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INEC chair, Mahmood Yakubu, to testify in Atiku’s suit challenging Tinubu’s victory

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Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, will testify Thursday before the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja.

Mr. Yakubu will testify in Atiku Abubakar’s petition challenging President Bola Tinubu’s 25 February presidential victory.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, accused INEC and APC leader Tinubu of poll manipulation.

On Tuesday, his lead counsel, Chris Uche, informed the five-member court panel chaired by Haruna Tsammani that Mr. Yakubu would appear on Thursday.

Atiku’s legal team subpoenaed Mr. Yakubu to testify on the disputed election.
He must also provide sensitive electoral documents to support the petitioner.

Mr Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed INEC, Mr Tinubu, and APC’s legal teams of Mr Yakubu’s Thursday appearance to avoid any delays.

Atiku calls first star witness

After calling 18 witnesses to testify for the petitioner, Mr Uche, on Tuesday, called his client’s first star witness.

The witness, Alex Ter, a lawyer and former Attorney General of Benue State, in his testimony, alleged that the February presidential poll was fraught with widespread irregularities as it was conducted in disregard of the Electoral Act, 2022.

In his witness statement on oath, Mr Ter said he was the national coordinator Situation Room for the PDP during the February 25 presidential election in Abuja.

He presented three video clips featuring INEC chair Mr Yakubu and INEC’s Commissioner for Voter Education, Festus Okoye, who both pledged that the electoral umpire would electronically transmit the election results.

The third video concerned the European Union Election Observer Mission, which was admitted as an exhibit by the court.

Also, the court admitted the guidelines for election officers 2022 and the manual for election guidelines 2023 as exhibits.

Mr Ter also tendered screenshots of the INEC IReV portal.

Despite Mr Tinubu and APC’s objections to the admissibility of the documents, the court admitted the videos played in court.

Aiyedatiwa fills in while Akeredolu is absent due to illness

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Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, informed the legislature in a letter to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday that he would be taking a 21-day medical leave.

The governor also informed the Assembly that he had delegated his duties as governor while he was away to Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor.

While the majority of his official tasks are being completed by his assistants on his behalf, Akeredolu, who is reportedly ill, has stayed away from public scenes recently.

At many government events, both official and social, Akeredolu was represented by the deputy governor, though other aides occasionally filled in for the governor.

The receipt of the governor’s letter requesting medical leave was confirmed by the Assembly’s Speaker, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, on Tuesday.

The governor has started a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad, starting on June 7, 2023, and ending on July 6, 2023, the Speaker announced.

The Speaker stated that in the event of the governor’s absence, the deputy governor would serve in that capacity until Akeredolu returns to the state on 6 July.

Oladiji wished the governor a speedy recovery and a happy vacation and described him as a supporter of peace and an advocate for the rule of law.

The opposition Social Democratic Party and Peoples Democratic Party had previously expressed concern about the governor’s whereabouts, with the SDP last week demanding that the governor turn over control of the state to his deputy.

The SDP stated that while it was still praying for Akeredolu’s recovery, “the state should not and cannot be left without a constitutional head in an acting capacity while he (Akeredolu) is away attending to his health.”

The SDP noted that Akeredolu was neither present nor represented at President Bola Tinubu’s two meetings with state governors chosen on the APC platform in the previous week, according to the SDP.

“Nationally significant topics were discussed at each of those meetings. Almost all of the governors attended, and those who couldn’t attend had their deputies stand in for them. Our dear Ondo State is the only state that was glaringly absent in terms of representation at the two meetings, the SDP lamented.

Similar to this, the PDP stated in a statement released by its publicity secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, “As mortals, any human being can become ill, whether in public office or private life. It is illegal and a great disservice to withhold information about Rotimi Akeredolu’s whereabouts and employment because he is supported by the tax dollars of the people of Ondo State.

The PDP responded by saying Akeredolu did the right thing by writing to the Assembly.

“Transmitting power to the deputy governor in the event that the governor is leaving on a medical vacation is nothing extraordinary. The media rumours and angst were able to flourish because of the space that Akeredolu’s handlers had created.

“However, the state Assembly’s letter has provided all the information required to answer the question of Akeredolu’s location. We believe that in politics, doing the right thing must always be the priority.

CUPP advises federal lawmakers not to be influenced by office benefits

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On Tuesday, the Coalition of United Political Parties congratulated the members of the 10th National Assembly on their successful inauguration and referred to it as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The organisation urged them to innovate and be creative when making laws in a way that would demonstrate competence and be a clear break from the rubber stamp nomenclature of the past.

According to the group, Nigeria can no longer afford a status quo approach to governance and needs to make a radical change from a sluggish leadership that is held captive by forces hostile to the security of the nation and the well-being of Nigerians.

The coalition advised them in a statement by Mark Adebayo, a national co-spokesperson, that they should never let the privileges and perks of office separate them from the realities of the people.

As the 10th National Assembly was formally inaugurated today, he declared, “Nigeria’s democracy has reached another significant turning point. It is a well-known fact that the legislature is an essential branch of government in every democracy because it serves as a forum for the people’s elected officials to discuss and enact laws that directly affect the lives of Nigerians and the future of the nation.

While we congratulate the Distinguished Senators and the Honourable members of the House of Representatives on their successful inauguration today, we implore them to keep in mind the fundamental goals of their mandate, which is to promote the welfare of their constituents as a whole. We implore them to uphold the hopes and expectations of the Nigerian people when enacting laws and performing other legislative duties rather than succumbing to the pressures of political correctness at the expense of the majority of Nigerians.

“Let Nigerians see you as their true representatives—people who are sensitive to their suffering, cognizant of their difficulties, and determined to provide them with effective representation that will ease their problems and uphold their hopes for a better life and future.

“We urge you to innovate and be creative when enacting laws in a way that demonstrates competence and marks a significant departure from the rubber stamp terminology of the past. Let your patriotism take precedence over your politics. Put Nigerians’ needs ahead of your political allegiances. Do not let your feelings override your sense of justice.

Keep your eyes and ears open to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. Never let the benefits and privileges of your job separate you from the realities of the people you are supposed to be representing. Your performance on that task will determine how well you managed the 10th National Assembly as a whole and how well you did overall in terms of the national scorecard.

“Nigeria can no longer afford to approach governance in the same way it has in the past. We need a radical change from the sluggish leadership that is being held captive by forces hostile to the security and well-being of Nigerians. To rescue Nigeria from her multifaceted poverty, protracted stagnation, and shameful regression, concerted efforts are now needed.

“The CUPP shall continue to be steadfast in its oversight of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, and shall not be averse to calling the appropriate agencies and organs of government to order when warranted. We will make sure to be motivated by a patriotic commitment to Nigeria’s and Nigerians’ collective welfare as we carry out these demanding opposition activism.

“We will guard shrewdly against frivolity and handle matters with diligence and sophisticated professionalism based on the firm foundation of facts and intellectual chef-d’oeuvre that offer solutions at all times. We will continue to be dedicated to Nigeria’s advancement and development.

Taraba APC members win over Tinubu, get ministerial, other appointments

APC Taraba South supporters have written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu requesting that he take the region into consideration for ministerial and other important federal appointments.

The stakeholders claimed that Southern Taraba deserved such consideration because it had diligently worked for the APC’s victory in the state in the letter, which was signed by the Chairman Taraba APC Youth Forum, Jamiu Bawa, on Tuesday.

“It is in the record that Southern Taraba APC produced the most elected office holders,” the statement said.

“Southern Taraba has evolved into an APC stronghold, producing both of the two House of Representatives members as well as a senator.

“The only APC senator in Taraba was produced from the southern zone, and it is imperative to state here that, in the recently concluded presidential elections, the southern zone of Taraba performed optimally for the party with 81,568 votes in the zone and 135,165 votes garnered in the state for the presidential elections.”

The group thanked Tinubu for winning the election, prayed to God for wisdom to guide the affairs of the nation, and expressed hope that the Almighty would give him all the resources and good health he needs to lead Nigeria to greatness.

“Once more, let me express our congratulations on your inauguration and the beginning of the administration of renewed hope.

This letter couldn’t have been sent at a better time because, as congratulations pour in, we know you’re already thinking about potential cabinet candidates for when the 10th assembly is inaugurated.

This letter “cannot wait for another time,” it stated, “as a committed progressive cum determined democrat and one who possesses the spirit of rewarding hard work.”

Yusuf Falgore elected Kano 10th Assembly Speaker

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Yusuf Falgore, a member of the Rogo Constituency, was chosen by the Kano State House of Assembly to serve as the state’s 10th Assembly’s Speaker and was then sworn in.

Musa Kachako, a lawmaker from Takai Constituency, and Lawal Hussain nominated him prior to this.

Moreover, Muhammad Butu Butu won the position of his assistant.

To come: specifics

Breaking: Abass elected House of Representatives Speaker

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Tajudeen Abbas, a lawmaker from Zaria Federal Constituency, has been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Members of the House chose Abbas on Tuesday using a “openly declare” voting system.

He received 353 votes in total, defeating rivals Ahmed Wase and Sani Jaji, who received three votes each.

Details to come…

Northern Christians congratulate Akpabio, Abbas at the 10th Assembly

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Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Jibrin Barau were elected as the Senate President and Deputy Senate President of the 10th National Assembly, respectively. According to the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, this is a vote for Nigeria’s inclusivity and unity.

Abdulaziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State, received only 46 votes, while Akpabio, who was declared the victor by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, received 63 votes.

The Arewa group also praised the election of Tajudeen Abass, a well-known politician from Kaduna, and Benjamin Kalu, a lawmaker from the South East, as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the lower chamber, respectively.

The Chairman of Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak, revealed that the results of the NASS polls marked important turning points in the country’s collective journey towards inclusivity, unity, and progress in a statement released in Abuja after the election.

The NCYP commends all Senators for their dedication to inclusivity and the harmony of all Nigerians, he said. Their wise choice to support Senator Akpabio, Senator Jibrin, Speaker Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Kalu shows they understand the value of accepting diversity and cooperating to advance the goals of our great country.

As members of the legislative branch of government, Speaker Tajudeen and Senate President Akpabio have taken on crucial roles. The NCYP exhorts them to cooperate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s executive branch to better the lives of all Nigerians. We emphasise the necessity of maintaining and winning the war against the oil subsidy cabal, as well as the importance of effectively managing our resources for the benefit of all of our citizens.

“Once more, we extend our congratulations on your appointments to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Barau Jibrin, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, and Honourable Benjamin Kalu. We are confident that their leadership, along with the combined effort of the Senate and the House, will open the door for inclusivity, unification, and advancement in Nigeria.

Breaking: Akpabio swears in senators-elect

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Tuesday saw the swearing-in of newly elected senators to the 10th National Assembly by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio was chosen to lead the Senate, according to reports.

After a brief break, Sani Tambuwal, the Clerk of the National Assembly, announced that Akpabio had won 63 votes, leaving his opponent with 46.

Details to follow

Breaking: Ayambem elected Cross River Assembly Speaker

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The Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly is Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem.

On Tuesday, Ayambem, who represents the Ikom 2 State Constituency, was chosen without opposition.

The Obudu State Constituency’s Hon Sylvester Agabi was chosen as Deputy Speaker.

10th NASS: Kalu emerges deputy House speaker unopposed

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Members-elect have endorsed Benjamin Kalu, the APC’s candidate for deputy speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly.

While Kalu won the position of Deputy Speaker of the House without opposition, Tajudeen Abbas, the newly elected Speaker, faced competition from two other candidates.

 

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, confirmed that there were no other nominations for the position and immediately swore Kalu in as Deputy Speaker.

Later, more information