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Tribunal reserves judgment on forgery case against Sokoto gov, deputy
Tribunal reserves judgment on forgery case against Sokoto gov, deputy
The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgment in the petition against Gov. Ahmed Aliyu and his Deputy, Idris Gobir, filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After hearing and adopting their respective final written addresses on Saturday, the three-member panel of justices led by Haruna Mshelia reserved judgment adding that a date would be communicated to parties in September.
The Petitioner, Sa’idu Umar of the PDP is challenging the election of Gov. Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his deputy, Gobir over non-qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18 governorship election.
At the sitting, lead Counsel to the petitioner, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN urged the Tribunal to consider the evidence and witnesses from party agents that proved gross irregularities in the election mostly marred by violence.
Akinboro argued that more importantly, the evidence that showed the discrepancy in Gov. Aliyu’s secondary school and university certificates that were different from the Independent National Electoral Commission presented documents.
He prayed the Tribunal to take cognizance of the School Register of Town Primary School, Sabon Birni from 1986-1987 and a letter from Town Model Primary School Sabon Birni.
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He highlighted that records of all registered schools in Sabon Birni Local Government from the Federal Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board and Local Government Education Authority and other related exhibits should be strictly perused.
He added that none of the government agencies have records of the existence of “Model Primary School” as claimed by Gobir to be the school that issued him the primary certificate.
Akinboro argued that Petitioners have successfully established facts in proof of all the grounds as 32 competent witnesses that comprised INEC officials, State PDP chairman, Headmaster of the Town Model Primary School, Sabon Birni, and others were presented and admitted documents.
He further urged the Tribunal to dismiss all the preliminary objections on competency to institute the case.
He also urged the Tribunal to disregard objections on the admissibility of documents tendered as they were relevant.
The petitioner’s Counsel argued based on the submissions, that the Respondents at the time of the election were not qualified to contest the election and prayed that by virtue of the non-qualification, votes were wrongfully attributed to them.
According to him, Respondents abandoned facts as they presented two defence witnesses that were unable to counter or prove otherwise the facts presented by 32 witnesses and a bundle of evidence.
He prayed the tribunal to void Aliyu’s election and declare Umar the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election.
Petitioners also prayed the tribunal to mandate INEC to issue a new certificate of return to the petitioner as the duly elected Governor of Sokoto state having scored the majority of the lawful votes cast or ordered for another election excluding the Respondents.
Counsel to the respondent led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN also adopted their final written addresses, disagreeing with arguments and “heaven will not fall” if the Tribunal dismiss the petition.
APC Counsel, Mr Hassan Liman SAN, argued that mere variation of name does not validate candidacy as the arrangement of names does deter Gov. Aliyu’s qualification.
The Respondents prayed the Tribunal to dismiss the petition and uphold the election of Gov. Aliyu and Gobir.
Tribunal reserves judgment on forgery case against Sokoto gov, deputy
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
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.
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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