The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal Panel 3, sitting in Lagos delivered a watershed ruling on Thursday, 24 August 2023. The three-man panel led by Justice Ashu Ewa with Justice Abdullahi Ozegya and Justice Abdullahi Sambo as members, delivered a unanimous ruling that the House of Representatives member for Ojo Federal Constituency, Seyi Sowunmi of the Labour Party was not qualified to contest the 25 February 2023 election hence his purported declaration as winner is null and void. In his stead, the Tribunal unanimously declared Honourable Lanre Ogunyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the authentic winner of the election. The Tribunal also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel Certificate of Return issued to Sowunmi and issue another to Lanre Ogunyemi. Ogunyemi and his party had petitioned the Tribunal protesting the declaration of the LP candidate as the winner of the election. There have been many reactions and public comments on the ruling, without recourse to the judgement and proceedings of the Tribunal. This article seeks to shed more light on the judgement and reasons for the nullification of INEC’s declaration of Sowunmi as elected. The main thrust of argument at the Tribunal centred mostly on the eligibility of Sowunmi to contest for the election. Documents, evidence and oral presentations at the Tribunal were more than enough to convince the Honourable Justices that Sowunmi was not qualified to contest the election. As of June 9, 2022, the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting and submitting names of candidates, the Labour Party in the Ojo Federal Constituency had not conducted a primary election supervised by INEC. Thus, the party lacked an INEC-recognized representative eligible to participate in the general elections. Consequently, Sowunmi’s candidacy was called into question under Section 134 (1) (a) (b) and (c) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well
Political Arena
Real Reason Why Lagos Assembly Rejected Sanwo-Olu’s 17 Nominees
The rejection of 17 of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet nominees by the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday underscores the tense relationship between the executive and legislative branches. Out of the 39 cabinet nominees presented by Sanwo-Olu for screening, 17 nominees failed the evaluation process, marking an unprecedented occurrence in Lagos’ history. The Assembly granted confirmation to just 22 of the nominees. This clash hints at an ongoing political confrontation between the governor and the Assembly, necessitating intervention from higher authorities to find resolution. The origin of this crisis could be traced back to the strained rapport between Obasa and Sanwo-Olu. During the race for the speakership position, it became evident that Sanwo-Olu supported Hon. Abiodun Tobun against Obasa. Although Obasa was eventually re-elected as the speaker after substantial intervention, this may have contributed to the Assembly’s apparent ‘revenge’. Another influencing factor is that a significant portion of those rejected lacked political affiliations and grassroots connections. For instance, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the former Commissioner for Health, was discovered to lack political ties and isn’t a politician. The Assembly sidelined these nominees due to their lack of political influence. Comparatively, the list of the 22 confirmed by the Assembly includes individuals with political connections. They are either children of influential politicians in Lagos or have strong associations with powerful figures. For instance, Tobunsun Alake, son of Dele Alake; Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya, connected to a prominent politician, Kaoli Olusanya; Hon. Bola Olumegbon, daughter of the Olumegbons; and Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, offspring of a former deputy governor of Ekiti State, among others. Assessing performance, nominees like Prof. Akin Abayomi, Gbenga Omotoso, Folasade Adefisayo, and Sam Egube would unlikely have been disqualified if competence were the sole criterion. An additional factor working against the rejected nominees is their absence from the state during the presidential and governorship elections, which
El-Rufai’s Son, Ibori’s Daughter Secure Top Appointments – Naijanewsdirect
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, and the daughter of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, were named standing committees chairmen on Thursday. Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen announced the 134 standing committees at the plenary. While Ibori’s daughter was named Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), El-Rufai’s son was announced chairman, House on banking regulations. Former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, former House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Mukhtar Betara also emerged as chairmen of committees. Ikenga Ugochinyere emerged as the chairman Petroleum Resources (Downstream) while Alhassan Ado Doguwa emerged as the Chairman Petroleum Resources (Upstream). Kabir Alhassan Rurum emerged as the chairman, House Committee on Aviation, while Abdulmumini Jibrin got Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, who was House Committee chairman on works in the 9th Assembly, is now the chairman on Appropriations. Betara, who headed the Committee on Appropriations in the 9th House now heads the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Yusuf Adamu Gagdi retained the Chairmanship of House Committee on Navy alongside Leke Abejide who also retained his House Committee on Customs and Excise.
Tinubu’s Cabinet: Meet The Four Youngest Ministerial Nominees
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded his ministerial nominees to the National Assembly for ratification. Below are the youngest among the ministerial nominees Mr President transmitted to the hallowed chamber for clearance. Barr. Hannatu Musawa – A Dynamic Lawyer and Author at 43 Hannatu Musawa, a lawyer, politician, and author, has made her mark in the political arena at just 43 years old. Hailing from Katsina State, she brings a wealth of experience as the former deputy spokesperson and Deputy Director Public Affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC). With an impressive academic background, she holds a degree in Law from the University of Buckingham, UK, a postgraduate Master’s degree in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff Wales, and a Master’s degree in Oil & Gas from the University of Aberdeen. Dr. Betta Edu – A Visionary Health Leader at 36 At the young age of 36, Dr. Betta Edu has risen to prominence as a visionary health leader. Born in Ibalebo village, Cross River State, she pursued her passion for medicine, graduating in medicine and surgery from the University of Calabar. Dr. Edu’s dedication to public health earned her a Harvard certification and a fellowship with the Royal Society for Public Health, UK. Previously, she served as the Cross River State Commissioner for Health and held the prestigious position of National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. Notably, she became the youngest female to be appointed as the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress in 2022. Stella Okotete – An Influential Figure in APC at 38 Hon. Stella Okotete, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has achieved remarkable milestones at the age of 38. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University, she also holds a Master’s
President Tinubu’s Major Appointments Since May 29 ***appointees’ states of origin
President Bola Tinubu took over the administration of the country from Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2023. The president has made several appointments since he was inaugurated. Some of the appointments include Special Advisers and security chiefs. Below are the appointees with their states of origin: 1. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF): George Akume (Benue) 2. Chief of Staff: Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos) 3. Deputy Chief of Staff: Ibrahim Hadejia (Jigawa) 4. State Chief of Protocol: Kunle Adeleke (Oyo) 5. Special Advisers (SA): Dele Alake (Ekiti) 6. SA: Yau Darazo (Bauchi) 7. SA: Wale Edun (Lagos) 8. SA: Olu Verheijen (Lagos) 9. SA: John Uwajumogu (Imo) 10. SA: Zacchaeus Adedeji (Oyo) 11. SA: Salma Anas (Borno) 12. SA: Hadiza Usman(Kaduna) 13. SA: Hannatu Musawa (Katsina) 14. Senior Special Assistant (SSA): Abdullahi Gumel (Jigawa) 15. SSA: Olarewaju Ibrahim (Ekiti) 16. Chief of Army Staff (COAS): Taoreed Lagbaja (Osun) 17. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS): Chris Musa (Kaduna) 18. Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Emmanuel Ogalla (Enugu) 19. Chief of Air Staff (CAS): Hassan Abubakar (Kano) 20. Chief of Defense Intelligence (CDI): EPA Undiandeye (C/river) 21. Inspector General of Police (IGP): Kayode Egbetokin (Ogun) 22. Comptroller General of Customs (CGC): Bashir Adeniyi (Kwara) 23. National Security Adviser (NSA): Nuhu Ribadu (Adamawa)
Bode George Praises Tinubu, Says “He Has A Good Start As President”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George has commended President Bola Tinubu on his first three weeks as the President, saying it is a good start to his administration. He said President Tinubu’s good start was better than his time as Lagos State Governor between May 1999 and May 2007. Chief George who is a former Deputy Chairman of the PDP gave the commendations while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday. When asked about his assessment of Tinubu’s administration’s first three weeks George said it is early to give a rating. When further asked to describe the performance of Tinubu in the last 22 days as Nigeria’s President, the Lagos-based PDP stalwart said: “It’s not perfect but reasonable. “At least, it is better than what we had known before when he was in Lagos. Maybe he was much younger at that time and had no experience but now, Lagos is not Abuja.” Asked if he is willing to work with Tinubu, George said he would take permission from the PDP should the President approach him to work together for the good of the country. He also reiterated his membership of the PDP, saying that he is not an enemy of the President despite their agelong political rivalry. “The major difference between Bola and I is his methodology, his managerial style, is unlike mine. I have a background in the military and I am a logistician in the military. You don’t carry your men to war without adequately doing your serious planning, intelligence gathering,” he said. The PDP Chieftain, however, expressed confidence that his party and its candidate in the 25 February poll, Atiku Abubakar would emerge victorious at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja. “Let’s wait for the outcome of the judiciary. The process is not over. The day the process is over and
10th Assembly: Lawmaker Empowers Constituents, Facilitates Medical Equipment to PHCs
Member, House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, on Sunday, distributed cash grants aimed at economically empowering about 40 members of her constituency. The grants were given after the constituents completed a 3-day training with the support of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Speaking in Ibadan, Akande-Sadipe said the training was aimed at economic empowerment of her constituents. Akande-Sadipe added that the gesture was in fulfillment of her campaign promises made to the people, that her second term will engage them into more economic opportunities. Mrs. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, the former Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, also called on the government to provide soft loans for the people as a way of empowering them economically and reducing poverty in the country. “Today 40 members of my constituency were cleared for cash grants after participating in the 'Business Entrepreneurship and development' capacity development program”, Akande-Sadipe said. “I urge the participants to use the knowledge garnered during this training to be self-reliant and to improve their standard of living,” she said. Akande-Sadipe said in addition to today's gesture which earmarks the beginning of her participation in the 10th National Assembly, she has successfully trained thousands of youths in different skills. She said the past training programs have enabled many to become self-reliant, and have contributed their quota to the development of Oluyole constituency. On selection criteria of beneficiaries, she said her constituency office threw it open to residents of Oluyole by reaching out to community leaders, as well as religious leaders. The lawmaker who is representing Oluyole Federal Constituency on a 2nd term mandate, also facilitated medical equipment to Primary Health Centers, in the Constituency. This, according to her, is part of her bid to elevate the standard of healthcare delivery across her constituency. She said the intervention came against the backdrop of the growing demands for
10th Assembly: Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King Felicitates Yayi, OGD, Salisu, Other Members
The Head honcho of Adron Homes and Properties Limited; Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King has congratulated the newly inaugurated members of the 10th National Assembly from across Ogun state after they were inaugurated on the 13th of June while they took their oath of office in a bid to commence their legislative business for the 10th senate; swearing an oath to serve and represent their constituents by upholding the tenents and pledging their allegiance and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Aare Adetola specially congratulated Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi of Ogun West, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Ogun East and Senator Salisu Shuiab Ogun Central after their inauguration at the floor of the senate chambers where he wished them a fruitful sojourn in their legislative odyssey. In his goodwill message to the recently inaugurated senators, the real estate mogul disclosed that; the senators who have been given the mandate to represent the three Ogun senatorial districts need to use their platform and clout in the senate to attract development to the state and also deliver to their constituents the dividend of democracy. “I want to specially felicitate my dear brother, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, my elder brother, His Excellency; Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Salisu on their inauguration. I am sure that they will bring their experience into play in ensuring that Ogun State gets quality representation at the Red Chambers. I am happy Senator Yayi played a pivotal role in the emergence of Senator Akapabio as President of the Senate. I wish all the elected senators the best in their sojourn at the 10th Senate. I want them to attract positive development that will directly improve the wellbeing of their constituents and also consolidate on the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun in bringing Ogun state an accelerated development in all sectors.” The Otun Onigbagbo of
Lagos Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Kasunmu Hits The Ground Running, Appoints 10 Special Assistants On Inauguration Day
The newly appointed Deputy Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Prince) Adedamola Richard Kasunmu has hit the ground running in a clear indication that his 3rd term tenure will be eventful and action-packed. Shortly after the proclamation/ Inauguration of the 10th Assembly and his historic appointment as the Deputy Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday, the youthful lawmaker organized an elaborate reception at his Constituency Office to appreciate his Constituents for their unflinching support over the years. Hon. Kasunmu also utilized the opportunity to announce the immediate appointment of some of his Constituents as Special Assistants with various portfolios. The details of the appointments are as follows: 1. Kudirat Adebayo---Special Assistant on Religion and Traditional Matters Affairs)-Ikeja 2. Folasade Awolala---Special Assistant on Religion and Traditional Matters--OJODU 3. Oluwaseun Makinde---Special Assistant on Political Party Matters (1)- IKEJA 4. Yusuff Alabi( Illalahu)--Special Assistant on Political Matters (2)- IKEJA 5. Hon. Kehinde Akerele (Special Assistant on Political Matters (1)- OJODU 6. Babatunde Oguns--- Special Assistant on Political Party Affairs (2)--OJODU 7. Sikiru Folami-- Special Assistant on Security Matters--IKEJA 8. Babalola Savage --- Special Assistant on Security Matters-- OJODU 9. Kemi Yisa-Matthew--Special Assistant on Constituency Office Operations-IKEJA 10. Special Assistant on Constituency Office Operations---OJODU Announcing the appointments, Hon. Kasunmu congratulated the new Special Assistants and charged them to be committed, loyal and dedicated to the overall agenda of delivering better dividends of democracy to the people of Ikeja Constituency 2. Responding on behalf of the Appointees, Special Assistant on Political Party Affairs, Comrade Seun Makinde expressed immense appreciation over the appointment. He also promised that all the appointees will work hard to add great value to the visions and agenda of the Deputy Majority Leader. The appointments have been attracting torrents of commendations from Leaders, Constituents and stakeholders of Ikeja Constituency 2 since yesterday.
Primary School Teacher, Joel Unveiled As Running Mate To Kogi APC Guber Candidate, Ododo
The Kogi State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usmam Ododo, unveiled a primary school teacher, Salifu Joel, on Sunday as his running mate for the Nov. 11 election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Salifu Joel is the current chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi State. Gov Yahaya Bello, who spoke at the event at the Government House, said that the choice of Joel, a class teacher and unionist, as the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, was borne out of the party’s desire to carry everybody along in its quest for the development of the state. Gov Bello assured that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the APC wins the governorship election in the state. According to him: “APC will follow and abide by all the existing electoral laws to win the November 11 election, moreso that my administration has performed creditably well in the areas of infrastructure provision, quality education, and healthcare delivery, among others.” The governor claimed that his administration has shown competence, dedication, and commitment to the Kogi people in terms of performance and therefore is entitled “to also ask for their votes in the next governorship election.” Bello warned: “In this dispensation, we won’t tolerate any politics of bitterness nor condone any act of political violence because Kogi as a state is bigger than any personal interest.” The state’s APC chairman, Abdullahi Bello, commended the selection of the running mate for the party’s governorship candidate from a very critical section of society. The deputy governorship candidate in his response said: “I am short of words for me as a classroom teacher to be nominated as the running mate and deputy governor to the APC guber candidate.” Speaking further, Joel, who said he heartily