Politics
Ogun: ‘I am handicapped’ says PDP’s counsel, as tribunal dismisses application, objection
Ogun: ‘I am handicapped’ says PDP’s counsel, as tribunal dismisses application, objection
Sahara Weekly Reports That The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, has dismissed the application filled by the counsel to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gordy Uche, SAN, seeking for stand down after witnesses presented damning evidences against petitioners.
Four witnesses, Oyegunle Suleiman, from Sagamu, Mr Ifetayo Ifede, from Ikenne and Adelani Yemi, from Abeokuta North, including an official of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mr Omotilewa, had appeared before the panel to give evidences backed up by documents against PDP, alleging electoral infraction, ranging from manipulation, disruption.of electoral process, as well as inducement through the preloaded ATM cards with inscription of Ladi Adebutu’s late mother.
All the witnesses convincingly proved and defended their statements with appropriate documents tendered to the tribunal and subsequently adopted and marked as exhibits.
In his reaction, counsel to the petitioner, Gordy Uche, said he needed a stand down or an adjustment to enable him prepare for his defence, describing the huge documents tendered by witnesses against the petitioners as an ‘ambush’, saying that he was handicap.
He also objected to the tendering of the INEC reports as well as other documents submitted by the 3rd respondent, as he reiterated his earlier position of being given time to study the witnesses’ statements on OATH to enable him prepare adequately.
In the same vein, he objected to line of questioning of one of the witnesses, Mr Oyegunle Suleiman, by counsel to the 3rd respondent, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, that apart from leading the witness to adopt his statement on OATH he cannot cross examine his witness citing authorities to support his argument on the objection.
He, therefore, reserved his objection to the report presented by the INEC official and others to his final address.
Counsel to the 2nd respondent, Chief Wole Olanipekun , SAN, talking on the point of law and procedure, said that proceedings should continue despite the fact that the petitioner was just served the schedule. He described it as strange for the petitioner to ask for a stand down to study statement on OATH of witnesses, adding that if such was granted, it would allow the identities of the witnesses to be compromised, describing it as unusual.
He explained that the idea of the coding of the identities of the witnesses was to prevent unnecessary attacks on the prospective witnesses, urging the Court to refuse the application of stand down as requested by the petitioner.
On the line of questioning, Olanipekun said it is procedural and therefore the Tribunal is in charge.
Thereafter, the 3rd respondent (APC)applied to close it’s case.
The tribunal, in it’s ruling said after listening to both the petitioners and respondents, it was of the opinion that the application for stand down as canvassed by the petitioner was lacking in merit, and therefore, dismissed it.
On the arguments on line of questioning the panel over ruled the objection being raised by the petitioner.
The tribunal, therefore, adjourned the case till Monday, 4th September, 2023 for adoption of written addresses by both parties, through soft copies
*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*
As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.
Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.
Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.
“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”
Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”
Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.
“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.
He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.
He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.
Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic
ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.
Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.
“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.
The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.
“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”
The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.
“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.
“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.
“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”
The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.
“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”
Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.
On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.
He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Source: Daily Independent
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