A group of Nigerians calling themselves the Free Nigeria Movement stormed the Force Headquarters and Court of Appeal on Saturday to protest recent killings in Nasarawa, Benue, and Jos.
The demonstrators—most of whom were women—asked the police and other security personnel to step up and stop the killings in the nation.
A miscarriage of justice, they added, could ignite the nation. They also urged the judiciary to fairly decide the election petition that was before it.
Sunday was detained, according to the Ondo State Police Command, in relation to the death of an 80-year-old woman in the state.
The elderly woman was discovered dead on her farm in the Costain area of Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Her identity had not yet been made public at the time this report was filed.
Prior to her corpse being discovered on the farm, the deceased was reportedly reported missing a few days earlier.
The position of the old woman’s corpse when it was discovered on the farm led to the conclusion that the locals believed she had been raped to death.
According to a source, after discovering the deceased’s phone in the suspect’s pocket, the neighborhood kids later arrested the suspect, a palm wine tapper. Later on, they turned him over to the police.
The incident was confirmed and the suspect was already in the police system when it was contacted by Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, the state police public relations officer.
Yes, I can attest to the fact that the suspect is in our care; after the investigation is over, he will soon be charged in court, the PPRO said.
The People’s Democratic Party and its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar filed a petition with the Presidential Election Petition Court on Saturday. The pre-hearing was postponed until Monday, May 22, 2023, so that the pre-hearing could continue.
Following the parties’ proposal of the petition hearing modalities, the five-person panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, set the date for the hearing.
Before the following adjourned date, Justice Tsammani ordered the parties to consult and report to the court on any issues that could be consolidated.
The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has lined up 180 persons as witnesses, who will testify against the ruling All Progressive Congress candidate in the February 25, presidential election.
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![Demands Made as Protesters Storm Presidential Election Tribunal [PHOTO]](https://tvn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG-20230520-WA0024-750x563-1.jpg "Demands Made as Protesters Storm Presidential Election Tribunal [PHOTO]")
In Abuja, where the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) is located, protesters from the Free Nigeria Movement (FNM) have demonstrated.
In the ongoing evaluation of the February 25 presidential election, fairness and impartiality are demanded in the protest.
The protesters, who were mostly dressed in black, showed their support for those who have been harmed by the widespread insecurity that has gripped the nation, especially the North Central region.
The recent killing spree needed to stop, they demanded.
The protesters held up numerous placards with messages like “INEC Must Revert Polling Unit Results,” “We Take A Stand – May Nigeria Win,” “Stop The Violence,” “Nigeria Not For Sale,” and “We Stand For Justice,” among others. In addition, they shouted slogans in favor of good governance, justice, and transparency in the Tribunal’s legal proceedings.
The group’s convener, Dr. Moses Paul, emphasized during his speech to the audience that they were not affiliated with any political party and instead stood in support of justice and effective government alongside the Nigerian people, according to Leadership Newspaper.
He emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the proceedings taking place inside the Appeal Court, harshly denouncing any judges who might be swayed by bribery or disregard the Nigerian constitution, and threatening them with severe repercussions.
Dr. Paul remarked, “Any judge that decides to collect money or decides not to follow the Nigerian constitution, any judge that decides to do the wrong thing so that Nigeria can go down, e no go better for una! Because until Nigeria takes its place in the club of nations, Africa won’t advance until we demonstrate dignity, honesty, direction, and leadership, the entire continent of Africa as well as the rest of the world are waiting for us. When the entire world is keeping an eye on us and waiting for us, we cannot watch as our country crumbles to nothing. Because of all the blood and death we have witnessed, we are no longer even crying. As a group, we demand accountability, equity, justice, and fairness from everyone.
Another group member, Lucky Obiyan, expressed concern regarding a political agenda that places personal gain above the welfare of the country in the run-up to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
In his statement, Obiyan claimed that the Free Nigeria Movement would not cooperate with a body that would be subject to the whims and aims of the ruling party. He urged the Appellate Court and Supreme Court to uphold justice and pleaded with the decision-makers not to let bribery compromise the integrity of the process.
The protest was peaceful and there were no reports of violence or arrests, this newspaper learned despite the significant police presence.
Bello Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State, has been challenged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to back up his allegations of corruption against the commission’s head with evidence.
Abdulrasheed Bawa, the head of the EFCC, was accused of expecting a $2 million bribe from Matawalle.
It’s not fair to always place the blame on governors, he declared. Treasury is a tool available to all government entities, not just governors. How treats them the head of the EFCC? Let him show the world the proof of those at the federal level since he is claiming to have proof of governors.
“If he leaves office, it is certain that his dishonest character will be revealed. I’m able to prove his guilt. I can assure you that more than 200 people will arrive with proof of the bribes he received from them in less than 10 seconds, so please allow him to leave the office. He is aware of his request, which I turned down.
He asked for $2 million in bribe from me, and I have proof of that. He invited me, explained the rules, and knows the house where we first met. I didn’t hear what he said about governors visiting his office. I won’t make this claim unless I can back it up with proof.
Before his disclosure, Matawalle had demanded Bawa’s resignation in a statement on Wednesday, claiming to have evidence of his corrupt behavior.
However, the Commission stated on Friday night that it will not get into a “mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources.” Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s spokesman, made this statement.
If Matawalle wants to be taken seriously, he should provide concrete evidence to back up his claims rather than just saber-rattling.
According to Uwujaren, the Commission wants to inform the public about some allegedly corrupt and politically exposed people’s intentions to leave the country before May 29.
He continued by saying that in order to foil these escape plans and bring those responsible to justice, the Commission was working closely with its international partners.
After Dr. Alex Otti was disqualified from serving as the governor-elect of Abia State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responded.
The PDP has refuted Otti’s assertions that the PDP and the Abia State Government were behind a deliberate plot to remove him following the recent Kano Federal High Court ruling that led to his dismissal.
According to Ferdinand Ekeoma, the spokesperson for Otti, reports that the PDP and the Abia State Government were behind were unfounded and misleading.
However, the party acknowledged the decision made by the Federal High Court in Kano in a press release issued by Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP vice chairman and acting state publicity secretary.
Remember that the Labour Party was found to have violated the 2022 Electoral Act by failing to submit its member list to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the allotted 30-day period prior to the primaries, rendering Otti and other Labour Party candidates in Abia State ineligible for their positions.
Amah clarified that Mr. Ibrahim Haruna-Ibrahim was the one who submitted the application to invalidate the certificates of return given to all Labour Party candidates who were declared winners in the states of Kano and Abia.
The PDP emphasized that the court approved Mr. Ibrahim’s request after basing its decision on the provisions of the amended Electoral Act.
The statement emphasized once more that neither the Abia governor-elect nor the Labour Party had been the target of legal action brought by the Abia PDP in Kano’s Federal High Court.
However, the vice chairman claims that the Abia PDP has instructed its legal team to carefully review the judgment because it is a responsible political party.
In addition, the Abia PDP has already filed a petition with the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal accusing the incoming governor and the Labour Party of rigging the election. In order to reclaim what it sees as its legitimate mandate, the party is also looking into other legal options.
The PDP urged the residents of Abia State to maintain their composure and peace during this time, assuring them that justice will ultimately triumph once the Election Petition Tribunal issues its ruling.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Labour Party were sued in the case (Suit No FHC/KN/CS/107/2023) brought by Mr. Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim. The court determined that the Labour Party’s primary election process was invalid because it failed to submit its membership register to INEC within the required timeframe.
As a result, the judge determined that the votes cast for the first defendant (Labour Party) were wasted votes because the party had violated the electoral act’s provisions regarding having a candidate and declaring an election winner.
Abuja, FCT – Phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the courtroom while proceedings are taking place, according to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
On Saturday, May 20, this development was confirmed on the court grounds in the morning. On Monday, May 22, the new rules announced by the presidential election petition tribunal will go into effect. Segun Adeyemi provided the picture. the original source The new directive was posted on the courtroom doors as a public notice, according to AIT news online. Senior attorneys and journalists, according to information obtained, were asked to hand over their technology at the entrance to the court. Several attorneys and observers were also left stranded outside the courtroom, which had already been closed behind them, as can be seen in a popular video by Legit.ng.
According to reports, the situation became even more tense when the tribunal secretary, Josephine Ekperobe, arrived on the scene and pleaded with the attorneys and reporters waiting outside the courtroom to follow the court’s instructions before entering the room.
The crowd became very agitated when she approached, and their protests forced her to leave the area. After about 45 minutes, it was learned that anyone could enter the courtroom. Although the PEPT secretary did not provide a justification for the issued order, it is still unclear why this new directive was issued. She did point out that it was a directive from above and that it would go into effect on Monday, May 22.
Demola Olarewaju, a PDP leader and Atiku Abubakar’s aide, reacted to this development by claiming that the tribunal’s ruling was the result of a plot involving the incoming president, his party, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said:
“The attempt by Tinubu/APC in connivance with INEC to frustrate the participation of Nigerians in the PEPC proceedings via live broadcasts may find succour with the Court. “They’re all on trial in the Court of Public Opinion, and we await judgement today with eyes on the judiciary.”
As stakeholders abandon the party’s zoning plan to support a different candidate for the 10th Senate Presidency race, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is once again in disarray.
Recently, the ruling party announced a zoning plan for the 10th National Assembly’s leadership positions, with Godswill Akpabio (South-South) as the preferred candidate for Senate President and Barau Jibrin (North West) as the deputy Senate President.
However, it has come to light that some of the newly elected North members are still promoting a different agenda.
Tajudeen Abass (North West) of the House of Representatives has been endorsed by the APC leadership as their top choice for Speaker, while Benjamin Kalu (South East) is expected to win the position of Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
Though there are still those who disagree with the ruling APC’s decision to choose a Muslim-Muslim ticket as its presidential and vice presidential candidates, stakeholders in the ruling party and other political parties have agreed in principle that a Christian from the South should lead the 10th Senate.
Don’t forget that both the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his vice president, Kashim Shettima, are Muslims.
Justice Kayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and leader of the judiciary, is a Muslim as well.
But despite the party’s earlier stance and the aforementioned obvious realities, some former governors from the North and National Assembly members from the APC and the opposition are reportedly starting a covert campaign for former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari.
Also a Muslim, Yari. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader who served as the National Assembly’s presiding officer is the leader of the new Northern coalition, according to information made available to newsmen.
Further information revealed that the former presiding officer is opposed to the South receiving the office of Senate President. The most powerful politician argued that the North should have produced the late Umaru Musa Ya’Adua’s successor and opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to run for the presidency in 2011.
He collaborated once more with Northern forces in 2015 to unseat Jonathan. He ran in 2019 but came up short for his party. He ran unsuccessfully for President in 2023 despite the general agreement that power should be transferred to the South.
According to The Sun, some lawmakers who have been approached by the presiding officer and other prominent Northern politicians claim they were instructed to back Yari and drop the APC’s zoning position.
According to a senator-elect quoted by Saturday Sun, Yari has the support of important Northern senators-to-be who are hoping to repeat the outcome of 2015, when Bukola Saraki became Senate President against the wishes of his former party, the APC.
An additional senator-elect who requested anonymity claimed that he was promised the chairmanship of an A-list committee in exchange for supporting the campaign.
The outgoing senator expressed concern that the North would elect a Muslim as the next president of the Senate if candidates from the South didn’t band together and forge a united front in the coming days.
He claims that one of the arrowheads pushing for a Senate President of Northern ancestry in the 10th National Assembly is a senior member of the current Senate.
The South will rebel and oppose any attempt by the North to elect a Muslim as the Senate President, according to one of the senators-elect who was spoken to by journalists.
In order to counter Yari’s “desperate moves,” he said, Southern senators-elect will soon convene at a lavish forum where other candidates will be urged to band together and present a single candidate.
When asked if opposition supporters would attend the meeting, he responded in the affirmative. He said, “Every senator-elect from the South will be there.”
“You read a statement released by the Northern Elders’ Forum leadership, insisting that no one will force a candidate on the North,” he continued. That serves as the introduction to what some of them are planning.
“Those who should be speaking out in favor of electing a Christian as president of the Senate are silent. That ought to reveal something to you. We didn’t anticipate some of the people who are ruthlessly running Yari’s campaign.
They are pleased that South senators-elect are divided over whether to support Akpabio or other candidates. The South needs to speak out and band together now more than ever. They’ll do that, I’m certain. These issues will be discussed at our upcoming meeting.
“Even though I’m not a part of the APC, I think Tinubu won’t permit it once he assumes the presidency in the near future. He is aware of the controversy his ticket caused, and if he wants to mend the wounds, he will do whatever it takes to stop Yari.
“The most surprising thing is that the person attempting to persuade his colleague to support a Muslim is a former presiding officer. The extent of his greed. Since 2011, this former presiding officer has consistently voiced opposition to anything involving the South.
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“I’m also urging Akpa and the other South African contenders to have an open discussion and end this pointless contest. We have a nation to defend.
The Federal Capital Development Authority and the United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund Implementation Partners are working together to make roads safer for drivers.
This aims to reduce accident rates and promote road safety in Nigeria.
Simon Obi, the executive director of the GreenLight Initiative, spoke while on a visit to the FCDA on Friday in Abuja.
Obi emphasized how crucial it was to involve the FCDA in the project’s implementation, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
He asserts that government organizations, particularly in Abuja, must create and promote policies for safer streets in coordination with groups like the Federal Road Safety Corps, vehicle inspection officers, and other security organizations.
In order to make streets safer for drivers, Obi said the project was in line with the UN’s Global Road Safety Week and centered on sustainable transportation, such as walking, bicycling, and public transportation.
Additionally, he brought up the global trend of moving away from automobiles and toward healthier, greener forms of transportation.
We were given the task of contacting the FCDA and other stakeholders as one of our tasks.
“This is the reason we’re here; we picked this specific day because of its importance.
The Committee was established to carry out a project known as safer streets for Road users in Nigeria, the official said.
Obi added that the project’s pilot phase was slated to occur in the capital city of Abuja.
One of the issues raised during the various committee meetings was the necessity of including the landlord in order to carry out a project of this size.
Reaching out to the FCDA and other stakeholders is one of the tasks we were assigned as the advocacy committee, which is in charge of leading the project’s advocacy component, according to Obi.