Headlines
Nigeria: Court Strike Suit challenging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Nigerian citizenship is declared unconstitutional.
By Derrick Bangura.
On Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit challenging presidential aspirant and former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s Nigerian citizenship.
The complaint initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa was dismissed by Justice Ekwo on the grounds that the plaintiff, as a non-governmental organization (NGO), had no legal standing to bring such proceedings against Atiku.
According to the court, the NGO cannot engage in public interest litigation that is not part of its mission because it is registered under the Company and Allied Matters Act with unique duties.
NGOs should avoid bringing frivolous applications targeted at harassing politically exposed Nigerians, according to Justice Ekwo.
The organization had petitioned the court to disqualify Atiku as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate and to prevent him from running in the presidential election on February 16, 2019, due to claimed circumstances surrounding his citizenship.
Atiku, the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Minister of Justice, as well as the Attorney General of Adamawa State, were named as defendants in the complaint, which was filed on February 11, 2019.
The plaintiff had asked the court to interpret Sections 25(1) and (2), as well as Section 131(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
The plaintiff had asked the court to interpret Sections 25(1) and (2), as well as Section 131(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
“A declaration that by the combined interpretation of Sections 25(l) & (2) and 131(a) of the Constitution, and given the circumstances surrounding Atiku’s birth, he cannot be cleared by PDP and INEC to vie for the post of president,” the plaintiff claimed in the action.
However, the former vice president replied to the court ruling Wednesday, claiming that it was politically motivated from the start.
“It was evident from the start that this was a politically organized plan to prevent His Excellency Atiku Abubakar from enjoying the rights and benefits that have been confirmed by the constitution, the grundnorm of the nation,” Atiku said in a statement released by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe.
“All of these plots are intended at preventing Atiku Abubakar from serving his country at the highest level, depriving Nigerians of the tremendous rewards of that service.”
“However, we find comfort in the words of the Bible, which say, “Behold, they shall surely assemble together, but not by me: whomever shall come together against thee shall fall for thy sake,” said Atiku.
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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