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Ondo Poll: Court dismisses Ajayi’s forgery case against Aiyedatiwa’s deputy

The Akure Division of the Federal High Court in Ondo State on Monday dismissed a lawsuit seeking the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the just concluded gubernatorial poll in the state.
Agboola Ajayi, the candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had approached the court to contest the qualification of Olayide Adelami, the deputy governor-elect.
Ajayi, who finished as the second runner-up in the election, argued that there were inconsistencies in the names submitted by Mr. Adelami to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.
Through his lawyer, M. Ndoka (SAN), the PDP candidate challenged Adelami’s eligibility to run as the deputy governorship candidate under the APC and sought the party’s disqualification from the ballot.
In the originating summons, Ajayi stated that the first defendant (Adelami) is known by several conflicting and irreconcilable names, including Adelami Owolabi Jackson and Olaide Owolabi Adelami.
In his prayers, the PDP candidate prayed the court, “That the first defendant, (Adelami) is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the election as Deputy Governorship candidate of APC.”
Also, he fought “A declaration that the APC has no validly nominated governorship and deputy governorship candidate for the 2024 election.”
He also requested an order to disqualify the defendants from participating in the election and to prevent INEC from publishing their names or allowing their participation.
In response, defense counsel Remi Olatubora (SAN) stated that Adelami’s West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate from 1974 listed him as Adelami Owolabi Jackson, while a degree certificate from Ambrose Alli University issued in 1982 shows the name Adelami Olaide Owolabi.
Olatubora argued that the plaintiffs’ issue is not with discrepancies in names but rather with the order in which the names appear.
He contended that the plaintiffs do not have the right to file the suit under Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, as they are not members of the APC and did not participate in the primary elections that produced Adelami and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as candidates.
“The plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit or seek the reliefs outlined in the originating summons. As a matter of law, the suit does not qualify as a pre-election matter, and this court lacks jurisdiction,” he stated.
In her ruling, Justice Toyin Adegoke dismissed all charges against the APC candidates.
In suit No. FHC/AK/CS/99/2024, she determined that the PDP candidate who challenged the APC’s qualifications lacked the standing to bring the case.
She ruled that Ajayi and the PDP’s case was barred by statute, having been filed outside the 14-day limit set by the Electoral Act.
Justice Adegoke also noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit since it was filed through originating summons instead of a Writ of Summons.
She pointed out that issues related to certificate forgery and perjury are criminal matters that necessitate evidence from the authorities that issued the certificates in question.
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Zed-Faith Foundation Donates Food, Medical Supplies to Orphanage, Elderly Homes in FCT

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to ease the impact of rising food prices and economic hardship, the Zed-Faith Foundation International has donated food items and medical supplies to Ark of Refuge Orphanage and Old People’s Home in Kado, Abuja.
The items were distributed over the weekend by representatives of the Foundation on behalf of its Founder and Chairman, Amb. Daniel Onyeka Newman, a UK-based Nigerian and Chief Executive Officer of SBI.
The Foundation’s Media Consultant, Amb. Victor Atewe, who led the delegation, said the donation was a personal initiative by the Chairman and not funded by government or external bodies.
“These items are intended to directly support the children and elderly, and we trust they will be used solely for that purpose,” Atewe said.
He added that the Foundation plans to continue its outreach efforts across the country, noting that the economic situation has made daily survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable groups.
The Foundation also used the occasion to urge the federal government to collaborate more with credible non-governmental organisations in supporting disadvantaged populations, especially as inflation and food insecurity worsen.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative, Mr. Chinnaya Dominic Chikwado, the Foundation’s Administrative Officer, Mr. Udodirim Okorie, called on well-meaning Nigerians to support charitable causes and contribute to alleviating the burden on those most affected by the country’s economic crisis.
Representatives of the Old People’s Home and Ark of Refuge Orphanage expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that such support helps bridge the gap in essential services for the elderly and children in their care.
“This donation will go a long way in meeting our daily needs.”
“We thank the Foundation for its continued support, especially during such challenging times.”
“Even the smallest gesture makes a big difference to those who have no one else to turn to.”
“We hope others are inspired to follow suit and remember those most in need.”
News
May Day: Senator Manu celebrates with Nigerian workers

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
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Ibas Pledges Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
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