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SERAP Drags INEC To Court Over Uninvestigated Electoral Offences In 2023 Elections

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a contempt lawsuit against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for failing to investigate alleged electoral offences in the 2023 general elections.

The organisation stated that, despite a court order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 18 July 2024, INEC has “failed and/or refused to implement the judgement.”

This was disclosed in a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, 27 October 2024. However, no date has been set for the hearing of the contempt suit.

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According to SERAP, the judge directed the nation’s electoral commission “to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, as well as other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections,” and “to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections,” among others.

READ ALSO: Account For Missing N100bn Dirty Notes, Others, SERAP Drags CBN Gov

SERAP stated that, regarding the notice of consequences of disobedience to the court order, the INEC chairman was informed: “Take notice that unless you obey the orders contained in the judgement of 18 July 2024, made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.”

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SERAP warned that it was “unacceptable” for INEC to ignore or fail to abide by court orders, adding that Nigeria was being mocked for its “recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence.”

The organisation said, “It’s unacceptable to treat the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, with disdain. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function if INEC and its chairman routinely ignore and/or fail to abide by court orders. Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgement on INEC and Professor Yakubu, they have failed and/or refused to obey it.

“The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence mock Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy. The latest allegations of electoral offences in Edo State show that INEC has learnt little or nothing from the well-documented problems of the 2023 general elections.”

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Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo, SERAP urged INEC to address persistent electoral offences, end the impunity of perpetrators, and ensure citizens’ right to vote and political participation.

READ ALSO:N21m Jumbo Pay: SERAP Sues Akpabio, Abbas For ‘fixing N’Assembly Running Costs’

Quoting Justice Egwuatu’s judgement, the organisation stated, “The substance of SERAP’s grievance is the violence associated with elections in Nigeria, which tends to prevent citizens from exercising their franchise, thereby obstructing credible elections and, in the long run, credible leadership.

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“There is no gainsaying that electoral violence and related crimes during elections in Nigeria are a major impediment to the country’s democratic and economic development. As citizens of this country, SERAP and its members have a legal interest whose enjoyment or enforcement depends on the performance of public duty by INEC.”

SERAP added, “In requesting the performance of the public duty imposed on the electoral body, SERAP has shown a strong sense of patriotism. The Electoral Act 2022 created several electoral offences. Sections 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129 are some of the provisions of the Electoral Act that specify specific electoral offences.”

“The trial of offences under the Electoral Act is conducted in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of the state where the offence is committed, or in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. See Section 145(1) of the Electoral Act. By Section 145(2) of the same Act, prosecution for the offences shall be undertaken by INEC legal officers or any legal practitioner appointed by INEC. The law, therefore, mandates INEC to perform a public duty.”

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In July 2024, the Abuja Federal High Court ordered INEC to hold state governors, their deputies, and others accountable for cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the 2023 general elections.

In September 2024, SERAP urged the electoral commission to enforce the court judgment on the above subject matter.

 

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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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