Tag: tinubu

The Oyo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the Thursday verdict of the Supreme Court which gave final validation to the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the February 25, 2023 poll as the best thing to have happened to the nation’s democracy in recent times.

Oyo APC urged the petitioners to join hands with Tinubu’s federal government-led administration in order to move the nation forward.

Recall that the Apex Court, on Thursday, October 26, threw out the appeals of the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, against the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which had earlier validated the victory of President Tinubu and thus put paid to all issues generated before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.

A statement by Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, congratulated President Tinubu and his Vice, Kassim Shettima as well as APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and others who fought spiritedly at the court to safeguard the wishes and aspirations of the majority of Nigerian electorate who freely chose the APC candidate at the poll.

Read Also: Supreme Court: Wait till 2031 for your ambition, Ganduje advises Atiku, Obi

The statement reads: “It was known to the global community, including all well-meaning Nigerians, that the candidates of both the PDP and LP were merely chasing shadows as there was no reason for them to contest the results of a free, fair, and transparent election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission in total compliance with all the laws of the land.”

“Now that both Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi have exhausted all options to upturn the popular mandate freely given to President Bola Tinubu by Nigerians, we are urging them and their supporters to come to terms with the reality on the ground and establish contact with Mr. President for possible collaboration on the success of the Nigerian Project.”

“It is our humble opinion that all hands should be on deck to support President Tinubu and his team on the task of fixing the country. Our nation has its own share of global economic instability in addition to some peculiar security challenges among other things and it is when all citizens join hands together to tackle these problems headlong that we can achieve meaningful success within the shortest time possible.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his final victory at the Supreme Court.

The senator stated that the judicial validation of the peoples’ mandate bestowed on the president in February by the 7-man Supreme Court panel led by Honourable Justice John Inyang Okoro, brings to an end the distracting litigation that had overheated the polity as well as exposed the desperation of some politicians for power at all cost.

Read Also: Supreme Court: Wait till 2031 for your ambition, Ganduje advises Atiku, Obi

He said: “The Supreme Court verdict on the February presidential election is a further consolidation of our nascent democracy and the rule of law. As progressives in the political space of Nigeria, we will continue to uphold the rule of law and deepen our democracy. I commend the Supreme Court Justices for their prodigious and learned judgement devoid of sentiments.”

Adeola noted that with the victory at the courts, the President can now focus on addressing the numerous challenges confronting the nation adding that he had no doubt that with the faithful implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the nation will eventually pull out of the present multifaceted problems facing the country.

The Supreme Court had dismissed the appeal by former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking to nullify the February 25, presidential election of President Bola Tinubu.

In the notice of appeal, Atiku had urged the apex court to dismiss and set aside the  September 6, judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the victory President Tinubu.

A seven-man panel of Justices led by John Okoro, in determining the first issue for determination, held that failure to transmit election results electronically did not affect the outcome of the election and could not warrant the nullification of presidential election.

The apex court also stated that Atiku did not produce alternative results of the presidential election that showed he won majority number of votes cast to rebuff the one declared by INEC.

The court resolved all the 7 issues distilled for determination in favour of Tinubu, stating that the appeal lacked merit.

The apex court thrashed all the grounds of appeal of Atiku and PDP on qualification, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the 25% votes in FCT, and electoral malpractices.

“On the whole, having resolved all the issues against the appellant, it is my view that there is no merit in the appeal and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Inyang Okoro said in dismissing Atiku’s appeal.

Read Also: Supreme Court: Victory, an energiser to work harder, says Tinubu

“The judgment of the court below delivered on September 6^th, 2023 affirming the election of the second respondent as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is hereby affirmed.”

It listened to Obi’s appeal for about five minutes. In dealing with the LP’s presidential candidate on the issue of double nomination of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the court held that the issue had been dealt with in its ruling on May 26.

“As for issue Number 4 which has to do with double nomination which was not in Atiku’s appeal, it is the view of this court that this issue having been dealt with by this court, this court cannot allow the matter to be re-litigated in this very court.

“There must be an end to litigation,” Okoro held.

(NAN)

The Future Nigeria Movement (FNM) has described the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming the election of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as right and illuminating.

The Leader FNM and Expert in International Constitutional Law, Livingstone Wechie, congratulated Tinubu on his legal victory and called on all aggrieved parties to embrace patriotism and join the President in nation-building.

Wechie, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, immediately after the judgement said the judgement gave the country’s political landscape better capacity and made the electoral system less cumbersome following the clarifications it gave to the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wechie said: “The judgment of the Supreme Court on the 2023 Presidential election has further illuminated Nigeria’s electoral laws to determine expectations and guide actions towards future elections. 

“As a policy Court, Nigeria’s Political landscape has become more capacitated and our electoral processes can now be less cumbersome following the clarifications given to the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in terms of what constitutes conduct, collation and outcomes of elections as well as what evidence determines the victory or otherwise in an election. 

“FNM in congratulating President Bola Tinubu on this victory, acknowledges the contentious legal battle between the parties in resorting to the due process of the Law. We maintain that the struggle for power or politics must not be a do or die affair. 

“A conscious patriotic spirit must be the focus to genuinely develop Nigeria from its current sorry state. The responsibility is now before President Tinubu to not only deliver on his renewed hope Agenda but to justify this mandate by inexcusably exercising his much talked-about capacity to turn around the fortunes of the country by taking the yoke of the excruciating pain from citizens who are currently wallowing in hopelessness and economic depression.”

Wechie recommended that in the spirits and letters of the judgement, there should be further amendments to the Electoral Act to accommodate the novel innovations contained in the judicial decisions.

He said: “The judgment rich in its right, arguably has its jurisprudencial departures and disagreements intellectually speaking, FNM recommends that there should be further amendments to the Electoral Act to accommodate the novel innovations arising from this judicial decision to give provisional clarity to the powers of INEC and what constitutes a proper election in Nigeria. 

Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses Atiku’s appeal, affirms Tinubu’s election

“Furthermore, the National Assembly should immediately amend the Supreme Court Act with a view to decentralise the Panels within the six geopolitical zones because non-political  matters deserve this type of speedy adjudication. This will help to expedite dispensation of justice for the judiciary to enhance its presumed status as the last and not the lost hope of the common man beyond political matters.

“Whereas FNM believes that this judgement should not be one for merriment per se, but a call to duty for those in power today because of the almost collapsed economy, we once more renew our call that President Bola Tinubu should place all his appointees on actionable targets to actualize the set objectives of his administration. 

“The President should also establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Bureau in the Presidency with the aim of assessing and checking their levels of compliance and progress on the administration’s set objectives to avoid bureaucratic blind trips.”

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 26, described his victory at the Supreme Court as an impetus for hard work.

“It energises me and gives me the impetus to work harder without further distraction as from now,” he told reporters in Aso Villa, Abuja.

Short Muslim and Christian prayers were offered at the Villa, and immediately All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila stormed the State House to brief President about the apex court’s verdict.

Also with the president was the Blue Economy Minister Gboyega Oyetola.

Decked in a white Agbada and a green cap, President Tinubu said the judgment will strengthen his administration to build a great economy.

He said: “The court has put a stop to shenanigans, innuendos, lies and trials in the media. The court has demonstrated a strong commitment to the rule of law and justice. We will use the strength of our diversity to build a great country.”

Nothing that he had started tackling the challenges of developing since his swearing-in, the president acknowledged the need for his administration to work harder.

Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses Atiku’s bid to file fresh evidence against Tinubu

He said: “I have started from day one to work hard. The judgment has now strengthened my resolve to work harder. The victory has given me the impact to work harder.”

However, President Tinubu clarified that he is not a magician, saying: “I did not promise an eldorado from day one.”

He called for national healing, which he will spearhead.

The president said: “We are members of the same family, living in the same house, but in different rooms.  We need a change of mindset for the sake of our country, our children, and our grandchildren.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He announced the approval on Wednesday, October 25, during the Launch of the Emblem Appeal Fund for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the State House, Abuja.

The president also assured of his administration’s continued support to the nation’s armed forces by repositioning the forces and ultimately providing a safe and conducive country for all who have found home within the Nigerian boundaries.

To show the men and women of the nation’s armed forces that their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated, President Tinubu also called on businesses in the country to key into the patriotic spirit by supporting them in various ways, including giving them preferential treatment and offering them discounts and rebates on goods and services.

He charged: “I wish to assure Nigerians that my administration will continue to reposition and strengthen all Nigerian security agencies. It’s a commitment that we must take seriously. Our foremost objective is to provide a conducive environment, free from threats and criminalities, to enable all who reside within our borders to thrive and live in peace.

“For this reason, we owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant troops, who have risen to the challenge of securing this great nation. In appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces, and to underscore this government’s commitment to their welfare, I have approved the sum of N18 billion for the payment of the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who love their lives in the line of duty.

“I also call on businesses to key into the patriotic spirit and support our service personnel, whether in the form of preferential treatment, discounts, or rebates on goods and services”, the President said.

He also noted that the men, women and officers of the armed forces had invested and sacrificed much to preserve the nation’s unity and charged all to see it as an obligation to jealously guard the unity brought with the lives and blood of the fallen heroes.

“It has therefore fallen on us as a people to honour the memory of the valiant officers, men and women who had paid the supreme sacrifice and to provide a decent and humane standard of care for all who have served our dear nation.

“The 15th day of January is symbolic because it marks the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The occasion gives us cause for reflection and reminds us of the price that has been paid for the continued unity of this country. As the beneficiary of that sacrifice, we have an obligation to guard that unity jealously and sincerely.”

He, however, acknowledged the significant relief that the relentless efforts of the security forces have brought to the nation, especially the most troubled parts, further expressing his confidence that Nigeria will steadily defeat its security challenges.

He also lauded the state governors for the support they have consistently given to the Nigeria Legion in their various states, even as he challenged federal and state government agencies and parastatals to continue to patronize the veterans and the families of their fallen comrades.

As he launched the 2024 Remembrance Day emblem, he charged all Nigerians, particularly dignitaries at the event, “donate generously, and support our veterans and dependents of fallen heroes and to encourage all of us to donate generously.”

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Defense, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, recapped the various efforts so far made by the administration to restore peace, order and security to every part of the country and the successes that have been achieved.

He, however, noted, sadly, that in the process, many members of the armed forces had lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He said: “Faced with a myriad of security challenges in our Motherland, our armed forces are working in concert with other security agencies to restore normalcy to the Nigerian multifaceted security challenges.

“Regrettably, some of our gallant officers and men have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Many have sustained varying degrees of injuries that have incapacitated them. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best and the best they will get, we assure you.

“We promised to train and equip our Armed Forces personnel with combat capabilities and modern ways to reduce casualties during operations. Sir, we thank you for all the support as you have never turned down any of our requests.

“We also note with gratitude, that institutions that were hitherto closed in the Northeast have now been opened, after an objective assessment of the security situation. Those challenges will certainly and surely come to an end, very soon, owing to your avowed commitment and the renewed vigour of the Nigerian armed forces.”

He called on all citizens and organizations to join the efforts of the government to make life more meaningful for the families of the men and women who have made sacrifices for the peace and security of the country.

Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Major General Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), all express delight in the attention being given to the veterans and the fallen heroes, saying it would serve as a morale booster for the serving members of the armed forces.

Read Also: Tinubu launches 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem

According to Speaker Abbas, “If we continue on this lane of supporting the families of the deceased, it will in more ways increase the commitment of our armed forces wherever they are. A lot of people are worried today, particularly the soldiers; about what will happen to my family if I’m no longer there.

“This kind of gesture that has been shown today will go a long way to allay their fears that the people and the government will be with their families, no matter the situation they find themselves”, he said.

The high point of the event was the donation of a total sum of N160 million towards the launch of the emblem.

While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the sum of N40 million on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, which was later reviewed upwards by the President to N50 million, the Speaker announced N60 million on behalf of the National Assembly and the Chief of Defense Staff announced another N50 million on behalf of the armed forces.

The event was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials.