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0ndo Governorship Election: No  Automatic Ticket For Aiyedatiwa – APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

As political gladiators in Ondo state are warming up to take a shot at the governorship, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has given insight into how its flagbearer for November election will emerge.

The APC outlined that all governorship aspirants will be made to face direct or indirect primary election without exemption.

The party maintained that even the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, if he has ambition, will not get automatic governorship ticket.

Also the zoning arrangement, which has been in vogue among all political parties in the state, which gives the ticket to any of the aspirants from the southern senatorial district is under threat as APC stated that no decision yet on this.

The governorship election has been fixed for November 16 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

APC national spokesman, Felix Morka, made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.

According to him, the ruling party is democratic and everyone who desires nomination must earn it.

When asked whether the APC would give Aiyedatiwa the right of first refusal ahead of the party’s primary for the November poll, Morka said, “We have not had that discussion, but we are a democratic party, we are a progress party; we don’t give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it.

“And it is not to us they have to justify their suitability, their qualification, or criteria, it is to the people of the state who are our members, who would participate in the direct or indirect primary.

“Whatever preference anyone may have, it is all subject to the democratic decision of the party members who will participate in our primaries.

“We don’t give free gifts in APC; we contest and we compete and we win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”

Morka also said he can’t pre-empt whether the governorship ticket would be zoned in Ondo or not. “We are yet to engage on zoning. We will explain to the people if and when we do that.”

Aiyedatiwa, who is yet to make his intention public, will complete Akeredolu’s second term by February 2025, is constitutionally permitted to run again for the office.

If the APC adopts the zoning arrangement on ground, it equally favours Aiyedatiwa.

South South Governors Set To Collaborate With FG On Infrastructural Development

By
Ayodele Oni
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South South Governors

By Ayodele Oni

Governors of the South-south Region have promised to collaborate with the Federal Government to develop infrastructures in the region particularly roads, rail development, fast train from Lagos to Calabar, the decentralization and rehabilitation of the seaports in the region as well as the management of security in the country.

The Governor’s ended a crucial meeting in Benin City, Edo state on Thursday, with a promise to reposition the BRACED Commission.

The governors emphasized that there was an urgent need for a review of the Nigerian constitution to allow more powers, resources and responsibilities to devolve to the states for faster economic growth and development, security and peaceful coexistence.

In a 16-point communique after the meeting Governor Godwin Obaseki, the newly elected Chairman of the commission, the governors pledged to revive BRACED, which had witnessed a long period of inactivity.

They recalled that the original goal of the commission was to promote regional socioeconomic development and integration that would be mutually beneficial to the states.

They assured that the council had an obligation to properly position and strengthen the commission to enable it to accomplish the region’s desire to foster economic cooperation and integration among states of the south-south.

The communique stressed that the challenges of the commission were surmountable and asked member states to join hands in addressing the problems as quickly as possible to enable the region to restart and accelerate its journey towards economic cooperation and integration.

The governors further resolved “to foster regional economic cooperation and integration to achieve sustainable development through the creation of a strong regional economy for the collective benefit of the people of the South-South.

“Establish and inaugurate the BRACED Business Council to forge closer partnership with the Council to improve the business climate and attract investors and businesses into the region.

“To direct the commissioners of environment and attorney-generals of the states to meet and collectively examine the feasibility of a regional environmental law and environmental blue carbon partnership.

“This is for the protection of the mangroves forest ecosystems of the South south and to work with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the benefit of the region.

In a brief report, the Director-General of the Commission, Amb. Joe Keshi noted that since its inception the rationale behind its establishment in 2011 had been to improve agriculture, education, environment, power, security and utilisation of sports to empower youths of the region.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Breaks Côte d’ Ivoire 57-Year Home-Soil Jinx, Records First Win At Continental Showpiece

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Thursday broke a 57 year old soccer jinx.

The team needed a solitary goal from a spot kick converted by stand-in Captain, William Troost Ekong, to record its first win over Côte d’ Ivoire in that Country’s home-soil. For 57 years, Nigeria lost to the Ivorians in their home soil. It ended on Thursday.

Many had predicted that the Super Eagles will lose against the highly rated host, Elephants of Côte d’ Ivoire having recorded a draw against the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea in its opening fixture. But the three-time AFCON Champions proved their mettle as a formidable team in the Continent by proving bookmakers wrong with a victory.

Coach Jose Peseiro had made some minor changes in the squad that recorded a stalemate in its opening fixture by introducing Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze in the starting 11 and this. Paid off as both players were exceptional in the match.

Stanley Nwabali remained in goal with the team playing a 3-5-2 formation with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, William Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey as the three man in the Super Eagles defense, while Zaidu Sanusi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Ola Aina in the heart of the midfield.

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze leading the attack, to mount pressure on the Côte d’ Ivoire defense that included; Serge Aurier, Ousmane Diomande, Evan Ndicka and Ghislain Konan in the heart of the host defense.

Diomande Miskick Osimhen as the Super Eagles mount pressure on the host defense, the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, intervention however paid off as the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty to record its first goal of the competition that was comfortably converter by Troost Ekong.

With the Super Eagles victory, the team now has four points alongside Equatorial Guinea which recorded a 4-2 triumph against Guinea Bissau to go top of the Group.

The Super Eagles will file out against Guinea Bissau in their last Group A encounter in four days, aiming to win and qualify for the Round of 16.

Akeredolu, Bola Ige, Niyi Akintola, Oladokun, Lose Properties To Ibadan Blast

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

“What a way to start the New Year. I need your prayers, please” – Niyi Akintola, SAN

For the mourning family of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, it was another loss on Tuesday to the fatal Ibadan blast which claimed lives, injured scores  and rendered  over more scores people homeless. Billions of Naira were lost to the blast.

The family, still mourning the death of their patriarch lost a property to the blast. The property lost was a hospitality building.

This was revealed by Niyi Akintola, SAN, who, himself, lost his posh hotel- a 24-bed  concern made up of eight suites, three chalets, and 13 standard rooms.

Other prominent Nigerians who lost properties to the blast include the late Chief Bola Ige and HE Iyiola Oladokun among others.

In a post where he bemoaned his fate, Akintola, the legal luminary wrote:

“This is what remains of my modest contributions to hospitality businesses in Ibadaland just after the explosions of last night in  Bodija. It is a posh hotel in a posh area known as ‘House 40” on Dejo Oyelese Street . Bodiam.

“I recall that some of our colleagues on this platform who had at one time enjoyed the hospitality of the modest 24 beds which include 8 suites,  3 chalets and 13 standard rooms are Alariwo, Wole Iyamu SAN, H,E. Iyiola Oladokun (whose residence) that shared a fence with my house 40 was completely destroyed.

“Other members of the Bar whose properties were destroyed on the street  include the Late Chief Bola Ige SAN,  the late Chief Bandele Aiku SAN, and an hospitality building said to belong to the late Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.

“My 3 Other properties on Alabiamo Street,  Adeyi Street and Adenuga Street were also slightly damaged with removed roof, removed POP ceilings, sliding doors,  air-conditionals and several electrical applications.  Oh my God, it is terrible.

“As I write this with my hands trembling,  some guests and 3 hotel staff are in the hospital but we thank God that no casuality was recorded. What a way to start a new year? I need your prayers please.

“NIYI AKINTOLA, SAN”

The Nation was jolted when a monumental blast, said to be the handiwork of illegal miners, wreaked unprecedented havoc in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As the Country mourns, President Bola Tinubu has  ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

COVID-19 Fund Probe: House Of Reps Orders Ministry To Refund N75 Billion

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Five Years after the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 killer disease, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has come hard on some Federal Government Ministries and Departments over how the funds were spent.

The Reps Committee has ordered the Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, along with its past and present Permanent Secretaries, to jointly refund a whopping sum of N75 billion to the covers of the federal government with immediate effect.

The Committee chaired by Bamidele Salam, PDP-OSUN, gave the directive on Thursday at the resumed probe of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government on alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds.

The Committee frowned that the Ministry had shunned the three invitations extended to it based on audit queries from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation on the alleged mismanagement of the intervention funds.

It also grilled the Officials of the Federal Ministry of Health over the alleged mismanagement of the intervention funds and directed the officials to reappear before it within seven days with relevant documents on how N10bn was squandered.

On the other hand, the Rural Electrification Agency was given 24 hours within which to submit its defence on the several billions of Naira allocated to it and to appear before it on Monday for the defence of the submission.

The Chairman, who vowed that the Committee would do everything  to recover all mismanaged funds by the MDAs, declared that there would be no hiding place for the officials retired or serving responsible for such acts.

Former Emir Of Kano, Sanusi, Arumah Oteh  Former DG SEC, Head Abia Economic Recovery Team

By
The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

In what appears to be the boldest step in his efforts at rijiging the economy of Abia state ,Governor Alex Otti on Thursday January 18 2024 announced Former  Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor,,and immediate past Emir of Kano. Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Lamido.,Former Director- General of Nigeria Security And Exchange Commission, SEC  Aruma Oteh and 18 other eminent personalities as members of Abia state Global Economic Advisory Council ( AGEAC).

The Constitution of the Advisory Council ,according to a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary  to the Governor, kazie Uko and obtained by The Source ,  is to among  others  facilitate the  over all plans of the Governor Otti administration for the economic development of the state ,

While the AGEAS largely comprise professionals of global acclaim, five members from the state executive Council including Governor Otti, and the State,s Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice will represent the government of Abia state on the Council.

The statement noted that the state economy having suffered neglect  and fragility  in the last few years due to untold  economic sabotage , and having been receiving the needed attention for its rebirth since the inception of presrnt government, added  that the  decision to constitute the economic Advisory team  represents  yet another bold move towards sustaining the revamping of the system.

” Our programmes are already repositioning and rebuilding Abia state as the economic pride of Nigeria.

There fore ,it is essential to ensure that its economic development strategy is founded not only on a thorough understanding of the local economic environment ,but also on the dynamics of the emerging  forces now shaping the future of the global economy.

The members of the Advisory Council bring in a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors to the concerted efforts at enhancing the growth and development of Abia state economy .” the statement noted

Governor  Otti ., expressed the optimism that the collective knowledge and professional backgrounds of the members will no doubt play a pivotal role in shaping policies that will in turn drive innovation,attract investments ,form solid partnerships and ensure the over all economic rehabilitation of Abia State.

Following, the full list of members.

  1. Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON – Co-Chair
  2. His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, CON, Co-Chair
  3. Mr. Bolaji Balogun – Co-Chair
  4. Mr. Victor Onyenkpa – Member
  5. Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, MFR – Member
  6. Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu – Member
  7. Mr. Uche Orji – Member
  8. Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli , MFR – Member
  9. Mr. Chika Nwobi – Member
  10. Dr. Olugbenga Adesida – Member
  11. Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe – Member
  12. Mazi Clement Owunna, MFR – Member
  13. Dr. Uzodinma Iweala – Member
  14. Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor – Member
  15. Mr. George Agu – Member
  16. Mazi Uzo Nwankwo – Member
  17. Mr Chinedu Azodoh – Member
  18. Havard Business School Prof Peter Tufano – Member
  19. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON – Honourary Advisor
  20. Dr. Benedict Oramah, CON – Honourary Advisor

OPINION: Soludo And Promotion of Peace, Community Dev

By
James Orji
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Ifeanyi Okeke

The South-East states in Nigeria were abuzz with colourful celebrations and multiple social events during the 2023 Christmas season, as it is now customary in Igboland during festive periods.

In Anambra state, it was more than just Christmas but a carnival of colours, enchanting rhythms, dance steps and ululations of celebrations and expressions of very rich cultural heritage across the 179 communities in the state. All these would not have been possible if not for the peace and tranquillity that has gradually returned to the state. Thanks to the hardwork and efforts of the state Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, his commissioners, aides, security agencies, traditional rulers, Presidents General, and the resilient spirit of Ndi Anambra who are heeding the Governor’s call to take back their communities.

According to Miss Vera Onyia, a native of Odekpe, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state, “The turnout of people who came home for the festivities was massive. People returned home from various cities in Nigeria and the diaspora, for what is now a yearly pilgrimage to spend the holiday period with family and friends in Anambra state.”

Findings indicate that flights to Chinua Achebe airport in Anambra state, and the entire South-East region were fully booked during the past Christmas celebrations, despite the high air fares. Even the cost of traveling from major cities to the South- East by road was not also pocket friendly, but that didn’t deter Anambra state holiday makers from returning home to join in the celebrations.

Interestingly, during the period, wherever one turned to in the 179 communities, there were beehive of activities and celebrants at one event or the other, glowing in brilliant colours of cultural attires and glorious sounds of native flutes, gongs and other traditional musical instruments, that produce soul-lifting melodies that seemingly transformed the whole state into an open carnival, to the admiration of both residents and visitors to the state.

Many people never knew that a beach existed in Anambra state until pictures and videos of Anam Beach Festival in Anambra West LGA surfaced on the internet. There were also other events that were celebrated across the state such as masquerade festivals, chieftaincy, ozo, oba, Iyom and other titles, Ofala, Igu-Aro festivals etc.
Many have attributed this huge turnout of people for different events in the state, to the increasing confidence people now express in the intentional restoration of peace and order in the communities in the state by the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, through strategic support to the security agencies, and re- engineering of community leadership system – Town Unions, by the state government.

According to Chief Ikenna Okonkwo, a native of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, who visited home from Denver, Colorado, United States of America, “Development is not measured only by the provision of physical infrastructure. The soft side of infrastructure – peace and community harmony – also rank among the indices that a responsible government could be evaluated.”

Speaking further, Chief Okonkwo said: “In my interactions with many people, even before I made the decision to visit home for Christmas, I can attest to the fact that Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra state has been silently carrying out a revolution in the local government system and community development in Anambra state”.
“The Governor has been doing this through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, headed by the Commissioner, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne and his team”.
“You know that it is only a stable and peaceful community that would provide the right atmosphere for physical and human capital development.”

Apparently, in the last 18 months, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs has successfully conducted many town union elections without the usual rancour and acrimony. Even during the busy period of December 2023, during the festive period, over 40 of such elections, were conducted.
It is on record that several communities that have not known peace in the last few years, this includes communities where the traditional rulers and the Presidents General are at war with each other have been reconciled.

Observations have shown that the state government does not conduct such elections directly, but rather, it supervises the elections to ensure that it was done in line with the provisions of the constitution of the individual towns and laws of the state, as enacted by the state House of Assembly. And where any town failed to conduct such election successfully, the state government would set up a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the town until a proper election is conducted.

Giving more insight into the Town Union leadership system in Anambra state, a prominent businessman from Enugu state, who has been living and working in Onitsha, Anambra state, for a number of years, Mr. Boniface Obeta, said, “In Anambra state, Town Unions function like a fourth-tier arm of government after the federal, state and local governments”.

“Significantly, the state government accords town unions recognition as its agent of implementing development programmes in the communities. So, the state government relies on town unions to generate priority development programmes for every community because different communities have their peculiar development needs”.

“Anambra state has 179 communities. Each of the Communities has a local leadership christened town union executive headed by a President-General (PG), Secretary and other executive members, including Vice-President-General, Treasurer, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, etc, depending on the constitution of individual town union. Every town has its individual town union constitution which defines the composition of the executive, tenure and functions of each executive.

“All the town unions have a central umbrella known as the ‘Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU)’. This umbrella co-ordinates for the state government all activities of various town unions in the state. And it has its secretariat in the Government House, Awka. It has a president, secretary and other executive members. ASATU was a brain-child of the late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor (Oboli Obosi), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who emerged as the pioneer president”.

“Town unions maintain security in their respective towns. So, the state government encourages every community to set up a vigilante group to maintain security in the town. The state gives subvention to the town unions to maintain community vigilante, and also supports them with security operational vehicles and other items”.

“The philosophy behind this system is the saying that ‘no crime can successfully take place in any community without an insider’s connivance. The state government sometimes uses the town unions to execute direct-Labour projects, they build primary and secondary schools, construct rural roads, provide pipe-born water, electricity, cottage hospitals, etc, either directly or indirectly.”

A former member, House of Representatives, who represented Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Anambra state, in the 7th Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, said that the PG leadership system, when well-coordinated, helps to attract development to communities as it acts as a bridge between the communities and the state government.
According to him, a purposeful PG leadership could also help in bringing about relevant review of some identified traditional practices in some communities that hurt progress or bring individuals under undue societal pressure, such as burial ceremonies or diverse other money gosling social practices. But he added that a meaningful community town union leadership should also work in synergy with the traditional leadership of the place in order to avoid internal conflict.

Beyond the encouragement of transparent and credible Town Union leadership in each community, the Soludo administration, in a bid to protect and preserve the traditional institution from abuse, also insists that traditional rulers must abide by some code of conduct, especially as regards the conferment of chieftaincy titles to individuals, in order to stop the abuse of such practice by conferring such titles to only credible people of integrity who have evidently contributed to the development of the communities.

Some relevant portions of the Traditional Rulers Code of Conduct says: “Igwe can only confer title on indigenes of their community after they must have obtained security clearance from the relevant security agencies and approval from Mr. Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs. If the Igwe must confer title on an indigene of another community, he must get the consent of the Igwe of the recipient’s community. The title must be that of the conferring community.”

Checks made at the office of Anambra Commissioner for local government affairs, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, confirmed that since the advent of Soludo administration, 134 PG and town union elections have been successfully conducted, while six traditional rulers – Ndi Igwe – have been issued with certificates of recognition by the state government. There are many more in the pipeline.

One can only hope and pray that the present sweet breeze blowing across Anambra communities continues under the administration of Professor Charles Soludo and beyond.

Okeke, a public affairs analyst wrote from Awka, Anambra State

Imo: Police Rescue Kidnapped Imo Traditional Ruler, Eze Ohiri

By
The Source
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HRH Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri

By Charles Igbo

About two weeks after he was kidnapped from his Palace, His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, the immediate past Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, has, reportedly, been rescued by Operatives of the Imo State Police Command.

Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area, was abducted by gunmen who invaded his Palace on January 6, 2024.

He was in the company of his younger brother who returned from the United States of America, USA, to spend the Christmas and New Year vacation when he was abducted.

However, while the gunmen were dragging them into their operational vehicle, his younger brother, identified as Solomon, managed to wriggle out and escaped.

Since his abduction, nothing had been heard of him until Thursday when a report said he has been released unhurt.

According to the report, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, SP Okoye, confirmed that Ohiri has been successfully rescued. He, also, said some arrests have been made.

Okoye was quoted to have said: ” Recall the Command has been working assiduously in synergy with other security agencies towards ensuring that Eze Ohiri is released and some arrests have been made.

“To the glory of God, he has been released after a hot chase on his kidnappers at the forest by Operatives of the Command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit.

“The Command will continue to work towards stamping out all forms of violent crimes in the State. As CP Danjuma reaffirms the Command’s resolve to work harmoniously with the Military and other Security Agencies in stamped out violent crimes in the State”.

Ohiri was the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers under the Government of Senator Rochas Okorocha.

Zamfara: Gov Lawal Bans Illegal Mining After Ibadan Blast

By
James Orji
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0
Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor
Governor Dauda Lawal
In a bid to contain the activities of illegal miners in the state, Governor Dauda Lawal, has signed an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining activities across the state.
Governor Lawal signed the order today at the government House, Gusau, the state’s capital.
The development comes on the heels of an explosion that went of in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Tuesday. The state government blamed illegal miners for the  blast which killed at least seven persons, and also got  over 80 persons seriously wounded.
According to a statement  issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Executive Order was necessary to combat banditry.
The order said all consent letters for mining in the state have now been effectively banned.
 Governor Lawal said while signing the order: “Today, in my administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, I signed an executive order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the 14 local government areas of Zamfara.
“As the Attorney General rightly stated, the mining activities in Zamfara have been identified as a significant factor contributing to the worsening security situation of the state, especially the menace of banditry.
“As a responsible government, it is crucial that we take decisive action to resolve the issue of illegal mining operations that have been contributing to the crisis. That’s why I have signed the executive order. We are taking all necessary steps to rectify the problems bedevilling the issuance of consent letters, which have been recklessly abused.
“We beseech Almighty Allah to guide us as we serve and safeguard the lives and properties of the people.”

OPINION: The Road to Thanksgiving

By
The Source
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0
Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

I hope Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, can finally get some sleep. He deserves it. After the ruling of the Supreme Court on Friday, upholding his election, the governor told a crowd of his supporters who came to rejoice with him at the State Government Lodge in Abuja, that he had not slept for seven days, in spite of the comfort of his waterbed.

Mohammed, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said he had been awake, seven days and seven nights, “fighting former leaders” to secure the mandate of voters.

I can imagine. This was an election that took place nearly one year ago. And yet, the governor, like his colleagues in seven other states or nearly one quarter of Nigeria’s 36 states, has spent one quarter of his tenure in court, waiting for what has now become the most important vote of all – the ballot of the court.

If it were in my place to do so, I would have asked the governor what he spent seven days and seven nights doing in Abuja. Was he involved in a nonstop nocturnal spiritual wrestling match with the principalities and powers who wanted to steal his votes?

Was he in strategy sessions with ecclesiastical hosts? Was he combining these with visits to some renowned marabouts who may have been obliged to camp outside the Supreme Court, as part of the ritual of success?

If it were in my place, I would have asked what exactly he was doing in Abuja, the domain of their Lordships, without sleeping for seven days and seven nights.

Thanks offering

From what Mohammed said, however, it was not only the court that deserved the credit for the favourable outcome of the matter. Two of the other seven governors specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy, KashimShettima, for their non-interference. According to the Bauchi State governor, some people had gone to tell the president that he was a threat to him.

“I’m grateful to the government of President Tinubu,” Mohammed said, “who believes in good governance – for allowing the rule of law to persist irrespective of lies and mischievous acts that have been perpetrated against me.”

If the governor commended his legal team at all, that part may have been omitted in the statement published in the press, which contained nothing but heartfelt praise for the Supreme Court and the president for not beating the justices.

We die here

Another point of interest was the physical presence of five of the eight governors at the Supreme Court when the judgment was delivered. Of course, they all have a right to be there, to receive firsthand, the much-expected good news, after days, weeks, and perhaps, even months of tension. Who wouldn’t?

There was once a time, though, when the drama, the intensity, the sheer uncertainty, and especially the fearsome reputation of the court in matters like these would have kept the main parties far away from the precincts of the court.

There was an exception, of course. In 1983, the federal election body, FEDECO (as it was then called), declared that Bola Ige of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), who had just completed his first term as governor, had lost his reelection to Omololu Olunloyo of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Bala Mohammed
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

Ige petitioned the election tribunal and was in court as part of the UPN’s legal team, though not as the lead counsel. Not even during the equally bitter 1979 contest between the UPN and the NPN after the controversial presidential election, did either Obafemi Awolowo or Shehu Shagari appear in court, though at an earlier stage, Awolowo appeared at the tribunal in Ikoyi in his famous suit.

One crooked step

Of course, that dispensation was different. The electoral act mandated the disposal of election cases before swearing in. But the law is just as good as those who make them and those who are supposed to implement them. Some aspects of the election law have improved in the last 24 years. In spite of the improvements, however, politicians, with plenty of help from lawyers, have also found a way to stay one crooked step ahead. And perhaps one of the most perverse outcomes of all of this is that there’s hardly any solid, reliable set of electoral jurisprudence.

Jurisprudential jiggery pokery has a very long history in Nigeria, even though it wasn’t always rampant or brazen. It was with a heavy, tormented heart, for example, that Justice FataiAtanda-Williams said the judgment of the Supreme Court in the famous case of Awolowo v Shagari in 1979 was never to be cited as precedent.

Today, the Supreme Court has made so many conflicting and confusing judgments that even if it were to make exemptions it would find itself too entangled in the knot of its own self-inflicted misery to know where or how to start.

How can the court which, four years ago, sacked the entire government in Zamfara in an election in which the winner, Mukhtar Shehu Idris, won 67.41 percent of the votes, on the grounds that the APC failed to conduct valid primaries (clearly a party matter), now give judgments, like that in Plateau State for example, that suggest that it is alright for courts to meddle in party pre-election matters?

Or how can the same Supreme Court which affirmed the ruling of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal that the PDP had no business dabbling into whether Vice President Shettima had been doubly nominated by the APC because it was that party’s internal affair, reject the decisions of the lower courts that Senator Ahmed Lawan who didn’t participate in the party’s primary was the validly nominated candidate of the same party?

And how, for sanity’s sake, did the Supreme Court, which set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal that Senator Godswill Akpabio was not the validly nominated candidate of the APC for Akwa-Ibom North-West senatorial seat because it was a party affair, justify plunging into the arena of internal party politics and pre-election matters in Zamfara and Plateau?

Thank the king?

It’s not too hard to see why politicians prefer to camp outside the court or to thank the president when cases favour them. They think that if, with the help of senior lawyers, you can purchase the courts and be in the president’s good books, your problems are nearly solved, regardless of what happened at the ballot.

I’m still trying to figure out a situation where a politician in the UK, the US, or even in Ghana or South Africa, wins a case in court and immediately grants a press conference afterwards thanking the king, president or prime minister for not interfering. This must be a uniquely Nigerian contribution to jurisprudential courtesies.

Some progress has been made in our elections, no doubt.

Yet, if the point of elections is to make the voter’s ballot count, and also give all parties a fair chance of settling any disputes that may arise, two things need to happen immediately: we must return to the era where all election petitions are disposed of before swearing in; and limit all disputes to not more than two layers of adjudication.

The regrettable, perhaps unintended overall effect of last Friday’s ruling, is that it may have further undermined the judiciary as a whole, but particularly, thrown the Court of Appeal under the bus which has had, I’m told, only five percent of its cases overturned in the last two election cycles. That, quite frankly, is not only a sad but frightening thing. It is a trend capable of keeping the whole country awake at night.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

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