Category: Northern Report

  • ‘Tinubu has opportunity to change  economic situation’

    ‘Tinubu has opportunity to change economic situation’


    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to change the country’s  current economic situation  and bring Nigerians out of poverty, President and Founder of Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) President  Linus Okorie said yesterday. 

    Okorie, who urged the president to invest in youth development, said Nigeria needed huge investment in youth leadership development.

    He stated this during a boot campaign meeting organised by Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative (IDL) in Abuja

    Okorie stated that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current situation of the country but President Tinubu has the choice to reinvent the wheel for a positive change.

    He noted that Tinubu has the opportunity to be in the good books of history of the country and grow the economy by taking the path of uplifting people out of poverty.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s northern exploits and the Igbo challenge

    He stressed that people have suffered in Nigeria because in most cases some leaders who don’t have the compassion and empathy to serve the society have gained access to power and as such, Nigeria needed a huge investment in youth leadership development.

    Okorie said: “Nigeria needs huge investment in youth leadership development. Leadership development is a must for national transformation, you can’t build a nation until you have built the people and one of the ways to do this is leadership development competencies which is critical in investing in the way people think.

    “Our nation is the only thing we have right now. Nations of the world that have made progress are nations that have invested heavily in the leadership development of young people. No nation can grow until young are taught the importance of active citizenship; of serving the course of good governance and helping to ensure that whatever sector they are playing in they can maintain the honour of becoming a citizen that is respectable and adding values to the communities and system.”

    Executive Director, Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative, Ovo Otarigho stated that the boot camp was organised to groom young people who believe that Nigeria’s numerous challenges can be solved with their involvement without confrontations.

    He said: “We want to grow young people who are active to see that an active citizen does not throw confrontation with the government. We are building people to confront societal problems and engage with government institutions to solve these problems.”

    Otarigbo added that for the values of democracy to be enshrined in the people, young people with an active mindset must be fully engaged in its course with prerequisite knowledge not to confront the government but work as partners to solve or manage the challenges.

    resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to change the country’s  current economic situation  and bring Nigerians out of poverty, President and Founder of Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) President  Linus Okorie said yesterday. 

    Okorie, who urged the president to invest in youth development, said Nigeria needed huge investment in youth leadership development.

    He stated this during a boot campaign meeting organised by Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative (IDL) in Abuja

    Okorie stated that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current situation of the country but President Tinubu has the choice to reinvent the wheel for a positive change.

    He noted that Tinubu has the opportunity to be in the good books of history of the country and grow the economy by taking the path of uplifting people out of poverty.

    He stressed that people have suffered in Nigeria because in most cases some leaders who don’t have the compassion and empathy to serve the society have gained access to power and as such, Nigeria needed a huge investment in youth leadership development.

    Okorie said: “Nigeria needs huge investment in youth leadership development. Leadership development is a must for national transformation, you can’t build a nation until you have built the people and one of the ways to do this is leadership development competencies which is critical in investing in the way people think.

    “Our nation is the only thing we have right now. Nations of the world that have made progress are nations that have invested heavily in the leadership development of young people. No nation can grow until young are taught the importance of active citizenship; of serving the course of good governance and helping to ensure that whatever sector they are playing in they can maintain the honour of becoming a citizen that is respectable and adding values to the communities and system.”

    Executive Director, Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative, Ovo Otarigho stated that the boot camp was organised to groom young people who believe that Nigeria’s numerous challenges can be solved with their involvement without confrontations.

    He said: “We want to grow young people who are active to see that an active citizen does not throw confrontation with the government. We are building people to confront societal problems and engage with government institutions to solve these problems.”

    Otarigbo added that for the values of democracy to be enshrined in the people, young people with an active mindset must be fully engaged in its course with prerequisite knowledge not to confront the government but work as partners to solve or manage the challenges.

  • APC-USA pledges support for Tinubu at 78th UNGA

    APC-USA pledges support for Tinubu at 78th UNGA

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), United St ates of America, has pledged continuous support for President Bola Tinubu in his bid to turn the dwindling fortunes of the nation around.

    This was contained in a statement to welcome Tinubu to the 78th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).

    It was jointly signed by Chairman, APC-USA Chapter , Prof Adesegun Labinjo; Chairman, APC-USA

    New York Branch Bisoye Oladejo; Secretary, APC-USA

    Read Also: TINUBUNOMICS:  The storm before the calm

    New York Branch Ayodele Babarinde and PRO/ Media, APC-USA New York Branch Tai Lolade Salvador.

    The statement  said: “The APC-USA New York actively identified with this agenda before and during the elections and will continue to support the government of All Progressive Congress (APC) in its efforts to turn around the fortune of our dear country in a bid to make her great again.

    “The entire members of the All Progressive Congress United States of America, APC-USA New York branch heartily welcome  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  and other  delegates to the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Rally and the town hall meeting tonight taking place in New York, United States of America.

    Tinubu  together with his entourage, will be participating in this event for the first time since his inauguration and will be joining other world leaders in presenting to the entire world his government’s agenda of “The Renewed Hope” for Nigeria and Nigerians.

  • TINUBUNOMICS:  The storm before the calm

    TINUBUNOMICS:  The storm before the calm

    • By Dr. M. Kay OLUWOLE

    Email:  babakay59@yahoo.com

    Simply put, we define Tinubunomics as the economic philosophy and policies enunciated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his presidency of Nigeria. Tinubunomics covers areas like Trade, Foreign policy, labor/employment, monetary and fiscal policies that guide the administration for the next four years.   It is not yet fully and clearly defined, but from what we can glean from the effected policies and pronouncements, one can safely gauge the direction of the economic caravan: it is headed towards deregulation.

    President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural speech on May 29, announced two major consequential decisions on May 29, among other things.  The two decisions included the removal of the petrol subsidy and the plan to introduce a unified foreign exchange rate replacing the existing two windows (the investment and export, I&E, and the parallel exchange rates).  Both decisions had immediate impacts on the economy.  The price of petrol increased by three hundred percent and led to increase in the price of transportation and associated activities.  The petrol subsidy cost the government $10 billion last year.  That was the equivalent 2.1% of the GDP.  According to the Economist, the unified foreign exchange rate caused a devaluation in the value of the naira, up to 63% causing hardship for transactions that involve paying in foreign currency, including school fees abroad.

    There were speculations that something would happen to the fuel subsidy in the new Tinubu administration but only few suspected that it would be totally removed and even fewer people suspected that it would be removed as early as the first day of the Tinubu administration.

    The presidential inauguration speech customarily includes announcements of palatable news of intentions to follow-through with the promises made during the campaign to provide relief and hope to the electorate. Usually, presidential inaugurations are followed by a “honey moon” period during which supporters express goodwill and hope, while detractors may express criticisms of the newly inaugurated government. 

    Instead of President Tinubu using his inaugural speech to sell goodies and picking low-hanging fruits that will ingratiate him to the electorate, he announced the removal of the petrol (fuel) subsidy, a tough decision, giving the nation a much-needed medicine to wean it off the perennial fuel subsidy that had become a drainpipe on the economy but a conduit pipe of lucre for the well-connected and powerful elites.

    Barely did the president conclude his speech, before the effects of the removed subsidy were felt in the petrol stations and the consequent sky-rocketing of the prices of food, transportation and other daily necessities.  The effects were swift and harsh.  The government is responding by engaging the labor leaders, state governments and other stake holders of the economy to work out reasonable palliatives to cushion the impacts of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

     According to the government, the money saved by removal of the fuel subsidy will be used to fund some other national priorities like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and investment in other sectors of the economy.

     The combined effects of the two policies, the removal of the petrol subsidy and the attempt to unify the foreign exchange rates have caused some hardship for most Nigerians.  These hardships must have been anticipated in advance given that the price of petrol affects most things and given that the Nigerian economy is heavily import-dependent.

    Given our long history of macroeconomic profligacies and the fiscal incontinence of the free-wheeling past years, the president has chosen a realistic but painful approach to the management of the economy.  One hopes that the two policies are implemented as best as possible.  Many economists in the country support the policies, as painful as they may be in the short-run.  The administration should stay with the policies as it continues to implement ways and means to cushion the unpalatable effects.  On the long-run, the country will be better off as we reap the benefits of the reforms.

    Following the two decisions, the president also announced the formation of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax reform to look into the best ways to improve the national taxation system including the vexing issue of double taxation.  One hopes that the committee would address issues like tax avoidance, tax evasion, over taxation, under taxation, tax loopholes, etc. A transparent fiscal policy will enhance the ease of doing business and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the tax burden that will attract foreign investment.  One of the aims of an impactful tax policy should include a reasonable progressive tax policy that will encourage the reduction of inequality.

    Concessionary tax rates, like tax cuts, tax holidays to foreign investors in some industries will also encourage foreign investments.

    Read Also: Tinubu, world leaders commit to pandemic prevention, preparedness

    Regarding monetary policy, a unified foreign exchange rate will enhance foreign investment as it eases the repatriation of profits and earning of foreign investors.

    With the president’s searchlight into the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria, it appears that the bank would be better-positioned to achieve its traditional roles of a better management of the monetary policies, inflation and employment.

    Within the first hundred days of the administration, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and conviction by taking hard decisions with the hope that his reforms would bear fruits in due course. His constant refrain to the economy indicates it is very dear to his heart and he is doing everything possible to improve it. A growing economy will enable him fulfil his electoral promises. He should continue to go big on the economic reforms with the focus of a laser beam. A scatter-shot approach or reversal of policies for political pressure will not achieve the desired results.

    A growing economy has been compared to a “rising tide that lifts all boats” since everyone benefits from an expanding economy.

    The palliatives provided by the Federal and state governments are a welcome relief, but not a panacea.  The ultimate solution will be a growing economy that works for everyone.

    President Tinubu has hinted on some judicial reforms that will include review of the salaries of judges in an effort reduce the temptation of bribery and corruption. Hopefully, this proposed review of emoluments in the judiciary will include the modernization of the judiciary and updates in the use of technology and faster ways to improve the administration of justice.  Such judicial reforms should go a long way to reduce the incidents of unpunished crimes and scandalous acquittals.

    The country needs plenty of foreign investment to improve employment.  Major areas that will attract foreign investments include improved security, anticorruption, equitable taxation, flexible labor laws, enforcement of the laws of ownership and laws of contract. 

    The current turmoil in the economy and hardship should be seen as transitory in that would soon calm down as the reforms begin to bear fruits. Hopefully, the long-term effect of the reforms will make life more comfortable and improve the standard of living of the populace.

    The Tinubu administration should keep marketing Nigeria to investors, both local and foreign by resolving issues of repatriation of earnings and profits, improvement in security, enforceable contract laws, ownership laws and reasonable labor laws.  Economic diplomacy is increasingly becoming more important in the face of creeping global multi-polarization. As we maintain our non-aligned status in international affairs our economy should have no restrictions but welcome all nations who can help our economic development. 

    Further focus on the economy is enhanced by the equipment of the ministers with the administration’s 8-point template for rapid economic development. With the reforms focused on the fiscal and monetary policies, the judiciary, the other main area that needs urgent improvement include improved security which is foundational to most activities. Improved security will enable the free flow of daily commercial activities.

  • Foundation deradicalises 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno

    Foundation deradicalises 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno

    An indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, has deradicalised 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno.

    Its Executive Director, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, stated this yesterday in Maiduguri at the inaugural meeting of a Media Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in the state.

    Allamin said the deradicalisation of the women, who were also empowered and reintegrated into the society, was part of its new programme.

    She said the new programme was to facilitate transitional justice and reconciliation in the state.

    Read Also: TUC demands quick action on post subsidy removal palliatives for workers

    “This media forum is based on requests from the media on the transitional justice being promoted in the state, following the mass surrender of Boko Haram,” the executive director said.

    She noted that the media had a critical role to play in creating awareness on transitional justice and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the process for maximum success.

    “The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader Northeastern region of Nigeria.

    “We recognise the significant role that the mass media plays in shaping public discourse, framing issues, setting agendas and fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion.

    “During this forum, we aim to delve into the multifaceted aspects of transitional justice and reconciliation, exploring how the media can contribute to these essential processes,” Allamin said.

    Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno Chapter,  Mr Abdulkareem Haruna, lauded the foundation for partnering the media to promote reconciliation.

    Haruna said reporters in Borno remained committed to the return of peace and normalcy in the state.

    He added that they would support the government and any organisation committed to peace in the region and country.

  • Commission vows to rehabilitate refugees, IDPs,  others

    Commission vows to rehabilitate refugees, IDPs,  others

    The Federal Government has vowed to prioritise the welfare of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, and other persons of concern.

    The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, made this known in Abuja yesterday when he assumed duty.

    Ahmed, until his appointment by President Bola Tinubu,  was  Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa  State (SSG); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Commissioner for Education.

    Ahmed,  appreciating President Tinubu for his appointment, acknowledged the responsibilities ahead.

    On his appointment, he said: “I want to sincerely thank President Tinubu for finding me worthy of this position. I don’t think I have ever met him (President) but I was still appointed by him.  I promise not to let him down and  I will ensure that the mission and vision of this agency is achieved.”

    Read Also: Impeached Ogun council boss lied against me – Abiodun

    He also said he would focus on five key areas aimed at achieving the Commission’s objectives.

    On his agenda, he said: “We hope to prioritise the orientation, protection, and rehabilitation of all persons of concern, and protect and project the image of the country.

    “We also hope to renew strategic partnerships and collaboration, formulate efficient policies that can be readily implemented, and improve the welfare of staff for effective service delivery.”

    On other plans, Ahmed said: “We want to offer assistance so that the vulnerable ones will feel a sense of belonging which would make them indigenous instead of being tagged refugees.

    “We also assure partners that we will double our efforts and make sure that whatever is meant for the people gets to them promptly. If we do this,  we will gain respect nationally and globally.”

  • Benue has enjoyed peace in the last four months, says Alia

    Benue has enjoyed peace in the last four months, says Alia

    Benue State Governor, Rev. (Fr.) Hyacinth Alia, has said with the presence and support of the Armed Forces in the state, it has enjoyed relative peace in the last four months, but more needs to be done to enjoy lasting peace.

    Alia stated this yesterday during the graduation of Course 9/2023 of the Air War College at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Makurdi, the state capital.

    According to the governor, the Armed Forces and their continuous engagement in significant events, would create confidence and hope for the people, enabling them to sleep with their eyes closed.

    He thanked the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for their support to the state, saying although it is a happy day for the graduates, it is more of a happy day for the state, adding that for his administration that  came in a few months ago, the success recorded by the graduates happened under his watch and as such he felt elated.

    Read Also: TUC demands quick action on post subsidy removal palliatives for workers

    While congratulating the graduates for the milestone, the governor charged them to continue to be good ambassadors in their service, insisting that Benue remains the most hospitable state in the country

    Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended the Armed Forces for repositioning itself with a strong focus on human capital development,  aimed at curtailing the threats posed by insurgents and armed bandits in Benue and Nigeria at large.

    He said the War College will enhance critical thinking in the Airforce and will also provide proactiveness in the military decision making processes, calling on the officers to always respect their call to duty.

    He thanked the governor for finding time out of his busy schedules to attend the graduation ceremony, saying Alia has demonstrated his willingness to collaborate with the Armed Forces and as such, they will give him the needed support to ensure that the most desired peace is restored back in Benue.

  • Taraba Elections Tribunal upturns PDP Assembly seat, upholds two APC seats

    Taraba Elections Tribunal upturns PDP Assembly seat, upholds two APC seats

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Lau State Constituency, Emmanuel George, has created an upset in the Taraba Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, upturning the victory of Nuhu Akila of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Also, the tribunal upheld the victory of Hon. Batulu Mohammed Kaltume of the APC  for Gashaka State Constituency and Hon Abel Peter Diah of the APC for  Mbamnga Constituency.

    The tribunal presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu had dismissed the case filed by Hon. Mohammed Gayam of the PDP for Gashaka Constituency and Emma Bongo of the PDP for Mbamnga Constituency for lacking in merit.

    In a late night ruling, the judge, therefore, ordered that the certificate of return be given to Emmanuel George.

    The petitions were on two grounds: non-qualification and non-compliance to the electoral act which were dismissed by the tribunal.

    Read Also: Impeached Ogun council boss lied against me – Abiodun

    Counsel to Hon. Balutu and Hon. Diah Mohammed Bashir said the petition was dismissed for “lack of merit”.

    “The tribunal entered judgement for the respondent- that there was substantial non compliance as alleged by the petitioners. So the tribunal dismissed  the petition for lacking in merit because they were unable to prove their case,” Bashir stated.

    An elated George expressed his pleasure over the judgment.

    “Justice has prevailed. We have said it earlier that we have won the majority of the lawful votes that were cast.

    ” It was sorted and counted out at the full glare of the public and the tribunal has affirmed that I am the true winner of that election. They went ahead to say INEC should retrieve the certificate of return and also return me immediately,” he stated.

    Also, Hon Balutu Hammangaldo also expressed her pleasure over her victory and called on her opponent to come walk with her.

    “Glory to God. I want my opponent to come and work with us for the benefit of our people,” she stated.

    However, Counsel to Hon. Nuhu Akila of the PDP, Joseph Oguche, promised to appeal the case. “The judgment has not been supported by both the evidence of the court and by law. So, I know we would succeed in the appeal,” he stated.

  • Govt officials’ll be held accountable for performance, says Namadi

    Govt officials’ll be held accountable for performance, says Namadi

    Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has announced plans to fast-track activities of heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by defining performance indicators to which they would be held accountable.

    Namadi said this while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Executive Council and other top government officials in Kaduna yesterday.

    The event was organised, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) Accountable, Responsive and Capable Government (ARC).

    The theme of the event was “Accelerating socio-economic development for a greater Jigawa.”

    Namadi emphasised the invaluable partnership with development organisations such as FCDO, UNICEF, and Save the Children.

    Recognising the retreat’s agenda and critical role in achieving the state’s development goals, Namadi urged the participants to ensure the retreat’s objectives yield transformative outcomes were met.

    He expressed concern about key human development indices that continued to depict a grim picture despite the significant achievements.

    Read Also: TUC demands quick action on post subsidy removal palliatives for workers

    He lamented that the challenges have persisted, as evident in the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster (MICS) Survey Report.

    Highlighting the need for a revised approach to implementing initiatives and interventions, Namadi stressed the importance of practical improvements in the socio-economic well-being of Jigawa citizens with measurable impacts on national surveys.

    The governor emphasised the significance of efficient resource utilisation, effective public expenditure, and financial management systems.

    He proposed the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation system to appraise performances across sectors and take remedial measures when necessary.

    Namadi, therefore, urged the participants to engage in the retreat, by recognising that issues discussed are pivotal for sector-level success and overall government performance.

    He expressed optimism on the retreat’s outcomes and its contribution to making Jigawa a greater and better state.

    Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, outlined the retreat’s objectives, which included familiarising participants with the policy and governance environment and implementing the governor’s commitments outlined during his inaugural speech on May 29.

    Also, the representative of the FCDO, Abubakar Tijjani, restated the organisation’s commitment to advancing the state’s 12-point agenda and pledged continued partnership with the Jigawa State Government.

  • Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    The Adamawa State Government has approved the release of over N30 billion for the construction of a flyover and a super highway in Jimeta to facilitate easy traffic flow in the metropolis.

     The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Nedo Kufulto, made this known to reporters in Yola yesterday.

    She explained that out of the amount,  N21 billion would be spent on the construction of the super highway, saying that it would cover about 20.8 kilometres.

    ”The highway will be constructed from Welcome to Yola in Numan Road to the Army barracks junction in the metropolis,” she said.

    According to her, N9 billion is for the construction of a flyover bridge at the Mubi roundabout also in the metropolis.

    Read Also: Impeached Ogun council boss lied against me – Abiodun

    ”If completed, the projects will reduce traffic congestion as well as improve socio-economic activities in the state,” she added.

    Kofulto said the contract had been awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited and that the  projects were expected to be completed in 18 months.

    In a related development, the commissioner announced that the state government has earmarked N291 million for the construction of a 7,800 metric tons warehouse.

    She said the warehouse would be sited inside the Government House, Yola, to ensure safety of its contents and guard it against burglary activities of hoodlums.

    She said the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri remained committed to developing the critical infrastructure in the state.

  • Youths disgust over contradictory judgment by election tribunal in Plateau

    Youths disgust over contradictory judgment by election tribunal in Plateau

    Youth leaders, under the aegis of the Forum of the Former Youth Leaders (Veterans) in Plateau State, have expressed disgust over what they described as contradictory judgments emanating from the two panels sitting on the National and State Assembly elections petitions in the state.

    The youth questioned why two panels, one led by Justice William Rotimi and the other led by Justice M. B. Tukur, should be conflicting in their judgments when they’re the same courts of cognate jurisdiction.

    Speaking  in Jos,the veteran youth leaders regretted that while the Justice William Panel recognised that the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had solid structures, the Tukur-led Panel said the PDP had no structures, the stand upon which it upheld the petitions filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the various elections in the state.

    At the briefing, an executive of the group,  Takubu Ibrahim Itse, said: “We the veterans and well-meaning Plateau people wish to express our worries and concerns on the unprofessional and contradictory judgments delivered by Justice M. B. Tukur in opposition to preceding judgment of the presidential tribunal of corresponding in respect of Plateau state Senatorial and House of Representatives elections against the weight of evidence and the rule of law.

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    “In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the fabricated and extensively speculated question of structure, upon which the aggrieved petitioners anchored their optimism in their suit against the PDP, was unfalteringly thrown out and effortlessly quashed by the earlier judgment pronounced by Justice William Rotimi and his two other justices at s tribunal of same jurisdiction.

    “Having affirmed the validity of PDP’s structure as evidenced by the plethora of earlier judgments that the PDP had complied with the judgments of Justice Gang and Kuda and; in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 as well as Chapter 8 of the PDP constitution, the tribunal in the case between Sen. Simon Mwadkon Vs others; Hon Musa A. Agah Vs others, the professional judgement of the tribunal is resounding and commendable.

    “In a similar professional ruling in the case of Isaac Kwalu Vs others, the tribunal maintained a similar stance, which laid to rest the question of whether or not PDP has structure. The tribunal in these cases unequivocally ruled that nomination and sponsorship of candidates for elections was the singular duty of the party and that the procedure of contesting such nomination was limited to only members of that party, which must be through a Federal High Court.”

    The veterans, therefore, said they were scandalised by the subsequent contradictory judgment delivered by Justice M. B. Tukur on September 11, the victories of Hon. Peter Gyendeng, Hon. Musa Bagos and Hon. Beni Lar of Barkin Ladi/Riyom, Jos South/Jos East and Langtang North/Langtang South federal constituencies as well as the election of Napoleon Bali of Plateau South Senatorial districts were unjustly overturned on the same grounds as the first judgments.

    “We assert that for Justice Tukur to singly contradict his learned colleagues who had earlier upheld the elections of Mwadkon, Agah and Isaac Kwalu on the same grounds tantamount to sowing a seed of  discord and chaos in the state,” the group said.

    The veteran youth leaders added: “While we respect the sanctity of the judiciary, we are perturbed about this recent debacle that is setting the state in a needless strife. This development is awfully troubling to us.”

    They, therefore, assert that Plateau people with one loud voice chose PDP and their choice must be respected; that the learned Justice (M. B. Tukur) erred in law to have unjustifiably interloped into an area external to the core interest and powers of his court (tribunal); hence his justice should be revisited.

    They said: “That the legal technicalities and intelligence should not be used to nullify the victory of Plateau duly elected leaders

    “That the election of PDP members who have been duly returned and sworn in which are still pending in the tribunal should be upheld.

    “That the tribunal National Judicial Council and organs of the law,as well as the anti-graft agencies should investigate the matter for any external or pecuniary motivations that may probably inform the decision of the said justices.”

    It also urged that the tribunal justices and lawyers be made to attend retreats to further sharpen, strengthen and improve their understanding of the law before the commencement of any tribunal case.