Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

INEC has freedom to determine election results transmission method, Tribunal rules

The Presidential Election Petitions Court issued a significant ruling on Wednesday, affirming the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) authority to determine the mode of transmitting election results for the presidential election held on February 25, 2023.

Led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, the five-member panel referenced Sections 52 and 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 to emphasize INEC’s discretion in prescribing the method of result transmission during the electoral process.

In response to a petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Tribunal made several key determinations.

The LP and Obi argued for the annulment of President Tinubu’s victory, primarily citing the alleged “failure” of INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV) to electronically upload election results in real-time.

Furthermore, the Tribunal addressed the LP and Obi’s objections regarding the allocation of 25 per cent of the votes to Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asserting that Abuja should be treated no differently than other states.

Additionally, the court delved into the matter of Tinubu’s alleged money laundering conviction in the United States, a claim raised by the petitioners.

However, the Justice Tsammani panel concluded that the petitioners, Obi and the LP, failed to substantiate their assertions, as no concrete evidence of Tinubu’s criminal arrest or conviction was presented.

In essence, this ruling highlights INEC’s authority in determining result transmission methods while addressing and dismissing various allegations and challenges raised by the LP and its presidential candidate in relation to the presidential election of 2023.

09/06/2023
APC’s petition challenging Obi’s LP membership incompetent- Tribunal

The Presidential Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday in its final ruling, declared APC suit challenging Peter Obi as a bona fide member of the Labour Party as incompetent.

Justice Abba declared that Obi emerging as the flagbearer of the Labour Party was an internal affair and lacks competence in the suit.

The Tribunal also touched on the issue of non-joinder of Atiku Abubakar who came second and wondered how Obi & LP’s petition could be effectively determined without joining the candidate who placed second in the polls.

09/06/2023
Presidential Election: Tribunal strikes out Obi, LP’s claim of irregularities, corrupt practices

The ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal has struck out Mr. Peter Obi, and Labour Party’s allegations of irregularities and corrupt practices leveled against the election that produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The court ruling in the preliminary objection held that the affected paragraphs were “vague, imprecise, nebulous and failed to meet the requirements of pleadings”.

The judgement posited that Mr Obi and his party failed to mention the number of lawful votes they scored and the number of the unlawful votes recorded by the electoral body.

The ruling read by Justice Abba Mohammed, insisted that the petitioners failed to establish the polling units or wards were irregularities, corrupt practices and manipulation of results were carried out.

Justice Mohammed explained that “averments” must not leave room for confusion or ambiguity, adding that the aim of pleadings is to avail respondents of the facts of the case so as to prepare adequately.

Mohammed held that, “petitioners failed to specify polling units where anomalies occurred or where agents complained of alleged malpractices and irregularities.

“According to the ruling in a case of alleged malpractices in over 500 polling units, it does not suffice for the petitioners to say some polling units or collation centers without being specific.

“Averments must not be general but specific.”

Further in the ruling, the panel noted the total of over 18, 000 polling units where the petitioners alleged that INEC uploaded “blurred results ” unto the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portals, not one polling units was cited.

“They did not specify polling units where election results were not uploaded” or where scores attributed to them was reduced or added to Tinubu”.

“They did not show the majority of votes they claimed they had scored “, the tribunal held, adding that petitioners only make generic allegations of irregularities and malpractices.

Mohammed further faulted the petitioners for relying on a spreadsheet analysis, inspection results and experts reports, adding that such documents ought to be served on the respondents to enable them do their own analysis and respond accordingly.

“The spreadsheet report, inspection results and experts reports were not served but only listed as documents to be relied on in adjudicating the petition”, the court held.

“It is unimaginable that a petitioner will allege widespread rigging in 176,000 Polling units, over 8,000 wards, 774 LGAs, 36 States and FCT without stating the specific place where the alleged irregularities occur.”

Consequent to the above, the tribunal strike out the affected paragraphs as requested by the petitioners.

On Obi’s membership of LP as he was still a PDP member.

The court overruled the respondents claims stating that Obi and LP certified the provisions of Obi being a member.

09/06/2023
BREAKING: Court strikes out APM’s double nomination suit against Shettima, Tinubu

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja has struck out the suit filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) accusing Vice-President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of double nomination in the 2023 general elections.

The Chairman of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the lead judgement, held that an invalid nomination or double nomination did not qualify as a ground for disqualification in respect of the presidential election as provided in sections 131 and 137 of the constitution.

He also held that Mr Ibrahim Masari, who was nominated as a placeholder by the APC (for the position of the Vice President), was not a necessary party to the petition because he was neither a candidate nor did he win the election.

He also held that the question as to the qualification or not of any candidate for any election is a pre-election matter which is outside the jurisdiction of the PEPC.

In addition, he ruled that the matter of qualifications of candidates to contest an election is entirely an internal party matter which non-members have no locus standi to challenge.

09/06/2023
Tribunal Ruling: Shettima, Gbajabiamila, Ribadu, govs, arrive court

The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulahi Ganduje and six state governors have stormed the presidential election petition court for the judgement on the petitions challenging the February 2023, Presidential Election.

The governors are Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, Nasarawa state governor, Abdulahi Sule, Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji are among those that have arrived the PEPC.

Others are Imo state governor, Hope Uzodima, his Kogi state counterpart, Yahaya Bello, Minister of state for Defense, Bello Matawale, the Labour Party chairman, Julius Abure, lawyers and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The petition court sitting at the Court of Appeal in Abuja will be giving judgement in the three petitions challenging the emergency of Bola Tinubu as the winner if the election.

Already, television stations had, the previous day, set up their outside broadcast equipment in preparation for the live broadcast of the judgement.

Recall that the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari had, on Monday confirmed the judgement day and added that the judgement will be televised live by interested television stations for the public to follow to promote transparency and openness.

Access to the court room was tough as security officials had to identify people with accreditation tag before accessing the court room.

The Labour Party, PDP and their presidential candidates as well as the APM, in their petitions, are seeking the nullification of Tinubu’s election on the ground of substantial non compliance with the law.

The five member panel of Justices will soon commence sitting.

NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported earlier this morning that there is heavy security presence at the appellate court. More details later…

09/06/2023
NLC begins 2-day strike, insists N5bn palliative not enough

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated a two-day warning strike to protest the Federal Government’s handling of the challenges resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies. This move follows NLC President Joe Ajaero’s announcement last Friday.

In his inaugural speech on May 29, President Bola Tinubu declared the end of fuel subsidies, triggering a significant surge in fuel prices nationwide and an increase in the cost of living. The NLC accuses the Federal Government of abandoning negotiations and failing to implement resolutions from previous meetings.

On August 2, the organized labour staged protests against what they deemed “anti-people policies” by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and affiliated unions demonstrated in several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demanding the reversal of anti-poor policies, the release of withheld university lecturers’ and workers’ salaries, and an increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000.

Despite numerous meetings between the Presidency and the unions regarding palliatives for Nigerians affected by the petrol subsidy removal, no agreement was reached.

Last month, NLC President Joe Ajaero argued that the N5 billion allocated to each state and the FCT to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal was grossly insufficient to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Ajaero explained that when calculated, the N5 billion would amount to less than N1,500 per person, raising questions about whether the funds were intended as loans or palliatives to the states or citizens.

“The first increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the last one moved a lot of people from the borderline to a very high level of poverty,” he said.

“Now, if you calculate it, you will discover that this will not translate to N1,500 per person and you ask: is that the impact? Is that really what we want to achieve? Let’s assume it’s a loan. What is really going to happen? Is it garbage in, garbage out?

“If it is N5 billion, I think organised labour would want anybody to do the calculation and tell us how it is going to impact Nigerians on what is happening currently. If it is a loan, then it is too bad,” Ajaero argued.

He highlighted the profound impact of recent fuel price increases on poverty levels, emphasizing that the proposed financial relief appeared inadequate.

Organized labour has continued to call for transparency concerning the N5 billion allocated whilst questioning its effectiveness in addressing the ongoing economic challenges triggered by the subsidy removal.

09/05/2023
CSO tackles Reps over N81.2bn spent by agency to plant 21m trees

A Civil Society Organisation, Budget Implementation, Assessment, Evaluation and Monitoring Committee has faulted the House of Representatives over claims that the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) spent N81.2 billion to plant 21millin trees.

Mr Ogakwu Dominic, Coordinator of the CSO dismissed the claims while briefing newsmen in Abuja.

The Ad hoc Committee probing the utilisation of ecological funds released to NAGGW had uncovered N81.2 billion allegedly spent to plant 21m trees in 11 states.

Domini said the claim by the committee was lacking in merit, adding that part of its engagement with the agency was continuous monitoring and evaluation of all the agency’s activities.

This according to him include zonal intervention projects and all constituency projects of the national assembly domiciled in the NAGGW.

Dominic said the amount was not only for planting of trees, adding that it was meant for other issues in line with the responsibility of the agency.

According to him, the agency has a unique mandate which is transforming Nigerian Drylands through an aggressive and robust tree-planting campaign program.

He said it became imperative to check out facts to avoid a misrepresentation that could be antithetical to the achievements of the agency’s set goals.

He said , Mr Yusuf Bukar, the Director General of the agency is transparent in all the activities of the agency under his watch.

“In its accountability in service, the agency has promoted local, national, and international conferences that champion the cause of planting many trees,.

This according to him had created a green society that brought about ecological advantage and also saved the lives of the country’s ecological habitats.

He said this had promoted the United Nation habitant agenda and climate policy of the UN, this according to him include: the Bonny Island Green Wall Development Programme

Others are: the Northern Sahara Desert Great Green Wall Programme to mention a few.

11 states where the trees were said to have been planted are: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

09/04/2023
Presidential Tribunal to announce verdict Sept 6, okays live broadcast

Putting an end to two weeks of suspense, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has officially confirmed that it will deliver its judgment on Wednesday, September 6. This landmark decision comes after three petitions contesting the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

The Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, disclosed this important date in Abuja on Monday, putting to rest the speculations that had been swirling around the case.

Bangari assured that the court is taking every measure to ensure a smooth and trouble-free delivery of the judgment in response to the three petitions. These petitions were filed by Abubakar Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Peter Obi, his counterpart from the Labour Party; and the Allied People Movement (APM) under the APC umbrella.

In an effort to maintain order and security, Bangari mentioned that stringent security measures have been implemented.

Access to the courtroom will be restricted, permitting only invited members of political parties and the general public to enter. This approach is intended to prevent overcrowding and potential security breaches.

Furthermore, Bangari announced that interested television stations would be allowed to broadcast the proceedings live, without any associated costs to the court.

However, to ensure security and crowd control, certain restrictions will be in place around the court premises.

A notable decision by the court was to reserve judgment on the petitions submitted by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, scheduling them for delivery on the same day as Peter Obi’s Labour Party petition.

Notably, last week, the court refuted the claims that it had set September 16 as the date for the judgment, clarifying the actual date as September 6.

09/04/2023
No court sacked Gov Oborevwori -Delta Govt

Delta State Government, Thursday, said the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja did not overturn the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as speculated by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Ken Pela and his supporters.

This is following a rumour making the rounds that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela as Governor of the state.

Reacting to the rumor, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, said the Appeal Court only ordered that the tribunal to hear the case.

Ahon in the statement said: “We have been inundated by reports from a section of the media that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela of the Labour Party as winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State.

“The report is nothing but fake news as the Appellate Court only ordered the tribunal to hear the case.

“From the results declared by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was obvious that the Labour Party did not win the election therefore couldn’t have won in court.

“Our people came out in large numbers to elect Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and they are happy with him. We therefore urge Party faithfuls and Deltans to disregard the said reports as it was a concoction from the Labour Party and their followers.

“We also urge Deltans to remain calm. As at the time of the fake news, Governor Oborevwori was busy inspecting various ongoing projects within Asaba and its environs. He is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state and would not be distracted by the rumour mills.

“Our lawyers are studying the Appeal Court judgment with a view to taking necessary action,” he said.

08/31/2023
15,000 missing persons recorded in North East –Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), says it has registered 15,000 persons as missing by relatives as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

Ms Lilian Dube, Family Links Team Lead, ICRC in Maiduguri, stated this at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Disappeared, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

She said the figure could be higher but the number of those who registered with the organisation stood at 15,000, adding that most of them hailed from Borno.

Dube said that 900 of the missing persons had been reunited with thier families through the ICRC.

Mr Serge Zogg, Head Sub-Delegation, ICRC, who interacted with families of some of the missing persons at Ngarannam Ward of Maiduguri, assured of the organisation’s sustained support towards finding the missing persons.

“This event is for you, and it is a testament to your strength and resilience as you navigate through the challenges brought by absence of your loved ones.

“Please know that the ICRC stands with you in solidarity as you commemorate your missing family members.

“The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of persons affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and to provide them with assistance,” Zogg said.

He lauded the Borno government for its support and cooperation to the organisation.

Also, the District Head of Ngarannam, Lawan Shettima, lauded the ICRC’s restoration of family links and psychosocial support to families of missing persons programmes.

Shettima said the interventions by the ICRC impacted positively to the lives of the affected families in the area.

Highlights of the event included sharing of testimonies by some members of the affected families.

08/30/2023