Senate Swears In Amos Yohanna To Replace Sacked Abbo
Amos Yohanna, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially sworn in as the senator for the Adamawa senatorial north district. The oath of office was administered by Jibrin Barau, the deputy president of the senate, during a ceremony held on Wednesday. This development follows the recent court of appeal decision that led to the removal of Elisha Abbo, the former senator representing Adamawa north. Abbo had made accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in connection to his removal, but he later retracted the allegations. Yohanna’s path to the senate was paved with legal action. He filed a petition (marked EPT/AD/SEN/02/2023) challenging the outcome of the senatorial election, contesting that Abbo’s election should be invalidated due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. Yohanna specifically cited over-voting at various polling units, false entries, alteration, and cancellation of votes at several polling stations. He also pointed out that some of these alterations and cancellations were not properly signed by the presiding officers of the polling units. While the tribunal initially dismissed Yohanna’s appeal, the court of appeal ultimately upheld it, solidifying his position as the senator for Adamawa north district.
I Believe In Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Says Tonto Dike
*Actress/Politician Explains Why She Joined APC Nollywood actress turned-politician, Tonto Dikeh, has shed light on her decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Tinubu. In an official statement posted on her Instagram page, the 37-year-old emphasized that “facts accompanied with evidence” were the driving forces behind her decision. During her unveiling at the APC headquarters in Abuja, Tonto Dikeh expressed her commitment to working for the greater good of Nigerian youth, women, and the country as a whole. She pointed to the importance of impactful leadership, which she believes comes from visionary leaders dedicated to selfless service to humanity. Dikeh, known for her advocacy work through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) in partnership with the Federal Government, underlined her strong belief in Nigeria’s prosperity under the “RENEWED HOPE AGENDA” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She concluded by saying, “This is not a win for me alone but a win for our dreams, hope, and struggles to ensure we make our unborn generation proud with good legacies. I am headstrong for you Nigerians, and in due time, you will surely feel the positive impacts of my decision as it will be evident through us all.”
Supreme Court Dismisses APM’s Appeal Against Tinubu
The Supreme Court, Monday, dismissed an appeal by the Allied People’s Movement (APM)seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. APM had asked the Supreme Court to hold that the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts before it, when it struck out its undefended petition against Tinubu’s victory. It prayed the court to hold that the withdrawal of Kabiru Masari from the race by operation of law amounted to automatic withdrawal and invalidation of the candidate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress in the February 25, presidential election. In its brief of arguments, APM, through its counsel Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), that the Court of Appeal wrongly and peremptorily struck out the petition. It therefore prayed the apex court to set aside the decision of the lower court. APM also said the striking out of Kabiru Masari’s name from its petition and consequent dismissal of the petition on 6th September 2023, was in error, as Masari was a necessary party to the dispute. The Court of Appeal had dismissed APM’s petition based on pre hearing motions filed by INEC, APC and Shettima but only INEC tendered a document during the hearing while APC, Tinubu and Shettima and INEC did not call any witness. According to APM, “the grounds upon which it’s petition was predicated is that the 3rd respondent (Tinubu) was at the time of the election (February 25 2023) not qualified to contest the election in line with Section 134(1)(a) of the electoral Act, 2022. The party said it clearly stated in its paragraph 16 and 17 of the petition that it was against 3rd and 4th respondents (Tinubu and Shettima) respectively and grounded on the provisions of Section 131 and 142 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 35 of the Electoral Act,2022. The APM lawyer said the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts and case of the appellant and wrongly progressed to determine issues not contemplated by the appellant’s petition and erroneously dismissed the petition. Hearing the appeal on Monday, effort by Machukwu Ume, to move the appeal was rejected by the panel, as doing so would amount to wasting of the precious time of the court. The presiding Justice, Inyang Okoro had insisted that the appeal be withdrawn since the issue had been decided. “We have read your appeal and issues raised. “You are not asking us to make your candidate the President if the your appeal succeeds. “You just want to state the law and go home, without benefit. We have other appeals that are substantial and withdrawing this appeal will help reduce the workload on us. “We have read the appeal and are unanimous that it’s a none issue, having been pronounced upon by this court” Justice Inyang Okoro said. Left with no option, the APM counsel hesitantly accepted withdrawal of the appeal. All the Respondents did not oppose the withdrawal and did not ask for cost. Accordingly, the panel dismissed the APM appeal, same having been withdrawn.
APM Withdraws Appeal Challenging Tinubu’s Victory At Supreme Court
The Allied Peoples Movement, (APM) Monday, withdrawn the appeal instituted at the Supreme Court to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s election victory. In the appeal, the party is contesting that Tinubu’s running mate and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was nominated twice for different positions by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in relation to the 2023 general elections. APM had in its 10-ground of appeal, maintained its position that Tinubu was not eligible to participate in the presidential poll that held on February 25. However, at the hearing, Counsel to the party Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, SAN, withdrew the matter shortly after it was called up for hearing. A seven-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, berated the party for filing an appeal the appeal for trying to over labour the court. According to the panel, APM appeal is a total waste of time and amount to an academic exercise since the party only wanted the apex court to “state the law.” “If we are idle, then maybe we will state the law. If there is nothing for you to gain from an appeal, you don’t just come to court for interpretation. “If for instance that you win a case, there must be something to be gained from the victory. We have read your appeal, there is absolutely nothing in it. You are not asking for your candidate to declared winner or anything of such, all you want is for the President to be removed. “If we remove the President, then what next? There are two other appeals here that are asking for something substantial,” Justice Okoro held. Also reacting to the appeal, Justice Emmanuel Agim, noted that issues the APM raised in its appeal, was previously decided by the Supreme Court. “We are not bound to hear every appeal. What you are asking us is to overrule ourselves. Did you not read our decision on the issue of double nomination.” Consequently, Ume, SAN, withdrew the appeal and it was accordingly struck out.
Tinubu Withdraws Nomination Of FERMA Chairman, Kashim Imam
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the withdrawal of Imam Kashim Imam’s nomination as the Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Board of Directors. This decision was communicated through a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja. The withdrawal of this nomination takes immediate effect, as indicated by Ngelale. It’s important to note that this withdrawal will not impact other appointments to the FERMA Board and Executive Management team. Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam, and 25-year-old first-class Mechanical Engineering graduate from Brighton University. Born on the 27th of December, 1998, Engr. Imam had shown promise from a young age. He had pursued his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Brighton University, where he graduated with first-class honours. His academic prowess continued as he pursued an MSc with honours at the same University. He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in August 2022. Prior to his appointment, he served as a special assistant to Dave Umahi, the minister of works. His Father, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, is a Nigerian Politician. He ran for Borno state governor as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in 2003 and 2007, losing to Ali Modu Sheriff from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) both times. No reason was given for the withdrawal.
Supreme Court Sets To Hear Atiku’s Appeal Against Tinubu October 23
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Monday, October 23, regarding the appeal filed by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, against the election of President Bola Tinubu. It’s worth noting that on September 19, the PDP candidate lodged a 35-ground appeal challenging the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPC) that upheld Tinubu’s victory. Earlier, a five-member panel led by Justice Hassan Tsammani had, on September 6, dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, citing a lack of merit. Additionally, the former Vice President sought the Supreme Court’s permission to submit fresh evidence obtained from Chicago State University, furthering his claims of discrepancies and forgery in President Tinubu’s academic records. Atiku maintains his stance, urging the apex court to remove Bola Tinubu from office.
Updated: Appeal Court Nullifies Senator Abbo’s Election Victory In Adamawa North
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has rendered a unanimous verdict, sacking Senator Elisha Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District. The court’s decision overturned the previous tribunal judgment that had confirmed Abbo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate winner of the Senatorial seat. The appeal was lodged by Amos Yohanna, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, who contested the results. Senator Abbo, known for a controversial incident in 2019, where he assaulted a lady in an Abuja sex toy shop, saw his re-election aspirations dashed by the appellate court’s ruling. As a result of the assault incident, a Federal Capital Territory High Court had previously ordered Senator Abbo to pay N50 million in damages to the assaulted lady, a judgment later upheld by the appellate court panel led by Justice Jamilu Tukur. Senator Abbo, acknowledging his removal from the legislative office, urged his supporters and constituents to remain composed.
Former Nigerian Minister Of Interior Dies
Senator Alh. Dr. Bello Maitama Yusuf, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business, and a former minister for internal affairs and commerce, has passed away at the age of 78. Senator Yusuf, who represented the Jigawa South West constituency as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had a long and distinguished political career. He was first elected in April 1999 and subsequently re-elected in April 2003, earning the trust and support of his constituents over the years. During his tenure as a minister, Senator Yusuf made significant contributions to the nation. As the minister for internal affairs in 1979 and the minister for commerce in 1982, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. Notably, his efforts as the minister for commerce helped curb the influx of imported goods into Nigeria, which was greatly impacting the country’s foreign reserves. In his home state of Jigawa, Senator Yusuf was recognized and honoured with the title of “Sardaunan Dutse” in acknowledgment of his outstanding service and contributions to the state. Furthermore, he was a recipient of the prestigious national honour, the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the nation.
Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP, Defects To APC
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP Anambra) on Thursday defected from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ubah said this in a letter read by President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio at plenary. He said that he decided to join the APC because of some irreconcilable differences in the YPP. “I am writing to formally notify and inform you that due to irreconcilable differences, I have resolved to move from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “As a dedicated politician and a representative of the people, I believe that this move has become exigent owing to the growing need and call from my constituents to align myself with a political party that best reflects my values and aspirations. “After careful consideration and due consultations with my family, constituents, political associates and critical stakeholders and after a thorough evaluation of the political landscape in Nigeria. “I have come to the realisation and conclusion that the All Progressives Congress is better suited to champion the ideals and principles that I hold dear,” he said. Ubah said that the APC’s commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress were part of reasons for his defection. “I have been the national leader of the YPP for several years and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences it availed me. “However, as our nation faces numerous challenges which have trickled down to my constituency, it is crucial for me to align myself with a party that has the capacity to address these issues effectively for the betterment of my constituents and constituency. “I am particularly impressed by the “Renewed Hope” initiative of President Bola Tinubu and I found it needful to join the train so as to initiate my Senatorial District into the laudable vision,’’ he said. Ubah said he looked forward to working collaboratively with colleagues in the APC to bring about positive change in Nigeria. “While thanking you Mr President for your usual and kind cooperation, please accept the assurances of my distinguished regards,” Ubah said. Senate thereafter adjourned plenary until October 17, following the death of Rep. Abdulkadir Danbuga (APC-Sokoto State).
Abati Slams Peter Obi For Asking Tinubu To Reveal His Identity
Reuben Abati, a Nigerian journalist, has offered unconventional advice to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), following his call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address concerns about his academic and identity records. Speaking during a segment on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show,” Abati suggested that Obi should consider a career in evangelism. Obi had on Wednesday conducted a press conference in Abuja, urging Tinubu to disclose his educational background and clarify matters related to his name change and participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Abati however criticized Obi’s approach, implying that it was driven more by a desire for media attention and publicity. Abati emphasized that the appropriate forum for addressing electoral concerns is the court of law, as demonstrated by the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who pursued legal action in his electoral dispute. In response to Obi’s press conference, the All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed that President Tinubu did not have an identity problem and dismissed Obi’s claims as a script contrived by Atiku Abubakar.