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  • Court decides whether elections, exams can hold saturdays, March 20

    Court decides whether elections, exams can hold saturdays, March 20

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja

    Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, will March 20, deliver judgment in a suit seeking to stop the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturdays.

    The court fixed the date, after listening to the arguments in the matter filed by a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mr Ugochukwu Uchenwa.

    The plaintiff, Uchenwa, who is an elder of the church, filed the suit on the grounds that fixing elections and examinations on Saturdays violated his rights and that of other members of the church, to freedom of worship.

    He is praying the court to declare the fixing of elections and examinations on Saturdays as unconstitutional.

    In the alternative, the plaintiff, prayed the court to order the defendants to allow him and other members of his church to vote or write examinations on any other day of the week including Sundays.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Minister of Internal Affairs.

    Others, are the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examinations, JAMB, the National Examination Council, NECO, West African Examination Council, WAEC, the National Business and Technical Examination Board, Council of Legal Education and the Ministry of Education.

    At Wednesday’s hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Benjamin Amaefule told the court that his client was only seeking an enforcement of his fundamentals right to freedom of education and freedom to participate in elections.

    Amaefule told the court that his client was seeking among others, a declaration that the schedule of elections in Nigeria on Saturdays, the “Sabbath day”, was a violation of his fundamental rights to freedom of worship.

    “It is also a violation of conscience, profession and free practice of faith and right to participate freely in the government of the applicant and that of entire members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nigeria”.

    He maintained that fixing examinations and elections on the “Sabbath day of the Lord ”, was also a violation of right to freedom of education of the applicant and the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Nigeria.

    The plaintiff asked the court for some reliefs including a declaration that the actions of the 5th to 8th respondents fixing examinations on Saturdays, a “Sabbath day of the Lord” was unconstitutional.

    “It is a violation of the fundamental rights of freedom of conscience, profession and free practice of faith of the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Nigeria”.

    He prayed the court for an order restraining INEC from further violating the rights of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by holding elections on Saturdays.

    “In the alternative, order INEC to mark out a different day for the members of the church to participate in their own election if the INEC cannot schedule and hold the elections on a day other than on Saturdays”.

    “An order restraining the 5th to 8th respondents from scheduling and conducting compulsory public examinations on Saturdays, without making option for the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to write their exams on days other than Saturdays.

    “An order mandating the 10th respondent to cease from conducting any academic programme or activities on Saturdays, the Sabbath day of the Lord without giving members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church a different day to participate in such academic activities by itself or through any of its department.”

    The plaintiff also asked the court to make an order mandating the 1st and 2nd respondents (the President and the AGF) to declare Saturdays as public holiday just the same way Sundays are public holidays.

    Moreover, he insisted that Sunday was the first day of the week while Saturday was the seventh day of the week, hence the Sabbath day.

    Responding on behalf of the President and the AGF, Maimuna Shiru told the court that she filed a 17- paragraph affidavit on behalf of her client in opposition to the suit.

    She prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

    For his part, counsel to WAEC, Mr Friday Chorio argued that Nigeria was a circular state as it had not adopted any religion as its own.

    According to Chorio, the constitution provides that Nigeria shall not adopt any religion as its own.

    “In this circumstance, the plaintiff is seeking for an interpretation of the law that Saturday should be fixed as a holy day for the Seventh-day Adventist church.

    “We have so many laws that provide for holidayw. Section 4 of the Public Holiday Act provides and declares Sunday as a public holiday so government activities cannot take place on Sundays.

    “Anybody can adopt Sunday as his or her own holiday so you cannot come to court and ask the court to declare Saturday as a public holiday.”

    For the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), Safinat Lamidi told the court that she filed a preliminary objection praying the court to dismiss the suit as it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.

    Meanwhile, the matter for adjourned till March 20 for judgment.

  • Adamawa Guber: S/Court affirms Gov Fintiri’s election

    Adamawa Guber: S/Court affirms Gov Fintiri’s election

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Ahmed Fintiri as the authentic governor of Adamawa State.

    This is following the withdrawal of an appeal brought before it by the Social Democratic Party(SDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr Umar Ardo, challenging Fintiri’s victory for want of merit.

    SDP and its candidate had scored 6,000 votes and challenged the declaration of Fintiri and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who polled over 430,000 votes at the March 18, 2023 election.

    Specifically, Ardo and his party argued that the election was not conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    The appellants in their submissions through Sylvester Imhanobe, upon discovering the hint of the apex court, the appellants withdrew their appeal, having been found unmeritorious.

    Justice John Inyang Okoro, who led a 5-man panel of Justices of the Court, dismissed the appeal without any cost against the appellants, thereby, affirmed the election of Fintiri as being validly elected and lawfully declared as the Governor of Adamawa State.

    Ardo and his party had filed a petition at the Adamawa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal after Fintiri, the candidate of PDP, was declared the winner of the poll.

    The petitioners had sought the nullification of Fintiri’s election on the grounds that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corrupt practices, threats, and violence during the voting exercise.

    However, the tribunal, led by Theodora Uloho, dismissed the petition for being incompetent and not properly filed.

    They, however, headed to the Supreme Court for further interpretation.

  • Abia Guber: S/Court reserves judgment in PDP’s appeal against Otti

    Abia Guber: S/Court reserves judgment in PDP’s appeal against Otti

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, yesterday, reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Okey Ahiwe, seeking the nullification of the election of Alex Oti as the Governor of Abia State.

    The five-man panel of the justices lead by Justice John Inyang Okoro, reserved the judgment till a date to be communicated to parties after taking their final arguments.

    The PDP in it’s argument, alleged that Ahiwe was short-changed with over 84,000 votes during the collation of the governorship election results.

    The party, had through it’s counsel,
    Uche Ihediuwa, SAN, alleged that the agent of the PDP was chased away at the collation center and as such, was not obliged a copy of the results as required by law.

    He claimed that his client had to approach the All Progressives Congress (APC) before it could access results sheets and discovered the alleged malpractices.

    The governor, in his defense asked the court to dismiss the appeal for wants of merit.

    Gov. Otti, represented by Abiodun John Owonikoko, SAN, informed the court that Otti scored over 174,000 votes at the March 18, 2023 governorship election to emerge victorious, adding that even if the purported 84,000 short-changed votes were added to PDP, the appellants would still not win.

    He noted that a purported result sheet produced by the PDP before the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal was rejected because it could not be read by the witness of the party.

    Gov. Alex Otti of the Labour Party(LP) was declared the winner of the governorship election in the Abia State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 22 March.

    He polled 175,466 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ahiwe of the PDP, who scored 88,529 votes.

    However, not satisfied with the out come of the election, Ahiwe and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikechi Emenike, separately challenged Otti’s victory at the tribunal.

    On 6th October 2023, the Tribunal dismissed the petitions by Ahiwe and Emenike and affirmed Otti’s election, which was later affirmed by the Appallate court.

  • President Macron Appoints 34-Year-Old Gabriel Attal as New Prime Minister

    President Macron Appoints 34-Year-Old Gabriel Attal as New Prime Minister

    In a move to revitalize his administration ahead of the European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday, named 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as France’s new Prime Minister.
    Attal, previously serving as the Education Minister, replaces outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

    The appointment underscores Macron’s bid to move beyond last year’s contentious pension and immigration reforms. With an eye on the upcoming EU ballot in June, Macron aims to bolster his centrist party’s standing in the face of a current polling deficit to the far-right leader Marine Le Pen by approximately eight to 10 percentage points.

    Attal, a close ally of Macron, gained prominence as the government’s spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic. His selection aligns with Macron’s aspirations to introduce new political initiatives, as announced toward the end of 2023.

    In his statement to Attal, Macron expressed confidence, stating, “I know I can count on your energy and commitment to implement the project of revitalization and regeneration that I announced.”

    At 34, Attal becomes France’s youngest Prime Minister and the first openly gay individual to hold the position. His partnership with Macron notably yields a combined age just below that of U.S. President Joe Biden, who seeks re-election this year.

    Despite his swift rise in politics and widespread popularity in recent polls, Attal has faced online hate speech, including antisemitic and homophobic attacks, owing to his identity.

    Gabriel Attal’s political journey has been characterized by diverse roles, including advising the Minister of Health, serving as a Member of the French National Assembly, and assuming key positions within Macron’s party, La République En Marche!

    Born on March 16, 1989, Attal entered the government as Secrétaire d’État at the age of 29, setting a record as the youngest member of a government in the Fifth Republic. His subsequent ministerial roles included overseeing Public Action and Accounts, and later, National Education and Youth.

    Attal’s ascent to the Prime Minister’s office at 34 marks a milestone in French politics, yet he continues to navigate challenges, including facing discrimination and online vitriol due to his personal identity.

  • Court declares Sen. Anyanwu authentic PDP national secretary

    Court declares Sen. Anyanwu authentic PDP national secretary

    Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has declared Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the authentic National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Therefore, the court made an order of injunction, restraining the national leadership of the PDP from appointing any person as acting national secretary when Anyanwu’s four-year tenure is still running and subsisting until Dec. 9, 2025, in line with the party’s constitution.

    Justice Ekwo also declared that any meeting held or resolution reached by the party to prematurely remove or prevent Anyanwu from exercising the powers of his office would be in violation of Article 47 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), hence, becomes null and void and of no effect.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “from recognizing any purported appointment of any person as national secretary of the party whether in acting capacity or otherwise other than Anyanwu, the elected national secretary of the 1st defendant (PDP).”

    Recall that the court had, on Nov. 23, 2023, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    The order followed an ex-parte motion by Dr Joshua Musa, SAN, on behalf of two members of the party; Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower.

    While Ihentuge is the Ikeduru Local Government chairman of the PDP in Imo, Godspower is the PDP chairman in Owerri Municipal Local Government of the state.

    The plaintiffs had sued the PDP; Umar Damagun, party’s acting national chairman; National Executive Committee (NEC); the National Working Committee (NWC) and INEC as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, they said, was in violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on Dec. 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till Dec. 9, 2025.

    They said that an elected national officer of the 1st defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    But in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants’ counter affidavit, the party’s leadership averred that contrary to the plaintiffs’ argument, Anyanwu applied for leave of absence to enable him concentrate on his election as PDP candidate in the Imo governorship poll which took place on Nov. 11, 2023.

    They, therefore, said that contrary to Paragraphs 22 and 23 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit, the NWC approved the deputy national secretary to act in place of the national secretary as provided for in Article 36(2) of the party’s constitution.

    Meanwhile, when the matter was called for judgment, two lawyers announced appearance for parties interested to be joined in the suit.

    While G.E Ejekela announced appearance for Dr Ali Odefa, the national vice chairman of South East of PDP, P.O. Akpogwu represented Hon S.K.E. Ude-Okoye, who was listed as national secretary of the party.

    But plaintiffs’ counsel, Musa, called the attention of the court to Ude-Okoye’s motion for joinder filed on his behalf.

    The senior lawyer said though the motion was filed yesterday, he had responded to it.

    He, however, faulted the process on the grounds that the exhibits attached to the one served on him were different from the exhibits attached to other parties’.

    After much arguments, Akpogwu applied to withdraw the motion for joinder and the plaintiffs’ lawyer sought a cost of N1 million but the judge awarded a N100, 000 fine against the lawyer for filing an untidy process.

    Moving his motion for joinder on Odefa’s behalf, Ejekela said the application dated Dec. 22, 2023, was filed on Dec. 27, 2023. He urged the court to grant their prayer.

    But Musa, who opposed the plea, said a counter affidavit had been filed.

    He argued that the application was an attempt to arrest the judgment, urging the court to dismiss it for constituting an abuse of court process.

    Justice Ekwo then stood down the matter for ruling and judgment.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge dismissed Odefa’s motion for lack of merit and for being an abuse of court process.

    In his judgement, Ekwo held that the plaintiffs had been able to demonstrate, with credible evidence, the threat and move by the PDP leadership to remove its national secretary without due compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    “The court is duty bound to prevent that from happening.

    “The plaintiffs do not have to wait until the 1st — 4th defendants carry out their threat before coming to seek redress.

    “In such situation, the court is bound to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.”

  • BREAKING: Tiwa Savage Files Petition Against Davido

    BREAKING: Tiwa Savage Files Petition Against Davido

    Renowned singer Tiwa Savage has filed a petition with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, accusing fellow musician Davido of threatening her with physical assault.

    The petition, dated January 9, details a series of events that allegedly led to the threats, causing her (Tiwa Savage) to fear for her safety.

    Tiwa Savage claimed that on December 23, she posted an Instagram Story featuring herself and Davido’s ex-fiancee Sophia Momodu. 

    According to the document, Davido responded by sending messages to Tiwa’s manager. These messages, which she said were “disrespectful, malicious, and derogatory,” reportedly prompted Tiwa to request Davido cease contact.

    The situation escalated, the petition claims, with Davido questioning Tiwa’s relationship with Sophia and warning her to be “careful” in Lagos. These messages allegedly led to an alleged direct threat from Davido, stating his intention to “f**k [her] up.”

    The petition reads partly: “I am writing to bring to your attention a distressing situation involving myself, Tiwatope Omolara Savage and David Adeleke,” the petition reads in part.

    “On the 23rd of December, I made a post which included myself and Sophia Momodu on my Instagram Story.

    “And MR. DAVID ADELEKE sent messages to my manager who’s also part of his management team that I shouldn’t worry and should never say a word to him and that I was taunting him, uttering very disrespectful, malicious and derogatory words to my person.

    “I responded to MR. DAVID ADELEKE’s message and told him not to reach out to me especially as I feel like I have been there for him and his daughter, Imade and more importantly when he lost his son.

    “The events of that day have also led to a barrage of calls and messages from our mutual connections, asking me what I did to MR. DAVID ADELEKE that he’s upset that I chose to maintain a relationship with Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu who he’s having issues with.

    “And also painting the exchange to look like I was the aggressor. He has also told our mutual connections to warn me to be careful in Lagos because he was going to f**k me up.

    “This is beginning to feel like some form of online and offline harassment not just to me but also members of my team.

    “The actions of MR. DAVID ADELEKE are unethical and can be viewed as a direct threat to my rights to life, privacy and dignity of my person as guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),

    “And are also in contravention of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

    “I therefore would like to make this complaint, and to state that in the event that anything untoward or harmful were to happen to me or any member of my family, I will like the members of the Nigerian Police Force to hold MR. DAVID ADELEKE responsible.

    “I am available to answer any questions or provide any additional information regarding this matter.

    “Please find attached screenshot images of the exchange between myself and MR. DAVID ADELEKE for your perusal”.

  • Economy: President Tinubu Enforces 60% Cut in Official Travels

    Economy: President Tinubu Enforces 60% Cut in Official Travels

    President Tinubu has taken a significant step towards curbing government expenditure by enforcing a sharp reduction in travel expenses for all government officials.

    This decision, disclosed by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, aims to reduce both domestic and international travel costs by 60%.

    Addressing State House Correspondents on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ngelale highlighted that the directive was a cost-cutting measure specifically targeted at official travels.

    The reduction in travel expenditure will not spare any government office, affecting the President, Vice President, First Lady, ministers, and their respective entourages.

    “This directive from Tinubu mandates a substantial reduction in state entourages,” Ngelale emphasized, clarifying that it is not a mere request but a firm directive from the office of the President. The move will impact the President’s office, the Vice President, and all appointees.

    The breakdown of the enforced travel reductions indicates a substantial decrease in the number of individuals allowed on both foreign and local trips:

    Foreign Trips:
    – President: 20 persons
    – Vice President: 5 persons
    – First Lady: 5 persons

    Local Trips:
    – President: 25 persons
    – Vice President: 15 persons
    – First Lady: 10 persons

    This directive signals a proactive effort by the administration to streamline expenses and ensure more prudent use of public funds in official travels, echoing Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance.

  • Bettagate: President Tinubu Summons Minister of Interior

    In apparent reaction to public outcry, President Tinubu has summoned the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Presidential Villa amidst a burgeoning scandal within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

    The controversy centers on a N438 million consultancy contract awarded to New Planet Projects Ltd, a company reportedly linked to the minister.

    Dr. Beta Edu, the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, faced swift suspension by President Tinubu over alleged involvement in the contentious payment.

    Dr. Edu underwent interrogation earlier today at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

    The escalating situation prompted the President’s intervention, with the summons aiming to address the concerning developments within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

    The unfolding saga has sparked inquiries into government contract protocols and possible irregularities, amplifying calls for transparency and accountability in ministry operations.

  • Globacom Denies Owing MTN Interconnect Charges

    Globacom Denies Owing MTN Interconnect Charges

    Nigerian telecommunications giant, Globacom, has firmly rebutted claims of owing substantial interconnect charges to MTN, clarifying that the reported N1.6 billion debt had been settled without contention.*

    The rebuttal comes in response to a public pre-disconnection notice issued by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on January 8. The notice, signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, cited Glo’s failure to clear its outstanding debts, leading to the authorization of partial disconnection as per the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) and relevant guidelines.

    However, a source within Globacom expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that due diligence should have been conducted before allegations were made. The company unequivocally stated, “We are not owing MTN any interconnect charges.”

    Highlighting its important role in introducing the pay-per-second billing system that disrupted the market, the telecommunications giant emphasized its position as a fully indigenous company, redefining communication accessibility across Nigeria. Globacom dismissed the reports as false allegations aimed at tarnishing its reputation within the industry.

    With the looming possibility of Glo subscribers losing the ability to call MTN after the 10-day grace period from the notice issuance, Globacom maintains its stance, refuting any outstanding financial obligations to MTN while reaffirming its commitment to ethical business practices within the telecommunications sector.

  • Niger Coup: Foreign Minister commends the release of Bazoum’s wife, son

    Niger Coup: Foreign Minister commends the release of Bazoum’s wife, son

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has commended the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest by The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger.
    This was made known in a release signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir SA Media and Communications Strategy, to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs.
    Tuggar, who is also the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council, said it is a logical step in bringing normalcy back to the country and the region in general.
    He reiterated the call to the government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani to hasten the release of Mohammed Bazoum from its custody and allow him to fly to a third country as a step towards further talks on lifting sanctions and to initiate the transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the people, peace and stability of Niger and the region.