the former governor and the APC brought an ex parte motion before it.

The court, however, lifted the ban on March 25 to allow the conclusion of the collation which returned the opposition Mohammed as winner.

Kano

The appeal by Yusuf against Governor Ganduje at the Supreme Court will be dealing with the controversial issue of inconclusive and supplementary elections in Nigeria.

Yusuf polled 1,014,353 votes against 987,829 votes by Ganduje before the election was declared inconclusive.

During the rerun, Ganduje won and was declared winner but Yusuf approached the election petition tribunal insisting that he won at first ballot. The verdict of the tribunal did not favour him but the PDP candidate decided to approach the apex court.

Sokoto

The appeal by APC’s Aliyu against Governor Tambuwal is another matter that will be of interest to Nigerians. Aliyu lost by the narrowest of margins of 512,002 votes to 511,661 votes he polled. This was after the collation was declared inconclusive on March 9, 2019, forcing a re-run on March 23, 2019 during which Tambuwal was returned as winner.

So far, the APC controls 20 states, PDP 15 and APGA 1.

(DAILY TRUST)

Send Us Press Releases @ editor@infodailyng… Call Us For Your Event Coverage On 08067027581

News

FULL LIST: Those Supporting, Against Aug 1 Nationwide Protest

Published

6 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Editor

photo file copy:

It is no longer news that some Nigerians are planning to march against economic hardship under the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest from August 1 to 10.

The demonstration, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, its organisers have remained largely anonymous as no group has come forward to take responsibility.

The August 1 protest comes on the heels of similar demonstrations in Kenya, from which experts say Nigerians may have drawn inspiration.

Kenyan youths staged massive protests for weeks, forcing President William Ruto’s government to backtrack on tax hikes.

Organisers used social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to mobilise millions of young Kenyans for protests — a similar strategy deployed on Nigerian social media space.

In October 2020, Nigeria experienced massive protests nationwide when thousands of young people demonstrated against police brutality.

As the hunger protest movement gains momentum, with thousands of youths set to take action, national and state authorities have warned the organisers to tread softly.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong has revealed that participants in the planned nationwide protest would receive free legal representation if arrested and/or charged to court in Lagos State.

Citing the loss of life and property that characterised the #EndSARS protest in the country, many stakeholders, CSOs, bodies and others have pleaded with the organisers to shelve their plan, adding that the issues raised by them were already being addressed.

In the same vein, leaders from the southern and northern parts of the country have also joined the government to oppose the protest.

State governors have also cautioned against the protest, saying it is potentially dangerous.

As part of moves to placate aggrieved citizens, the President sent a bill to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 to the National Assembly this week. Both chambers of the legislature speedily passed the bill on Tuesday, awaiting the President’s assent.

So far, here is a list of those who are against, or supporting the planned protest as complied by The Nation

AGAINST

Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education, Ibrahim Waiya

Controversial singer Portable

Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN)

Enugu Innovative Youths

Orji Kalu

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly

Kebbi State Government

Lagos State House of Assembly

SDP’s Adewole Adebayo

Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya

Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum

Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU)

Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups (CASG)

Arewa Youth Assembly

South-East Governors’ Forum

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

Femi Fani-Kayode

Members of the House of Representatives agreed to donate 50 per cent of their salaries for a period of six months.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kaduna state

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Uche Nwosu

National Council of Traditional Rulers

Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi

National Association of Nigerian Students in Lagos

Self-Reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria

Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)

Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) and Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Stability and Cohesion

Actor Lege Miami

Door-to-door Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance

Reno Omokri

Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Kaduna State chapter

Executive Director, Business Development of the Nigerian-Export Import Bank (NEXIM) , Hon Stella Okotete

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

170 members of the House of Representatives under the aegis of the “New Dawn Caucus – 10th Assembly”

Jama’atu Nasril Islam

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II

SUPPORTING
Atiku Abubakar

The leadership of the Social Democratic Party led by National Chairman, Shehu Gabam

All Workers Convergence (AWC) led by Comrade Andrew Emelieze

Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of Afenifere

Lagos State Chapter of the Active Citizens Group Nigeria led by the group’s state coordinator, Adamma Ukpabi

Omoyele Sowore

Amnesty International

UNDECIDED
National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) directed its 104 affiliate organizations to remain on standby.

NATION

News

Religious Leaders Harp On Tolerance At Grassroots Sensitisation Programme In Benin

Published

9 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The need for religious tolerance in Nigeria took the centre stage in Benin on Friday at a Grassroots Sensitisation Programme on survey report on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FORB) in Nigeria.

The programme, themed
MECHANISM TO MONITOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF IN NIGERIA, was implemented by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); the Kukah Center (1KC) and Nasrul-lahi-l-Fathiu
Society (NASFAT), while King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz International Center for
Interreligious and Intercultura Dialogue (KAICIID) provided the fund.

In her opening remarks, Project Coordinator, FORB, Hajia Halimat Oyedele, said the project aimed at increasing the level of coexistence and the opportunity for peace in the country, and also addressing the existing structural limitations.

She added that the project also aims at the “promoting changes to existing policies in order to ensure existing laws and mechanisms promote social cohesion and the respect of Freedom of Religion and Belief.”

She continued: “In addition, to prevent possible future violations, the project will also focus on spreading a culture of respect of difference through targeted awareness raising activities on Interreligious Dialogue (1RD) and the respect of Freedom of Religion and Belief.

“This will increase the level of tolerance of the population and, hence, the possibility for peaceful coexistence between communities.”

On his part, keynote speaker, Barrister Nurudeen Asunogie, while stating that all the major religions in Nigeria preache justice, stressed: “Religion preaches justice. You can’t take everything because you think you are the majority. You can’t take everything just because you think you have the opportunity. Let it go round because the one who doesn’t get would create a situation where you have no peace. Everything you do must be on the wheel of ethics.”

Also speaking, Mr. Joseph Atang, Country Expert Representative, KAICIID, while emphasising on the need for freedom of religion in Nigeria, warned that disrespect for individuals’ religious beliefs would result in conflict as currently experience in the country.

“Some persons faith is disrespected so it becomes a source of conflict. Every human loves respect. Every human loves honour. Every human wants to have source of of belonging. Where you don’t have all these, you are angry and it could lead conflict,” he added.

Also lending his voice, Dr. Adesoye Mustapha, South-South Coordinator, NASFAT, while stating that religion is being used as a weapon at the grassroots by people in authority, however, noted that such religious intolerance experience among the masses is not obtainable among the politicians.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, who stated that God is one and that there’s no need for the religious strive in the country, appealed to religious leaders in the country to be more accommodating.

Also in his goodwill message, Humphrey Iriabe, Director of Evangelism & Inter-faith of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Edo State branch, noted: “We must see ourselves as the children of Abraham. Religious leaders need to educate their people that we are one. We are all human created by one God.”

News

Act Fast On Oil Spill Rocking Forcados Area, CSOs Task FG, Delta Govt

Published

11 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Editor

Environmental groups have called on the government at all levels to be proactive towards issues concerning environmental pollution and oil spills.

Their call followed a massive oil pollution ravaging Forcados area which has affected the Okuntu community coastline and other neighboring communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to reports by the community, the oil spill was caused by a fire incident which happened on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Facility owned by Brittina-U Nigeria Limited, at Ajakpa Field, OML 90.

Okuntu community which is in Ogulagha kingdom is close to Ibabebe (Isiayegbene) and Odimodi (Beniboye) communities, all along the Forcados area, who are also affected by the pollution, a statement issued by Elvira Jordan,
Communications Consultant to the groups said.

Speaking on the issue, Executive Director of Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), BENIN Richard, faulted the Federal and Delta State governments for Environment on their failure to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident or issue a statement regarding this environmental disaster in Okuntu.

According to him, the people of Odimodi(Beniboye ), Okuntu and Ogulagha communities and the ecosystem are under assault, and it is imperative that the authorities take immediate action to address this situation.

He urged the Commissioner for Environment to visit the affected area promptly, providing hope and reassurance to the affected communities.

“We demand a comprehensive assessment, prompt cleanup, and adequate compensation for those affected. The government must take responsibility for ensuring the well-being of its citizens and the protection of the environment.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for justice and relief for the people of Odimodi (Beniboye), Okuntu, Ogulagha and adjoining communities.” He said.

Lending his voice on the issue, the Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network, Chima Williams, lamented that the neglect of the local communities in relation to environmental pollution has become one too many in the Niger Delta.

He further laments that such neglect by the relevant agencies has driven communities in the Niger Delta into deep levels of poverty, as the people rely on their environment for survival.

Williams also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately swing into action, and to compel the polluting company to clean up the polluted environment around Okuntu and other communities.

A fisherwoman from one the communities, Baby Oziye, lamented that the pollution has caused hunger in their community, adding that several people are now hospitalized after drinking their water, following the pollution caused by the spill.

She added that the fisher folk are unable to carry out their fishing activities, causing hunger among the people.

Another community member, Akin Ayigo who also spoke on the issue lamented that after the fire incident and pollution, neither the company nor the government has done anything about the issue.

He added that fishing boats are afraid to go close to the polluted area due to the high level of chemical concentration in the area.

He called on the relevant agencies to swiftly swing into action.

On his part, the chairman of Okuntu community, Mofort Mebilaje stated that fire broke out on the 18th of July 2024 from a facility owned by Brittina-U Nigeria, which caused crude oil and other chemicals to drift ashore, polluting the coastline of Okuntu and other communities.

He revealed that the people of the community are unable to carry out their fishing and farming activities which has crumbled the economy of the community, pushing the people into hunger and starvation.

He added that the community had tried to escalate the issue to the company without any response.

Mofort called on the federal and state governments to intervene on the issue and prevail on the company to constitute a Joint Investigation Visit to the community to determine the level of pollution and to send relief materials to the community.