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Ondo: Governor’s Continued Stay Outside State Not Affecting Governance; Govt Reacts To Allegation By Group

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has observed that the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the State after his return from Medical leave is responsible for the current political crisis  which is leading to the impeachment of the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Leaders of the group told journalists in Akure on Monday that “It is no longer news, that the last six months or thereabout, Ondo State has been facing leadership challenges due to the unfortunate ill health of the Governor of the State Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and as you may be aware as contained in the public domain that the health condition of Mr. Akeredolu led to his departure abroad for medical interventions.

“We should also remind ourselves, that it took the interventions of various stakeholders to prevail on Mr. Akeredolu to transmit power to his deputy Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in line with the 1999 constitution to act as the Governor of the state while he was to embark on medical trip outside the country.

“It is also important to state that throughout the period Mr. Akeredolu sojourn for medical trip abroad, governance in Ondo State became impossible as a result of individuals who constituted themselves into cabal and claimed to be defending the interest of the ailing governor and in the process, incapacitated the Acting Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa from acting as the governor of the state, a process that led to collapse of governance in Ondo State.

“While Mr. Akeredolu returned to the country, for over two weeks that he returned to Nigeria in controversial manner, he has not been sighted in the state rather, he has been hid somewhere in Ibadan by his cronies where he has been operating through proxies and thereby made governance in the state to be carried out in secrecy.

“Also, worthy of mention is the fact that since the return of Mr. Akeredolu and his refusal to resume at his official duty -post for the governance of the state, a situation that is causing serious apprehension in the state.

Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olabode maintained that “The location of the Governor isn’t hindering any form of development in the state. In fact, the Governor, upon his return to the country, immediately held meetings with crucial stakeholders to discuss matters of state importance, showcasing his commitment to the state’s development irrespective of his location.

“It’s noteworthy to mention that the Governor has recently signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into Law. This is a progressive step towards the development of the state, further reinforcing the fact that the government is operational and effectively functioning.

“In the same vein, the various state ministries are delivering efficiently on their mandates. Specifically, the Ministry of the Budget and Economic Planning recently commenced a series of town hall meetings in preparation for the 2024 budget, demonstrating the government’s dedication to transparent and inclusive governance.

“As of this moment, construction work is in progress at the Onyarubulem-Shagari/Irese flyover, which is a significant landmark as the first flyover in Akure, the state capital, since Ondo State was created.

“This administration also constructed the first flyover in the state at Ore, further emphasizing its commitment to infrastructural development.

“The Governor has continually expressed appreciation to the good people of Ondo State for their unwavering support and prayers during his medical vacation. He issued a personal press statement, expressing his gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the good people of Ondo State, and other distinguished Nigerians.

“Just last week, the Governor instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands & Housing to commence the permanent rehabilitation of the Akure-Owena-Ondo Road. This action was taken to prevent unnecessary hardship and loss of lives on the federal highways located within Ondo State territory.

“To alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the state government, through the palliative committee led by the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, is actively distributing palliatives to the state’s residents.

“Moreover, the state’s free school shuttle buses have resumed operations, providing transportation for children to school. Civil servants are also benefiting from special transportation arrangements to and from work.

“Significant progress is being made in the construction of the ultra-modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure. Furthermore, the government ensures the prompt payment of workers’ salaries as and when due.

“The government is not only functional but also actively advancing the state’s development. The location of the Governor, therefore, should not be sensationalized, but rather, the focus should be on the tangible progress being made in the state.”

LAWMA Shuts Oyingbo, Alayabiagba Markets, Over Environmental Nuisance

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oyingbo Market

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, wielded the big stick on Oyingbo and Alayabiagba Markets in the State.

LAWMA sealed the markets following series of unheeded warnings to markets in Lagos to shun filth and embrace proper environmental hygiene.

This was what led to the decision of LAWMA to seal Oyingbo and Alayabiagba Markets in Lagos Mainland.

Other markets that risk imminent shut-down for improper waste disposal and sundry environmental infractions includes: Tejuosho Model Market Phase 1, Ladipo Market in Mushin, Anjorin Market, Irewolede Plank Market, Idi-Araba Obele Market, Oni Baba Market, Oba Morufu International Market, formerly known as Ejigbo Market, Ijora 7UP Market, Okeafa Plank Market, Ifelodun Fruit Market, Amukoko, among others.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority’s decision to shut down the markets was arrived at, after several warnings about their noncompliance with the state’s Environmental Protection Laws, which emphasized zero tolerance for environmental offences, such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse, wilful defacing of the environment and refusal to pay for waste services.

He stated: “LAWMA has continued to work relentlessly to improve the environment across the state, particularly commercial facilities, by putting in place several measures aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the city. However, some individuals and markets are busy undermining our efforts by refusing to abide by the laws and regulations. As the need arises, such individuals, dealers, and markets, will be dealt with, in accordance with the law”.

Gbadegesin cautioned that other markets engaging in irresponsible waste disposal and other environmental violations would face similar harsh consequences, if they refused to turn a new leaf, adding that the executive members of such markets would also be held accountable.

“It is imperative that we hold businesses accountable for their environmental responsibilities. This enforcement action by LAWMA aims to promote a culture of compliance and create a more livable city for all residents. I also want to emphasize that once a market is closed, it would meet all requirements before being reopened for business”, he said.

In a related development, the LAWMA boss has hinted on plans to dislodge illegal market structures sprouting across the metropolis. They include: Fiki Marina fruit market; Victoria Island market by Abraham Adesanya roundabout Ajah; Jakande market by Jakande bus stop; Traders Opposite Oniru Market, Oniru and New Road Market by New Road Bus-stop, which according to him were posing safety hazards and impeding the free flow of traffic, as well as urban planning efforts.

He restated that, “Removing illegal market structures is pivotal for urban planning and development. It allows for proper zoning and allocation of spaces, ensuring a more organised and aesthetically pleasing cityscape.”

He further disclosed that the Authority was seeking collaboration with market associations, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders, to ensure the success of these initiatives, adding that the agency would provide guidance and support to markets, towards establishing efficient waste management systems that comply with established regulations.

He urged markets in the state to support the Authority’s efforts, by following stipulated waste management guidelines, adding that with the agency’s concerted efforts and cooperation of residents, the state would witness significant improvement in waste management, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

Ondo Impeachment Saga: Lawmakers Allege Threat To Life, As Fetish Object Placed At Speaker Official Residence

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Planned impeachment of the deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is taken another dimension as the Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji alleged threat to his life and other legislators.

Their lives have been under threat since the commencement of the impeachment process against the State’s Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Oladiji while speaking with Assembly correspondents on Monday in Akure revealed that “Early this morning, his attention was drawn to a ritual sacrifice placed at front of his official lodge.”

The lodge, which he noted requires renovation is only used sometimes for Parliamentary meetings.

“I have not been using the place except sometimes for parliamentary meetings. At least, we have been there for more than two times for meeting, but I don’t sleep there because the place requires overhauling with its present state.

“Early this morning, we discovered that a sacrifice was placed in the lodge. Aside that, I have been receiving strange calls from strange people threatening my life and other members. There have been a lot of pressure on me.

“I am using the medium to tell the world that my life is under threat. I call on the security operatives to checkmate these people who have been threatening my life and other members.

“This threat started since the day we began the impeachment notice. I have already reported to NSCDC among others security agencies.”

While debunking the rumour going the round that the lawmakers collected N5 million to initiate the impeachment process, the Speaker said that the 10th Assembly under his watch will not compromise.

“Whenever there is an impeachment case like this, people think that the executive must have lured the legislature to begin the process.

“I want to tell the whole world that we did not receive any gratification from anybody or anywhere. We are doing our work as lawmakers.

“We appropriate and at the same time, monitor what we appropriate. Let me tell you, 26 lawmakers have now signed the letter which we will serve the deputy governor today.

“The House will today serve the Deputy Governor of the State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa a letter on the alleged gross misconduct.”

The Speaker noted that the House was unable to serve the Deputy Governor the Notice since the commencement of the process last week.

He, however, said that the house has now secured court affidavit which gives the house a legitimate right to serve the Deputy Governor.

According to the Speaker, the Deputy Governor is expected to reply the house within seven days of notice.

Impeachment: Ondo Deputy Governor Seeks Court Protection

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is clinging to the Judiciary to save his job as he asked the Ondo State High Court to stop the State House of Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him.

This is pending the hearing and determination of the suit that he filed in court.

In Suit No. AK/348/2023 filed at the High Court in Akure on Monday, September 25, 2023, the Deputy Governor is seeking a declaration that the House of Assembly is not competent to proceed on his impeachment in breach of his constitutional and fundamental rights to fair hearing.

He claimed that the sacking of his media aides and subjecting him to the Ministry of Information headed by a Commissioner amounts to a breach of his rights and privileges as a Deputy Governor.

Aiyedatiwa is also seeking a declaration that his office, tenure, status, rights and privileges are protected, guaranteed and secured by the Constitution.

According to him, the declaration that in the determination of his civil rights and obligations as a Deputy Governor of Ondo State by the House of Assembly, he is entitled to a fair hearing and that given the utterances and conduct of the House of Assembly so far, there is likelihood of bias against him in the impeachment process.

“In conducting media trials against him without serving him with any notice of gross misconduct, the House Assembly has constituted itself into accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge.”

Aiyedatiwa then sought orders of injunction to stop the House of Assembly from initiating, continuing or proceeding with the process of his removal from office as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

He also seeks an order to stop the Chief Judge of Ondo State from accepting or acting upon any request from the House of Assembly of Ondo State to set up any panel to investigate any acts of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.

Named as defendants in the suit filed by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN are the Ondo State Government, the Governor of Ondo State, Ondo State House of Assembly, Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Clerk of Ondo State House of Assembly and Chief Judge of Ondo State.

Ooni  Backs Tinubu On Pan Africanism, Prays For Economic Growth, Begins Seven-Day Seclusion

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, has started this year’s annual Olojo Festival celebrations by embarking on a Seven Day spiritual seclusion.

The Seclusion is targeted at seeking the face of Almighty God(Olodumare) and ancestors of the land for the recovery of Nigeria’s economy and unity of the African people for prosperity.

Oba Ogunwusi, speaking at a  press briefing shortly before he was escorted on a procession to the ‘ILE MOLE’ ancient cult chamber located on Iremo road in Ile-Ife, commended President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria over his sterling Pan-African speech  recently during 78th United Nation, UN, General Assembly in the USA quoting him as saying, “To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

He called on the entire African continent people worldwide to unite and be peaceful for the development and desired economic liberation.

He urged relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and Africa as a whole to prioritize the unity of the continent, saying pan Africanism is non-negotiable.

“President Bola Tinubu spoke very creditably well as a true Pan-African leader during the 78 edition of the UN General Assembly. I also respect Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto of Uganda and Kenya respectively for always consistently standing for Africa. I have met with them and we have always discussed Africa development.

“For the past 8 years that I been on the throne of Oduduwa, anytime I go into seclusion, there is nothing I ask the ancestors that doesn’t come into fulfillment. Therefore, I can rest assured that this time around, the actualization of Pan-Africanism will come to reality. “Ooni said.

Ooni lamented the suffering and hardship in Nigeria said there is a need for the ancestors to step in so that the administration of President Tinubu, will be the renewed hope in terms of friendly economic palliatives for the poor masses, good roads, uninterrupted power supply, affordable education, employment opportunities, and above all, actualization of the ideological oneness that all sundry in Africa have been hoping for.

He charged government at all levels to be more sensitive to the plight of the people, also urging all and sundry to support the president so as to move the nation forward for stable national security and economic advancement.

“I will pray for the unity of Africa. Things are very hard. We all know the economic challenges that people are facing.

“The issue of restiveness of our youths would not go beyond control, before this are sensitive issues that we need to address before it goes out of hand.

“My prayer also would be to pray for divine intervention for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to turn things right because expectations of people are so high”, Ooni stated

The Monarch who is also the  Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, and doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) praised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil for his love for Africa saying the large turnout of the Afro-Brasilians and other diaspora Africans is an attestation that Olojo festival.is indeed a rallying point for connecting the Africans together.

It would be recalled that the Ooni was earlier this year hosted by the Brazilian President to unveil the African Religion ISESE Day in Brasilia, Brazil has also been hosted in recognition of his Pan-African initiative by several African leaders like President John Mahama of Ghana and King of Kumasi, Asantene Osei Tutu in 2016, President Ruto of Kenya in March this year and President Museveni of Uganda barely a month ago.

Benue: Gov Alia Outraged Abduction Of Commissioner, Fmr LG Chairman, Urges Immediate Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has reacted to the abduction of Mr. Matthew Aboh, the Commissioner for Information, culture and Tourism, and former Chairman Ukum Local Government, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa, describing the act as barbaric.

This is according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, on Monday in Makurdi.

The Commissioner was reportedly kidnapped in the presence of his wife on Sunday, at his home, while the former Council Chairman, Aboh was taken away by a yet to be identified gunmen last Saturday.

The kidnappers, have made contacts with the family of Erukaa but are yet to make contacts with Abo’s family.

The State Governor, who described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, said that security agencies have been alerted to immediately commence operations to ensure their safe release.

The statement added that the Governor has called on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration will do everything to make the state safe.

The Benue State Commissioner for Culture, Information and Tourism, Mr. Aboh Matthew was kidnapped in his Zakibiam residence, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

According to information, it was stated that several gunmen stormed the residence of the commissioner and abducted him at about 8pm Sunday evening.

Eyewitness explained that the gunmen came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

Mathew Aboh’s abductors reportedly compelled him at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwiched him.

Aboh was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on the 29th of August this year and hails from Ukum Local Government Area which has been a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings in recent times.

Breaking: Governor Sanwo- Olu, Floors Rhodes-Vivour, Jandor Petition

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sanwo-olu and Jandour and Rhodes

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has had his victory at the March 18th, 2023, Governorship Election in the State upheld by the Election Tribunal sitting in Lagos.

The Tribunal dismissed the preliminary objection of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which asked it to dismiss the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

It was dismissed because the petitioner did not comply with provisions of the Electoral Act about payment of security as to cost.

It struck out the petition filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, and that of Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

The duo of Jandor and Rhodes Vivour had challenged the election of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat at last election in the State.

The Lagos State Governor had polled 762,134 votes to beat Rhodes-Vivour, who scored 312,329 votes, and Jandor of the PDP came a distant third, polling 62,449 votes.

In the petition filed by Adediran and his party, PDP, the petitioners based it on two grounds, stating that  Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Hamzat were at the time of election not qualified to contest.

Adediran also stated that the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party Rhodes-Vivour, who was declared by the first respondent INEC as having scored the second highest number of votes was, at the time of the election also not qualified to contest.

While INEC is the first respondent, Sanwo-Olu; Hamzat, APC; Rhodes-Vivour, and the LP are listed as the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth respondents respectively.

The PDP governorship candidate said he was calling for the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party candidates in the election for “non-compliance” with the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the guidelines of INEC.

Chairman of the panel  Justice Arum Ashom had announced that the court will first deliver judgment in the case of the PDP and its candidate before going to give its judgment in the petition of the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Justice Ashom also announced that his colleague on the bench, Justice Mikail Abdullahi will read  the judgment on behalf of the panel.

The APC in their preliminary objection asked the Tribunal to strike out PDP’s petition, but the tribunal dismissed the objection.

Some of the motion of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents to strike out some paragraphs of the Petition and additional statements on Oaths filed outside the 21 days provided by the electoral Act succeed in part.

Paragraphs 2,3,4,5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the Petition were struck out. and the additional statement on oath that mirrors the struck-out paragraphs was also struck out.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party’s petition that its name be struck out from the PDP’s petition succeeded.

Zamfara Accuses FG Of Negotiating With Bandits Without Involving State, Says Move Is Sabotage

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor
Governor Dauda Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

Zamfara State Government has queried rationale behind the decision by the Federal Government to enter into negotiation with some bandits without carrying along the state describing the move as sabotage.

Zamfara, a State where over 20 students of the Federal University, Gusau were abducted, last week, stated on Monday that some Representatives of the Federal Agencies have been meeting with bandits in the State.

The State Governor, Dauda Lawal explained that the decision was against the policy the state government put in place to tackle banditry in the state.

A statement signed by Media Aide to the Governor, Sulaiman Idris stated that “Governor Dauda Lawal has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Federal Government into the secretive negotiations held with bandits in the State.

“Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the State Government.

“Governor Lawal on Monday, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, lamented the action of some Federal Government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without seeking recourse from the State Government and other security agencies.”

The statement added that Governor Lawal called on the Federal Government to clarify the action of these Federal agencies, which is clearly at variance with the State Government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.

The statement read in parts: “Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege.

“Previous administrations in the State failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits.

“We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning – we will not negotiate with these criminals.

“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts.

“We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far.”

Nigeria Needs 300k Teachers For 10.5m Out of School Children

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

The Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, says no fewer than 300, 000 teachers are required to get more than 10.5 million out-of-school students back to school.

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the chief executive of the TRCN made this known on Sunday to Nigerian Tribune.

The agency boss lamented the dearth of qualified teachers, particularly in the private schools, and in the northern part of the country, adding that if more teachers are employed it will increase the number of enrolment in schools.

According to him, Ajiboye said Africa has about 5 million shortage of teachers and Nigeria has the lion’s share of the figure.

He noted that it is even hard to believe that some state governments did not recruit new teachers in the last 10 years, adding that such development means that teachers who are retiring from service or died in such states have not been replaced.

He said that was why some primary schools in the rural communities for example, have just only one or two teachers, adding that such is a reality and not fantasy the country is contending with.

According to him, it is only a few states that recruit teachers often and even at that, no state in the federation has enough teachers in their schools.

“So, it is important that as a country, we engage not only qualified and competent teachers but also in enough quantity that will give quality education that the country and its people will be proud of,” he stressed.

Ajiboye while noting that only about 2.3 million teachers have so far registered as professionals with TRCN nationwide, he explained that the several million others are not because they have no prerequisite educational background to do so.

He explained that the aim of TRCN is to ensure that no unqualified person would be standing in front of students teaching in any of Nigeria’s school classrooms.

“We don’t want people to venture into teaching and be in classrooms teaching just because they couldn’t get job elsewhere in any of our schools nationwide.

“We call those kind of people nonchalant and we can’t surrender our classrooms and children to them any longer and we are standing firmly on that policy if we are genuinely wanted to move forward appreciably like the developed countries.

Ajiboye, however, pointed out that the reality now is that any state government that wants to recruit new teachers is making TRCN certificate mandatory for their recruitment.

Lagos Guber: Sanwo-Olu Knows Fate Today

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will know his fate today whether he will remain as the helmsman of the Centre of Excellence, as the state is widely known.

The State Governorship Election Tribunal, SGET, is set to deliver judgment on the petitions filed by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and his counterpart of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor.

The two candidates are challenging the election of Governor Sanwoolu.

The petitions of the APM and APP had earlier been dismissed by the Chairman of the three-man Tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, after the petitioners withdrew them.

The independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Sawoolu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC winner of the March 18 Governorship election.

He was declared winner after polling a total of 762,134 votes, defeating Rhodes-Vivour who scored 312,329 votes, and Adediran aka Jandor who scored 62,449 votes.

The Justice Arum Ashom-led panel had on Saturday informed the litigants that judgment would be delivered on the matter on Monday, September 25.

This was confirmed by Rhode-Vivor, the candidate of the LP in his X post, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.

He posted, “We have just been informed that judgement on our election petition at the tribunal will be delivered on Monday, the 25th of September.”

On August 12, lawyers in the petitions adopted their final written addresses before the tribunal.

In proof of his petition, Rhodes-Vivour had called 10 witnesses including four subpoenaed witnesses, describing his petition as a litmus test for constitutionality in the country.

He asked the tribunal to disqualify SanwoOlu and his running mate Hamzat and return him as the person with the highest number of lawful votes cast during the election.

Jandor on his part had also called for the disqualification of the candidates of Sanwo-olu and Rhodes-Vivour for “non-compliance” with the Electoral Act 2022 and the guidelines of INEC.

The PDP candidate’s main contention against the governor is that he lied about his West Africa Examinations Council, WAEC, he submitted to the INEC for the election.

He insisted that there were differences in the names submitted by the governor and what the WAEC list showed, he asked the tribunal to declare as wasted all votes cast for Sanwo-olu and Rhodes-Vivor.

He should be declared winner of the election, he said in the petition.

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