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Tag: KOGI

  • Kogi: Stop intimidating INEC, Judiciary, CSOs tell politicians

    Kogi: Stop intimidating INEC, Judiciary, CSOs tell politicians

    A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) has called on politicians to exercise restraints in their criticism, intimidation and harassment of the country’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The coalition, during a peaceful protest led by the Convener, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete at the headquarters of the INEC in Abuja on Thursday, also expressed worry over the orgy of “needless harassment” of the judiciary by political actors, noting that it undermined the sanctity of the nation’s electoral system and the independence of the judiciary.

    The coalition staged the protest in response to one led by a group which called itself Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum where it told the National Assembly that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) of the INEC was the problem of the country and that professors were being used to rig election and should stop being appointed as Returning Officers.

    Dr. Ohalete,.while expressing disappointment with the avalanche of attacks on the electoral umpire, said politicians must imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and stop launching attacks on the nation’s institutions over their rejection by the electorate at the grassroot.

    Read Also: NTF targets  hitch-free Davis Cup Tourney in Abuja

    “It is saddening and most worrisome that politicians will stop at nothing in their desperation to grab power at all costs. In the case of Kogi, which has continued to attract headlines, it is on record that tribal jingoists who lost out in the November 11, 2023 poll have continued to drag the names of INEC and the judiciary to the mud due to their inability to achieve their political aims.

    “When we continue to unleash needless attacks on these institutions of the law, we are stoking anarchy and telling the world that our reputation as a people is in tatters. No nation develops in an atmosphere where its institutions are maliciously derided and ridiculed by those who believe they have the structure of the state.

    “A candidate has lost election at the poll in Kogi and lost at the tribunal. Instead of him to allow the judiciary do its job, he has resorted to intimidation just to criminally allow the pendulum swing in his favour. The country is a creation of law, and not a banana republic where people have their ways through criminal means,” he noted.

    Dr. Ben Oguche the Convener of North Central Indigenous Peoples Assembly, in a letter to the leadership of INEC and Chief Justice of Nigeria, urged them to be firm and steadfast.

    He called on Nigerians to rally support for the key institutions of the state and withstand those wishing to thwart the efforts to build Nigeria’s democratic culture.

    While receiving a solidarity letter from the group on behalf of INEC, Director of Security, Ndidi Okafor, pledged continuous commitment of the Commission to the constitution of the country, and to ensuring free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

    She further appreciated the group for being peaceful and also for expressing their views about the Commission and the Judiciary.

  • Kogi governorship dispute: Appeal Court reserves judgment in Ajaka’s appeal against Ododo’s election

    Kogi governorship dispute: Appeal Court reserves judgment in Ajaka’s appeal against Ododo’s election

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023, Kogi governorship election, Muritala Ajaka and his party against the decision of the state election petition tribunal.

    In its judgment on May 27, the tribunal upheld the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election and dismissed the petition by Ajaka and the SDP.

    On Thursday, July 4, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal took final submissions from lawyers to parties in the case and announced that judgment is reserved, to be delivered on a date to be communicated to them (the parties).

    In his submission, Kanu Agabi (SAN) while adopting the briefs filed on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), prayed the court to dismiss the appeal filed by Ajaka and his party for lacking in merit.

    He said there were inconsistencies in the case of the appellants.

    Agabi argued that the Appeal Court had decided that if the grounds of a petition were inconsistent with one another, and were not consistent with the reliefs, it should be struck out.

    He also argued that the evidence of the petitioners was grossly insufficient, citing a Supreme Court decision.

    The former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) argued that once the evidence called is grossly insufficient, there is no evidence.

    He said the petitioners only called 25 witnesses out of the scores listed.

    Agabi further argued that out of the 25 witnesses called by the petitioners, there was no single polling unit agent among them.

    Agabi also argued that the first petitioners’ witness (PW1) did not file any witness deposition beforehand as required by law and as such cannot give evidence in an election petition.

    Lawyer to Ododo, Joseph Daudu (SAN) noted that no single piece of evidence of PW1 was admitted as evidence by the court on the ground that he failed to front-load his witness statement beforehand.

    Daudu said the Tribunal was right to have expunged the evidence of PW1, having declared it inadmissible, and added that the appellants failed to prove the allegation of overvoting in their petition.

    Read Also: Kogi governorship dispute: Tribunal fixes Monday in Ajaka’s petiton against Ododo

    He also urged the tribunal to dismiss the allegations of forgery against his client, saying it bordered on a pre-election matter, which the apex court had decided in Gbagi’s case against INEC.

    Daudu, who said they failed to prove allegations of over-voting, also argued that Section 137 of the Electoral Act cited by the petitioners on allegations of over-voting did not apply in the instant petition.

    He urged the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the judgment of the Tribunal which upheld the election of Ododo.

    Lawyer to the APC, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) prayed the court to dismiss the appeal for being incompetent.

    Ajaka and the SDP, in their 31-ground appeal, insist that they are the winners of the November 11, 2023 governorship election and should be declared the rightful winner.

    Lawyer to the appellants, Pius Akubo (SAN) urged the court to void the judgment of the election tribunal and declare Ajaka as the governor of Kogi state.

    Akubo argued that the judgment of the tribunal, which upheld Ododo’s election, was a serious miscarriage of justice.

  • Kogi IGR hits N23.5bn — official

    Kogi IGR hits N23.5bn — official

    The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service says the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile has risen from N6 billion in 2016 to N23.5  billion per annum.

    Alhaji Sule Enehe, the chairman of the service, announced this in a stakeholders interactive session held in Lokoja on Tuesday.

    Enehe explained that when he came on board as chairman in 2016, the revenue of the state was just about N6 billion per annum.

    “But today, within eight years, the revenue profile has leaped to N 23. 5 billion annually helping the state government at providing the desired social amenities to the people.

    “the service had in the last eights years transitioned to digital systems for efficient tax processes with a tax guide to simplify tax payments.

    “This tax guide can enable tax players to make payments in the comfort of their homes.

    “These feats are attributed to the collective efforts and contributions of every stakeholder involved, highlighting the importance of teamwork and community support in achieving financial growth,” he said.

    Read Also: EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: Kogi youths blast northern group over allegations

    The chairman said that the state government “is judiciously utilising the  monies being generated from tax in touching the lives of residents in the state.

    “It is obvious the government has provided infrastructure in area of Health, Agriculture, education and Road projects”.

    Enehe said that the stakeholders interactive meeting was aimed at collecting feedback from businesses regarding challenges being faced, with the goal of conveying the information to the state government.

    The chairman further said that the meeting was also intended to help in the design of policies that would foster a more business-friendly environment, showcase how state funds are utilised.

    Dr Olubunmi Ajayi, Director, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Other Revenues, urged tax payers not to pay cash to revenue officials.

    “Your not paying cash to tax officials will greatly help in eradicating all forms of illegality within the system.

    “Our taxpayers remain our valued assets in generating the necessary funds for social and economic development of the state, as they perform their civic responsibility in paying their tax obligations,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the session is “Continuous Engagement for Effective Tax Administration”.

  • Eight kidnapped Kogi varsity students rescued

    Eight kidnapped Kogi varsity students rescued

    Combined security personnel yesterday in Kwara State rescued the remaining eight students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi State.

    Spokesperson of the state Kwara State Police command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi said the “sustained combined efforts of the Police, the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Military, and local vigilantes, led to the successful rescue of eight students, five females and three males”.

    The victims are Anate Hanifat Oyiza, Damisa Ometere, Ahmed Fatimah, Obakachi Onyioyiza, Oloruntoba Blessing Kemisola,Omouo my Godwin, Abdulrafiu A. Enesi and Musa Oseni.

    She said the studems were rescued and taken to police Divisional Police Headquarters Oro-Ago in Kwara State in preparation for their movement to receive medical attention in Ilorin, the state capital.

    Early last month 32 students of the university were kidnapped but two were killed.

     In a statement, the Nigerian Army said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara State. It said: “The operation, which was initiated following an intense clearance mission by the collaborating troops and security operatives, uncovered the location of the kidnapped students through a swift and  comprehensive search of the nearby forests and villages to locate the remaining abducted students.

    “The search efforts were concentrated along the Gbugu, Pategi, and Oro Ago Axis, including areas such as Babasango and Babanla. Consequently, the troops detected the movement of the terrorists, who were attempting to relocate their hostages. As troops approached the terrorists’ location, the terrorists abandoned the students and fled into the forest.The rescued students have been safely evacuated and handed over to the authorities of Kogi State Government for further action and reunion with their families.

    “This operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, particularly in regions plagued by terrorists’ activities. The swift and decisive action of the troops has not only saved lives but also sent a strong message to terrorist elements operating in the area.

    Read Also: Troops begin land, air offensive against kidnappers in Kogi

     “The Nigerian Army enjoins the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency, as collective efforts are crucial in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the region.’’

     Also, in a statement, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Taiwo Fanwo, quoted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as thanking the security agencies for a job well done.  

    Specifically, the governor said: “The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director-General of DSS, the Inspector-General of Police and the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.

    “The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat.’’

    Ododo, who earlier thanked President  Bola Tinubu for helping with resources, also thanked his Kwara State counterpart, Governor Abdulraham AbdulRazaq, for his support.

  • Children’s Day: Kogi reaffirms commitment to quality

    Children’s Day: Kogi reaffirms commitment to quality

    The Kogi state government on Monday, May 27, joined the rest of the world in celebrating Children’s Day.

    Speaking at the Children’s Day celebration held at Muhammad Buhari Square in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, highlighted the significance of the occasion.

    In her address, she stated: “Children are the heartbeat of our society, destined to be tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. As we celebrate today, we must remember our duty to nurture and protect them. Providing quality education and instilling strong values such as respect, empathy, and integrity are crucial for their development.”

    Read Also: Children’s Day: Osun governor’s wife Ngozi Adeleke celebrates children

    In line with this year’s theme, “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child Through Quality Education and Skilled Development”, she stated “it is a day that reminds us of the important role children play in shaping our nation’s future and further stated that Kogi state is leading in providing quality education. We offer free education from primary to secondary school, cover exam fees, and distribute bursaries to students in tertiary institutions. Our state has zero tolerance for children being out of school, and parents must ensure their children attend.”

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Usman Dodo-led administration to quality education for all children. Together, as parents, educators, and citizens, we can help every child reach their full potential.

    She gave thanks to God for the safe return of 21 of the kidnapped students of Confluence University and prayed that the two remaining students still held in captivity be returned safely to us.  We thank our energetic and tireless governor and do not forget the courageous security agencies who have committed their efforts to their rescue and safe return.

    It is noteworthy that at the commencement of the event, she requested a minute silence in honour of the students killed by abductors and prayed their souls rest in peace and their families be comforted by almighty Allah.

  • UPDATED: Tribunal upholds Ododo’s election as Kogi governor

    UPDATED: Tribunal upholds Ododo’s election as Kogi governor

    …okays Diri’s re-election as Bayelsa governor

    The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sat in Abuja has upheld the victory of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state.

    The three-member tribunal led by Ado Birnin-Kudu held that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka failed to prove their allegations that the election was marred by irregularities, manipulations and non-compliance with relevant laws.

    In the lead judgment, Birnin-Kudu said the election “was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.”

    The tribunal held that the petition was bereft of substance and accordingly dismissed.

    It also held that all the witness evidence filed before it was incompetent and full of inconsistencies.

    The tribunal upheld the submissions of the respondents that the allegations of forgery raised in the petition were pre-election related, which ought to have been raised 14 days after the documents were submitted to INEC.

    In another judgement on Monday, May 27, the Bayelsa state governorship election petition tribunal, which also sat in Abuja affirmed the re-election of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state.

    The Justice Adekunle Adeleye-led three-member tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva.

    The tribunal in a unanimous decision, held that the petitioners failed to adduce credible evidence to establish any of the allegations they raised against the outcome of the Bayelsa state governorship poll.

    It struck out all the additional proof of evidence as well as statements on oath of some of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners.

    The tribunal noted that the electoral law expressly provided that an election petition must be filed not later than 21 days after the result of an election was declared.

    It held that such a petition must, at the time it was filed, be accompanied by written statements of all the intended witnesses.

    It added that the decision by Sylva and his party to file their additional proof of evidence and statement on oath of witnesses, long after they had filed the petition, was “tantamount to a surreptitious attempt to amend the case of the petitioners.”

    The tribunal dismissed the allegation that the deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, tendered a forged University Degree Certificate and NYSC Exemption Certificate, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification to contest the election.

    It held that the allegation was a pre-election matter that ought to be litigated before the Federal High Court, adding that the matter had become statute-barred since the petitioners failed to challenge the genuineness of the certificates, 14 days after it was submitted to INEC.

    The tribunal further held that the issue of Ewhrudjakpo’s educational qualification was previously determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    Noting that Ewhrudjakpo is a legal practitioner, the tribunal said it was satisfied that he was eminently qualified to contest the election.

    Read Also: Kogi governorship dispute: Tribunal fixes Monday in Ajaka’s petiton against Ododo

    It noted that whereas Sylva and his party prayed to declare that they were the valid winners of the governorship election, they equally applied for the same election to be declared invalid.

    The tribunal found that the prayers of the petitioners were contradictory, adding that Sylva and APC did not tender any electoral material to show that any irregularity occurred during the election.

    It proceeded to hold that the petitioners were unable to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on them by the law, stressing that they failed to show, polling units by polling units, the particulars of the non-compliance they alleged and how it substantially affected the outcome of the election.

    In his reaction to the judgment Diri commended the Judiciary and said the victory would provide him the opportunity to provide dividends of democracy to his people.

    He said the Justices of the Tribunal demonstrated that the Judiciary is truly the last hope of the common man.

    Diri pledged to work towards the development of the state.

  • Kogi Tribunal’s verdict: Accept defeat in good faith, Audu urges Ajaka

    Kogi Tribunal’s verdict: Accept defeat in good faith, Audu urges Ajaka

    The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has advised the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Marital Ajaka to accept the affirmation of Ahmed Usman Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi state in good faith.

    This advice was contained in a congratulatory message to Ododo after the affirmation of his victory at the November 2023 polls by the State Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal on Monday, May 27, in Abuja, affirmed Ododo as the duly elected governor of the state.

    Audu, in his congratulatory message signed by his special assistant on media, Lizzy Okoji, described the tribunal’s verdict as a testament to the choice of the people.

    The Minister, who was the Director-General of the Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Campaign Council, which led the party to victory on November 11, 2023, has also called on the opposition to accept the verdict of the tribunal as an act of God and work together with the governor for the peace, progress, and development of the state.

    Read Also: Grant Ajaka access to election materials, Kogi tribunal tells INEC

    “I want to congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, on this well-deserved victory at the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, which has further affirmed the free, fair, and credible polls that took place in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

    “As Director-General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, I have always been confident in the capacity of Governor Ododo to deliver the dividends of democracy in Kogi state. I want to use this opportunity to urge the opposition party, the SDP to come together and work with the Governor for the development of our dear state. Let everyone sheath their swords irrespective of their political, ethnic, and religious differences, and give the governor all the support he needs to attain great success.

    “I also want to congratulate our great party, the APC, for upholding its mandate in Kogi State. This is also a victory for the APC,” Audu stated.

    The minister then urged Ododo to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition party and work hard to deliver on his campaign promises to the people of Kogi state while commending him on his achievements in his first 100 days in office.

  • Desperate opposition figures in Kogi behind calls for Bello’s arrest – Activists

    Desperate opposition figures in Kogi behind calls for Bello’s arrest – Activists

    Hundreds of activists, on Saturday, stormed the streets of Lagos to protest alleged underground moves by some desperate opposition figures in Kogi State as well as other perceived political enemies to unleash terror on the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

    The activists, who addressed a press conference and staged a huge rally, condemned calls by a group called Zero Corruption Agenda in collaboration with another group, Kogites United Against Corruption, for the EFCC to ignore court orders guaranteeing Bello’s fundamental human rights and effect an arrest despite the ongoing court process.

    While raising the alarm that there were speculations going around that some desperate politicians were “even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello’s residences”, they called on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant to prevent anarchy in the country. 

    According to them, many Nigerians already suspect that the alleged “endless attack on the former Governor, his family members and even innocent children by the EFCC in the most unprofessional way, despite revelations that showed he was actually protected by the law, have deep political undertones.

    Comrade Segun Abegunde, who briefed the press on behalf of the CSOs, under the joint umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, insisted that the desperation by some opposition figures and Yahaya Bello’s political enemies to hide under the purported fight against corruption to call for the arrest of a man who has a court order for his fundamental human rights to be protected and who is already in court with the EFCC, “almost confirms this insinuation of an evil plan against him by some interested politicians, using the EFCC platform.”

    “This is not difficult to detect, having seen the composition of the so-called Kogites who made these curious calls, even in London. The videos exposed their ethnic leaning as they were speaking the language of the aggrieved politicians in Kogi State,” the activists said.

    They alleged that opposition political parties were using the EFCC to fight political battles in Kogi State and called on the ruling Party to be vigilant. 

    “The tribunal judgement on the last governorship election in Kogi State is coming up on Monday May 27th. The desperation by the opposition to have Yahaya Bello in custody has increased exponentially as that date approaches. There seems to be a determination to either keep him out of circulation while they try to steal APC’s mandate in the state or to completely eliminate him for whatever reasons only known to them. 

    “Also, considering the way and manner the EFCC chairman has taken the Yahaya Bello matter so personal, it is glaring that a Yahaya Bello in the custody of the EFCC is not going to be safe at all,” they stated.

    Abegunde said: “The courts are there to mediate between government and citizens and between two or more contending interests and the court’s intervention is sacrosanct until overturned by a superior Court. 

    “The rallies, both home and abroad, calling for jettisoning of the due process of law and for the EFCC to arrest Yahaya Bello, court orders or no court orders, sponsored by the opposition and his political enemies within, are not only reckless but dangerous to our polity and absolutely condemnable. 

    “Such calls have now given credence to the allegations that some powerful political forces are after Yahaya Bello, not because of corruption allegations, but that they are actually after his life. What have the military got to do with the EFCC that a group would be calling for military intervention to arrest a single citizen in a case where he is already a defendant?”

    Emphasising the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to call the anti-graft body to order before it is too late, the CSOs pointed out that the so-called Kogites call for the commission to use military force to arrest the former governor, even when his date to appear in court had already been fixed, was not only reckless but dangerous to the nation’s polity.

    “There is even a speculation going around  now, which may be credible, that some desperate politicians are even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello’s residences. 

    “We call on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant. We also call on President Bola Tinubu to immediately call EFCC to order. The Commission seems to have offered its platform for enemies of the former governor to execute their plans against him and the President must wade in, especially with the facts on ground that EFCC has displayed flagrant disregard for the rule of law, all the way, in handling this matter.

    “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to, as a matter of urgency, call the EFCC to order with a view to staying off political interference. The Commission should concentrate strictly on its anti-corruption mandate by staying within the enabling laws that established it. The EFCC should not be identified with promoting anarchy, no matter what. 

    “The court processes should be allowed to run their course without disruption. That is when democracy and rule of law can be said to be functioning in our nation,” the activists stressed.

  • Kogi community protests alleged ‘secret installation’ of traditional ruler

    Kogi community protests alleged ‘secret installation’ of traditional ruler

    Aggrieved people of the Iloke Community in Mopa-Muro Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday, May 20, expressed their reservations over what they termed as the ‘secret installation’ of the new Elulu of Mopa, Chief Muyiwa Ibeun.

    According to the Ipatia Ruling House of the Iloke community in Mopa, represented by Chief Reuben Taiwo Famidele, at a press conference in Abuja, Chief Ibeun was allegedly installed clandestinely by the Mopa Traditional Council (MTC) led by the Otunba of Mopa, Oba Saul Olojo, on Friday, May 17, at the Elulu’s palace at night.

    Famidele described the action as illegal and subjudice, saying there is a pending suit regarding the stool before the Kogi State High Court in Koton-Karfe.

    He called on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to immediately launch an investigation into the alleged illegal installation and nullify the action of the MTC in the interest of communal peace and the rule of law.

    Famidele said there are four ruling houses entitled to the Elulu Stool of Mopa and the first three had their reign with the last occupant passing away some months ago.

    He said after the death of the last Elulu, it was the turn of the Ipatia Ruling House to produce a successor, a development that led to pending litigation before the Kogi State High Court wherein the selection and nomination process of the next Elulu is being challenged, based on the existing Chieftaincy Rotational Agreement between the four ruling houses in Mopa.

    “The High Court had earlier on, in a ruling issued an Interim Order directing all parties to maintain status quo ante.

    “The Otunba of Mopa who is the first defendant before the High Court Koton Karfe, on the 17th day of May, secretly installed the said Muyiwa Ibeun at night wherein selected members of his Traditional Council were present and some who stood against the process were not present based on the existing Order of the Court.

    Read Also: We are committed to our party, Kogi East APC stakeholders assure leadership

    “It is a clear indication of a determined intent of MTC to disrespect the legal process and overturn justice.

    “We are surprised by the speed and secrecy associated with the illegal installation event of a first-class Oba, supervising not only Mopa but the entire Mopamuro Traditional Council. This is a desperation taken too far.

    “Ordinarily, a celebration of this magnitude calls for state, national, and global participation. Our suspicion of this is not unconnected to a grand plan by MTC to impose an illegal Elulu on the good people of Mopa before any decision of the court on the matter.

    “We reiterate our stand while we await the court decision on this matter, all parties must respect the rule of law and abide by the principles of fairness and justice.

    “While some people are determined to cause chaos and disrupt the peace of the community, we are using this medium to appeal to our highly respected executive governor of Kogi state who is a perfectly decent gentleman to call the troublemakers to order and direct them to respect the rule of law.

    “We also appeal to His Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, to cause an investigation into the illegal coronation of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun on the night of 17th May 2024 by Oba Saul Olojo in contravention of the Court Order duly served on him,” Famidele stated.

    He added that Mopa consists of two major halves, i.e. Odole and Iloke.

    “In each half, there are two ruling houses.  In Odole, we have Ajerin and Aisan, while in Iloke, we have Ilegemo and Ipatia.

    “All together, we have four ruling houses since time immemorial. The Obaship is rotational between the two halves and among the ruling houses. This system of succession has engendered peace for ages.

    “However, the present individual, Chief Muyiwa Ibeun, foisted on the community through an orchestrated and manipulated process is not from any of the ruling houses but from the Ikeji community. Factually, it is now the turn of Ipatia to produce the Elulu of Mopa.”

  • Tribunal reserves judgment in dispute over Kogi governorship election

    Tribunal reserves judgment in dispute over Kogi governorship election

    INEC, APC, Ododo seek dismissal of SDP’s petition

    The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment till a date to be communicated to parties in the dispute over the last governorship election in the state.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate in the election, Murtala Ajaka are by their petition, challenging the victory of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election held on November 11, 2023.

    On Monday, lawyers to parties in the petition made their final submissions and adopted their written addresses.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Ododo urged the three-member panel tribunal, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu to dismiss the petition for being unmeritorious.

    INEC’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) argued that the petition lacked merit and was incompetent.

    He urged the tribunal to either strike it out or dismiss it.

    Agabi said: “It is our humble submission that your work in the determination of this petition is simplified in recent judgments by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.”

    He noted that the Court of Appeal has decided that if the grounds of a petition are inconsistent with one another, and are not consistent with the reliefs, it should be struck out.

    Agabi added that the evidence led by the petitioners was grossly insufficient, citing a Supreme Court decision in the case of Tonye Cole against INEC.

    He said the Supreme Court’s decision in that case “is to the effect that once the evidence called is grossly insufficient, there is no evidence.

    “In that case, the petitioner filed 305 witness depositions but only adopted 40 of them. The petitioner only adopted about 13.1 percent of the witness depositions.

    “In this case, (the petition by the SDP and Ajaka) the depositions adopted represent just about 3.6 percent of their witness depositions,” Agabi said.

    He noted that the petitioners only called 25 witnesses, adding that in the mathematical calculation of evidence, 3.6 percent of Ajaka’s witness deposition adopted in the petition amounted to a failure and therefore, ought to be dismissed.

    Agabi argued that the petitioners’ witness, who testified about the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines clearly stated that he could not guarantee whether those were the BVAS used.

    Besides, he said the witness was not the maker of the inputs in the BVAS machines, adding that the evidence contained in the BVAS machines fell short of what was required under the law.

    He argued that out of the 25 witnesses called by the petitioners, there was no single polling unit agent among them.

    “In other words, not a single person who observed the election was called. Besides, the star witness could not distinguish between what he heard and what he saw when questions were put to him,” Agabi said.

    Lawyer to Ododo, Joseph Daudu (SAN) argued similarly and faulted the competence of the petition, which he said was statute-barred having allegedly been filed out of time.

    Daudu urged the tribunal to dismiss the allegation of forgery made by the petitioners against his client.

    He argued that such an issue bordered on pre-election matters, which could not be raised at the state of post-election litigation.

    Daudu also argued that Section 137 of the Electoral Act cited by the petitioners on allegations of over-voting was inapplicable.

    Read Also: 14 abducted Kogi varsity students rescued

    Lawyer to the APC, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) equally urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lacking in merit.

    Petitioners’ lawyer, Pius Akubo (SAN) faulted the claim by the respondents that the petition was filed out of time.

    Akubo argued that the respondents themselves confirmed that the petition was filed on December 2, 2023, even by their witness.

    “I urge your lordship to hold that we filed this petition within time under our law,” he said.

    He argued that the petitioners have led sufficient evidence to support their case that the election was marred by irregularities and corrupt practices.

    Akubo prayed to the tribunal to allow the petition and reverse Ododo’s victory.