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Avoid miscarriage of justice, Group warns Ebonyi Election Tribunals

Odimma Ebonyi Group, a coalition of civil society organisations in Ebonyi State, including Oganihu Ebonyi Movement, Ebonyi Peoples’ Vanguard, Eastern Renaissance Movement and Worried Nigerian Citizens, has urged the various tribunals handling the Governorship, National and State Assembly election petitions in Ebonyi State to uphold the rule of law.

The group noted that unless the election petition tribunals keep to the facts and law without easy recourse to technicalities, they would be setting wrong precedents that justice is up for the highest bidders in the eyes of the people.

While stressing the legal maxim that justice should not only be done but seen to be done by the people, Odimma Ebonyi Group regretted that recent happenings in the tribunal do not inspire confidence and hope.
Spokespersons of the group, Engineer Osita Kalu Ugoji and Maazi Moses Idika, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to the issues being pleaded in the Ebonyi State governorship and National Assembly election petitions.
They remarked that when the election tribunals were moved to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the general impression was that the justices wanted a neutral ground to ensure easy access for petitioners and respondents.
“However, we are worried by recent decisions taken by the tribunal, which leaves the impression that the movement to Abuja was to dispose the tribunals sitting for under-hand transactions and easy reach by those who are determined to perpetuate state capture.
“We are therefore calling on Nigerians to pay close attention to issues being canvassed by petitioners at the various election petition tribunals, especially the Ebonyi State Gubernatorial Election and National Assembly Election Petitions.
“It is on record that the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election who has been sworn into office, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru, swore to an affidavit averring his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Federal High Court.
“The APGA and PDP governorship candidates in the March 18 election, Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh and Chief Ifeanyi Chuks Odii respectively, are challenging the election of Nwifuru on the grounds that the APC candidate was not properly validly nominated by APC being a member of PDP during the nomination process.
“Also, the petitioner claims that the BVAS was not used to accredit voters in three local councils of Izzi, Abakaliki an Ebonyi. We do not know how the learned Justices would handle the matter, but our concern is that the rule of law should be upheld to avoid a miscarriage of justice. As the saying goes, parties to every suit in court know the facts and the truth, it is the judge that is on trial,” the group stated.
The group said it was compelled to cry out following the inexplicable dismissal of the petition filed by Dr. Eze Emmanuel Eze, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi federal constituency by the tribunal last Friday.
It also decried reports that the tribunal’s secretary was programmed to backdate the APC Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South, Engineer David Umahi’s response to Senator Michael Amah Nnachi’s petition, which was allegedly filed outside of time.
Odimma Ebonyi said the hasty dismissal of the LP candidate’s petition suggests a pre-arranged verdict to rubbish a credible petition against the electoral heist in Ebonyi as well as a tactical move to demoralize the petitioners.
Citing a legal opinion by a legal luminary, Agbo Obinnaya Godson, Odimma Ebonyi agreed that the Justices A. D, Odokwo and S.S. Ogunsanya of the Ebonyi National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal did not consider “time of service” as prescribed by Paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2022.
The group therefore pleaded with the tribunal to remember the time element in the handling of the petition so as not to jeopardise the cases brought up by petitioners.
“History books are replete with instances where the Court of Appeal had to order election petitions back to the tribunal for retrial. But, this has been seen as a veritable way of damaging election petitions by the abridgment of time,” Odimma Ebonyi noted.

News
Report of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police

The Rivers State Police Command has described reports on several news outlets that hoodlums have attacked the Port Harcourt residence of Nyesom Wike as false and misleading.

The police said nothing close to attack ever took place on Sunday on the residence of Wike who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as mischievously reported in sections of the media.

On Sunday night, several online media platforms alleged that Wike’s residence was under siege and had been torched by unidentified individuals.
Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the reports as false and misleading, stating the the report was a connivance between some elements and the media to cause unrest and further create panic.
The statement read: “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report circulating on various online media platforms, falsely claiming that riots have erupted in Rivers State, leading to the burning of the residence of the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other acts of violence.”
She further stated that the state remains peaceful, and there has been no such attack on Wike’s residence or any other major security breach.
“The Command categorically states that this report is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to incite unrest and spread fear among law-abiding residents. There is no record of any such incident, and normalcy prevails across the state,” she said.
The police spokesperson warned against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that those found guilty of fabricating such reports would face legal consequences.
According to the spokesperson, “The Police Command sternly warns those responsible for spreading such incendiary falsehoods to desist from engaging in activities capable of inciting public disorder. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on individuals or groups found guilty of spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the peace in any form.”
She reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining security in Rivers State and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information while reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

News
NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.
He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.
Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.
He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.
He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

News
BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.
In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.
The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.
Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.
The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.
The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.
Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

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