Police Fire on Hunger Protesters in Nyanya

According to reports, police personnel assigned to protect the rights of protesters have allegedly opened fire on the demonstrators in Nyanya.

The Middle Belt Times has learned that the protesters, defying threats from the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who stated that the FCT would not be available for the protest, gathered in large numbers to participate in the demonstration.

The protest, which commenced at approximately eight o’clock in the morning, turned violent after the police fired gunshots in an attempt to disperse the protesters.

The Middle Belt Times is unable to confirm whether any protesters were injured or killed by the police during the incident.

Police Clash with Hunger Protesters in Borno, Injuring Multiple Demonstrators

In a recent incident, at least two individuals have reportedly sustained injuries following a confrontation between police officers from the Borno Police Command and a group of protesters voicing their dissatisfaction with federal and state government policies and programs in the region.

One of the injured protesters is feared to have died after being struck by tear gas canisters fired by the police in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators in the Bulunkutu area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

According to reports, the police resorted to using tear gas canisters and live ammunition against the protesters after all attempts to persuade them to vacate the area were unsuccessful.

The demonstrators had gathered at the location to protest the ongoing hunger crisis in the country.

This incident involving the protesters occurred shortly after a separate attack by a suicide bomber at a market in the state, which resulted in the deaths of over 17 people.

Further details are forthcoming.

Middle Belt Youths Abstain from Upcoming Hunger Protest

The Middle Belt youths have decided to withdraw from the planned nationwide hunger protest, according to a recent announcement.

The North Central Youth Council, representing the youths, has called on the Federal Government to take action against the escalating cost of living in Nigeria.

Originally slated for August 1 to 10, the protest was intended to address the economic hardships faced by citizens across the nation.

In a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President of the group, Sunday Asuku, expressed that the protest would not effectively resolve the issues plaguing the country.

Despite acknowledging the challenging economic conditions, Asuku encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the government to ensure its success.

He stated, “Given the current circumstances, the leadership of the North Central Youth Council formally disassociates itself from the proposed national protest, as it is unlikely to alleviate the self-inflicted challenges we face as a nation.

“We recognize the difficulties our country is enduring, and we advocate for a united front in supporting the government’s efforts, while we continue to work, pray, and hope for a brighter future for Nigeria.

Asuku advised youths from the North Central region against participating in the protests, citing the precarious state of the nation.

He emphasized, “All indigenous youths from the North Central region of Nigeria are hereby advised and cautioned against joining any protest related to hunger, insecurity, or any other issue, particularly during this tense and fragile period. Any action that threatens our peaceful coexistence as a nation must be resolutely opposed.”

He also urged the government to tackle the increasing cost of living in the country.

Asuku noted, “While we acknowledge and appreciate the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, we passionately appeal for additional measures to combat the rising costs of living.

“We will continue to scrutinize the activities of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure they are not undermining the government’s efforts for personal gain. The North Central Youth Council is committed to exposing any such actions immediately.”

Tribunal Declares Ex-Plateau Gov. Lalong Winner Of Senatorial Election

The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State has declared former governor of the state, Simon Lalong, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected senator to represent Plateau South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

Chairman of the three member panel, Justice Mahmoud Tukur held that the votes scored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Napoleon Bali in the February 25 election were wasted votes as he was invalidly nominated.

The unanimous judgment held that as at the time of the nomination, the PDP had no valid structure in the state.

On the other grounds of over voting and non-compliance of the electoral laws, the panel ruled that the petitioners could not prove the allegations.

Similarly, the PDP also lost the Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency seat to Labour Party candidate, Dalyop Chollom.

The tribunal ruled that Peter Gyenden of the PDP was not validly nominated as at the time of his nomination due to his party’s no valid structure in the state.

SOURCE: The Pledge

Resounding Controversy Surrounds PEPT Verdict, HURIWA Denounces It as a Blow to Justice

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the recent ruling by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which upheld President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election. HURIWA condemns this decision, labeling it a miscarriage of justice and raising concerns about the tribunal’s competence and impartiality.

The PEPT, in a significant ruling that reevaluated previous decisions of the Supreme Court, dismissed all petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and APM, questioning Tinubu’s victory under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

HURIWA expressed dismay that the tribunal ventured beyond established legal norms, particularly in its interpretation of Section 134(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. This constitutional provision imposes a stringent requirement on presidential candidates, necessitating not only a majority of votes but also at least one-quarter (25%) of all votes cast in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The organization highlighted the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution, which underscores the need for precision and strict adherence to legal principles. HURIWA criticized the PEPT for deviating from this guidance, creating legal confusion and potentially compromising the integrity of the judicial system.

Furthermore, HURIWA criticized the tribunal for heavily relying on technicalities and failing to provide substantial justice. The organization noted that the tribunal blamed the petitioners for insufficient evidence of electoral misconduct, even though INEC had failed to provide essential documents as ordered by the tribunal.

HURIWA expressed serious concerns about alleged leaks of the verdict to government agencies, including the President, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, which led to unwarranted warnings of potential violent protests. These allegations raised doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the tribunal’s proceedings.

HURIWA called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations and the conduct of the tribunal. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding justice and preserving the sanctity of legal processes.

Furthermore, HURIWA urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged in matters of national significance, particularly those affecting the democratic process. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and the rule of law, pledging continued advocacy for justice and accountability in Nigeria.

Election Tribunal: Get to Know the Five Judges Presiding Over Obi and Atiku’s Case Today

Today, after a five-month-long legal battle, the Presidential Election Petition Court (Tribunal) is poised to announce its verdict, which will determine the fate of President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the aftermath of the February 25, 2023 presidential race.

Tinubu represented the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku ran for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi contested under the Labour Party (LP). The outcome could either validate Tinubu’s election or lead to various scenarios, including declaring Atiku as the winner or calling for a rerun election.

Additionally, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) filed a separate petition, asserting that the withdrawal of Masari as the initial APC Vice-Presidential candidate invalidated Tinubu’s candidacy under constitutional provisions.

In response to these petitions, Tinubu, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have urged the court to dismiss the challenges and uphold Tinubu’s election.

Here are the five judges who will make this crucial decision:

Justice Stephen Adah: Born on June 13, 1957, Justice Adah, from Kogi State, presides over the Asaba Division of the Court of Appeal. He has a strong legal background, having been appointed a Federal High Court judge in 1998 before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2012. Notably, he was part of a three-man panel that allowed Obi and Atiku to serve Tinubu their petitions through substituted means.

Justice Haruna Tsammani: Born on November 23, 1959, Justice Tsammani has a distinguished career in the judiciary, serving as a High Court judge in Bauchi State in 1998 before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2010. He is the longest-serving justice on the panel and has notable judgments in his portfolio, including decisions related to Governor Yahaya Bello’s second term election and Value Added Tax (VAT) collection.

Justice Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf: The only female member of the panel, Justice Bolaji-Yusuf was born on August 7, 1959, in Oyo State. She previously served as a High Court judge in Oyo State before her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2014. Her notable decisions include invalidating actions related to the impeachment of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja in Oyo State and affirming Ifeanyi Ubah as a Senator.

Justice Moses Ugo: Born in 1966, Justice Ugo is the youngest member of the panel and hails from Bayelsa State. He served as a High Court judge in Bayelsa State before being promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2011.

Justice Abba Mohammed: Born on February 19, 1961, Justice Abba Mohammed is from Kano State. He was appointed a judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in 2010 and was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2021. His notable cases include chairing the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal in 2019.

The nation awaits the verdict of these five judges, which will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.

Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to Give Verdict on Sept 6

Uncertainty pervades the air as the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPT) gives the long-expected verdict on Wednesday, September 6.

The Court of Appeal Registrar, Umar Bangari confirmed this in a statement on Monday, saying the proceedings will be open to live broadcast by interested television stations.

“The Court of Appeal wishes to inform the General Public that judgment in the following petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Court will be delivered on Wednesday 6th September 2023: CA/PEPC/03/2023 between Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. CA/PEPC/04/2023 between Allied Peoples Movement VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4 Ors,” the court registrar said in a statement.

“CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 2 Ors. In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow.”

He, however, said: “Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation. Only accredited individuals, including Counsel and representatives of Political Parties, will be granted access to the courtroom. Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets. We appeal for the maximum cooperation of the general public to ensure a hitch-free exercise, please.”

The Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as well as their presidential candidates, had petitioned the tribunal seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Judgement is also expected to be delivered by election tribunals in 25 states for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions.

The results of the polls announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are being contested in no fewer than 25 states out of the 28 states where elections were conducted.

Though the outcome remains the Tribunal’s guarded secret, some members of the public still fuming over comments credited to retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili on Wole Olanipekun, the leading counsel to APC and Lateef Fagbemi.

Mary Odili hails Tinubu’s lawyer

Retired Justice Mary Odili has hailed Wole Olanipekun, President Bola Tinubu’s lawyer at the elections petitions tribunal, as a master of electoral disputes whose expertise in tribunal litigation inspires confidence for victory and that “a resetting of the mind” is soon to come for losers who would eventually accept their loss.

Speaking at a colloquium held in honour of Joe Kyari Gadzama in Abuja on Friday, Mrs Odili said the 2023 general elections generated a storm, particularly from losers, who feel cheated by the elections’ outcome and have since resorted to making incendiary remarks that could plunge the nation into anarchy.

“There seems to be moves to throw the nation into chaos or conflagration. This may be brought about by some individuals and groups who fanning the embers of hatred, bigotry and tribalism fail to see the possible outcome of the utterances without caution that are being thrown around,” Mrs Odili, wife of ex Rivers governor Peter Odili, said at the colloquium which had many members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in attendance.

The retired justice urged all parties at the tribunal to express their grievances responsibly rather than “blackmail” judges or spread rumours online about the outcome of an active legal case to mislead the public.

“Therefore, in ventilating our points of view and facts at the electoral tribunal or other courts, a sense of responsibility from all parties is demanded, the situation does not call for the blackmail of the judges or the posting of speculatory hypothesis giving them such a life of their own which run riot and accepted by innocent in the society as the truth,” urged Mrs Odili.

Thereafter, she expressed confidence in the legal prowess of Mr Tinubu and the APC’s lawyers, suggesting their combined legal efforts would “at the end of the day” guarantee victory at the tribunal and put to rest all forms of speculatory legal dissection of the electoral disputes in court.

“And I am happy professional…(sic), those who are well equipped in litigation matters and electoral disputes, Chief Olanipekun is a master and our Attorney General recently sworn in. These are experts,” asserted the retired justice.

“I am confident that having such persons here including our chief host Chief JK Gadzama. There is confidence that at the end of the day, a resetting of the mind would be taking place and we would keep things in perspective in the full knowledge that elections are seasonal and litigations relating thereto,” the retired Supreme court Judge stated.

She warned that the losers of the 2023 elections should not use their grievances and frustration as justification to “bring down the roof of our nation,” as they may not be spared by the law.

“It is human to feel cheated or having the short end of the stick but one who is not declared the winner at any of the electoral contests, such a motion however grieved does not justify bringing the roof down, the roof of our nation, the reason is simple that in such an eventuality, that aggrieved person may not be spared as the commotion would be like an unguided missile which could land anywhere and upon anyone,” the former jurist said.

According to Mrs Odili, Mr Olanipekun and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, were grounded in electoral disputes, implying that their collaboration was bound to birth victory at the tribunal.

Mr Olanipekun, a highly respected senior advocate, was in charge of the team of lawyers that defended ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s victory against Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 at the tribunal. Mr Olanipekun won the matter for Mr Buhari.

Straightnews observed that before President Tinubu jetted out of the country to India, he had held a closed-door meeting with the security chiefs in the country.

SOURCE: StraightNewsNG

Federal High Court Restrains Police from Reinstating APC-Elected Chairmen in Plateau LG Crisis

In a recent development regarding the Plateau State local government dispute between the sacked APC-elected chairmen and Transition Committee chairmen, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Inspector General of Police. This order prevents the police from allowing the former APC-elected chairmen access to the local government secretariats.

The Inspector General of Police had previously opened the sealed local government secretariats for the elected chairmen, causing concerns about potential violence. However, the Plateau State Government filed an ex parte motion urging the court to prevent the police from enforcing the order issued by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Julius Alawari, which directed the suspended democratically elected chairmen and councillors to resume their duties.

Justice A.B. Mohammed signed the order, emphasizing that the police have no authority to reinstate the chairmen and councillors while the matter is still before the court. The court’s order includes an interim injunction that restrains the police from using force to reinstate the former local government council chairmen in Plateau State until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

Furthermore, the court ordered that this injunction be served to the police, along with the motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction and the originating summons. The next hearing for the plaintiff’s motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction is scheduled for September 14, 2023.

North Central Presidency: Prophet Boma Envisions North Central’s Ascent to Presidency Amidst Political Shakeup

Prophet Abel Tamunominabo Boma from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has made a noteworthy prophecy concerning the future leadership of Nigeria. According to his recent statement, the North-Central geopolitical zone is gearing up to play a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape. Prophet Boma foresees significant party mergers on the horizon, but cautions that their path to the presidency won’t be straightforward, spanning the next 16 years.

It’s worth noting that the North-Central region has not seen a civilian president or vice president since 1999, with Bola Tinubu, hailing from the Southwest, currently serving as Nigeria’s leader.

Prophet Boma shared his insights on the political landscape, envisioning the emergence of seven political parties, with five major ones. He predicts a massive consolidation of these parties under a new, widely accepted banner. This amalgamated party is expected to have a strong presence, boasting governors, senators, and representatives. However, the road to the presidency for this coalition is anticipated to be challenging over the next 16 years.

In a separate comment, the prophet also turned his attention to the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, expressing his hope that Wike will retain his position. He forewarns of impending scandals and potential betrayals that could impact Wike’s tenure.

Prophet Boma’s prophecies have ignited discussions about the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, particularly the rise of the North-Central region as a potential contender for the presidency in the years to come.

Nasarawa Gov. Election: PDP alleges traditional rulers lobbying vice President over tribunal Justice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nasarawa State Chapter has accused some first-class traditional rulers in the state of leading a delegation to lobby the Vice President, Kashim Shetima, to influence judgement at the ongoing governorship tribunal sitting in Lafia.

The party’s State Chairman, Chief Francis Orogu, made the allegation on Saturday in Lafia while addressing journalists.

Mr. Orogu said that while it was no longer news that some notable traditional rulers from the state visited the Vice President Kashim Shetima, they were aware of the main purpose of the visit.

“We are aware of the position traditional rulers in the state have taken before, during and after the last elections. They have vowed that they will use their position to ensure nobody else win the seat of the governor if not Abdullahi Sule.

“We are not also surprised that they are desperate and have organized themselves to visit the Vice President to lobby him so that he can influence the decision of the Governorship Tribunal in favor of governor Sule.

“We live in a digital age where information travel fast, nothing done in secrete is hidden any longer. The traditional rulers in their address said they visited to thank the Vice President for appointing their own from the state. Is it the Vice President that appointed the ministers? He asked.

Adding: “Our greatest shock is that three of the traditional rulers who are involved in this mission are former Chief Judges. But why should they allow themselves to be used to frustrate or temper with judicial proceeding against the will of the citizens’ votes in the last elections.

“We are aware too that these traditional rulers who are former Justices have their influences in the judicial world. But we believe God Almighty has the final say too.”

Mr. Orogu also alleged that governor Sule and his group allegedly supported Abubakar Atiku in the last Presidential elections against the All Progressives Congress (APC) but expressed disappointment that same Sule and his group were celebrating the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Shetima.

The State PDP chairman cautioned the Vice President as father to all not to allow his honorable office to be used to frustrate court proceedings, but allow justice to reign without tempering or interfering with decision of the court on election matter.

“These same traditional rulers could not persuade their subjects to vote the APC both at the Presidential elections and that was why the APC lost to Peter Obi of Labor Party in the state because they have allowed politics infiltrated into the traditional institution where politicians now control and dictate what they want and not what the traditional stool stand to achieve.

He therefore appealed to traditional rulers in the state to restrict themselves to their core mandates of ensuring peaceful coexistence and security of their communities instead of engaging in politics of rancor and sentiment.

Orogu added that his party and the governorship candidate of his party, Dr. David Ombugadu, have strong confidence in the judiciary against all odds.

SOURCE: The Guardian