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Faleke should take over from Late Abubakar Audu as APC Governorship candidate – Festus Keyamo

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abuu

 

The reported death yesterday, Sunday, November 22nd, 2015, of the APC candidate in the Kogi State Governorship elections, Prince Abubakar Audu, is extremely shocking and sad. I would like to express my condolences to the entire family of Audu and to the people of Kogi State.

However, the real question agitating the minds of everybody is the legal implication regarding the inconclusive Governorship elections at the time of his demise. To state it correctly he was said to have died AFTER the announcement of the results by INEC and after INEC had declared the elections inconclusive. Admittedly, this is a strange and novel constitutional scenario. It has never happened in our constitutional history to the extent that when an election has been partially conducted (and not before or after the elections) a candidate dies. What then happens?

This is a hybrid situation between what happened in the case of Atiku Abubakar/Boni Haruna in 1999 and the provision of section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2010.

In the case of Atiku Abubakar/Boni Haruna [which is now a clear constitutional provision of section 181(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)] the Supreme Court held, in effect, that “if a person duly elected as Governor dies before taking and subscribing the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office, or is unable for any reason whatsoever to be sworn in, the person elected with him as Deputy governor shall be sworn in as Governor and he shall nominate a new Deputy-Governor who shall be appointed by the Governor with the approval of a simple majority of the house of Assembly of the State”.

In the case of section 33 of the Electoral Act 2010 it provides, in effect, that if a person has been duly nominated as a candidate of his party and he dies before the election then the political party has the right to replace him with another candidate and not necessarily the Deputy Governorship candidate.

Now, does the Kogi situation fit into section 181(1) of the Constitution as quoted above or section 33 of the Electoral Act mentioned above?

My simple position is that the Kogi situation fits more into section 181(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and as such James Abiodun Faleke automatically becomes the governorship candidate of the APC. This is because even though the election in inconclusive, votes have been counted and allocated to Parties and candidates. As a result the joint ticket of Audu/Faleke has acquired some votes already. James Abiodun Faleke is as much entitled to those votes already counted as much as the late Abubakar Audu. He has a right to cling to those votes going into the supplementary election.

There is only one problem, though. Who nominates Faleke’s Deputy? Unlike section 181(1) of the 1999 Constitution, he cannot approach the House of Assembly of the State to approve a nomination by him of a Deputy. This is because, in reality, he is not duly elected yet. Therefore it is only reasonable to conclude that it is APC (Faleke’s political party) that should submit the name of a fresh Deputy Governorship candidate to INEC for the supplementary election.

This is the only position in this situation that accords with reason and good sense.

 

FESTUS KEYEMO, ESQ,

London

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HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

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HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

 

LAGOS — A fast-rising fashion brand, House of Bimpe Fit, is making waves in the style scene with its collection of modern, elegant outfits designed for both men and women.

 

The brand, which showcases a blend of contemporary and classic designs, is quickly attracting attention for its attention to detail and quality finishing. From sharply tailored men’s native wears and suits to chic, figure-flattering outfits for women, House of Bimpe Fit is positioning itself as a go-to destination for fashion lovers seeking both style and comfort.

Speaking on the brand’s vision, the management emphasized its commitment to delivering “quality outfits for both men and women,” ensuring customers step out with confidence and class regardless of the occasion.

 

Fashion enthusiasts have particularly praised the brand’s versatility, as it caters to a wide range of tastes—from corporate elegance to casual sophistication.

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

With an active presence on social media, especially on TikTok via @house_of_bimpefit, the brand is leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and showcase its latest collections.

 

Industry watchers say House of Bimpe Fit is one to watch, as it continues to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry.

 

For inquiries, customers can contact the brand via phone at 0802 686 6277.

 

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

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Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

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Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

By  Agholor M.O

 

Jafad College of Nursing Science, Oru Ijebu Ogun State, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in healthcare education as it matriculated and inducted into Nursing Training, 158 students of the N.D 2025/2026 academic session in a well attended and inspiring ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 8th of April 2026 at the College premises, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State

 

The event began with a colourful academic procession of the matriculating students led by their Class Coordinator Mrs B.O. Okuboyejo, alongside principal officers of the college, including the Student Affairs Officer, Mrs Fijabi; College Accountant, Mrs Funmilayo Victoria Alao; Librarian, Mr Jonathan Olusola Fatokun; Registrar, Mr Mojeed Adewale Lawal; and the Acting Provost, Ms Olufunmilola Akintayo.

 

 

In her welcome address, the Acting Provost charged the new students to embrace discipline, dedication, and professionalism, noting that Jafad College provides a strong academic and moral foundation needed to thrive in the ever demanding healthcare sector.

 

 

 

The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Mr Abdulhameed, JAMB Zonal Coordinator, Abeokuta, Ogun State, further underscoring the institution’s growing reputation.

Delivering the matriculation lecture, Mrs Oyelayo Toyin Adeola, a registered nurse educator from Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, spoke on the theme: *“The Journey of Admission to Graduation: Strategies for a Successful Outcome – Learner and Teacher Perspective.”* She emphasized the importance of goal-setting, effective study habits, time management, and active student teacher collaboration. She also highlighted the need for resilience, ethical conduct, and continuous self-improvement, describing nursing as both a calling and a profession that demands compassion, competence, and lifelong learning.

The ceremony reached a symbolic peak with the capping and stripping of the students by experienced registered nurses from Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, officially ushering them into the noble nursing professional Training.

 

Parents and guardians expressed satisfaction with the quality of organization and training standards, while the students beamed with excitement as they began their professional journey.

With its experienced faculty, structured training, and commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses, Jafad College of Nursing Science continues to stand out as a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals in Ogun State and beyond.

 

 

Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

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FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

 

Lagos, 30 March 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made at the official press conference of the tournament held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

 

ChessMasters is an annual chess tournament designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Organised by Eko Hotels and Suites & KEY Academy , ChessMasters was created to provide thousands of children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational skills, bringing schools together on a national stage.

 

Speaking at the press conference, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said, “Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.”

 

Ijabiyi further highlighted how the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare. “We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, hence we see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community.”

 

Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co- Founder of ChessMasters and her partner Damilola Okonkwo of Key Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, noting that the partnership will help scale the impact of ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate. “We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening the doors of participation to more children and more schools in this year’s edition.”

 

Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, emphasising its role in nurturing future chess talents. “Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism.”

 

The second edition of ChessMasters will be held on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition is open to 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to participate and vie for a total prize pool of N10 million.

 

FirstBank’s involvement in the 2026 edition of the tournament reinforces the potential of ChessMasters to become a launchpad for African children, leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development.

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