News

Supreme Court Judgment: Lagos PDP Candidate Reacts, Asks Supporters To Cease Fire

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 governorship election, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has expressed disappointment in the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s election.

He, however, told his supporters that they needed to cease fire.

The apex court on Friday affirmed Sanwo-Olu’s victory after it was upheld by the tribunal and Appeal Court.

The kernel of the case of the Labour Party candidate in the election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, is on Sanwo-Olu’s running mate qualification.

He claimed that the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, had renounced his citizenship as a Nigerian.

Reacting, Sanwo-Olu urged his opponents during the election to join him in developing the state.

The governor told the duo to join the progressive governance train, noting that he and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, do not profess a monopoly of ideas.

But, Jandor, in a statement, said he was not pleased with the judgment, citing electoral wrongdoing in the election, which was not addressed in the tribunal, appeal court, and the apex court.

He said, “I once again appreciate the privilege of offering myself to serve you as the governor of our dear state in the 2023 general elections.

“We have expressed our reservation on the conduct and the outcome of the election by taking advantage of the provisions of the constitution and the electoral law to file a petition at the election tribunal through to the appeal court and, finally, the Supreme Court.

“This is not the outcome we envisaged or worked so hard for. But I am very proud of the values we share and the vision we hold for our dear state. And for the very robust, vast, diverse, people-centered, and rural-network campaign that we built and executed together.

“I know how disappointed you are with the outcomes of the election because I feel it, too. The frustration, intimidation, and betrayal, but our disappointment must be overcome by our love for our dear state.

“Since the election is over, and all avenues to redress for observed electoral wrongdoing have been exhausted, we need to cease fire and let the declared winner govern on the basis of their vision for the development of our state and let the electorates be the judge of their performance.

“This will not, in any way, deter me from continuing to contribute my quota to the development of our dear state and towards achieving the desired economic emancipation and a breath of fresh air in governance for our people.”

He appreciated the faith entrusted to him while thanking the party’s faithful and lovers for their dedication and hard work during and after the election.

The Lagos PDP candidate further congratulated Sanwo-Olu while wishing him a peaceful, development, and people-focused tenure.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

6 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

7 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.