Category: Politics

The National Judicial Council has released a list of 257 judges who will hear petitions arising from the 2023 Nigerian general elections.

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the State Election Petition Tribunals are expected to resume full operations in May, after the Workers’ Day holiday.

All winners of the elections have received certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and hundreds of petitions have already been filed to challenge the results of the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections.

Below is the full list of the judges approved by the NJC under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

Abia: Justices C.O. Onyeabo, O. Zik-Ikeorha, C.H. Ahuchaogu, A.O. Chijioke, K.C.J. Okereke, L.T.C. Eruba, B. Anya, N. Philomena, A.O. Phoeba, C.K. Nwankwo.

Adamawa: Justices H.N.H. Joda, B.I. Ladukiya, Musa Usman, K.L. Samuel, A.J. Balami, K.Z.U. Modibbo.

Akwa Ibom: Justices P.P. Idiong, A.D. Odokwo, O.A. Okon, F.J. Ibanga, and N.M. Obot.

Bayelsa: Justices J.B. Egele, and Justice T.Y. Abasi.

Benue: Justices W.I. Kpochi, T.A. Kume, Asua, P.T. Kwahar, M.T. Ugar, A.I. Ityonyman, M.M. Odinya, I. Muhammed.

Borno: Justices H.Y. Mshelia, A.Z. Musa, U.S. Sakwa, M.G. Abubakar B. Othman.

Cross River: Justices F.N. Isoni, E.O. Abua, O.I. Ofem, A.A. Ewah, U.A. Ibrahim, E.I. Ebri, I.B. Etape, E.A. Ubua.

Delta: Justices A.O. Apkovi, F.N. Azinge, C.N. Ogadi, E.N. Ejiro, T.O. Uloho, M.O. Omovie, C.O. Emifoniye, C.I. Dafe.

Ebonyi: Justices H.A. Njoku, B.A.N Ogbu, N.E. Nwibo, C.E. Eze, I.P. Chima, O. Elekwa, T.A. Achom, U. Onwosi.

Edo: Justices V.O. Eboreime, J.O. Okeaya, Irele-Ifijeh, V.O.A. Oviawe, I.P. Braimoh, T.I. Eghe-Abe.

Ekiti: Justices A.L. Ogunmoye, A.A. Adeleye, L.O. Ogundana, E.B. Omotoso, A.O. Familoni, J.A. Apuabi, O.O. Oluboyede.

Enugu: Justices R.O. Odugu, E.N. Oluedo, N.R. Oji, C.A.B. Onaga, U.J. Nweze, E.N. Alukwu.

Gombe: Justices A.M. Yakubu, H.H. Kereng, S.Y. Abubakar, M. Fatima, D.S. Sikkam, M.A. Haruna, B.H. Abbayo, M.I. Gombe.

Imo: Justices L.C. Azuama, K.A. Ojiako, B.C. Iheka, S.I. Okpara, V.I Onyeka, E.N. Eke, K.A Leweanya, J.I. Obichere.

Jigawa: Justices A.M. Abubakar, A.Y. Birnin Kudu, I. Ya’u, N. Zargina.

Kaduna: Justices E.Y.B. Lolo, K. Dabo, M.T. Rashid, M.N. Sidi, A.Y. John, E. Michael.

Kano: Justices M. Yusuf Ubale, A.A. Amina, I.M.M Karaye, N. Saminu, J.S. Suleiman, S.A. Maryam, S.M. Ado, A.A. Maiwada.

Katsina: Justices A.B. Abdullahi, A.K. Tukur, I.W. Baraka, B.U. Safiya, I.I. Mashi, L. Umar, A. Yarima, M.D. Hadiza.

Kebbi: Justices U. Abubakar, N.I. Umar, S.B. Shuaibu, F.H. Bunza, S.K. Manya, A.S. Bello, S.U. Mukhtar, U.A. S/Kudu.

Kogi: Justices F. Ajayi, S. Umar, M.M. Gwatana, A.S. Husaini, S. Zubayru, B. Aina, D. Yakubu.

Kwara: Justices A.A. Adebara, A.S. Halima, A. Gegele, F.D. Lawal, J.Z. Umar, M.A. Oniye, O.I. Olabisi, K. Abdul-Latif.

Lagos: Justices M.O. Obadina, J.E. Oyefeso, A.O. Opesanwo, L.B.L. Akapo, J.A. Kudirat, S.S. Ogunsanya, I.O. Akinkugbe, O.A. Adamson.

Nasarawa: Justices R.G. Soji, A.M. Mainoma, S.A. Ayiwulu, A.A. Ozegyu, M.A. Ramat, J.K. Kurape, A.T. Chanbo.

Niger: Justices M. Abdullahi, S.T. Zainab, Y.G. Bilkisu, I. Usman, I. Hauwa Kulu, L.M. Amina, M.I. Khadijat.

Ondo: Justice O.A. Osadebay, P.O. Ikujuni, W.R. Olamide, O. Sunday, J.O. Abe, A. Enikuomehin, T.M. Adedipe, A.E. Akeredolu.

Ogun: C.C. Ogunsanya, Justice O. Ogunfowora, A.A.S. Femi, A.O. Araba, A.A. Adewole, I.O. Awofeso, D.I. Dipeolu.

Osun: Justice A.A. Ajeibe, A.O. Ayoola, K.M. Akano, A.L. Adegoke, M.O. Agboola, S.A. Oke, M.O. Okediya, A.O. Adenji.

Oyo: Justices G.A. Sunmonu, O.M. Fadeyi, E.O. Ajayi, M.L. Owolabi, M.I. Sule, L.A. Ganiyu, B.A. Taiwo, O.A. Adetujoye.

Plateau: Justices A.I. Ashom, N.J. Dadi, T. Zololo, G.M. Kamyal, V. Dadom, D.S. Damulak, S.S. Fomber, B.M. Bassi.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has sworn in Justice Iyabo Yerima as the Chief Judge of Oyo State.

The swearing-in event was taken place today at the State Secretariat.

Details later.

The Oyo State Government would like to draw the attention of the general public to the actions the authorities will be taking to resolve the technical and sundry difficulties the Light-Up Oyo Project has been facing in recent times, which has hindered the project from running optimally.

In the spirit of accountability and transparency, the authorities would like to put on record that there is a dispute between the Oyo State Government and the Contractor about how much work has been done and how the infrastructure is being operated.

The government is not satisfied with the infrastructure provided and its specifications. These have been the main cause of the operation and maintenance challenges the project is facing.

Therefore, the Oyo State Government is presently auditing the entire infrastructure to determine the level and quality of work done. The audit process will be completed in about six weeks, after which the general public will be updated regarding any decisions reached and the way forward for the project.

You will recall that in September 2019, the Oyo State Government embarked on the Light Up Oyo Project. The logic behind this project was two-fold. First, to grow the Oyo State economy. As Governor Seyi Makinde stated, Oyo State cannot compete with cities that run a 24-hour economy if economic activities are shut down by 7 pm. Second, to tackle insecurity. Crime thrives in darkness. And so, when major parts of towns and cities are lit up, criminals will not have anywhere to hide.

Oyo State residents are urged to remain assured that the government is doing all in its power to ensure that the entire 240 km of the Light Up Oyo project is delivered in the shortest possible time for the benefit of the residents of the state. This will ensure that the good people of Oyo State get maximum value for the money spent on this project.

President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Nigeria from France.

Tinubu was seen coming out from an aircraft with his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and other members of the entourage.

Tinubu had been away from his own country immediately after the 2023 general elections. His unavailability in his home country generated a lot of controversies from the opposing camps as some attributed his trip to medical tourism.

Details later.

First female Ondo Speaker Hon Jumoke Akindele Ajulo, has delivered her first child at 54.

Close friends said she gave birth on Saturday but further details were sketchy as of press time.

Akindele represented Okitipupa constituency 1 and was elected Speaker between May 2014 and March 2017.

It was her friends that broke the news on social media.

“First Female Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, got delivered of a baby yesterday.

“Her first baby!! GOD IS INDEED AWESOME!! Congratulations, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele. My own darling big sister,” one of them wrote.

The Oke-Ogun youths under the aegis of Progressive Movement of Oke-Ogun has appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the establishment of a satellite campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Iseyin.

The Movement had earlier this morning staged an appreciation walk across the suburbs of Iseyin before converging at the University Campus for Media Briefing.

The highlight of the Press Briefing is reproduced below:

Progressive Movement of Oke-Ogun Press Conference and appreciation Walk for HE Dr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde over the ongoing issue on Lautech Campus, Iseyin delivered by the National President, Comr. Hammed Saheed Oloro

The Association appreciates the Executive Governor and The House of Assembly for the role played in ensuring that the Institution became a success.

The group calls on those calling for cancellation of the Institution to have a rethink because the Institution is expected to entrench peaceful coexistence and foster unity in Oyo State.

The group made it known that the Institution is not the first to operate multicampus system and urge whoever calls for such to have a rethink inorder to avoid actions that may lead to communal crises and enmity now and in future.

The group appreciates the Governor onbehalf of Oke-Ogun and plead with the Governor to please fastrack student’s resumption to the Institution.

The group assures the Government of the indigines’ maximum support towards achieving the desired goals for the Institution.

The President in his speech also pleaded with the people to help in providing accomodation for the staff and students of the Institution anytime they resume.

After the Press Conference at the Institution, the group delivered a piece of appreciation to the Governor through the Executive Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Mufutau Abilawon.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the selfless support of American Medical teams for the people of Osun state, restating his family humanitarian tradition and his government’s people centered focus.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF) for three American Medical teams that have rendered surgeries and other operations to more than eight thousands Osun indigenes, Governor Adeleke praised the founder of Springtime Foundation, Dr Adedeji Adeleke for his consistent philanthropic activities and his untiring sponsorship of the American medical teams for the past 17 years.

Listing the many reasons and areas where Dr Deji Adeleke is his role model, Governor Adeleke stated that his brother’s philanthropic lifestyle has influenced his policies as a Governor, leading to what he called insistence on financial transparency, emphasis on the people as beneficiaries of policies and zero tolerance for corruption.

According to the Governor, ” I learned a lot in terms of prudence and transparency from my brother. His love for humanity and his model of achieving more with little are my mantra.

” Our administration has also embarked on free medical surgeries in which about 22 thousands Osun people benefitted. In private life , my brother through his foundation has been sponsoring free medical operations for our people in the last 17 years. I learn from my brother to implement projects that touch the poor, hence my focus on local water supply, grassroots community development projects and issues of workers welfare.

” In government, I rejected proposals for personal gains from some quarters as I was taught in the family. I told them I am not in power to enrich myself. Dr Deji is my role model whose contributions to human development remains unquantifiable as they are premised on honesty, accountability and loyalty to the people”, Governor Adeleke narrated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to equipping the hospitals through partnership with public spirited organisations locally and internationally, adding that his administration is delivering on its electoral promises and will not be distracted nor disappoint Osun people.

He called on other non governmental groups to come in and support the government, reminding such partners to be aware that his government is not a thieving government and will uphold transparency and honesty in all transparency.

Speaking at the reception, the founder of the Springtime Development Foundation and the sponsor of the Medical visitation, Dr Deji Adeleke who is also the Chairman of Pacific Holding Group, commended the team for what he called labour of love rendered for the past several years despite the situation in Nigeria.

Dr Adeleke who was honored with a plaque of appreciation for his untiring sponsorship of the teams from the United States expressed the indebtedness to the teams on behalf of beneficiaries and prayed for their safe return

The Medical visitation project involved partners such as the Royal Wellness International, Merseyside and Precious Sight International with Springtime Development Foundation as the main sponsor.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has felicitated Muslims on the occasion of Eidel-Fitri which signifies the end of Ramadan.

In his felicitation message made available via his official Twitter account as read in part:

“Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and Nigeria happy Eid-el-Fitri. Today’s celebration is very unique for Muslims. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 29 days of fasting, prayers, and other religious acts.

“The Holy Month of Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world, as one of the major pillars of Islam, which teaches abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of Allah according to the Quranic injunctions.

“I want to admonish all of us that we should continue to live in that state of grace. Let us continue to imbibe and show that something important has passed through us and let it reflect in our words, our lives and our relationship with fellow human beings.

“We should not limit the goodness of our deeds to Ramadan period alone, we must make the lessons and acts our ways of life.

“May the peace and love of Almighty Allah be with us during this period and beyond. Amen”.

Two Members-Elect to the 8th Assembly of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Abidemi Oyewusi from Ife North State Constituency and Mr. Rasheed Lawal from Osogbo State Constituency have filed a case before the Osogbo Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice of Osun State.

The case lists the Osun State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the Assembly and the Clerk of the Assembly as first, second and third respondents respectively.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration of the court that the provision of Rule 4(a) of the Osun State House of Assembly Legislative Standing Rules is inconsistent with the provision of Section 92(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), thereby unconstitutional, null and void.

According to the House Standing Rules ONLY ranking members of the House of Assembly can be Speaker of the House, Therefore, the case appears to be seeking to achieve is to afford first-time Members of the 8th Assembly to be Speaker of the Assembly.

As at the time of filling in this report, no reactions from the leadership of the 7th Assembly .

The Federal Government has declared Friday 21st and Monday 24th April, 2023, as Public Holiday to mark this year’s EIdil-Fitr Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government

He congratulates all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ogbeni Aregbesola calls on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“The self-restrain, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper”, the minister advises all Muslims.

Ogbeni Aregbesola assures that President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to peaceful transition of government following successful elections. He assures of the government’s commitment to the provision of security for the life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.

The Minister commends all security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against criminals across the country.

He urges Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and report suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility. He admonishes Nigerians also to report suspicious activities and persons to the N-Alert application.

Ogbeni Aregbesola wishes all Muslims a happy Eidil-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with you all. Ameen.