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Rivers: Court throws out LP’s suit seekng election into defected lawmakers seats

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out a suit filed by the Labour Party seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh election in the Rivers House of Assembly to fill the seats of the defected lawmakers.

Justice James Omotosho struck out the suit after counsel for the party, F. I. Adariku, applied to withdraw the suit.

In the suit, the LP had sought the order of the court to compel the commission to conduct fresh election to fill the seats of the lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to All Progressives Congress.

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But INEC, through its lawyer, Victor Giwa, disagreed with the LP.

Giwa, in a preliminary objection filed on INEC’s behalf, prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being frivolous and incompetent.

According to the lawyer, the suit is an abuse of court process.

He urged the court to decline jurisdiction in the case as the plaintiff (LP) lacked the locus standi and territorial jurisdiction to institute the action.

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Giwa, a human rights activist, argued that there was a pending case currently ongoing at a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt judicial division with suit number: FHC/PH/CS/25/2024 before Justice E.A Obile.

He said the Port Harcourt suit had same parties and concerned same subject matter which was filed earlier before the instant suit in February.

However, after INEC filed its objection, the LP approached the court to withdraw the suit.

Adariku, who held the brief of Kehinde Edun, the party’s national legal adviser, sought to withdraw the suit, praying the court to strike it out.

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A. S. Adisa, who held the brief of Giwa, did not oppose the application.

The lawyer, however, sought for N500, 000 cost.

The judge, in a ruling delivered on May 3 but its certified true copy sighted on Monday, ordered LP to pay N50, 000 cost.

“It is hereby ordered as follows: that this matter having been withdrawn is hereby struck out.

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“That the cost of 50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) is awarded against the plaintiff in favour of the 29th defendant (INEC),” Justice Omotosho declared.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other defendants in the suit were Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Christopher Ofiks, Azeru Opara, and Enemi George.

It also included Granvill Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John Iderima, Queen Uwuma Williams, . Loolo Opuende and Abbey Peter.

Others are Igwe – Obey Aforii, Justina Emeji, Ignatius Onwuka, Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Barile Nwakoh, Emilia Amadi, Nkemjika Ezekwe, Davios Oxobiriari, Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforii and Wami Solomon.

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Galatasaray technical director opens up on nature of Osimhen’s contract

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Galatasaray technical director Okan Buruk has confirmed the presence of a clause in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen loan deal.
Buruk explains that the January clause in Victor Osimhen’s contract allows the player to explore opportunities with various interested clubs during the January transfer window.

This statement came during an interview on the official website of the Turkish champions, where Buruk discussed various topics related to the team.

During the interview, Buruk explained that Osimhen would like to stay at Galatasaray until the end of the season.

He noted that although there is a transfer clause in force, the player has expressed his intention to stay at the club, which he reiterated from the beginning of his arrival.

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He stated, “Osimhen wants to stay here until the season is over and he has said this consistently. Although there is a clause regarding January transfers, ultimately it is the player’s decision and he feels committed to staying.”

Reflecting on how the club secured Osimhen’s services, Buruk shared: “I traveled to Milan when I had the chance. Because I lived there for three years, I feel comfortable there. We didn’t talk about football during my visit; instead, we enjoyed dinner together for two days, which helped foster a good relationship. After a match against Adana Demirspor, we had a video call at the airport to discuss the options, and after careful consultation with our transfer committee and the president, we completed the transfer.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on the final day of the summer transfer window after negotiations with Chelsea and Al Ahly failed to materialize. He quickly adapted to his new surroundings and made significant contributions with eight goals and four assists in just nine appearances in all competitions.

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Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa says he’s not aware of vote buying on his behalf

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Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has stated that he was not aware that his political associates bought votes on his behalf.

This is coming a few hours after he emerged victorious in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to report, the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was accused of vote-buying after his victory in the November 16 election.

However, speaking in an interview with Channel TV on Sunday night, the governor noted that the oppositions are using the vote-buying allegation as an excuse for their loss.

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“I’m not aware of such. The opposition will want to say that to make excuses for their failure, but for us, it is what we worked for; the people have spoken through their votes.

” There won’t be any reason to buy votes because Ondo people know what they want. I’m not aware of people buying votes on my behalf.”

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Uncovered! World Bank exposes $32m missing funds in Nigeria’s water project

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In Nigeria’s water project, the World Bank has discovered $32 million in undeclared payments.

The banks recently released their FY2024 Sanctions System Annual Report, which included this information.

According to the study, the lost monies were meant to improve Nigeria’s water infrastructure but were not properly accounted for, which led to an intervention to protect the project’s integrity.

“INT followed up on risks identified regarding a project in Nigeria’s water sector and flagged to operations the risk, which was associated with $32 million of unaccounted funds.”

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The World Bank worked with the project team, which included the operations manager, financial management expert, and task team leader for Nigeria, in an effort to retrieve the money.

While $6 million is still in the project account to cover expected operating costs, the Central Bank of Nigeria has requested reimbursement of $22 million.

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