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Tinubu, APC, INEC oppose admitting Atiku’s documents into evidence

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On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised objections to the admission of certain documents that were intended to be tendered in evidence by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At the resumption of the hearing of the petition filed by Atiku and the PDP challenging the election of President Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja, the counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Chris Uche, SAN, stated that the team had prepared a second schedule of documents to be tendered. The petition is challenging the election of President Tinubu.

Some of the documents that the petitioners submitted as evidence were certified true copies of Form EC8A that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had downloaded from its Result Viewing Portal (IREV). These copies were submitted by the petitioners through Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN.

The Form EC8A was completed for eight local government areas in Bayelsa, 23 local government areas in Kaduna State, 20 local government areas in Ogun State, and 23 local government areas in Kogi State.

According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the Form EC8As are sheets that are used for the collection of results at the level of the polling units.

In addition, the petitioners submitted Form EC40G for the state of Kaduna.

On Form EC40G, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) records the total number of cancelled polling units and voters who were unable to cast their ballots.

In addition, the true certified copies of Forms EC8E were submitted for a total of eight local government areas in the state of Kaduna as well as some local government areas in the state of Kogi.

Read Also: Release Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB implores Tinubu on Biafra Day

Form EC8E is the final form that needs to be filled out in order to declare the final results.

In addition, the petitioners submitted a print copy of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation data. This print version included details such as time stamps for 33 states.

Jegede submitted a motion to the court requesting that it apply the provisions of paragraph 46(A) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act to deem the documents as having been read.

Counsel for INEC, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, raised an objection to the admissibility of all documents relating to Kogi, with the exception of those pertaining to five Local Government Areas: Olamaboro, Ofu, Omala, Okehi, and Ajaokuta. Mr. Pinhero’s objection was upheld.

He stated that the reason for this was due to the fact that the five local governments, whose documents he did not object to, were specifically pleaded in the pleadings of the petitioners.

Pinhero also raised an objection regarding the legitimacy of the documents relating to the BVAS, with the exception of the states of Kogi, Rivers, and Sokoto.

The attorney for Tinubu, Mr. R. Okala, SAN, and the attorney for the APC, Mr. Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, both objected to the admissibility of the documents that the PDP and Atiku wanted to have tendered.

However, as was agreed upon during the pre-hearing stage, the attorneys will not be presenting their reasons for objecting to the admission of the documents in evidence until after they have finished delivering their closing statements.

After raising an objection regarding the admissibility of the documents, the solicitors all declined to give their approval for the documents that were submitted to be considered as read.

Read Also: ‘You are not governor of APC’ – IPAC, LP set agenda for Otu in Cross River State

The documents were however allowed to be presented as evidence, and the Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Tsammani, appropriately labelled each of the documents.

After that, the hearing on the matter wasn’t going to continue until Thursday, so it was adjourned until then.

Napoli striker’s look-alike: Everyone thinks I’m Osimhen

Charles Chibuike, a striker for Doma United, expressed his desire to have more goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League’s recently concluded regular season, much like Victor Osimhen, the talisman for Napoli.

At the beginning of the 2022–23 NPFL season, Chibuike garnered attention for his Osimhen resemblance when he scored on his league debut for Doma United and promised to keep on scoring like the Napoli player.

Chibuike was instrumental in the Savannah Tigers’ remarkable run in the NPFL at the conclusion of the regular season, scoring four times as they finished Group B’s top three teams by just one point.

The striker, who was born in Minna, added three more goals during their state FA Cup run and four more in the Federation Cup before Doma lost to Enugu Rangers in the quarterfinals.
“I wanted to score more goals and be one of the contenders for the Golden Boot, but I’ve learned a lot more about playing in the league and I’m trying to get better, especially in terms of goalscoring. I aspire to perform as spectacular goals scored by Osimhen from impossible angles. Next time, I’ll concentrate better, Chibuike said.

Due to his striking resemblance to the forward, Chibuike continued, people still mistake him for Osimhen. Despite this, Chibuike expressed regret that the Napoli talisman is unaware of him.

I’m Osimhen, everyone thinks. People call me Osimhen countless times each day when I go outside. As an illustration, when we checked into a hotel in Abuja for our FA Cup game, a man saw me and began screaming. Chibuike told our correspondent, “He stayed with me until he took pictures with me.

On the other hand, I feel bad because I don’t even believe Osimhen knows me. It’s somehow refreshing.

ANPP governor candidate warns Uzodimma to be prepared for defeat

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Uche Odunze, a candidate for governor on the New Nigeria People’s Party’s ballot in the Imo State election scheduled for November 11, has boasted that his group will defeat the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.

If elected to power, the ANPP would significantly reduce insecurity in the state, according to Odunze, who made his remarks in Owerri during the public introduction of his running mate, Godstime Samuel.

He claims that because of insecurity, poor leadership, and crumbling infrastructure, the state has been mismanaged by the Uzondimma-led All Progressives Congress administration, and many residents are now fleeing the area.

According to Odunze, his administration would use the party platform as a guide to improve the state’s tourism, health, and education sectors.

The APC has clearly mismanaged this state, he continued. The ANPP provides the people of Imo with hope for good governance, infrastructure improvement, security, and robust education and health sectors. With the approval of the people, we will dismiss the APC. With a manifesto to improve the lives of Imo State’s citizens, the ANPP is growing in strength.

Together with his running mate, the ANPP governor candidate pledged: “We will serve the good people of Imo State and bring back adequate security as well as grow our economy in the health, education, tourism, and agricultural sectors.”

“Despite his youth, he has extensive experience in politics and public administration. Youth and student groups are already dismantling buildings alongside him in preparation for our huge party. The ANPP will defeat the APC on November 11 if we keep up this pace, Odunze said.

Tinubu, head of EFCC meet in presidential villa

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On May 31, PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting was held in the presence of the President’s Chief of Staff.

The agenda of the meeting could not be determined at the time this report was filed; however, there are indications that it might not be unconnected with the altercation that took place on Tuesday, May 30 between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC.

On Tuesday, May 30, it was reported that the DSS and the EFCC got into a fight over an office block in Lagos. After agents of the security agency had blocked access to the office of the anti-graft commission, a clash broke out as a result.

During the incident, according to reports, agents of the DSS prevented employees of the EFCC from entering their offices and prevented those employees from leaving.

It has been established that the DSS and the EFCC shared office space in the building located at No. 15A Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

In response to reports on the event that were posted on the DSS’s official Twitter page, the DSS issued a statement that was signed by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, saying that it did not prevent EFCC staff from having access to their offices. The statement was posted on the DSS’s official website.

Instead, the DSS stated that the building in question was one of its properties.

In addition, the DSS emphasized that there is no competition between itself and the EFCC in regard to anything.

However, in its response, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) described the DSS siege on its office in Lagos as shocking.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted that the actions of the DSS hampered the nation’s efforts to combat economic and financial crime.

The response of the EFCC was provided in a statement that was signed by Wilson Uwujaren, who serves as the Commission’s Spokesperson.

According to the Commission, it had successfully coexisted with the DSS in the same building for a period of twenty years without causing any conflicts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) added that the siege does not comport with the synergy that is anticipated from agencies that work for the same government and nation.

Read Also: Akeredolu tells Tinubu to populate his cabinet with individuals who demonstrate their ability to perform their duties effectively

After that, Tinubu issued an order to the DSS telling them to immediately vacate the office.

The information regarding the directive was made public in a statement that was distributed by Tunde Rahman, who is Tinubu’s media aide, later on Tuesday, May 30.

The President stated that any disagreements that may arise between the two government agencies must be settled in a friendly manner.

CSOs are demanding that the chairman of the EFCC be fired.
The meeting between Tinubu and Bawa takes place at a time when some civil society organizations are demanding that the chairman of the EFCC be fired.

The civil society organizations (CSOs), which have been staging protests, allege that the EFCC is corrupt and inefficient under Bawa’s leadership.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), led by Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), and representing over 150 different organizations, observed that the EFCC has evolved into a mechanism for settling political scores.

They demanded that Bawa step down from his position as district attorney and argued that it is common practice across the globe for public officials who are suspected of engaging in serious misconduct to step down from their positions while investigations are ongoing.

The organization demanded a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the EFCC under Bawa over the past three years, including an analysis of records of arrests, investigations, outcomes, and final closure of each incident and individual suspects, as well as an investigation into how the matters were ultimately resolved.

Bawa has also been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Bello Matawalle, who served as the previous governor of Zamfara State. The conflict centres on allegations of corruption.

Read Also: ‘You are not governor of APC’ – IPAC, LP set agenda for Otu in Cross River State

While Bawa accused Matawalle of being involved in ”monumental corruption,” the governor accused the EFCC chairman of trying to extort $2 million in bribe money from him.

The accusation was brought up by the governor during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

On Obi’s request, tribunal adjourns until Thursday in petition filed against Tinubu

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On Wednesday, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) agreed to postpone the hearing until Thursday. This was done at the request of Peter Obi, who is running for president as the candidate of the Labour Party.

The petitioner requested a postponement of the proceeding, which was granted by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, the presiding Justice of the five-Man panel.

Counsel for the petitioner, Awa Kalu, SAN, told the court during the resumption of the hearing on Wednesday that the initial plans of Obi’s legal team were to present documents to the court today (Wednesday), but those plans were challenged by the sudden illness of a key staff member at the secretariat. Kalu told the court that Obi’s legal team had initially planned to present documents to the court today (Wednesday).

Because of this, the senior lawyer stated that “We are forced to pray for an adjournment until tomorrow.”

Read Also: ‘You are not governor of APC’ – IPAC, LP set agenda for Otu in Cross River State

Responding counsel for the first, second, third, and fourth respondents, all of whom are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Abubakar Mahmoud, Wole Olanikpekun, and lateef Fagbemi, did not oppose the application.

On the other hand, they stated that because the petitioner had initiated the request, the time that had been wasted would be added to the petitioner’s total.

The petition was granted, and as a result, Justice Tsammani postponed the hearing until Thursday so that it could be continued.

‘You are not governor of APC’ – IPAC, LP set agenda for Otu in Cross River State

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Prince Bassey Otu has been advised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, also known as IPAC, and the opposition Labour Party, also known as LP, to realize that after being sworn into office, he is now the Governor of Cross River State and not that of the All Progressives Congress, also known as APC. This information was given to Prince Bassey Otu.

This information was included in the congratulatory message that IPAC sent, and it was signed by the organization’s chairman, Anthony Bissong Attah.

It brought to his mind the fact that he had competed for the governorship of the state alongside other native sons of the state who were just as qualified as he was.

Read Also: Shehu Sani slams El-Rufai by saying, ‘You left huge debt, supported Amaechi against Tinubu’

“Your election to the position of governor ought to be regarded as a chance to steer the ship of state with a sense of reverence for God and a healthy measure of self-control,”

“It is important to point out that after being sworn in, you are now the Governor of Cross River State, and not just of the APC. This is an important distinction.

“Your campaign slogan of putting the People First is one that encapsulates the whole yearnings of the masses, and we expect that you will hit the ground running as you face this daunting task of restoring the lost glory of our dear state. We look forward to seeing what you have in store for us.”

“We have elected to immediately commence our constitutional role of advising you on sensitive matters regarding statecraft and good governance,” he said. “As very critical stakeholders who are doggedly committed to the welfare and overall good of Cross Riverians, we have elected to immediately commence our constitutional role.”

IPAC urged Otu to run an open, transparent, and accountable administration, charging him to follow due process and respect human rights and justice. They also urged him to run an administration that is respectful of justice and human rights.

They emphasized how important it was to form a cabinet with a few “eggheads” who were equipped with the right character, competence, and capacity to pull the state out of its rut and get it moving forward again.

Additionally, in a statement that was signed by its chairman as well as a former candidate for the governorship, Ogar Osim, the LP expressed its joy at Otu’s success in receiving the mandate of the people.

The party reminded him that it came in second place in the governorship election, and it assured him that he will have the support of the people of the state, both within the state and outside of it, as he begins a new chapter of development for the state.

LP assured Otu of their spiritual support in prayers, citing the scriptures that instruct people to pray for those in leadership positions.

Read Also:HURIWA asks Tinubu release Kanu, Revise security architecture

He said, “We pray the Sovereign Lord, who gave you power now, to equip you with the wisdom necessary to lead our people in fairness and justice.” “We pray to the Sovereign Lord, who gave you power now.”

In addition, they gave Otu their word that they would be by his side throughout the entire process of changing the state.

Having Adamu as Chairman of APC and Omisore as Secretary is double tragedy – Lukman

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Having Senator Abdullahi Adamu serve as National Chairman of the party and Senator Iyiola Omisore serve as National Secretary has been referred to as a double tragedy that has befallen the ruling party by Dr. Salihu Lukman, who is the National Vice Chairman, North West, of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Lukman is speaking on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement that was released on Wednesday, Lukman claimed that Adamu, with the assistance of Omisore, had ensured that all of the other higher organs of the party had been deactivated, with the exception of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He emphasized that the case of the NWC, was more a case of spoon-feeding members with information that was convenient for them, and he added that where challenged, such as was the case with the court case aimed at restoring constitutional order in the party, the National Legal Adviser, Barr. Ahmed El-Marzuq, became handy with spurious legal interpretations, which are anything but legal and devoid of any logic.

According to him, “It is already a tragedy that two people who are undeniably committed to conservatism will be given the task of leading the APC as National Chairman and National Secretary.” How is it possible for a party that has a reputation for being progressive to experience such a setback?

Read Also: Oyebanji, Osun APC support Tinubu to perform

Lukman made the accusation that Adamu and Omisore were spreading extreme ethnic Northern arguments in opposition to the zoning decisions that had been approved by the NWC of the party.

He pointed out that a part of the test would be whether President Bola Tinubu, having agreed together with the APC NWC on the zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, would just sit and watch conservative right-wing elements within the APC use Northern ethnic arguments to mobilize for the defeat of endorsed APC candidates for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly. Having agreed together with the APC NWC on the zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, he

Lukman continued by saying, “The same conservative bloc is now spewing up hardcore ethnic Northern arguments against the zoning decisions approved by the NWC following the outcome of consultations between Sen. Abdullahi Adamu’s team leading the NWC team and President Tinubu.” As if those consultations were not intended to result in agreements, once the NWC approved the recommendation for zoning the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, instead of acting as the National Chairman and facilitating the implementation of decisions made by organs of the party, is acting as a factional leader opposing the decision made by the NWC.

He made the observation that rather than working towards the success of the decision of the NWC by activating meetings of higher organs of the party to confer more legitimacy to the decision of the NWC, Adamu seems to be more interested in ensuring that the 2015 model of rebellious leadership emerges in the 10th National Assembly. He said this was evidenced by the fact that Adamu did not activate meetings of higher organs of the party to confer more legitimacy to the decision of the NWC.

Shehu Sani slams El-Rufai by saying, ‘You left huge debt, supported Amaechi against Tinubu’

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Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker, has challenged Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, to reveal his assets by making public the information that was included on the form that he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Shehu Sani’s challenge was issued in response to El-Rufai’s decision to resign from his position as governor.

Sani claimed that El-Rufai had left the state with a massive debt profile, while El-Rufai maintained that Sani had never stolen from the state’s treasury.

Sani criticized the former governor in a post that was published on Wednesday via his verified Twitter handle. In the post, Sani said that the former governor had resorted to “blogging on Twitter.”

The social critic asserted that El-Rufai is currently holding out for a political appointment from President Bola Tinubu, despite the fact that El-Rufai had previously worked for Rotimi Amaechi, who had been Tinubu’s opponent in the party primary.

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He wrote that “Mr. El-rufai, retired Governor now back to ‘blogging on Twitter’ while waiting for political appointment from Tinubu, after working for Amaechi and covertly dropping negative stories and making negative stories about Tinubu.” El-rufai had previously worked for Amaechi and had made negative stories about Tinubu.

“You left a huge debt profile for our Children and grand Children in Kaduna State to pay, and you claimed that you NEVER STOLE from the coffers of Kaduna State,” the letter read. “You left a huge debt profile for our Children and grand Children in Kaduna State to pay.”

“Even one of your stooges asserted that you are in a worse financial situation now. I dare you to make public the contents of the form you submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, both the one from 2015 and the one from 2023. In doing so, you will expose your assets to the general public.

“I will review what you’ve accomplished and get back to you at that time.”

Fuel subsidy: Long lines resurface in Osun

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Long lines have begun forming again at most of the fuel stations in Osogbo, which is the capital of the state of Osun. This occurred three days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that the fuel subsidy regime would be suspended.

At certain petrol stations, customers driving their own vehicles could be seen in a state of panic as they attempted to find parking spots while simultaneously making panic purchases.

This occurs in spite of a warning issued by the government of Osun State to businesses that sell Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, which was not heard.

The government disclosed that it possessed credible information that some petroleum market participants were planning to hoard the product and added that doing so was an act of sabotage as well as unpatriotic behaviour.

Read Also: Release Nnamdi Kanu, MASSOB implores Tinubu on Biafra Day

In addition, it stated that the Special Monitoring Team on Fuel Scarcity was still effective and would not be afraid to use its powers in the event of a fuel shortage.

At his inauguration on Monday, President Tinubu made the announcement that the country’s fuel subsidy programme would be suspended.

Tinubu argued that the reason he is overthrowing the regime is that it can no longer be maintained in Nigeria at this time and that this is the reason for his decision.

It was reported that employees of the Department of Petroleum Resources, also known as the DPR, temporarily shut down the Oduoye fuel station in the Fakunle Area on Tuesday for attempting to sell fuel for more than N250 per gallon.

In order for the DPR to unseal the station and allow for business to resume, it was necessary for customers to get involved.

Along the Gbongan-Ibadan road in Osogbo, there were also reports of long lines forming at gas stations such as Adolak and Matrix.

Jamiu Mohammed, a customer, stated that he noticed the sale of petrol being conducted intermittently at the majority of the petrol stations that he stopped at.

“I observed that they would sell fuel for a while, but after a while, they would stop and wait for additional instructions from their managers.

“Clients were just going from one petrol station to the other looking for the product, and this is what led to panic buying among the buyers,” he said. “Customers were just going from one fuel station to the other looking for the product.”

Wasiu Akintunde, who works as a commercial transporter, admitted that he did not have a choice but to stand in a queue with his coworkers in order to purchase petrol for his vehicle.

“The vast majority of my coworkers are currently waiting in a queue at various filling stations so that they can purchase the item at the standard price before it is eventually raised.

“All that we are requesting is a temporary reprieve whenever the fuel subsidy is eliminated. According to what he said, “We do not want any more difficult than what we are currently experiencing.”

Read Also: HURIWA asks Tinubu release Kanu, Revise security architecture

According to Steven Adeleke, he was in a hurry to get petrol for his vehicle in order to beat the anticipated increase in the price at the pump.

“The number is expected to rise. When it does, at least I will have some quantity available for use before I begin to feel the impact, whether it be positive or negative,” he said. “When it does.”

HURIWA asks Tinubu release Kanu, Revise security architecture

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A plan of action has been devised by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The association demanded a comprehensive reorganization of Nigeria’s security architecture as a matter of high priority in order to ensure the country’s safety.
In addition to this, it demanded reforms to the police force as well as a revival of the economy, and it asked for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group.

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the national coordinator of HURIWA, issued a statement saying that Nigerians expect Tinubu to immediately change the current crop of service chiefs. HURIWA said this in its statement.

Read Also: El-Rufai: “My successor inherits N80bn and $577mn in debt.”

The organization urged the incoming president to remove the current leaders of the nation’s security agencies and bring in new people with fresh perspectives in order to protect the country from a variety of threats, including herdsmen violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
HURIWA also asked President Tinubu to mediate peace with all secessionist agitators in the country, saying that no man will want to leave Nigeria if there is inclusion in governance for all parts of the country. This was one of the primary ideas that the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, who has since left office, rejected. HURIWA also asked President Tinubu to mediate peace with all secessionist agitators in the country.
During his inaugural address on May 29 in Abuja, Nigerian President Tinubu made a promise to defend the nation against terrorism and any other forms of criminality that pose a threat to the nation’s peace and stability as well as the peace and stability of its subregion. He also promised to govern Nigeria in an impartial manner in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law.

Onwubiko advised President Tinubu to quickly settle into his new position and begin his work as soon as possible because Nigeria is currently facing economic and security crises.

“Security must be the top priority for the new president, as well as the reorganization of the heads of the armed forces, the DSS, and the police; police reforms; and ensuring that state police are not controlled by governors. In matters pertaining to strategic security, he ought to avoid favouring family and friends.

Read Also: Oyebanji, Osun APC support Tinubu to perform

We are calling for a truth and reconciliation commission on a national level, similar to the one in South Africa. Additionally, we demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, and we demand an end to all hostilities in the South East that are being carried out by armed groups, he said.