BREAKING; Supreme Court reserves Judgment on three States Guber elections disputes
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on over 10 appeals linked to disputes arising from the November 11, 2023, governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
A five-member panel, chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, heard the appeals on Monday and informed the parties that they would be notified when the judgments are ready.
Among the first appeals heard were those filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, as well as the Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate, Olayinka Baimoh. Both appeals challenge the victories of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal and election tribunal rulings that upheld Ododo’s win.
During the session, Pius Akubo (SAN), representing the appellants, informed the court that his clients had requested the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to convene a full panel to deliberate on certain critical issues within their case. Akubo argued that these issues required the court to potentially depart from its previous decisions.
Despite this request, the lawyers for the respondents, including Kanu Agabi (SAN) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Joseph Daudu (SAN) for Ododo, opposed the move.
They urged the current panel to proceed with the appeal, deeming the request for a full panel unnecessary.
Justice Garba, leading the panel, noted that the matter raised by the appellants pertained to only a portion of the appeal and called on Akubo to proceed with his arguments. After adopting their briefs, the appellants asked the court to nullify the lower court’s ruling and declare Ajaka the winner of the Kogi governorship election. The respondents, on the other hand, requested that the appeal be dismissed.
Similarly, the court also considered the appeal brought by the AA and its candidate, who likewise sought to challenge Ododo’s victory. The respondents’ lawyers urged the court to dismiss the appeal due to its lack of merit.
In Bayelsa State, six appeals and cross-appeals were brought forward in relation to the governorship election, involving challenges from the APC and its candidate, Timipre Sylva, as well as the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and its candidate, Micah Akeems. The court agreed to hear one of the appeals first, with the understanding that the judgment would apply to the remaining four.
Both Sylva and Akeems are urging the Supreme Court to overturn the re-election of Governor Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In Imo State, the court also heard appeals from the PDP and its candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, as well as the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Athan Achonu, regarding the governorship election results. The judgments on these cases have also been reserved.
Additionally, the Supreme Court dismissed appeals by the Accord Party and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as unmeritorious, imposing a cost of N1 million on each appellant.
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.