politics
Update : Court moves to merge all the petitions against Tinubu and determine them together
The Presidential Election Petition Court, sitting in Abuja, has disclosed its intention to consolidate the three different petitions that are seeking to nullify the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
Consequently, the court, at its resumed proceedings on Saturday, said it was empowered by Paragraph 50 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, to merge all the petitions and determine them together.
However, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, who is the lead counsel for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, pleaded the court for time to consult his client.
“My lords, we will not say that we have not looked at it, but perhaps it may require consultation with the other petitioners.
“We, therefore, ask for a stand down or an adjournment so that we can explore the modalities since this is like a marriage which is a union between two consenting adults,” Uche, SAN, added.
On its part, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, threw its weight behind the planned consolidation of the petitions.
“My lords, my personal conviction is that the provision is mandatory. It clearly stated that if there are two petitions or more that are filed to nullify the same election or return, it must be consolidated, unless the court directs otherwise.
“We are happy with the provision of the law and we are also happy with whatever position your lordships will take with respect to this matter,” INEC’s lead counsel, Mr. Abubakar Mahmood, SAN, told the court.
However, Mr. Roland Otaru, SAN, who appeared on behalf of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, said he would need time to consult.
“My lords, I will need to consult Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who is the lead counsel in this matter,” he pleaded.
The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel subsequently adjourned till Monday for the parties to report the outcome of their consultations on the issue of consolidation of all the petitions.
It will be recalled that INEC had on March 1, announced Tinubu of the APC as winner of the presidential poll, ahead of 17 other candidates that contested the election.
It declared that Tinubu scored a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat the two major contenders, Atiku of the PDP, who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.
However, dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, both. Atiku and Obi, while separately claiming that they won the contest, lodged petitions before the court.
They maintained that Tinubu was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.
Aside from praying the court to disqualify the President-elect on the basis of his alleged indictment in the United States of America, USA, on a drug-related case, the petitioners, among other things, sought the withdrawal of the Certificate of Return that was issued to him by INEC.
While Atiku’s joint petition with the PDP, was marked CA/PEPC/05/2023, that of Obi and the LP was registered as CA/PEPC/03/2023.
However, aside from Atiku and Obi, another petition by the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, is still pending before the court.
The APM, in its petition marked: CA/PEPC/04/2023, that the withdrawal of Mr. Ibrahim Masari who was initially nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, invalidated Tinubu’s candidacy in view of Section 131(c) and 142 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The party argued that there was a gap of about three weeks between the period that Masari, who was listed as the 5th Respondent in the petition, expressed intention to withdraw, the actual withdrawal of his purported nomination, and the time Tinubu purportedly replaced him with Senator Kashim Shettima.
It further argued that Tinubu’s candidature had elapsed as at the time he nominated Shettima as Masari’s replacement.
Even though five petitions were initially filed to challenge the return of Tinubu as winner of the election, however, the Action Alliance, AA, on May 8, withdrew its case, even as the Action Peoples Party, APP, followed suit two days later by also discontinuing further proceedings on its own petition.
politics
2027 Election: Preserve Your Reputation as a Statesman — Oshiomhole Advises Jonathan, Says Only Your Enemies Want You to Contest
Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against yielding to pressure to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that doing so would damage his legacy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said that only those who do not wish Jonathan well would encourage him to return to the political arena, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would easily defeat him if he chose to run.
“How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before when PDP was truly PDP,” Oshiomhole said.
“If a man had PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election.”
The former APC national chairman advised Jonathan to preserve his reputation as a statesman and avoid a return that could erode the respect he earned after conceding defeat in 2015.
“If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years, you don’t have to govern for nine,” Oshiomhole said.
According to Oshiomhole, Jonathan “has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and at peace.”
He praised Jonathan’s historic concession speech in 2015, describing it as one of his most admirable legacies.
“Looking at how he ascended to that office, if I were him, I will spend the end of my life trying to find relevance, which he has already found, and speaking because that conceding defeat, and that is memorable quote about my blood, sorry, blood of a Nigerian is not worth my ambition, he should just allow those legacies to be,” he said.
Oshiomhole further argued that Jonathan’s political base in the South-South had weakened since his departure from office, making a comeback unrealistic.
“We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now the South-South is no longer PDP. So where is he going to start from?” he asked.
Jonathan, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 presidential election to the late Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other appointees administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The Governor announced the decision during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that during the event, which held in Government House, on Wednesday, Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement of their appointments.
The Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.
He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..
“He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.
The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
The Court, while recognising the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders.
It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The judgement rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.
Other commissioners affected by the judgement are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.
Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.
It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
In a bid to contribute to the stability, unwaving and sterling political Governance in Lagos State since the Era of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as the then Governor of the State, Renowned Political Journalist and Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim has today presented a GAC Frame to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr). Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa
GAC, which means Governance Advisory Council is known to be the highest decision making body in Lagos Politics.
The Presentation was done today at the Office of the Rt Honorable Speaker in Ikeja, Lagos.
Our reporter gathered that the frame which is a 24 inches by 34 inches frame size displayed the names, photographs, local government and senatorial district of all the 35 distinguished members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The Names are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) Gov. BABAJIDE Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Surulere Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Dapo Akinwunmi Ambode, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (OON) Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Bushura Alebiosu, Kosofe Local Government, (LAGOS EAST), Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Ajeromi Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Surulere Local Government. (LAGOS CENTRAL), Alhaji Shakira Akanbi Seriki, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF M.A Taiwo, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ojo Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Hon. Wale Edun, Eti-Osa Local Government, (LAGOS CENTRAL), RT. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Agege Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Somolu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Alhaji Mutiu Are, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Secretary of the GAC, DR. Qadri Obafemi Hamzat, Ifako/Ijaye Local Government (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mushin Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Adeseye Ogunleye, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF Abiodun Ogunleye, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Ikeja Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Omooba Murphy Adetoro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Sen. Mikailu Adetokunboh Abiru, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Apapa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunbaku, Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefuluire, Alimosho Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST)
Others are; Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Femi Pedro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Hon. Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) respectively.
The frame also has a tribute segment where all the late eight (8) members of the council where fully recognized.
They are Late Hon. Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson, Hon. RF Balogun, Ambassador Rasak Demola Seriki, Oba Olatunji Hamzat, Alhaji Safiriyulahi Sumola, Chief Lanre Rasak (KLM), Proff Tunde Samuel and Chief Sunny Akinsanya Ajose of blessed memory.
The GAC remain one of the deep thoughtful thoughts, several positive political theories and landmark legacies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) while serving as Governor of Lagos State as part of its efforts to “REBRAND” Governance which has now become a MODEL and TEMPLATE of good Governance in our dear state, Lagos, Hence on his Mandate, we shall continue to STAND.
According to the Publisher of August24news.com Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim during the presentation said The Idea of putting the 35 Wise Men and women of the GAC in a Large frame is to showcase their UNITY as well as a way of Promoting their well-deserved Honour. This will no doubt, encourage other political leaders in our state to be more dedicated in their services to our dear state in particular, the country at large and humanity as whole.
Speaking further, The Frame is a great research work carried out by our Editorial Team here in August24news.com, we did this to encourage our leaders in Reshaping, Promoting and Rebranding Our Lagos Politics.
“After today’s presentation to the Speaker, we will continue to roll out the presentation to the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. BABAJIDE OLUSHOLA SANWOLU and his Deputy, Dr. OBAFEMI KADRI HAMZAT, All Honourable Commissioners in the state, Federal and State Lawmakers, All the 57 Council Chairmen, Some Key Dignitaries and other Party Loyalist in the state.
Receiving the Frame in a joyfully mood, Lagos Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa thank the team for the presentation while commending August24news.com Editorial team for the great research job particularly the Publisher, Mr. AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM for putting up such creativity.
Obasa said the frame will be well kept in a reserved place in his office and archives for coming generation to know their legends and political leader as he call for a minute silent to honour the late eight members of the Council.
Commenting on the GAC FRAME Presentation is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) who also doubles as the GAC secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said the GAC is one of the beauty of Lagos Politics.
Also Commenting, is a Political Analyst Commentator and Publisher of Upshot Media, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu commended Ajagbe for the initiative on the photo frame adding that GAC members deserves even greater recognition, especially given their immense contribution to good governance in Lagos State.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
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