Osun Governorship Tussle: Chairman, Members Of Tribunal Disagree

March 22, 2019

Chairman of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo has disagreed on point of law with members of the Tribunal in the legal tussle raging between the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola over the September 2018 governorship election held in the State.

However, in a two-to-one judgment today, Friday, the Tribuna held that Adegboyega of the APC was not the valid winner of both the September 22 and 27 re-run elections.

The Tribunal therefore nullified the Certificate of Return the INEC issued to Adegboyega, even as it awarded a cost of 200,000.00 against him and the APC.

In the lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Peter Obiora, the tribunal held that the State Returning Officer of INEC that cancelled results of seven polling units in four LGAs of the state, which led to the September 27 re-run poll, had no power to do so. It invalidated the outcome of the re-run election. PDP petitions NJC over exparte order halting collation of election result in Bauchi “We hold that the cancellation was unlawful and ultra-vires of his powers.

“The cancellation cannot stand, being a product of illegality”, the tribunal held.

However, Chairman of the tribunal said he disagreed with the lead.

APC Vows To Appeal Against Judgment Of Tribunal On Osun Gubber

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun state has rejected the Election Petition Tribunal verdict that declared Senator Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner of the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state.

According to the party, in a terse statement today, Friday by the Director of publicity, Kunle Oyatomi in osogbo, the state capital: ”the verdict cannot stand superior legal scrutiny. Therefore we will appeal against it.”

Source: Vanguard.

Supplementary Polls: Buhari Asks Voters To Elect Those Who’ll Deliver On Promises

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to come out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice in the supplementary elections scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday in 17 states.

In a statement today, Friday, by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President appealed to voters not to get tired of coming out to vote in the supplementary elections, adding: “these elections are no less important than others before them.”

He appealed to voters to vote for the candidates they believe will deliver on promises because it is their “constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights.”

President Buhari dismissed rumours and insinuations that he was forcing voters to elect candidates other than those they preferred.

Describing the rumours as baseless, the President said that at no time did he give instructions that the electorate should vote particular candidates.

“I believe in the will of the people, and I cannot, therefore, put pressure on voters to elect leaders they don’t like.”

President Buhari also called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law and constitution.

He assured Nigerians that he is ready to work with elected representatives of the people regardless of party platforms on which they are elected.

President Buhari said that he will work in the best interest of the country and democracy.

He seized the opportunity to thank Nigerians for re-electing him for a second term in office, assuring them that he would never forget their sacrifices in defying harsh weather conditions to vote for him.

“I was deeply overwhelmed by your show of incredible confidence in me, and I will never let you down. Thank you for your sincere show of support for me.”

Atiku Jubilates Over Osun Court’s Verdict, Declaring PDP Candidate As Governor

Editorial staff

March 22, 2019

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar has rolled out drum to celebrate the verdict of the election tribunal upholding the election of the PDP candidate in the 22 September, 2018 governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Atiku said that such verdict has shown that Nigerian judiciary is now truly the defender of Nigeria’s democracy, saying that the restoration of the stolen mandate of Senator Adeleke shows that the judiciary is the last refuge of the common man “and that in truth, those who were aggrieved and resolved to maintain the peace, have been vindicated.

Atiku Abubakar, in congratulating Senator Adeleke, the PDP and men and women of goodwill in Osun State, expressed happiness that they did not waver in their commitment to retrieve the stolen mandate.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy has come for the people of Osun.”

The PDP presidential candidate commended the courage of the judiciary and its resilience “even in the face of strenuous efforts by the APC-led government to undermine and intimidate it.”

According to Atiku who is former Vice President, the decision of the judiciary on the Osun governorship election is phenomenal in view of the culture of inconclusive elections by INEC in this season.

“The judgment has rekindled hope and confidence that those whose mandate had been tampered with or denied can look forward to justice being done to them.”

Atiku called on the judiciary to remain steadfast as the eyes of all Nigerians “and deed the whole world are on them to help ensure that democracy in Nigeria is put on a solid foundation.”

If Court Rules That We Give Okorocha Certificate Of Return, We’ll Do So – INEC

Editorial staff

March 21, 2019

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it will give the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha Certificate of Return for the Imo West Senatorial District if the court eventually rules that he should be so given.

“At the end of the day, we will comply with whatever the court says,” National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education for INEC, Festus Okoye, said in an interview with news men.

Festus, who said that there were four lawmakers in that category, which INEC refused to issue Certificates to because their results were declared under duress, emphasized that since Okorocha and others have taken legal action, the commission will allow the judiciary to decide.

“Since they have taken legal option we are going to allow the judiciary to take it course.”

As a result of the refusal by INEC to issue him a Certificate of Return after being declared winner of Imo West senatorial election, Governor Okorocha took a legal action against the commission.

Senator Saraki Describes 2019 General Elections As Shame To Nigeria

Editorial staff

March 21, 2019

The Senate President, who was Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has described the just concluded general elections in the country, especially the Presidential election as shame to Nigeria.

He vowed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the February 23 Presidential poll would be short-lived.

“If anybody believes that it (Presidential election) is a loss to PDP, it is a loss to the country; history will not forgive. We said it many times here that the worst to do is to do an election that, as a country Nigeria, will not be proud of.

Saraki, who spoke at the opening session of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting yesterday, Wednesday in Abuja, insisted that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must defeat Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“First of all, the true reflection of the presidential election showed the kind of character that the PDP has. I think that is something that we should build on.

“My own appeal to everybody is to say this victory that the other party has seen is going to be short-lived. We have a great future ahead and I believe we will start that on Saturday, to make sure that we defend those five states that are declared inconclusive.

“We have done an election that no doubt anybody and even those that think they have won are ashamed of the kind of election that we did.

“I think it is a shame to the country and to those that were given that responsibility to do.

“We are setting a bad example, not only in Nigeria, but in the continent when we bring militarisation into our election.”

Biggest Threat To Journalism Is Unregulated Social Media Platforms – Buhari

Editorial staff

March 21, 2019

President Buhari receives in audience National Leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists in State House on 21st Mar 2019.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the biggest threat to the journalism profession now is the uncontrolled and unregulated news platforms operating in the cyber space.

The President, who spoke when he received in audience at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of the Nigerian Union of Journalists led by Chris Isiguzo at the State House, said: “I am sure you will all agree that the biggest threat to the sustainability and credibility of your profession is the uncontrolled and unregulated news platforms operating in the cyber space,’’ he said.

He asked members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists to devise a means to control the spread of false information, even as he noted that those who create alternative realit’’ on social media are steadily eroding the credibility of journalism.

“Your profession today is undergoing a fundamental shift. For better or worse, the digital space is now becoming the major outlet for ‘news’. This space is difficult to regulate and police. In many instances, the participants in this medium are not trained or professional journalists.

“The stories they present are neither factual nor true. However, through the digital platform, they are able to reach millions and create an alternate reality in their minds.”

The President noted that some misleading information in the social media were created and posted by people who lived outside the country.

“Many of the perpetrators of these acts do not even live within our shores. However, they have been able to damage the reputation of hard working Nigerian journalists while at the same time promoting conflict and divisions within our society.”

President Buhari however commended Nigerian journalists for the effective coverage of the 2019 elections, pointing out that many, out of patriotism, went beyond their call of duty and took risks to ensure full and balanced reporting of the election.

He assured the NUJ that security agencies will do their best to protect journalists, especially in hostile environments.

He also assured Nigerians that his administration will in the next four years, pursue inclusive and transparent policies that will guarantee security and economic safety of every citizen.

“As I look to the next four years, I will remain committed to a safe and secure nation; creating an inclusive and diversified economy; and a governance system that is free of corrupt practices. In all these areas, we will remain transparent in implementing our policies.’’

The President of the NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, congratulated the President on winning the 2019 Presidential elections, attributing the victory to his integrity and commitment to the development of the nation.

Isiguzo said that the union is concerned by the growing number of media casualties in Nigeria, and across the continent, as they carry out their duties, calling on the Federal and State governments to take effective measures in protecting journalists.

‘‘Sir, we also wish to encourage your administration to evolve better ways of impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians who feel marginalized from the mainstream of Nigeria’s social, economic and political activities.”

We May Be Forced To Stop Inauguration Of Buhari For 2nd Term, PDP Threaten

Greenbarge Reporters

March 20, 2019

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threatened to seek exparte orders to halt statutory processes to stop the swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari for his second term.

The PDP warned the APC not to force it to a situation where it will have no other option than to allow its members to “seek similar exparte orders to halt statutory processes including the swearing-in of APC candidates at various levels, particularly President Muhammadu Buhari.”

In a statement today, Wednesday by its national spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP frowned at the court order that stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from final collation of Bauchi State governorship election results.

The PDP described the development as “arm-twisting of the judiciary and the court by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unconstitutionally halt the conclusion of collation of already declared results in the Bauchi State governorship election, which has been won by the PDP.”

The statement read, “The party alerts that such development, which is akin to the infamous order that derailed the 1993 democratic process, is part of the plot by the APC and certain compromised elements in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to escalate crisis and derail our electoral process.

“The power to collate, suspend collation and or to reverse such decision based on obvious circumstances as the case in Bauchi is clearly within the domain of INEC. Until Collation is completed and results declared no one can question the constitutional powers of the electoral body: INEC, in that regard.

“The PDP cautions that if this desperate underhand measure by the APC to halt electoral processes is not checked, our hard earned democracy will fail us and our nation thrown into anarchy.

“Our party should not be constrained into a situation in which we will have no option than to allow our members to seek similar exparte orders to halt statutory processes including the swearing-in of APC candidates at various levels, particularly President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It is clear that collation of result is part of the electoral process and that INEC cannot act on a purported exparte order to jettison its independence and halt the collation of results, which is a key component of its statutory electoral duty.

“Section 87 (10) of the Electoral Act is unambiguous in its prescription that “nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general election or the processes thereof under this Act pending the determination of a suit”.

“Our party therefore charges INEC to be properly guided by the law in this regard.

´The PDP urges the institution of Judiciary not to allow the APC to entangle the court in its shenanigans to destroy our hard-earned democracy. Nigerians in Bauchi state have elected the PDP and nothing can change this reality.”

The Federal High Court, Abuja had ordered INEC to stop the collation and announcement of the result of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Bauchi State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after hearing an ex parte application filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the incumbent governor of the state, Mohammed Abubakar.

Federal Government Votes AnotherN3.039 Billion For Ogoni land Cleanup

Editorial staff

March 20, 2019

Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved five more contracts valued at N3.039 billion for the cleanup of Ogoni land in Rivers. The contract is in addition to 16 other contracts that were approved in January this year.

According to the minister of environment, Suleiman Hassan, who briefed news men today, Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the 16 contracts which were awarded earlier were within the ministerial tenders board, the five others that were approved today is above the tenders board “and that is why we presented them to the council.”

The minister said that the ongoing Ogoni clean-up exercise follows a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.

This was even as the governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, who is the vice chairman of the National Food Security Council, said that a memo was presented to the Council on intervention “for states that have been affected by conflicts and insecurity, where many have been displaced from their homes and some are living in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps.”

The governor said that the Council approved N8,558,529,755 for intervention in Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

“The beneficiaries are estimated about 69,872 people. The intervention includes the provision of fertiliser, seedlings, chemicals, poultry and animals to enable them to resume economic activity,” he said.

The Kebbi governor said that the council considered and approved the submission which originated from the National Food Security Council on states that have been severely affected by flooding.

He said that it is not an exhaustive list because the National Emergency Management Agency statutorily provides support to states that experience one emergency or the other.

“Last year, there was an unusual amount of flooding in some states, about 14 of them, and the National Food Security Council considered the impact of that flooding on the agricultural sector, food security, animal husbandry and fisheries.

“And so, today the council approved an intervention totalling N18,942,818,912.14.

“Contracts would be awarded to 15 companies to provide seedlings, agrochemicals and fertilisers to 163,117 beneficiaries located in 14 states.

“The states are Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto and Taraba.”

Galadima Accuses APC Of Using Military, Security Agencies To Rig 2019 Presidential Poll

Editorial staff

March 20, 2019

Buba Galadima, the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation,has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using military personnel and other security agencies to massively rig the 2019 Presidential election in favour of the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Channels Television prohgramme today,Wednesday, Buba Galadima said: “of course, every Nigerian, everybody in the world who had followed the contemporary Nigerian election of 2019 knew that there was rigging, massive intimidation; in fact, there was robbery by the APC by using the security agencies, especially the military to rig the election.

“If it is an allegation, go and ask a host of places in Benue, Plateau, Borno, Yobe and Zamfara. “Let them go to court, I’ll substantiate it. You know it is a fact that one month to the election, the military had declared what you called Python Dance across the 36 states of the federation.

“That is preparatory to their engagement during the election and they used it effectively to intimidate voters, to harass voters to kill voters and write results for the APC. Is that an allegation? Did you not see what happen?

“Records available to us show that our candidates had won this election and that is why we had gone to court.”

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