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Court Restrains INEC from Prosecuting Suspended Adamawa REC

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A federal high court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting Hudu Yunusa-Ari, suspended resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Adamawa state. 

Yunusa-Ari had stirred controversy by declaring Aisha Binani Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Adamawa governorship election, when the collation of the results was yet to be completed.

INEC declared the announcement null and void and summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja.

Subsequently, the electoral umpire wrote to the police to prosecute Yunusa-Ari over the electoral infraction.

On April 20, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the suspension of the Adamawa REC pending the completion of investigation by the police.

On Thursday, INEC revealed that the commission has filed a six-count charge against Yunusa-Ari before a high court in Yola, and that July 12 has been fixed for the commencement of trial.

However, in an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, Binani through her counsel, Michael Aondoaka, moved the ex-parte motion to stop Yunusa-Ari’s prosecution.

MAINTAINING STATUS QUO

Aondoaka, while moving the motion on Monday, argued that until the election petition tribunal decides the fate of his client in accordance with Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari cannot be said to be valid.

He said the decision of INEC to file an action against any person in connection with Binani’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in Adamawa state, would affect the case at the tribunal.

He said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous, adding that he is ready to pay any cost if the court finds the suit to be frivolous.

After listening to Aondoaka, Donatus Okorowo, presiding judge, ordered the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

INEC and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), who are respondents in the suit, have been ordered to show cause why the reliefs sought by Binani should not be granted.

The suit has been adjourned to July 18 for hearing.

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Akwa Ibom Gov Appoints Daughter, Helen, As Acting First Lady

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the acting First Lady of the state.

This follows the death of his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On Friday Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, led a delegation of dignitaries, including Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, and wives of state governors and presiding officers of the National Assembly, to condole with Governor Eno.

Senator Tinubu praised Governor Eno’s decision, noting that it reflects practices seen in the United States and is a thoughtful way to sustain the late Patience Eno’s legacy. “I want to thank God for Patience’s life, though short, she completed her race. May God comfort you, your family, and your children.”

Meanwhile, Governor Eno reflected on his deep bond with his late wife, describing her as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic.” He introduced his daughter as the new acting First Lady.

He said, “It is not an easy task ahead. But to maintain the Office of the First Lady and carry forward my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to continue the duties of the office.”

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Pensioners’ Welfare: Govenor Adeleke Approves N3.3bn for Retirees

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The Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has again approved a whopping sum of Three billion, Three hundred naira only (#3,300,000,000.00) for the payment of accrued rights (bond certificates) of a number of workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme across the State, according to a statement esigned by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

Of the said amount amount, N1.5 billion is for retirees at the State level comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, secondary schools and tertiary institutions while the sum of #1.8bn is for those who retired in the local government service, junior and primary schools across the State.

The statement noted that the approved fund is presently undergoing due process at the Bureau of Public Service Pension and the Local Government Staff Pension Board.

The approval, the statement further disclosed, is apart from the regular monthly payment of pension and gratuities to retired public servants under the old pension scheme across the whole gamut of the public service.

It will be recalled that workers and pensioners welfare top the 5- point Action Plan of Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration in the State.

Stakeholders admit that Governor Adeleke been keeping his promise since he came on board in November, 2022 going by his unhindered love for public servants and the entire citizens of the State.

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We’re Winning War Against Bandits, Terrorists, Says Tinubu’s Minister

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; said on Thursday that Nigeria is winning the war against terror and banditry.

Idris made the claim during the opening ceremony of the 1st Annual International Lecture of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja

He said: “Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“Indeed, this quote from President Bola Tonibu has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.

“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis.”

The minister pointed out that the Federal government through intelligence gathering and other grassroots measures is tackling insecurity.

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