Politics

Edo: Court Fixes September 19 To Hear APC Suit Seeking Ighodalo’s Disqualification

Published

1 month ago

September 11, 2024

By Mario Deepromoter

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday fixed September 19 to hear a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, seeking the disqualification of Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the hearing of all pending applications after lawyers to the parties in the suit reached an agreement for the adjournment to allow PDP’s counsel, Oyetola Atoyebi, SAN, respond to the plaintiff’s amended originating summons.

The APC, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1001/2024, had sued INEC, Ighodalo and PDP as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively.

In the application filed by Prof J.O. Odion, the APC sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to immediately remove from its online portal and ballot documents Ighodalo and his party’s names for alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, among others.

On its part, INEC urged the court to dismiss the suit.

The electoral umpire, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Hussaini Abdullahi, a staff in the Legal Services Department, said Ighodalo is the PDP’s nominated candidate for the September 21 poll.

However, the APC, in a motion on notice filed on August 30, sought the leave of the court to amend its originating summons.

Part of the prayers sought was an order granting leave for the striking out of Ighodalo’s name from the suit.

The APC argued that the amendment was to remove irrelevant references and to meet the purpose of the suit which is to seek the determination of INEC’s statutory power to disqualify an erring political party under Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and in pursuance of the plaintiff’s right of action as guaranteed by Section 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But, in a preliminaery objection filed by Ken Mozia, SAN, on Ighodalo’s behalf, the lawyer sought an order striking out the APC’s motion on notice.

Mozia, in his two-ground argument, said the court had no jurisdiction to hear the motion for amendment when there is a pending preliminary objection.

The lawyer also argued that the proposed reliefs sought to be introduced by the APC’s “application are statute-barred.”

In its proposed amended originating summons, the APC sought a declaration that Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act 2022, Section 285(14)(c) and Paragraph 15(a),(c) and (f) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) confers a statutory duty or power on INEC to disqualify from participating in an election the candidate of a political party that fails to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended).

It also prayed the court for an order declaring the provision of Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, 2022 as unconstitutional, null and void by virtue of its inconsistency with the provision of Section 285 (14) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.

When the matter wash called on Tuesday, Adaze Emwanta, who appeared for APC, informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing of all pending applications.

The lawyer said at the last adjourned date, he notified the court that the plaintiff would be amending their originating process.

“We have filed our motion for amendment and served same on the defendants. But unfortunately, we couldn’t serve the 3rd defendant (PDP) until this morning,” he said.

Politics

Edo 2024: PDP, APM, ZLP, others files petition to challenge APC’s victory

Published

7 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Movement (APM), All Peoples Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have filed petitions at the election petitions tribunal in Edo State to challenge the September 21 victory of the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Edo Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, said the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, filed a petition at the tribunal, noting that the legal process to reclaim PDP allegedly-stolen mandate was on course.

Aziegbemi said: “APC did not have a chance of winning Edo governorship election. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not play by the rules, as it was compromised.

“We have filled our petition before the tribunal. I can assure you that the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun, and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned.

“The allegation that PDP members disrupted the inspection of electoral materials at INEC’s Edo headquarters in Aduwawa, Benin is laughable. In whose interest is the disruption? We applied to the court for inspection, and the court granted us an enrolled order to inspect. Why would we want to disrupt the process?

“In spite of INEC’s feeble attempt to deny us our request for the Certified True Copies (CTC) of all the electoral materials, we were still able to do the needful.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has announced the formation of 24-member transition team to work with Governor Godwin Obaseki/Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) transition committee.

Edo Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, made this known yesterday in a letter he addressed to Governor Obaseki.

He said: “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter requesting the Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the APC to initiate the formation of a transition team to work with your side.

“We look forward to a smooth and effective collaboration with our 24-member committee, headed by Dr Pius Odubu as chairman, for meaningful discussions that will lead to a seamless transition process.”

APC transition committee comprises Dr. Odubu, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-lyamu, Andrew Enwanta, Dr. Washington Osifo, Nosa Adams, Omosede Igbinedion, Paul Ohonbamu, Edo Omorogieva, Ernest Umakhihe, Taiwo Akerele and Godwin Eshieshie.

Others are Yakson Musa, Kazeem Afegbua, Ohio Ezomo, Gani Audu, Dr. Aminu Imafidon, Prof Oyaziwo Aluede, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, Matthew Egbadon, Dr.Tony Ikpasaja, Felix Akhabue, Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Dr. Frank Omoh.

Politics

Ex-deputy gov heads Edo APC transition committee

Published

8 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A former Edo State Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, will lead the All Progressives Congress transition committee team that will work with the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

This was contained in a letter by the acting chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, made available to journalists in Benin.

Others are Matthew Urhoghide, Osagie Ize-lyamu, Andrew ]Enwanta, Washington Osifo, Nosa Adams, Omosede Igbinedion, Paul Ohonbamu, Edo Omorogieva, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Taiwo Akerele, Godwin Eshieshie, Yakson Musa

Also included on the list are Kazeem Afegbua, Ohio Omo-Ezomo, Gani Audu, Dr. Aminu Imafidon, Prof Oyaziwo Aluede, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, Matthew Egbadon, Dr.Tony Ikpasaja, Felix Akhabue, Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Dr. Frank Omoh.

The letter dated October 14, 2024, read, “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter requesting the Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressive Congress, to initiate the formation of a transition team to work with your side.

“We however look forward to a smooth and effective collaboration with our 24-member Committee, headed by Chief Pius Odubu as Chairman, for meaningful discussions that will lead to a seamless transition process.

“Attached herewith is the list Your commitment is highly appreciated.”

The Edo State Government had written to Okpebholo to initiate the formation of his transition team.

In a letter dated October 10, 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, said establishing the team would allow both parties to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that would ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.

The letter read, “I hope this message finds you in great spirits. As we prepare for the transition of power, we believe it is crucial to establish a smooth and effective collaboration between your team and the current administration.

“To facilitate this process, we invite you and your party, the All Progressives Congress, to initiate the formation of your transition team at your earliest convenience.

“Establishing this team will allow us to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.”

Politics

Again, Senator Manu embarks on installation of solar powered streetlights in Taraba Central (Photos/Video)

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Barely three weeks after installation of solar power in three palaces across Taraba Central, Senator Manu Haruna has replicated same in Maihula located in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State by providing solar powered streetlights.

The installation took place same day Senator Manu Haruna concluded a three-day medical outreach for over 2,000 constituents in his senatorial district.

This initiative is part of Senator Haruna’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for his constituents. The solar streetlights are expected to improve security and provide better visibility for residents at night, contributing to the overall development of the community.

This project reflects Senator Haruna’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions and addressing the needs of the people in his senatorial district.