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Ogun guber poll: Adebutu files petition against Abiodun’s victory

Beloved JOHN
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Ogun guber poll: Adebutu files petition against Abiodun’s victory

THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has filed a petition challenging the victory of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adetutu filed a petition before the Election Petition Tribunal alleging manipulation of results in the state election.

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Adetutu and his legal team led by Gordy Uche, SAN, as well as party chieftains, visited the tribunal secretariat at Isabo Magistrate court premises in Abeokuta to submit voluminous copies of the petition.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Abiodun as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.

Abiodun pulled 276,298 votes to defeat Adetutu, who scored 262,383.

Speaking with reporters on his petition, Adebutu said his mandate was stolen.

The PDP candidate said he filed his petition on “four solid grounds”, noting that he hopes the tribunal will do its best.

“We have up to four solid grounds, but it will be sweeter when our opponent tells you the grounds.

“Our prayers are just that the right thing is done and the man who won is given the mantle of the office.

“And in the alternative, the petitioner prayed for an order of the Tribunal “directing 1st Respondent to conduct fresh election in the 99 polling units which cut across 41 wards and 16 Local Government Areas of Ogun State where elections were either not held and cancelled due to disruption and over-voting.”

In his petition, Adetutu asked that the tribunal declare Abiodun unqualified and disqualify him as a candidate for the governorship election.

He also asked to be declared the winner of the election as the candidate who has the highest number of valid votes and has satisfied the requirements of the constitution.

The reliefs sought by Adetutu include: “An order of this Honourable Tribunal setting aside the Certificate of Return dated 20th day of March 2023 wrongly issued to the 2nd Respondent by the 1st respondent.

“An order directing the 1st Respondent to immediately Issue a Certificate of Return to the 1st petitioner as the duly elected Governor of Ogun State.

“In the alternative: an order of this Honourable Tribunal directing 1st Respondent to conduct fresh election in the 99 polling units which cut across 41 wards and 16 Local Government Areas of Ogun State where elections were either not held or cancelled due to disruption and over-voting.

“An order of this Honourable Tribunal directing the 1st Respondent to conduct a fresh election for the office of Governor of Ogun State to the exclusion of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents.”

LP crisis ploy to frustrate Obi’s tribunal case – State chairmen

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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LP crisis ploy to frustrate Obi’s tribunal case – State chairmen

STATE chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) have alleged that the internal crisis rocking the party is aimed at frustrating the chances of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, at the election tribunal.

Speaking on behalf of the 36 state chairmen on Friday, April 7, Nasarawa State Labour party chairman, Alexander Ombugu, said the current leadership crisis in the party is politically motivated and sponsored.

“We are aware that the present crisis in the Labour Party is being sponsored by other political parties to spoil the chances of our party in the ongoing presidential election tribunal so that Mr Peter Obi will lose focus in continuing with the case.

“And because they know that the court is the last hope of the common man, and seeing that we are hopeful to reclaim our mandate, they decided to come up with all these plans by sponsoring some persons to cause disaffection in the Labour Party.

“The other political parties know that he (Obi) won the February 25 presidential election with a landslide but the irregularities which occurred during the electioneering process including the non-transmission of results to the Independent National Electoral Commission results viewing portal, made another candidate to be announced as the winner of the election,” Ombugu said.

Ombugu added that the 36 state chairmen are behind Julius Abure, the LP national chairman who was recently removed by a court following an ex-parte motion filed by some aggrieved party members.

He said, “The State Chairmen have called on all their supporters across the country to remain committed to the growth of the party and not be deterred by the activities of those who are sponsored to cause setbacks in the party.

“They have also urged the judiciary to continue to be upright in justice delivery and the security agencies not to allow themselves to be used by greedy and desperate politicians who do not mean well for the nation.

“At a time like this, members of the judiciary and security agencies are likely to face intimidations from politicians who are greedy and desperate. We want to urge them to continue to discharge their duties according to the laws guarding their professions, because we all have to put Nigeria first in everything we are doing.

“But we want to let them know today, that no matter what they do, we will continue to remain loyal to our National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, and give him the needed support to take our party to greater heights. So, we are calling on all our supporters across the country to remain committed to the growth of the party and not be deterred by the activities of those who are sponsored to cause setbacks in the party.”

The ICIR had earlier reported that a High Court in Abuja barred the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, and three other national executive officers from parading themselves as officials of the party until they are vindicated of allegations against them.

Other members sued alongside the national chairman include the National Secretary, Farouk Ibrahim, the National Organising Secretary, Clement Ojukwu, and the Treasurer, Oluchi Opara.

FCT Police Command deploys personnel ahead of Easter

Ijeoma OPARA
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FCT Police Command deploys personnel ahead of Easter

THE Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said it has massively deployed its operatives to combat crime and ensure smooth festivities ahead of the forthcoming Easter celebrations.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command Josephine Adeh on Friday April 7.

“The deployment is characterised by strengthened police-community relationship towards intelligence gathering, visibility policing at all places of worship and every point of social gathering, stop and search duty, intelligence-led raids on black spots, highway, and border patrol, aggressive vehicular/foot patrol, and surveillance, inter-agency collaboration and sundry,” she noted.

Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police Sadiq Idris Abubakar charged officials to ensure that their official duties were carried out with adequate consideration for fundamental human rights and according to global best practices.

“Consequent upon the above, the FCT Commissioner of Police AIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar Ph.D., mni wishes to assure residents of the Territory of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that they have a safe and peaceful environment during the Easter celebration period and beyond,” she noted.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant throughout the period, and report suspicious activities or share valuable information via the police control room numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.

Protests rock Benue as armed herdsmen kill 46 in latest attack

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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Protests rock Benue as armed herdsmen kill 46 in latest attack

RESIDENTS of Apa community in Benue State on Friday, April 7, took to the streets to protest against incessant killings by suspected armed herdsmen in the state.

The protesters, mostly youths, mounted roadblocks on the Oweto-Loko-Abuja Road.

They lamented that more than 100 people have been killed and injured in the community while a traditional chief’s hand was amputated by the armed herdsmen.

The protests followed the killing of 46 persons in the latest attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Benue State.

The 46 persons were reportedly murdered in fatal attacks on Umogidi community of Entekpa Adoka district in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Thursday, April 6.

Speaking on Thursday, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Bako Eje, said the fresh attack was launched following the suspicious invasion of the community by herders on Tuesday.

“You know that these herders killed three people on Tuesday and they (herders) came back on Wednesday at about 4.15 pm and killed 46 people, including my own son, who was 32 years old.

“We just buried him and some other persons are still missing. Among the people killed were my immediate younger sister’s husband, and her second son who was almost 38 years old.”

Also a resident of the community, who identified himself a Sunny, said, “We were still mourning the death of the three people killed on Tuesday by these herders when we started hearing gunshots from different angles leading to the death of several people.”

Meanwhile, reacting to the attack on community members, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Paul Hemba described the incident as very tragic and painful.

“I can confirm to you that there was an attack in Umogidi and as of this morning, the casualty figure, from those who were seen physically from what I was told, was 46. But the figure may be higher because some people are still reported missing,” he said.

The police spokesperson for the state, Catherine Anene, disclosed that eight corpses have been recovered.

“Attack on Umogidi community is confirmed. Eight corpses have been recovered, including a police officer. More police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”

The ICIR earlier reported that the Benue State Emergency and Management Agency said it had recorded  5,138 deaths from suspected armed herders in seven years.

According to the state emergency management agency,  18 of the 23 Local Government Areas had been under series attacks since  the beginning of Governor Samuel Ortom’s administration.

PSC warns against police involvement in debt collection, land matters

Ijeoma OPARA
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PSC warns against police involvement in debt collection, land matters

CHAIRMAN of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Solomon Arase has warned police officers against being involved in debt collection and land issues.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday April 7, by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani.

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“The PSC Chairman said the Police has no reason to go into land matters or debt collection, issues that should be handled through alternative dispute resolution, adding that he will remain a strong advocate of community partnership in policing,” Ani noted.

Arase issued the warning while speaking to the National Leadership of the Police Community Relations Committee on Thursday April 6.

He expressed concern over increasing cases of human rights abuses in the Police Force adding that there would be consequences for misconduct of officials.

“Dr. Arase noted that for the Police to excel in its day-to-day operations, there must be consequences for misconduct and benefits for exemplary behaviour. He said benefits and burden must go together, stressing that he will strive to complement what the Police is currently doing to ensure that the operations of the Police must conform with its rules of engagement,” Ani noted.

The Chairman also pledged to work with the Inspector-General of Police towards better performance of the Force.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had sworn in Arase, who was once Inspector-General of Police, as chairman of the PSC on Wednesday, March 29.

Why DSS has not arrested Datti —Mike Ejiofor

Vincent Ufuoma
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Why DSS has not arrested Datti —Mike Ejiofor

FORMER Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has explained why the security agency did not arrest the Labour Party (LP) vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over his recent comment.

Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, April 7, Ejiofor stated that the security agency cannot take any action against the LP vice presidential candidate without concrete evidence.

Baba-Ahmed had, while speaking on the 2023 presidential election during an interview with Channels Television last month, declared that the country has no President-Elect despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu as the winner of the election.

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The LP vice-presidential candidate said Tinubu would lead an unconstitutional government if sworn into office because the APC candidate “has not met requirements of the law”.

He added that swearing in the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on May 29 may be the end of democracy in Nigeria.

The interview has elicited criticism from political stakeholders, a N5 million fine for the TV station, and a call by Tinubu’s supporters for Baba-Ahmed’s arrest.

Ejiofor, while speaking on Arise Television, noted that “For the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, I listened to his interview, and since it has gone viral, he made a personal statement which he is entitled to,” he said.

“But if he goes ahead, I believe that the SSS, if they have any evidence of pursuing that to its logical conclusion, action will be taken because nobody is above the law.”

Ejiofor also made reference to a similar statement credited to the current vice president in 2015, which was not acted upon by the government.

He believes that the DSS would continue to monitor events as they unfold, and anybody, no matter how highly placed they are, would be brought before the law.

He further stated that the DSS had warned politicians to desist from the issue of the interim government because it is not only unconstitutional but also illegal.

Court vacates interim orders against Seplat boss

Ehime ALEX
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Court vacates interim orders against Seplat boss

THE Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has vacated the ex parte interim orders against Seplat Energy Plc, its chief executive officer (CEO) Roger Brown and board chairman Basil Omiyi.

Also vacated was the order that restrained Brown from participating in the running of the company, according to a statement on Thursday, April 6, signed by Omiyi.

“The case has been adjourned to May 16, 2023, to continue the hearing,” the statement read.

The interim orders were in relation to a court petition filed by five persons who claimed to be minority shareholders of Seplat, collectively holding 161 units of shares.

“The Company maintains that the petition lacks proper basis and is premised on false allegations,” the statement also read in part.

The court had adjourned the case on March 30 till Thursday, April 6 to rule on all pending applications that sought to vacate the ex-parte order, based on the lawyers’ consent.

The court had restrained Brown from carrying out his official duties pending the determination of a suit instituted against him, The ICIR can recall.

Brown had been accused of racism, favouring of expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and breach of good governance.

The defendants in suit no. FHC/L/402/2023 against the respondents (Seplat Energy, Brown, and Omiyi) are Moses Igbrude, Sarat Kudaisi, Kenneth Nnabike, Ajani Abidoye, and Robert Ibekwe.

In accordance with the court order, Brown had stepped down and delegated his official responsibilities to Samson Ezugworie, the company’s chief operating officer, as contained in a statement released by Seplat on March 10.

Troops eliminate 53 terrorists in two weeks — DHQ

Beloved JOHN
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Troops eliminate 53 terrorists in two weeks — DHQ

THE Defense Headquarters has said troops of the Nigerian Army killed 53 terrorists operating in North-East, North-Central and North-West in the last two weeks.

The Army added that troop also arrested 59 kidnappers and criminals perpetrating violence in the three zones within the period.

The Director of Defense Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, disclosed this while speaking at the bi-weekly news conference on armed forces operations on Thursday, April 6, in Abuja.

He said the troops also rescued 118 abducted victims across the operation theatres.

Danmadami said the troops in the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, sustained offensive operations against two major terrorist groups, Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

This resulted in the death of 29 terrorists; 20 others were also arrested.

He said a total of 974 terrorists comprising 77 adult males, 364 adult females and 533 children, surrendered to troops at different locations within the period.

The troops recovered several weapons, including 14 AK47 rifles, two NSVT guns, three PKT MG, three Gun Trucks, 188 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 142 rounds of 12.7x108mm ammunition, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 cartridges, 18 dane guns, 17 AK47 magazines and Improvised Explosive Device wires.

Danmadami said the troops also recovered “two grinding machines, one vulcanising machine, one mechanic tool box, tyre rims, three pairs of Boko Haram uniforms, shovel, bags of assorted foodstuff, cartons of spaghetti, medical supplies, solar panels, 12 motorcycles, 13 bicycles, mobile phones, radio, pouches, one vehicle and the sum of N2.3 million cash” from the terrorists.

He noted that the apprehended suspects and recovered items had been handed to the relevant authorities.

“Equally, the rescued terrorists escapees and members of their families were profiled and given medical attention, while the surrendered terrorists and members of their families are also being profiled for further action,” he said

The operations in the north-central and northwest also have similar results, according to Danmadami.

In the North-Central, troops of Operations Whirl Stroke and Safe Haven apprehended nine suspected kidnappers and nine other criminals and rescued 21 kidnapped civilians.

They also recovered two AK47 rifles, two pistols, two pistol rounds, machetes, four ATM cards, five SIM cards, and mobile phones.

In the North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 24 terrorists and rescued 43 abducted civilians.

They also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, nine AK47 magazines, 14 dane guns, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special, six motorcycles, radios and 76 rustled cattle.

There have been several reports of successful military attacks on terrorists from the Defence Headquarters.

While insecurity remains rife, particularly in the north, the Nigerian armed forces claimed to have arrested several terrorists in different operations.

On Thursday, April 6, the DHQ said its troops neutralised 48 terrorists and recovered N2.3 million in Borno.

On April 1, it announced the killing of five bandits and the recovery of four AK-7 rifles in Kaduna.

Shortly after, the DHQ disclosed that the operatives killed another 11 suspected bandits and recovered ammunition in the same state.

In February, the DHQ said operatives eliminated 80 ISWAP members while 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the troops in two weeks.

In September 2021, the Army said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed about 36 Boko Haram terrorists and arrested two, also within two weeks.

Days after, 2,700 Boko Haram members was reported to have surrendered to the military.

University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism seeks entries

Blessing OTOIBHI
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University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism seeks entries

THE University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism is accepting applications for the 2023 National Fellowship, which focuses on health journalism.

The program will help journalists and their newsrooms report deeply and authoritatively on the health, welfare, and well-being of vulnerable children, youth, families, and communities.

The fellowship will be held from July 16, 2023, to July 20, 2023, in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, Annenberg.

Fellows will also receive mentorship for up to five months and a US$2,000 to US$10,000 grant to work on a reporting project.

Professional and freelance journalists from print, broadcast, and online media with three years of experience and an interest in health issues can apply for a fellowship.

The deadline for submission of applications is May 5, 2023. Interested applicants can apply here.

We must take a stand against violence, Gbadebo tells Lagosians

Faith ABEKA
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We must take a stand against violence, Gbadebo tells Lagosians

THE governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has urged residents of the state to take a stand against violence and promote peace for the sake of democracy and posterity.

Rhodes-Vivour addressed the issue of violence that was witnessed during the March 18 governorship election on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, April 7.

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He condemned those fanning the embers of ethnic division and promoting violence as it portends danger for the future.

“I don’t want Lagos to be torn apart by violence. If this scenario is allowed to stand, anybody standing for future elections will not think about the debate but will think about violence,” he said.

“We are the future and the decisions that are being made are going to affect us. We must do the best we can not just for this election, but about the precedent that is being set by this election,” he added.

The LP governorship candidate described the culture of the Lagos people as one of openness and accommodation, not suppression and intimidation, noting that what played out during the election had never happened before and must be resisted.

“This is not about Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour or Labour Party but about our democracy,” he stated.

During the general elections, Lagos was a hotbed of intense political activities that assumed a dangerous ethnic dimension as violence was witnessed and hoodlums stormed several polling units, destroying electoral materials and chasing away voters.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police also admitted incidences of violence and attacks on voters who came out to exercise their civic responsibilities during the gubernatorial election.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed that documentary evidence and incidence reports across 700 polling units, to expose the violence that took place during the election, are being put in place.

 

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