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Supreme Court’s Decision Against Constitution; Nigerians Disappointed- PDP

By
James Orji
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The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has reacted to Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment filed by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The apex court today affirmed the election of Tinubu barely two months after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal validated his election on September 6, 2023.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP, in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the facts of the case were sacrificed on the altar of technicalities.
The party said it is “appalled” that the Supreme Court could affirm Tinubu as president despite evidenced before it, adding that  to the expectations of Nigerians in the apex court as the last  hope of the common man has been thoroughly dashed.
Below is PDP full statement:
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Supreme Court in the petition filed by the PDP and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar against the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winners of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court which the PDP believes is against the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, the Guideline and Regulation issued by INEC under which the election was conducted.
The PDP asserts that it is indeed a sad commentary for our democracy that the Supreme Court failed to uphold the provisions of the law. Instead, it trashed the expectation of majority of Nigerians who looked up to it as a Temple of Impartiality to deliver substantial justice in the matter having regards to the laws and facts of the case.
Nigerians earnestly expected the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution in terms of qualification and minimum requirement for a winner to be declared in a Presidential election in Nigeria especially with regards to the required statutory 25% of votes in the FCT as well as issues of violation of electoral Rules and Guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.
Nigerians are still at a loss as to how the Supreme Court condoned the serious issues of forgery, falsehood and perjury on the altar of technicalities.
The general gloom, melancholy and sense of despondency across the country upon the delivery of the judgment is an ominous sign of eerie situation which portend grave consequences because of the disappointment embedded in the judgment.
This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man.
The PDP remains undeterred and charges Nigerians not to be discouraged or allow the judgment to detract from their collective quest for the entrenchment of a credible electoral system that can guarantee a government that truly derive its legitimacy from the people.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary”

Tinubu Welcomes Supreme Court Judgement, Promises To Work Day, Night, To Meet People’s Expectations

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has reacted to affirmation of his victory in February election by the Supreme Court saying it’s a consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement he personally signed, the president maintained that the judgement confirmed his trust in the judiciary, stressing that

“I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times.

“I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

“There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.

“While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment.

“This is because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times.

“Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

“It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

“With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.

“The victory of today has further energized and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

“Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

“We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together.

“The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

“In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

“I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.

“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Obi’s Appeal Against Tinubu’s Victory, Dismissed Within Five Minutes By The Supreme Court

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

It took only about five minutes for the Supreme Court of Nigeria to dismiss the appeal filed by the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, against the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, on September 6, 2023, which affirmed the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu,  as Nigeria’s duly elected President.

Justice John Okoro, Chairman of the seven-man Panel of Supreme Court Justices, who read the lead judgement, said the Court had already taken care of all the issues raised by Obi in its ruling, earlier in the day,  on Atiku Abubakar’s case.

Both Obi and Atiku had appealed to the Supreme Court after they lost their cases against Tinubu at the PEPC.

In his ruling, Okoro who had earlier dismissed Atiku’s case said that the only issue in Obi’s case, not taken care of by the Supreme Court in Atiku’s case, was the issue concerning the nomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Even then, Okoro noted that the Shettima issue had been, earlier, taken care of, and resolved in favour of the Vice President on May 9, 2023, in a case brought by the PDP against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and three others. “You were already aware of that judgement”, he submitted.

Okoro, short of calling it an abuse of Court process, and a  waste of time,  wondered why Obi brought the issue back again.

INEC had declared Tinubu the duly elected President after the close hotly contested February 25th 2023 Presidential Election. Atiku and Obi, who, according to INEC, took the second and third positions respectively, rejected the results and Tinubu’s victory, and proceeded to Court.

The Supreme Court judgements of Thursday, October 26, 2023, dismissing their cases as without merit, has put a seal on the legal processes.

Ondo: Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa Apologizes To Gov Akeredolu, Blames Political Gladiators

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The cold war between the Deputy Governor of Ondo State,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu may soon end as the Deputy Governor is seeking truce.

Aiyedatiwa on Thursday tendered an apology to the State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the political crisis in the State, occasioned by the infighting.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke to journalists in Akure lamented the embarrassment and discomfort the Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the State in the last few months.

Pledging his loyalty to the Governor and commitment to the development of the State, the Deputy Governor said there was the need to calm all nerves in order to restore peace and tranquillity to the Sunshine State.

“I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of an impeachment move against me.

“Our beloved State has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations, and exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.

“The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.

“It is in reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor and the good people of Ondo state, and I assure that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God.

“We have continued to read all sorts of lies against my person in the media. None of it is true. There has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined Mr. Governor. This is a fabricated crisis just for the purpose of election.

“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership.”

Aiyedatiwa also distanced himself from groups and individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign, stressing that he has never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such campaigns.

“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council and I do not hold any grudge.

“I want to appeal to all the political actors in the State to allow peace so we can all concentrate on the development of our dear State.”

Breaking: Supreme Court Affirms  President Tinubu’s Victory

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected President of Nigeria at the February 25th Presidential Election.

The Court dismissed the appeals of Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Abubakar Atiku and Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Gregory Obi.

The opposition parties had approached the court to challenge the election that produced Tinubu as President.

The Supreme Court held that there was no merit in Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s appeals and  dismissed them!

…..Details later

Supreme Court To Atiku, Obi:  “Are You Saying Tinubu Should Not Be President Because He Did Not Score 25% In Abuja?”

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the assumption that unless a Presidential Candidate scored 25 % of votes in Abuja, he would not be President, is a fallacy.

Ruling on the appeal brought before it by the Presidential Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the apex Court said Abuja is like any other State of the Federation.

Tinubu did not score upto 25% of the votes cast in Abuja during the February 25 Election. But the Supreme Court said that does not matter. And does not affect Tinubu’s victory.

The Chairman of the Seven-man Panel of Supreme Court Justices, Inyang Okoro, agreed with the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Court. He  asked: “Are you saying if someone scores 25 % votes in 30 States but not in Abuja, he should not be President? Is that how you interpret the law?”

Case closed!

GTCO To Assist Indigenous Small Businesses Succeed; Posts N433bn PBT

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Ahead the the 6th Edition of the Guaranty Trust Company,  GTCO Fashion Weekend coming up next month, the Group Managing Director, GMD of the financial giant, Segun Agbaje has disclosed that the bank is committed to helping indigenous small businesses to succeed.

The annual fashion fair, aimed at promoting local SME’s is expected to hold between November 11 and 12 in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The Group’s chief executive stated this in his reaction to the release of its third quarter report to the Nigeria Exchange Limited, NGX and the London Stock Exchange, LSE, for the period ending September 30, 2023.

According to the report, the Group reports a profit before tax, PBT, of ₦433.2billion, representing an increase of 155.2 percent over ₦169.7billion recorded in the corresponding period ended September 2022.

Agbaje who stated that the commercial bank has shown, through the result, its resilience to the challenging business environment in the country, stressing that “going into the final quarter of the year, we will continue to leverage the strengths within our growing financial services ecosystem” to enhance customers and stakeholders’ experience.

Agbaje said; “Our 3rd Quarter performance underpins our strategic positioning as a leading Financial Holding Company and reaffirms our strong capabilities to successfully navigate the challenges in our operating environment. Going into the final quarter of the year, we will continue to leverage the strengths within our growing financial services ecosystem to improve our products and service offerings, enhance customer experience, and maximise shareholder value.

“We are proud of our work towards Promoting Enterprise across the African continent over the years and remain committed to helping indigenous small businesses thrive through our consumer-focused fairs.

“The 6th Edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, on 11/12 November 2023, and will give entrepreneurs in the Nigerian fashion retail space a free-business platform to showcase their diverse talents and creativity to a global audience.”

Other details provided in the report indicate that the Group’s loan book (net) grew by 17.7 percent from ₦1.89trillion recorded as at December 2022 to ₦2.22trillion in September 2023, while deposit liabilities increased by 37.9 percent from ₦4.61trillion in December 2022 to ₦6.36trillion in September 2023.

The Group’s balance sheet remained well structured and resilient with total assets and shareholders’ funds closing at ₦8.6trillion and ₦1.3trillion, respectively. Full Impact Capital Adequacy Ratio, CAR, remained very strong, closing at 25.1 percent, while asset quality was sustained as IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans improved to 3.8 percent in September 2023 from 5.2 percent December 2022, however, Cost of Risk, COR, closed at 4.1 percent from 0.6 percent in December 2022 owing to Management’s conservative stance on provisioning as macros worsened y-o-y, weighing negatively on the ECL variables.

Supreme Court Says Results Viewing Portal Not Collation System

By
Ayodele Oni
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Supreme Court Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has held that the  Result Viewing Portal (IREV) deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 General Election is not a collation system.

Justice Inyang Okoro, Chairman of the  of the Supreme Court panel which heard appeals by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi over February Presidential Election said this on Thursday in final verdict on the outcome of the presidential election.

Justice Okoro ruled that failure to transmit election results electronically on IREV did not affect the election results.

“The court below held that the IREV is not a collation system, and I agree. The unavailability of the INEC results on the portal cannot be a ground for the election to be nullified.

“It is my well considered opinion that the failure to transmit results to the IREV, did not affect the result of the election. This issue is resolved in favour of the respondents.”

The Beginning, End Of 2023 Presidential Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Processes and activities for the 2023 general elections end on Thursday with the Supreme Court laying to rest issues over the poll.

The general election commenced with the Presidential/national assembly poll and governorship/house of assembly.

Results of the election were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which declared winners for all the contested positions.

For the presidential, Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner over Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic (Party) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

Dissatisfied with the outcome, PDP and LP candidates approached the Election Petition Court to challenge the outcome.

The court, in its judgement last month, affirmed victory of Tinubu after dismissing the petitions of Atiku and Obi.

In the course of pursuing justice, Atiku had sought for academic records of President Tinubu from Chicago University to support his claim that Tinubu forged the credentials he presented to INEC for the poll.

Armed with his findings, Atiku approached the Supreme Court, urging it to accept his fresh findings from Chicago University. The case was heard last Monday.

Delivering judgement on Thursday on the appeal filed by Atiku, Supreme Court ruled that it could not admit fresh evidence to determine the appeal.

The Supreme Court in a judgement delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro, rejected the motion on notice, stressing that fresh evidence could not be entertained and that the evidence was belated.

“An election tribunal shall determine its judgment within 180 days of filing of petition and therefore the court of appeal lost jurisdiction after 180 days

“The Supreme Court cannot activate its Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act after 180 days has lapsed at the lower court. I still wonder how the appellants intend to use the evidence in this appeal.

“The application to file fresh evidence runs foul of the provisions of the Electoral Act that prohibits the amendment of election petition of 21 days of the election petition.

“The Supreme court found as ridiculous the submission of Atiku Counsel that the 180-day rule does not apply to court of appeal sitting on the presidential election petition.

“The provision of the Constitution has spoken. There cannot be an addendum. Appeals are continuation of hearing on matters of the lower court.”

With the Supreme Court verdict, the winner and losers will now return to the drawing board, preparatory to next election in 2027.

Bayelsa Governorship: Sylva Will Be On The Ballot – APC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Timipre Sylva

By Akinwale Kasali

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has reacted to the removal of Timipre Sylva from the November 11 Bayelsa State Governorship Election List by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying the move is premature.

INEC had removed Sylva‘s name from the List following a High Court Judgment on October 9th that disqualified him from participating at the Governorship poll.

Reacting to the  development, Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary in a Statement in Abuja,  stated  that “The attention of the APC has been drawn to the updated list of gubernatorial candidates for the Nov. 11 governorship election in Bayelsa by INEC, which excluded our candidate’s name, Chief Timipre Sylva.

“This action by INEC may not be unconnected with the High Court judgement of October 9, which disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva as the candidate of our party.

“Our candidate and party promptly appealed that judgment and brought other processes seeking a stay of the judgment’s execution.

“Recognising the extreme urgency of the matter, the Court of Appeal granted an order of accelerated hearing of the matter now fixed for definite hearing on Friday Oct. 27,” Morka said.

Morka added that INEC was a party in the matter and had been served with all relevant filings and orders regarding the matter.

He said that delisting APC’s candidate in the circumstances as INEC had done was clearly premature and could pre-empt the outcome of the valid appeal in the matter.

He said that removing the party’s candidate from the list of governorship contestants in Bayelsa would foist a situation of helplessness on the appellate court, the candidate and the party should the appeal succeed.

Morka urged INEC to withdraw its amendment under reference in the interest of fairness.

He appealed to the people of Bayelsa, especially APC’s teeming members and supporters, to remain calm while the judicial process runs its full course.

He expressed confidence that the party’s candidate would be victorious both at the Court of Appeal and at the poll.

It would be recalled that Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgement delivered on October 9, disqualified Sylva from featuring in the November 11 governorship election.

Okorowo ruled that Sylva, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as governor of Bayelsa, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

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