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IS INEC’s CERTIFICATE OF RETURN FOR SALE?

Published

5 years ago

May 13, 2019

With the recent issuance of a certificate of return to billionaire politician, Prince Ned Nwoko of Delta North Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite a pending appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, and having been served a stay of execution on the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, it is clear that the electoral body has been unduly influenced by the billionaire politician who prides himself in using his money to achieve whatever he wants.

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Recall that the April 3, 2019 horrendous Federal High Court judgement by Justice Ahmed Abubakar against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who billionaire Prince Ned Nwoko contested against in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary election for Delta North senatorial district, directed the PDP to publish the name of Ned Nwoko as the candidate for the election; an order already overtaken by events. Sincec there was no consequential order to INEC to issue a certificate of return to Ned Nwoko, the question begging for an answer is: on what legal foundation did INEC erect its decision on? Having been served all appeal processes, one wonders where INEC derived its powers to issue certificate of return to Ned Nwoko.

To set the records straight, this is a pre-election matter. The PDP primary election for Delta north senatorial ticket was held on October 2, 2018 in Asaba, Delta State. In that particular election which was adjudged to be transparent by INEC and the party, Prince Ned Nwoko secured 452 votes while Senator Peter Nwaoboshi polled 506 votes. In that election, INEC gave their seal of approval just as the PDP. In an event the billionaire Prince was dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary election; he is expected by law to file his case within 14 days to a court of competent jurisdiction, but that was not done. Instead Ned Nwoko went forum shopping by approaching an FCT High Court in Kubwa, a court that lacked territorial jurisdiction over the matter. The law makes it clear that you cannot take a pre-election matter from one state to another state’s court. It is worthy to note that even at the FCT high court, Nwoko also filled his case out of time. He filled on the 19th of October 2019; three days out of time. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows the challenge of all primary elections to be brought before any court of competent jurisdiction within 14 days after the conduct of the election.

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On December 10, 2018, the date fixed for judgement by the FCT high court, Prince Ned Nwoko, having realized that he erred on the issue of jurisdiction, filled through his lawyers for withdrawal and discontinuation of the case. The case was eventually struck out in open court by the trial judge, meaning the case never existed judicially. However, on December 11, 2018, Ned Nwoko quickly filled the case again at the Federal High Court in Abuja which was 56 days out of time.

Instructive to note is the fact that the case also came by way of originating summons which implies that everything in connection to the case must be done via sworn affidavits. This also meant that the trial judge did not have the right to ask any of the parties to evidence any material since the case came by way of originating summon.

An errant Justice Ahmed Abubakar who presided over the case at the Federal High Court made strange pronouncements. For the avoidance of doubt, this is a case that was earlier discontinued for lack of jurisdiction but Justice Abubakar insisted that since there was an initial filing of the case before an FCT high court, (a state high court), even though the case was discontinued and struck out for lack of jurisdiction, the court which dismissed the case had jurisdiction to try the matter, and as such he would borrow the filing time in the dismissed case. In so doing, he turned a High court into an Appellate court.

During the trial, Justice Abubakar had asked the PDP to present the ballot papers used in the primary election, which the party declined because the party is only allowed to keep primary election materials for only 14 days, and if no suit emanates within the 14 days, the party has no business keeping the ballot papers. The party made it clear that it is not as if it does not

have the ballot papers but that the nature of the case did not allow them to drop anything for scrutiny.

Ned Nwoko went as far as presenting ballot papers in court which were not given to him by the PDP. The party objected the admissibility of the ballot papers since they were not given to Prince Nwoko by the party.This is the party that conducted the election coming out to tell Prince Ned the ballot papers did not come from them. This leaves one to wonder the basis upon which Justice Abubakar went ahead to admit it as evidence and eventually ruled that Ned won the case. Only a blind man will not see that the only thing that could have made the judge to give such a horrendous judgement is the fact that the extra-ordinary happened. Prince Ned Nwoko, notorious for bragging of his capacity to buy his way, succeeded in creating the eight wonder of the world by securing himself a judgement that lacked judicial ethos.

On the other hand, why should INEC, after been duly served a notice of appeal; stay of execution, and record of proceeding duly transmitted to the appeal court, went ahead to issue Ned Nwoko a certificate of return when the judgement did not direct them to do so? The question on the minds of many is what could have happened? With a man who brags openly and claimed that even the appeal court is wrapped under his armpit, and that the case before the appeal is a foregone and concluded matter, could it be that justice in present Nigeria is for the highest bidder? Is it an indication that without money to bribe your way through, one cannot get justice? Although INEC has chosen this inglorious part even when the matter is pending at the court of Appeal, all hope for justice is not lost since Nigerians have implicit hope that the revered Justices of the Appeal court shall rise to the occasion and redirect the wheel of justice to restore sanity and orderliness to the sacred temple of justice. Let justice be done, and seen to be done.

Mathew Aigbovo

A Public Affairs Analyst writes from Abuja

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Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy On Chad Presidential Election Comes To Pass

Published

7 days ago

May 10, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy On Chad Presidential Election Comes To Pass

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The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has yet again been celebrated for the fulfillment of his prophecy on the just concluded Chad presidential election.

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The election saw the incumbent head of state, Idriss Deby becoming victorious.

Chad’s state election body said interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby won the 6 May presidential election outright with over 61 per cent of the vote, citing provisional results, even as his main challenger declared himself the winner.

This is in fulfillment of Primate Ayodele’s prophecy which he repeatedly shared about the outcome of the presidential election. Several prophecies of Primate Ayodele about Chad have come to pass already and the victory of Idriss Deby is just an addition to them.

Most recent of his prophecy regarding the election was the one he shared earlier this month, a few days about the election making it known that the interim leader would win the election but there will be more issues to contend with in his administration.

Just like in his previous prophecies, Primate Ayodele assured Deby of victory in the election but warned him to be careful of attacks and attempt to truncate his government.

These were his words

‘’In Chad, Idriss will win the election but there will be a gang up against him. There will be attempts to truncate his government, despite the fact that his government will have international backings. He has good intentions but there will be complications politically.’’

In earlier prophecies, Primate Ayodele revealed that the election would favor the interim leader and that some opposition leaders would be disqualified from participating in the election. The prophet’s prophecy came through with the barring of some candidates.

‘’Chad: there will be political rowdiness, they will want to disqualify some candidates and there will be electoral violation. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno will still have an edge except there’s a coalition. He will have an edge over other candidates. They should pray against the crisis during and after the election. New terrorist will come up in Chad, they will face a bigger security challenges.’’

Also, in a video interview, the prophet advised an opposition candidate, Succes Masra not to waste his money because the ruling party will win.

‘’Idriss will win, I am seeing Masra Succes wasting his money and energy, the ruling party will win’’

@primateayodele

#chad #chadtiktok🇹🇩 #idrissdeby #election #electionresult #fulfillment #prophecyfulfilled #chadian #deby #capcut #fyp #primateayodele #iescworldwide

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

Obviously, the election outcome has fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Elijah Ayodele.

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Olokun: What you need to know about Olokun*

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

*Olokun: What you need to know about Olokun*

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Can we meet you ma?

I am Princess Latifat Wuraola Momodu , I am Yeye Olokun Agbaye

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Thank you Queen Mother!

Please can you tell us about Olokun ?

Let me introduce who Olokun is to you!
The name OLOKUN is derived from the word “OLO” meaning “OWNER” and “OKUN” meaning “OCEAN “.The ALMIGHTY GOD is the creator and owner of the ocean but placed a powerful Angel in charge(the head of the ocean who worships the most High GOD,the ALMIGHTY GOD and the GOD of the Universe OLODUMARE, OSANOBWA, CHINEKE,UBANGIDI,OGHENEetc.At the beginning of the creation of the world GOD created Okun(Ocean)n GOD rested in it.It is a miracle, powerful and healing water.GOD gave the Angel incharge unmatchable wisdom.He made Her govern over dreams, wealth, prosperity,meditation and healing.
GOD gave the Angel authority over all the water on earth.Infact because of the authority given to her by GOD ALMIGHTY She can transmit good health, wealth and prosperity to GOD s followers(those who worship only GOD ALMIGHTY )and members of Olokun faith(Olokun 1 members).
The light of GOD ALMIGHTY is in the Ocean,that is why so many people worship HIM in front of the Ocean.We Olokun 1 members believe in one GOD and we do not worship idols.GOD demands men to worship and esteem HIM as the only one and true GOD.D Angel/ruler/Queen of the Ocean worship s GOD who placed her there.In the olden days because of lack of education and civilization,the people who called themselves OLOKUN worshipers could not really pass a proper divine message about OLOKUN (GOD ALMIGHTY)to the people.They saw the amazing power of the Ocean as GOD’S n called it name an African word for GOD(OLOKUN).They were actually worshiping GOD in a way they understood it.l am the one sent by the ALMIGHTY GOD to pass a message to the world that we should worship only one GOD,the ALMIGHTY through OLOKUN faith or others.

Thank you Queen Mother for this teaching, we believe alot of people will know more now ma!

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AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AND HONOURABLE LAW MAKERS

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

SANWO-OLU MOURNS MEDICAL DOCTOR, DR. DIASO, ORDERS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION

AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AND HONOURABLE LAW MAKERS

We write to call your attention to the misinformation and puncturing of our rich history by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. The Deputy Governor has been a torn in the flesh to the people of this division who had previously co-existed in peace and understanding for numbers of years as officially recorded. It has come to our notice that if the Deputy Governor is not properly contained and cautioned he will drive the division into communal clash that had previously been abolished by our fore bearers.

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To avoid this as it were in 1979, the Deputy Governor and the type of leadership tactics he has deployed among our people may not mean or end well.

It is pertinent to let you know that the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat is neither related to Epe by blood nor by birth. He was brought to the division by some of our greedy and selfish leaders, groomed under a certain family to give him head-on ahead of some other aspiring candidates during the 2014 Gubernatorial Elections, we are contending this to your Honourable Offices to point out the fact that he is not from here, therefore he knows nothing of our history, culture, traditions and how we do our things. By this he will be in no way allowed to dictate in that aspect to us.

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His sudden support for the Alara of Ilara Kindgom came as no surprise because some of us are aware of his antecedence in Mushin, in the same vain, and like Mushin, we denied him the dictation and welfare of our people because he is not one of us. Ilara as a Kingdom is a town under Epe and under the jurisdiction of the Oloja of Epe Land. What is surprising is that the Deputy Governor is now helping the recently installed Alara of Ilara to push his boundaries and the narratives that he is the most superior King in the division ahead of the Paramount Ruler of Epe. Like in other 3 divisions of Lagos as the Chairman, only the Paramount Rulers are recognised as the permanent Vice Chairman of Lagos Council of Obas and Chiefs. It is written and historically proven that the Oloja of Epe Land is the Paramount Ruler of Epe Land and its environs. The Awujale of Ijebuland and as the Custodian of the Ijebu people recently reiterated this when there was issues of land disputes hearing at Lagos High Court seated in Epe.

Ironically the Deputy Governor had tried this act in Mushin where the indigens and people of Mushin didn’t let it happen. Epe is a more aboriginal division than that of Mushin.

Your Excellency and Honourable House, Epe people have been very welcoming and accommodating to all and sundry but the Deputy Governor – is giving us a lot of reasons to change this status quo, he has gone as far as involving the ever resilient Lady Doja Otedola, the wife of the former Governor of Lagos state; Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola.

He already did one successfully by installing the Grand Chief Imam General of the division to a certain section of the division who had never held such position before and historically have no right to it. He had also at one time tried to interfere in the affairs of Transport Union (NURTW) workers. This time we won’t allow him that privilege, because this is a Royalty issue and it has a lot to do with our culture and traditions for generations to come.

We as concerned aborigines hereby seek your intervention into this matter as leaders, fathers and a well brought up Yoruba men to ward him of these steps. We are peace loving people who goes by their daily routines, culture and traditions normally, we won’t allow this magnitude of the chaos he is trying to cause the people of this division, he should step back and leave us as we have been for centuries before his emergence.

Your Excellency and Honourable House of Assembly, we will appreciate as a matter of urgency if you can wade into this matter as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely
Designate of Epe Aboriginals and Indigenes

Olayemi Yekini,
Chairman.

Tunji Aberuagba,
Publicity Secretary.

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