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Just In: Appeal Court Reserves Judgment in Yusuf, Gawuna Governorship Tussle

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2023

Eric

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, challenging the nullification of his election by the Kano Election Petition Tribunal.

At the court sitting on Monday, the governor’s lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun SAN prayed the court to allow the appellant’s appeal and set aside in its entirety, the judgement of the lower Tribunal.

The Counsel argued that the lower Tribunal has created new precedents which depart from all the judgments made by the appellate or Supreme Court.

On the issue of ballot papers, he contended that this is the first time in the history of the court that a Tribunal will annul an election over non-signing of the back of ballot papers.

“In doing that, the lower Tribunal erred,” Olanipekun said.

He further argued that this was the first time that a political party filed a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the latter was declared winner of the polls.

“Can a political party be sworn after an election or take an oath?,” Olanipekun argued holding that the judgement of the lower Tribunal should not be allowed to stand

Akin Olujimi SAN, counsel for APC, in his reply on the issue of valid ballot, said the decisions of the Appeal Courts right from 2009 have emphatically stated if non signing of ballots amounts to electoral malpractice.

He argued that INEC regulations have set out what presiding officers are to do at the point of voting, adding that the back of ballot papers must be signed and dated.

He said where there is a failure of presiding officers to do the needful, it amounts to non-compliance to the Electoral Act.

On the APC candidate who was not joined as a party at the Tribunal, Olujimi said it is settled law that votes are cast for the party in an election and that any decision affecting a political party embraces all its members.

“Judgement in this appeal is hereby reserved to a date to be communicated to the parties,” the court of appeal said.

In the APC’s cross-appeal, Olujimi also urged the court to hold that the Kano State governor was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was sponsored by the party.

A.B Mahmoud SAN, counsel for INEC, asked the appeal court to dismiss APC’s cross-appeal for lacking in merit.

It could be recalled that on September 20, 2023, the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had nullified the election of Mr Yusuf by declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid, saying they were not signed or stamped by INEC.

INEC had declared Mr Yusuf winner of the March 18, 2023 election after he secured 1,019,602 votes against his opponent Nasiru Gawuna who secured 890,705 votes.

However, after the tribunal deducted the 165,663 votes from Mr Yusuf’s tally, his votes were reduced to 853, 939, which were over 30,000 votes less than the 890,705 votes polled by Mr Gawuna.

Consequently, the court declared the APC candidate winner of the governorship election and ordered the INEC to withdraw Mr Yusuf’s certificate of return and give Gawuna a new one.

But Mr Yusuf and his party the NNPP as well as the INEC appealed the tribunal’s judgement.

Source: DailyNews24

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Former FCT Minister, Jeremiah Useni, Dies at 82

Published

3 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Eric

A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd), is dead.

He passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.

His death was announced in a statement issued in Jos by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

He described the of the former Minister and Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.

The governor prayed that god grants the family, plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, and also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.

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Glo Rewards Festival of Joy Winners with Mouthwatering Prizes in Abuja

Published

22 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Eric

Abuja, the nation’s capital, came alive with joy and excitement on Wednesday as a new set of winners in the ongoing Globacom Festival of Joy promotion received mouth-watering prizes they won at a special presentation ceremony held at the premises of Globacom at Aminu Kano Crescent.

A glittering brand new Toyota Prado, a brand new Kia Picanto, tricycles (Keke Napep) and scores of other prizes including power generating sets, sewing machines and grinding machines were handed over to joyful winners.

Sarah Ilya Madu was presented the keys to her brand-new Toyota Prado by Senator Simon Lalong, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, supported by a stellar cast of celebrities and influencers.

Sarah, a federal civil servant from Borno State, who emerged winner of the Toyota Prado in the draw of the promotion held in Abuja last Friday, expressed shock when she was called up. She dropped the call from Globacom several times because the news was too good to be believed.

She said, “I was prevailed upon by my colleagues to do a video call with the Glo staff who called me. Even when I saw the office environment, I was still doubtful.” She added that when she eventually agreed to visit the Glo office, she went with a hefty colleague just in case she was being set up.

Ufot Victor, a 43-year-old businessman based in the FCT, was expectant about winning as he had been recharging regularly so as to cross the minimum requirement for a car. Winning a brand new Kia Picanto was a huge reward for his dedication.

Other lucky winners also went home with tricycles (Keke), power generating sets, sewing machines and grinding machines. Ireimiya Mallo, a SIM registration agent and native of Nasarawa State, who won Keke, said, ”I was so joyful on learning I had won a Keke”. He disclosed that he would be deploying it for commercial purpose”, while the winner of a power generating set, Felix Gabriel, thanked Globacom for always remembering Nigerians every year in its annual promos.

The Special Guest, Senator Simon Lalong, praised the Chairman of Globacom for putting the promo in place for Nigerians and also extolled his strong support for sports. He said he would love to be a winner in the Glo promo one day soon. Also Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesman of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, said Globacom has always been a brand after his heart, adding that the network is not just attracting customers but also giving out to show that it means well not only for the customers but also for Nigerians.

In his remarks at the event, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, Mr. Kazeem Kaka, said that to participate in the Festival of Joy promo, new and existing subscribers should dial *611# so as to opt into the promo and to keep recharging thereafter to meet the threshold for the various prizes. He added that new subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.

Guests at the event included representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mariam Imam, Assistant Director, Consumer Affairs at the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Moses Iyi; comedians, Tee A, Seyi Law, and Gordons.

Others were Nollywood duo of Ebube Nwagbo and Juliet Ibrahim as well as popular content creator, Kiekie.

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Tinubu Appoints Ex-Lagos Transport Comm., Opeifa, As Railway Corporation MD

Published

2 days ago

January 22, 2025

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), a move widely praised for its strategic significance.

Dr. Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, is celebrated for his transformative policies that redefined public transport and traffic management in one of Africa’s busiest cities.

During his tenure as Commissioner, Dr. Opeifa introduced reforms that significantly eased traffic congestion, improved public transportation systems, and laid a solid foundation for Lagos State’s rapid urban growth.

His expertise extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he served as Transport Secretary, implementing forward-thinking policies that enhanced mobility in the nation’s capital.

In his new role, Dr. Opeifa is expected to spearhead the modernization of Nigeria’s railway network, a critical infrastructure component for the nation’s economic advancement.

Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism about his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in transportation planning and infrastructure development as assets for implementing sustainable solutions.

“This is a timely and commendable appointment,” noted one transportation expert. “Dr. Opeifa’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s transportation challenges makes him the ideal candidate to drive meaningful reforms in the railway sector.”

The Tinubu administration’s decision underscores its commitment to appointing competent professionals to execute its Renewed Hope agenda. With Dr. Opeifa at the helm, there is growing anticipation that the NRC will achieve improved connectivity, efficiency, and broader contributions to national development.