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Tribunal Sacks Ondo Lawmaker

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The election petition tribunal sitting in Akure has nullified the election of a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ileoluji/Okeigbo constituency, Nelson Akinsuroju, of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

While ruling on a petition filed by the candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Babatunde Fadare against the election of Akinsuroju, the tribunal declared that the March 18th, 2023 Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency election, was inconclusive.

It therefore ordered a rerun election in six, out of the 27 polling units being challenged by the PDP Candidate, of the entire 191 polling units in the Constituency.

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Akinsuroju, was announced winner by INEC, after polling a total number of 10,207 votes, to beat the PDP candidate who polled 9,287 votes.

But Fadare had petitioned the tribunal, challenging the outcome of the election on the grounds that the election was not valid for non-compliance with electoral laws and that Nelson Akinsuroju was not duly elected for not getting the highest lawfully votes cast.

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He also urged the court to declare the election inconclusive and order INEC to conduct supplementary election in the 6 affected units where election were disrupted.

The petitioner also joined INEC and APC as respondents in the petition.

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The three-man panel led by the Chairman, Rose Soji, while delivering judgement, ordered for a rerun in 6 affected polling units in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area of Ondo State.

Reacting to the verdict, counsel to Akinsuroju, Remi Olatubora SAN, said the judgement was one sided as it is based on morality of the case and not competence of the results.

Represented by Barrister Olumide Ogidan, the defense counsel, added that “the judgment shall be studied and shall be appealed within the stipulated timeframe, as stated in the Electoral Act of 2022.

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The sacked lawmaker, Akinsuroju, has however, called for calm and enjoined the people of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo State Constituency to be hopeful as the judgment shall be appealed through his legal team.

Akinsuroju added that, their mandate would be protected for them, to ensure that they continue to enjoy the dividends of their democracy which they have been enjoying for over 4 months.

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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

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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.

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“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.”

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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

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam

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.

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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.

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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.

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

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

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.

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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.

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