Legal Challenges: Edo Deputy Governor Asserts Legitimacy

Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo has reaffirmed his position as the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State, emphasizing that he continues to execute his duties as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.   This declaration was made during a solidarity visit by the leadership and members of Edo State’s three major transport unions: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Edo State Drivers Welfare Scheme.   Despite ongoing legal disputes concerning the Deputy Governor’s office, Omobayo assured that these challenges have not deterred him from his commitment.   He expressed his dedication to supporting Governor Godwin Obaseki in his efforts to advance the economic development and transformation of Edo State.   Omobayo extended his gratitude to the unions for their steadfast support since he took office, and he acknowledged their loyalty to Governor Obaseki.   Earlier, Comrade Monday Orhue, Chairman of RTEAN, and Chief Odion Olaye, Chairman of NURTW, conveyed their solidarity by visiting the Deputy Governor.   They reiterated their endorsement of Omobayo as the authentic Deputy Governor, affirming their confidence in his role.   Chief Olaye expressed optimism for a successful conclusion to the Obaseki administration.  

Philip Shaibu defects from PDP to APC

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Shaibu made the announcement on Saturday in Benin City, the state capital, He was said to have rejoined the APC with leading members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP. “On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party,” Shaibu said. “It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward. “We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. “We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”

Rivers Guber: Court Upholds Gov Fubara’s Victory

Rivers Guber: Court Upholds Gov Fubara's Victory

The Appeal Court in Lagos State has reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected governor of Rivers State.  This decision came as the court dismissed a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against Governor Fubara and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court upheld the Tribunal’s previous ruling from October that validated Fubara’s electoral win, citing the withdrawal of the petition by the APC, the party backing Cole.  Despite Cole personally presenting the case in court, his petition sought to challenge the election’s outcome, alleging irregularities and misconduct in the electoral process.  However, the court’s decision supported Fubara’s victory based on the circumstances presented, further solidifying his position as the governor of Rivers State.

Appeal Court Dismisses Uba, PDP’s Suit Against Gov Alia, Deputy

Appeal Court Dismisses Uba, PDP's Suit Against Gov Alia, Deputy

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division on Monday, dismissed an appeal instituted by the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Titus Uba, challenging the election of Hyacinth Alia as the elected Governor of Benue State. In a judgement delivered by the lead Justice, Onyekachi Aja Otisi dismissed the allegations of non qualifications made by Uba against the Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode. In a unanimous judgment, the Appallate Court held that the PDP gubernatorial candidate failed to establish forgery of INEC form EC9 by Ode beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. Among others, the Court of Appeal said that the issues of non qualifications are pre-election matters which can only be challenged at a Federal High Court and not at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as done by Uba. Also, Justice Otisi said that a suit to challenge non qualifications can only be instituted within 14 days of occurrence of the subject matter. The Court also dealt with the allegations by Uba that the name of the Governor, Hyacinth Alia was not not submitted by the All Progressives Congress APC to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC within 180 days before the election of March 18. The Court held that the allegations can survive because the primary election that produce Alia was ordered by a High Court and was done within the period ordered by the court. In the final analysis, Justice Otisi held that the appeal of Uba against the judgment of Benue State Election Petition Tribunal delivered on September 23 lacked merit and was dismissed. The Court subsequently upheld the judgment of the Tribunal and rejected the plea of Uba to void it and set it aside.