News
Kogi Guber: Ajaka decry irregularities in Appeal Court Judgment, heads to Supreme Court

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi state, Alh Murtala Yakubu Ajaka on Thursday decried irregularities and manipulation in the judgement of the Appeal Court on Thursday.

He vowed to head to the Supreme Court to reclaim his mandate, urging Kogi citizens and party supporters to remain calm and peaceful.

In a statement made available to newsmen after the judgement of the appellate court which dismissed his appeal for lacking in merit, Ajaka said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal and added that, the journey to reclaiming his stolen mandate was not limited to the decision of the appellate Court.
According to him, “We must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is just, and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again” he said.
He called on all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of, “this disappointment and injustice.
We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means”, Ajaka stated.
While commending his legal team for working diligently and tirelessly throughout the legal battle, he said, their brilliance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice have been evident at every step of the way, not minding the disappointing outcome so far.
According to him,”We have tirelessly fought for the right and and interests of the people of Kogi state and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission.
“We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate”, Ajaka stated.
The statement reads, ” I have just been briefed on the outcome of our petition to the Court of Appeal. In light of today’s verdict, we want to state that we acknowledge and respect the decision of the Court of Appeal.
“However, we strongly believe that some irregularities and manipulations influenced the outcome of this petition. We have tirelessly fought for the rights and interests of the people of Kogi State, and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission.
” We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate.
I call on all our supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this disappointment and injustice. We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means.
” Furthermore, I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to our formidable legal team, who have worked diligently and tirelessly throughout this legal battle. Their brilliance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice have been evident at every step of the way, not minding the disappointing outcome so far.
I commend them for their efforts and assure you that they will continue to fight with every ounce of their expertise and legal prowess until justice is served to the people of Kogi State.
We understand that this verdict may have caused some to feel disheartened and even depressed. However, we urge you not to lose hope. Remember that our journey to reclaiming our stolen mandate is not limited to this decision. This is just another step in a series of legal battles that we are prepared to take to the very end.
Now more than ever, we must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is just, and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.
In the coming weeks, we will be working tirelessly to prepare our case for the apex court. We will leave no stone unturned, and no avenue unexplored in our quest for justice. We understand the weight of responsibility that has been placed upon our shoulders, and we are prepared to carry it with unwavering dedication and resilience.
We call upon all our political followers and citizens of Kogi State to remain steadfast and resolute. Let us use this setback as fuel to propel us forward, to ignite a fire within us that will burn even brighter. Our stolen mandate will be reclaimed, and the will of the people will prevail.
Together, we shall overcome this temporary setback and emerge victorious. Let us stand tall, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of justice. The journey may be arduous, but the destination will be worth it.”

News
Governor Alia distances self from protest against Benue CJ

As protest rocks Benue State against the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese for relocating the Benue Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal from Makurdi to Abuja, Governor Hyacinth Alia has distanced himself from the protest.

Protesters in their hundreds from Benue State took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, for a peaceful protest from the National Assembly to the Supreme Court to express their outrage over the Benue CJ’s decision.

Prior to Monday’s massive protest Justice Ikpembese raised security concerns and moved the Tribunal to Abuja, a development that triggered protest as they are saying the Tribunal would have remained in Makurdi for them to monitor proceedings.
The tribunal is currently handling disputes arising from the Benue State Local Government elections conducted on October 5, 2024.
Reports indicate that 93 petitioners, including aggrieved candidates from both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, have filed cases at the tribunal since October 17, 2024.
The Benue State Government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, had questioned the CJ’s unilateral decision, noting that neither the governor nor his office had been formally notified.

News
Shehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence

Civil Rights Activist and former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani has debunked the former Governor, Malamn Nasir El-Rufai’s allegation that Governor Uba Sani has diverted the Local Government Councils allocation to buy properties abroad.

Shehu Sani said El-Rufai’s allegation is “falsely crafted to smear the name of of the Governor because of the N420 billion investigation hanging on him like the sword of damocles.”

Reacting to the allegation on Monday, Shehu Sani challenged the former Governor to release proofs of purchases of properties in South Africa, Seychelles and London by Uba Sani publicly.
He said, Kaduna people would not forget in a hurry how Nasir El-Rufai plundered the State in eight years as Governor of the State, stressing that he should stop pushing falsehood into the public space.
He said: “As Kaduna indigenes, we are all living witnesses to how El-Rufai plundered the State and now investigation has indicted him and he should face it rather than pushing falsehood into the public domain.
El-Rufai should be bold enough to show proofs linking governor Uba Sani in the purchase of properties in South Africa, Seychelles and London, then we will take him serious.
“But he should be ready answer for the whereabouts of N420 billion because that money is substantial enough to develop Kaduna State to an extent”, Shehu Sani maintained.

News
Bill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate

The Nigerian Senate has passed for first reading a Bill to establish the National Cashew Production and Research Institute to be sited at Idah in Kogi East Senatorial District after it was laid on Wednesday last week.

The Bill which was sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho representing Kogi East Senatorial District said, the propsed research institute will be situated at Idah, headquarters of Igala kingdom and the institute will be charged with the responsibilities of cashew research, processing and boosting production for local and export consumption.

According to the documents of the proposed bill made available on Monday, it pointed out that the Federal Government could leverage on the abundant cashew production in Kogi East and by extension Kogi State and other parts of the country to ensure that the quality of cashew is processed in line with the global standards, notwithstanding that the current quality of cashew from Kogi State is sought all over the world.
He said the legal framework of the Research Institute will identify the value chain and processing, ensuring that at each level, there is job creation for the teaming youths and not just for the raw nuts to be exported, stating that the current handling of cashew nuts was unacceptable as it tended to bypass the needed revenue that would been generated into government coffers.
Senator Isah said: “This will not only improve the quality of cashew products but also provide support to farmers and cashew business owners in Kogi State, particularly in Kogi East, which is known for its high cashew production.
“The institute will also attract investment, create jobs, and ensure better pricing for cashew farmers, thereby strengthening the local economy in Kogi East, Kogi State and Nigeria at large.”
DAILY POST recalled that a fortnight ago, Kogi State government was urged by the State House of Assembly to safeguard cashew and other economic trees in the State by putting in place stringent measures against abuse.
The regulatory measures which the State parliament said will be put in place, urged the State government to enforce the laws with serious sanction for any erring persons and to also stop foreigners from accessing cashew farms in the State.
The resolution was the outcome of a motion sponsored by Hon. Oluwaseyi Bello representing Kabba Bunu State Constituency in the House of Assembly, adding that the State Ministry of Agriculture should properly monitor and regulate the activities of exploitative foreign businessmen in the interest of revenue for the State and security of the people.
Kogi continues to be the leading State in cashew production in Nigeria which the State government attributed to robust and sound agricultural policies.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo once said: “Kogi State is the biggest producer of cashew in Nigeria because of our sound agricultural policies geared towards empowering farmers with improved seedlings, mechanization, agrochemicals as well as creating an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in cashew production.”

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