governor of the State.
Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti
and his party, who came third at the governorship election held on 9th
March 2019 had approached the tribunal seeking nullification of
Ikpeazu’s election as governor.
Otti had asked for rerun in 15 local government areas of the State
Chairman of the three panel, Justice Lekan Ogumoye, in his ruling
dismissed the petition filed by Otti and APGA, as lacking in merit.
Justice Ogumoye said the petitioners failed to prove the alleged non
compliance to the Electoral Guidelines in the 15 local government areas,
that they could not prove the allegation of over-voting and
irregularities, which they ought to have done polling unit by polling
unit and Ward by Ward.
The tribunal stated that all the reliefs sought by Otti and APGA were
dismissed because they could not prove the criminal allegations beyond
reasonable doubt stressing that it was not the duty of the tribunal to
investigate such allegations and described the application as
unmeritorious.
Describing the evidence adduced by the petitioners, as hearsay, the
tribunal held that their witnesses were Ward, local government and state
collation agents who were not physically present to witness the action
as their evidence.
It also said the petitioners alleged over voting in 798 polling units
but only called witnesses in few polling units, adding that the action
amounted to dumping of documents on the tribunal while it was not its
duty to investigate.
Counsel to Gov. Ikpeazu, Chief Paul Ananaba, SAN, commended the Tribunal
for delivering what he considered as unbiased and sound judgment.
Representative of Dr.Otti’s lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said “the
judgment has moved the law forward. The position of the tribunal is that
the decision of the Supreme Court in the case regarding card reader is
no longer the law. The law has been amended. The tribunal actually
agreed that the law has changed. There is an amendment now.”
In his reaction to the judgment, Gov. Ikpeazu extended hand of
fellowship to Dr Otti to join in developing the state. According to him,
there is space for everybody to contribute to the development of the
state. He assured that his administration will be more committed and
dedicated in its service to the people.
laundering
Activist and convener of the hashtag RevolutionNow Protest, Mr. Omoyele
Sowore has been charged with treason and money laundering.
The federal government accused the Sahara Reporters publisher of
conspiracy to commit treasonable felony in breach of section 516 of the
Criminal Code Act by allegedly staging “a revolution campaign on
September 5, 2019 aimed at removing the President and Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The charges were filed Friday hours before the expiration of the
detention order of the Federal High Court in Abuja permitting the
Department of State Service to keep the activist for 45 days.
Pressure is mounting on the government to release Sowore and others
arrested during the protest.
Dozens of activists, bloggers, and human rights groups have urged the
federal government to immediately release Sowore expressing condemnation
of the systematic violation of his rights.
Sokoto State Governor, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal has explained that Six
Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Governors visited the Rivers State
Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to commend him for his sustained projects
delivery.
He said the governors urged him to continue to deliver quality projects
and sustain good governance for the development of Rivers State.
Governor Tambuwal also declared that PDP remains strongly united in
friendship and brotherhood.
He spoke on Friday night at the Government House Port Harcourt after a
meeting.
The meeting had in attendance: Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri,
Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom
Sokoto State Governor, Amimu Tambuwal Zamfara State Governor, Mohammed
Mattawale.
He said: “We are here as brothers and friends to the Rivers State
Governor, Nyesom Wike in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship. To
encourage and support him for the good governance he has given to the
good people of Rivers State.
“The 100days of the second term of Governor Wike is also why we are
here. The spirit in Port Harcourt and Rivers State is that of
celebration and thanksgiving and gratitude to God for such a wonderful
leadership by Governor Wike.
“We are also here to join him and the good people of Rivers State in
thanking God for his leadership and to thank God for giving the state a
wonderful leader like him”.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) is very strongly united”.