Kogi poll: INEC tenders documents against SDP, Ajaka’s petition at tribunal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, tendered electoral documents against the petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Gov. Usman Ododo.

INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, who held the brief of Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, tendered the documents before the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

It would be recalled that INEC conducted the Kogi governorship election on Nov. 11, 2023.

However, the SDP and its governorship candidate in the poll are challenging the declaration of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

In the petition, INEC, Ododo and APC are listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

Some of the documents tendered on Monday by the commission’s lawyer before the three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, include INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election; INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers and INEC Form EC8C.

Others include INEC Form EC8B; INEC Form EC8E; List of Accredited Agents for SDP; List of Accredited Ward Agents; Receipts of Payment for Forms, among others.

After the documents were tendered, Justice Birnin-Kudu admitted them in evidence and marked them as exhibits.

Njoku then applied for an adjournment to enable the electoral umpire present its witnesses on the next adjourned date.

The judge adjourned the matter until April 16 for continuation of hearing.

Earlier, Justice Birnin-Kudu, who observed that the SDP’s petition would elapse on May 29, said there was the need to amend the number of days earlier given for the 2nd and 3rd respondents to present their case and for the filing of the final written addresses of the parties.

He, therefore, reduced the number of days to five instead of the earlier 10 days given for the respondents’ lawyers to present their case.

He assured that where five days would not be enough, the panel would not hesitate to give additional more days.

He solicited for the cooperation of the parties in this regard.

But APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, pleaded with the tribunal not to reduce the earlier days given to prepare their defence.

Ukala, who pledged the cooperation of the respondents in ensuring timely completion of their case, pleaded that the order on the schedule for hearing should not be amended.

The panel, however, clarified that the amendment to the order was done off record.

While Joseph Daudu, SAN, led Gov. Ododo’s team of lawyers, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, led Ajaka’s team.

It could be recalled that SDP and Ajaka had, on April 5, closed their case after calling 25 witnesses.

ADEFUNKE KUYORO’S PROFILE

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Sahara Weekly Reports That Adefunke Kuyoro is a woman of professionalism and versatility. With over four decades of enriching experience spanning IT, Human Resources, and Events Planning, she embodies a rare amalgamation of skills and leadership. As she ventures forth, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a relentless passion for excellence.

Educational Odyssey:

Adefunke’s academic journey commenced with a BSc in Combined Sciences (Chemistry and Computer Sciences) from the esteemed University of Brighton, UK, in 1982. Her thirst for knowledge led her to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies and a Diploma in Business Management from the European Business University. These academic milestones laid the groundwork for her illustrious career.

Certifications Galore:

Her commitment to staying abreast of industry trends is reflected in her array of certifications. Adefunke holds credentials from the prestigious Google Hustle Academy, along with certifications from DO UMWomen and APPOEMN, underscoring her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

Professional Odyssey:

A trailblazer in her own right, Adefunke has left an indelible mark in every role she has undertaken. As the CEO of TWC Events Services since 2012, she has spearheaded the growth of a thriving wedding planning and events management company, showcasing her prowess in leadership and strategic vision.

Her journey also includes stints as the Human Resource Manager at The Latter Rain Assembly, where she adeptly managed staff dynamics, and as the Co-Founder of Nicodep Computers Limited, where she established and operated a successful business center and computer hardware/software company.

Adefunke’s early career saw her serve as a Systems Support Staff at DPMS (Formerly IBM) and as a Systems Analyst at the Federal Ministry of Finance. These roles honed her skills in IT systems analysis and support, laying the foundation for her multifaceted career trajectory.

Consultancy, Board Memberships, and Leadership:

Adefunke’s influence extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her consultancy services in HR best practices and process optimization. Her board memberships in various organizations, including GMS Travels Limited, Group Messenger Service, and Strap and Safe Child Foundation, underscore her commitment to driving positive change across diverse sectors.

A stalwart in leadership roles, Adefunke has served as the Immediate Past President of APPOEMN, Vice President (Two terms) at APPOEMN, and Lagos Chapter Chairperson (Two terms) at Necas Network of Entrepreneurial Women NNEW. Her dedication to mentoring and coaching is reflected in her role as a mentor at FCMB/NNEW’s She Ventures Mentoring Program.

Skillset Par Excellence:

Adefunke’s skillset is as diverse as it is impressive, encompassing Event Planning & Management, IT Systems Analysis & Support, Human Resources Management, Strategic Planning & Leadership, Project Management, and Mentoring & Coaching.

In every facet of her professional journey, Adefunke Kuyoro has epitomized excellence, resilience, and unwavering dedication. As she continues to chart new territories and inspire countless others, her legacy shines bright, illuminating paths for generations to come.

Dangote compensates food vendor hit by accidental discharge

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Dangote Group of Companies has offered compensation to a food vendor, Rashidat Saadu, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet from an accidental discharge involving a security personnel, at the Dangote Refinery, Lagos, recently.

The compensation package elicited the gratitude of the husband, Ismaila Saadu, who thanked the Group profusely.

“Dangote Group has given my wife her life back with the huge amount that I received from the company. Contrary to an online media report which alleged that the Dangote Group abandoned the victim, who was alleged to be a staff of the conglomerate, Ismaila Saadu, a driver with a company contracted by Dangote Transport at the oil refinery in Lekki, Lagos, confirmed that the officials of the Group maintained close contact with his family, after the incident and ensured the full payment of his wife’s hospital bills, after which a huge compensation was paid, to enable his wife and family take up other business activities. Ismaila Saadu, who received the cash transfer, was full of praise for the Dangote Group, saying that Dangote has given his wife her life back with the huge amount that he received from the company. The concerned security personnel have also been handed over to the police for prosecution.

“I have taken two weeks’ leave from my company, which is on contract with Dangote, to go home in Kaduna State to set up a business for my wife. I will set up a provisions and foodstuff store for my wife. I do not want to mention the amount because of security challenges, but the money is big enough to change the story of my family.

“I want to thank the members of the Dangote Refinery who have been assisting us. My wife is in better condition. I know that, if we were abandoned, it wouldn’t have been easy because I don’t have enough money to take care of her hospital bills and to set up a business for my wife. The money given to her will be judiciously used. It will be used to open a standard foodstuff and provisions shop that will be a beehive of customers. I want to state that I have no problem with Dangote Company. They have done well and I am grateful.

Meanwhile, a senior staff of the oil refinery, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “People should always be patient to investigate matters to know the real position before going out to the public to report what they don’t understand. An online media that did not even know what transpired had gone to mislead the public that a Dangote staff was shot and abandoned by the company, which was false.

“Today, you have heard from him, how we have given his family succour. The man that kept his gun carelessly was also handed over to the police. We are not happy that the woman’s hand was amputated, but we made sure that the family bounced back to life. The press should verify information before publishing what they may not know anything about.”