TheNewsGuru

Tag: Disqualification

  • 2020 reloading in Bayelsa as APC deputy gov candidate, MacIver risks disqualification

    2020 reloading in Bayelsa as APC deputy gov candidate, MacIver risks disqualification

    Barely four months to the Bayelsa State guber election slated for November 11, 2023, by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, strong indications have emerged that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Timpre Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, risk disqualification.

    Recall that in 2020, the running mate of APC guber candidate was disqualified 24hours to inauguration.

    This was revealed on the heels of a suit filed against the defendants, Sylva, Maciver, and INEC, by the plaintiff, Incorporated Trustees of the Trustfield Empowerment Initiative at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    According to the plaintiff, Maciver has a jail term still running over a criminal offence, hence the party’s governorship candidate, Sylva does not have a valid running mate for the election.

    The plaintiff also queried INEC for allowing Maciver to become Sylva’s running mate knowing that Maciver is “serving a criminal jail term”.

    The plaintiff said, “The provisions of Sections 175(1), 182(1)(d) & (2)(c) and 187(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly stated that anybody having been convicted for a criminal offence with a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, is not eligible to be recognised or listed by INEC, which Maciver is affected by these provisions.

    “Due to term of imprisonment, Maciver should not be given recognition by INEC as the running mate of Sylva for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is not at variance with the Constitution of the Federal of Nigeria, null and void ab initio?

    “On the heels of these, we are unequivocally stating here that in view of the conviction of Maciver for a sentence of imprisonment, he cannot be a running mate of Sylva who is contesting for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election, hence Sylva does not have a running mate as submitted to INEC.

    “We also declare that recognition and listing of Maciver who is under a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, as the Deputy Governorship candidate Sylva in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is illegal, unlawful, null and a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Therefore, we pray the Federal High Court, Abuja to give an order of perpetual injunction restraining the INEC from recognising MacIver and Sylva as not having a running mate for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election.”

    In July, a group, Coalition for Social Justice and Equity Initiative, released documents to an online medium, revealing that it had begun a process to approach the court over the alleged ineligibility of the APC deputy governorship candidate.

    According to the Coalition, Maciver was allegedly convicted by an honourable court and was sent to Kaduna State to serve his 10 years sentence for murder and terrorism. Maciver, according to the group, however, did not complete his sentence and escaped from prison by allegedly pretending to be sick and needing treatment.

    The group, through its Public Relations Officer, Ezra Areo, also claimed that despite being declared wanted by the Ministry of Interior and the decision of the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to offer Presidential Pardon to militants during the militancy days in the Niger Delta, Joshua Maciver refused to embrace the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), fearing that the programme was a ploy by the federal government to round him and others up.

  • How I handled BBNaija disqualification trauma – Erica

    How I handled BBNaija disqualification trauma – Erica

    Big Brother Naija Lockdown ex-housemate, Erica Nlewedim, has opened how she healed from disqualification trauma one year after the occurrence.

    Erica’s journey in the Big Brother season five edition last year was rudely cut short as she was disqualified on the 48th day of the show after receiving the last and final strike.

    On Monday, Erica took to her verified Instagram page to recount how her journey has been since she was disqualified exactly one year ago.

     

    Hear her: “In the past one year, I’ve been working, singlemindedly; almost like a robot. Not thinking of how far I’ve come, I was just focused on my goals, trying to outdo myself, and trying to make everyone around me proud.

    “My life has been on fast forward and it was a lot. It took its toll on me and I had to take a break to heal and I thought rest was all I needed until a loved one asked me what I would tell the Erica of September 6, 2020.

    “I thought about it and couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t understand how I had successfully avoided thinking about any of the traumatic experiences that had happened to me in the past one year.

    “It was a struggle to think back to those moments of fear and sadness but I did. I spoke to Erica, I forgave her, and I applauded her. I promised her she would be proud of herself in a few months and she would be surrounded by so much love.

    “I’m healed and I’ve come so far! I want to thank God, my loved ones, and my Elites. Words can’t describe how much I appreciate you, my management, and all my fellow housemates, thank you. I love you all!”

     

  • Anambra 2021 APGA Disqualification: Nwankpo, Okafor go on appeal

    Anambra 2021 APGA Disqualification: Nwankpo, Okafor go on appeal

    Two of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo, and Nonso Smart Okafor who were recently disqualified alongside three others by the party’s adhoc Governorship screening panel have individually appealed against the verdict.

    Nwankpo’s appeal documents, according to his media spokesman Chuma Harris was filed before the party on Monday, June 14,2021.

    Nwankpo had in his accompanying letter to the party leadership said that the reversal of his disqualification would ensure justice and fair play to all.

    He said that the move would also be in line with the philosophy of the party, which is anchored on equity and fairness.

    He noted that reasons given for his disqualification was debatable, pointing out therefore that, “…I have fulfilled all the requirements, both membership, good percentage of nominators, including financial obligations.” he said.

    Nwankpo, an envoy of former President Goodluck Jonathan, added that it was absurd how such decision was taken against him. He said that he had spent his time and resources working for a strong and virile APGA in the state and has carried the ‘cross’ of the party in Anambra.

    “I am in dismay as to the reason for my non-clearance having satisfied all statutory requirements of our party constitution, Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    He requested the APGA national chairman to reverse the injustice.

    But in reaction to the news of their disqualification by the party’s screening panel a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Chuma Umeoji and Nonso Smart Okafor of the Anambra state Assembly called for calm especially within their campaign structures.

    Umeoji didn’t mince words that he would appeal the screening panel’s decision, while Smart Okafor quickly took stock of the situation and has reportedly filed his appeal.

    This is coming barely a week to the party’s scheduled date for its governorship primaries on June 23, 2021 in Awka.

    Nwankpo, Umeoji and Okafor were among the five governorship aspirants disqualified by the screening committee for sundry reasons. Others include Mr Cater Dike Umeoduagu and Ozoka Ifeanyi Odera.

    So far, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Okwudili Ezenwankwo, Damian Okolo and ThankGod Ibeh were cleared by the Committee and have been covering more grounds sensitizing the party delegates to vote them at the coming primary.

    While Nwankpo was disqualified for being less than eighteen months oldas a member of the party, hence was required to have applied and secured a waiver from the National Working Committee of the party.

    He was also accused of being nominated by less than the 2/3 spread of members of the party in the 21 Councils of the state.

    Umeoji, a two time member of the National Assembly and former chair of Aguata Council area of the state was disqualified for “defiance and insubordination to the party authority and supremacy, which cast a dark shadow of doubt on the genuineness and credibility of his APGA membership”

    He was consequently “considered as an unsuitable APGA member to participate in the governorship primary election at the moment.” The screening committee also expressed “doubtful financial status of his nominators as APGA members”.

    They also declared as invalid, his certificate of declaration of age.

    Umeoji was equally found guilty of “gross alterations and mutilation of his Nomination form which contains an affidavit under oath, contrary to Sec 117(2) of the Evidence Act.

  • Imo North: Appeal Court upholds Ibezim’s disqualification as APC candidate

    Imo North: Appeal Court upholds Ibezim’s disqualification as APC candidate

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the disqualification of Chuwuma Frank Ibezim as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last by-election in Imo North Senatorial District of Imo State.

    A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment on Saturday, upheld the December 4, 2020 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit filed by Asomugha Tony Eleneke, disqualifying Ibezim for making a false claim about his age and educational credentials in the documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the judgment on Saturday, said the finding of the trial Federal High Court was unassailable to warrant any interference by the Court of Appeal.

    He proceeded to dismiss the appeal by Ibezim, affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, and declined to award cost.

  • BBNaija: Disqualification saga! 3 things Erica must do to bounce-back

    BBNaija: Disqualification saga! 3 things Erica must do to bounce-back

    Fans of beautiful actress, Erica Nlewedim were shocked when she became the third housemate to be disqualified from Big Brother Naija last night, after Kemen and Tacha.

    The role interpreter who was touted to be one of the strongest contenders in the show was disqualified for her incessant breaking of Biggie’s rules.

    While the deed has been done and it is too late to salvage the situation, Erica is obviously emotionally broken and needs help in order to get her groove back.

    The following are the steps she needs to take to get her groove back.

     

     

    1. Take a break from social media

    Social media is no doubt one of our biggest influences.Being disqualified from a reality Tv show is not a badge of honour that one wears. Erica has been abused, taunted and condemned on social media. Going back to social media will be a wrong move. She needs to detox, deal with her insecurities and listen to the stillness of her own voice. Taking a break will help her avoid the dark side of social media at the moment.

     

    1. She needs to consult a therapist.

    Therapy is an effective treatment for emotional and mental health issues.Erica’s frequent outburst on the show are an indication of the fact that she has a lot of emotional issues she needs to deal with.

    Her disqualification will certainly create a sense of being overwhelmed , which is a feeling of having too many issues to cope with.Consulting a therapist will help her deal with those emotional issues. Creating a Go-fund me account for her isn’t the first step to take at this moment.

     

    1. Work with a creative PR team

     

    In public relations, crisis management is an essential aspect that cannot be underestimated.Erica’s disqualification is a crisis situation which is having a dent on her public perception and image.A brilliant PR team will help her change the narrative and position her as a compassionate, confident and changed young lady.Trying to cover up her flaws avoid blaming her and sweeping the issue under the carpet isn’t the route to tread on.

     

    Erica’s disqualification means a lot but she can bounce back if these points are adhered to with discretion .

     

     

     

     

     

  • Edo 2020: NRM candidate approaches court, seeks Ize-Iyamu’s disqualification from guber race

    Edo 2020: NRM candidate approaches court, seeks Ize-Iyamu’s disqualification from guber race

    The National Rescue Movement (NRM) prayed a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to disqualify Osagie Ize – Iyamu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the Edo governorship election.

    NRM and its candidate for the forthcoming Edo governorship, Stevie Ozono, filed the suit and named Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress, Osagie Ize – Iyamu and Gani Audu as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs averred that by Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 31 and 153 of the Electoral Act and the Guidelines for the submission of candidates of political parties issued by INEC, it is only the political party’s National Chairman and the National Secretary who sign a letter forwarding names of the party’s candidate to INEC.

    They contended that it was Gov. MaiMala Buni of Yobe and John Akpan Udoedeghe, the National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra – Ordinary Convention Committee and the National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra – Ordinary Convention Committee who signed the letter conveying the names of Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Gani Audu to the INEC as the APC governorship candidate and running mate respectively for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

    The Movement and Ozono asked the court to determine whether after due consultation of Sections 183, 222a and 223 of the 1999 Constitution INEC can lawfully deem that the list of candidates of the APC for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on Sept. 19, 2020, has been submitted to it by the letter dated June 29, signed by Udoedeghe and Buni.

    They asked the court to declare that APC has no candidates for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on Sept. 19, by the non – submission of her list of candidates before the deadline on June 29.

    They also urged the court to make an Order voiding the decision of INEC to include APC, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Gani Audu as candidates in the gubernatorial elections about Edo to be held on Sept. 19, 2020.

    The plaintiffs attached a 30-paragraph of affidavit deposed to by Chinedu Obi, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Rescue Movement, to their suit.

    The case has been assigned to Justice A.R. Muhammed.

    No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

  • Edo 2020: APC NWC upholds Obaseki’s disqualification, expels Iduoriyekenwen

    Edo 2020: APC NWC upholds Obaseki’s disqualification, expels Iduoriyekenwen

    The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has upheld the disqualification of Governor Godwin Obaseki by the party’s screening and appeal committees for the Edo State governorship primary.

    The Committee also announced the expulsion of one of the three aspirants disqualified by the panels, Mathew Iduoriyekenwen.

    This was announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

    He made that announcement after the NWC met to review the screening and appeal committees’ reports.

    The party expelled Iduoriyekenwen after citing relevant sections of the APC Constitution.

  • Disqualification: Oshiomhole, APC unfair to Obaseki – Ex-PDP Minister

    Disqualification: Oshiomhole, APC unfair to Obaseki – Ex-PDP Minister

    A chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ebenezer Babatope, on Saturday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not fair to Gov. Godwin Obaseki by disqualifying him from participating in the party’s primary.

    Babatope, a former Minister of Transportation, expressed the view in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    NAN reports the APC screening committee had on Friday announced the disqualification of Obaseki from the party’s governorship primary, scheduled for June 22.

    Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, Chairman of the committee based the governor’s disqualification on issues with his Higher School and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

    Reacting, Babatope said, though he is not a member of APC, he viewed the disqualification by the ruling party as the humiliation of Obaseki.

    He said the disqualification was punishment meted to the governor for doing nothing.

    “You know I am not a member of the APC but I must say what the party has done to the governor is not fair.

    “We should have gotten to a stage in this country where politicians look at issues dispassionately and not because they belong to a particular party,’’ Babatope said.

    He said that even as a PDP member, he was saying that the way Obaseki was being treated was unjust and unfair.

    “They are just punishing him for doing nothing really.

    “The governor contested and won on your platform the first term, nothing was wrong.

    “Are you just seeing all the issues with his certificates? Too bad.

    “Personally, I am not happy with the way he is being treated because we are talking about fairness and justice here, and that does not mean I support him to win against my party, the PDP.’’

    He said that APC should have given the governor the opportunity to defend himself, noting that his disqualification was unfair.

    Babatope said he would be the happiest person if the embattled governor made the decision to join the PDP “owing to what he is going through in APC’’.

    He said the PDP was a party for all and would welcome the governor anytime he decided to join the main opposition party.

    Babatope said the results of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections showed that Edo was for PDP.

    He said the PDP would win the state governorship election in a landslide if the contest was fair.

  • [Developing Story] Obaseki in last minute defection talks with PDP after APC’s bitter disqualification

    [Developing Story] Obaseki in last minute defection talks with PDP after APC’s bitter disqualification

    Indications emerged on Friday that embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki may have finalised plans to defect to main opposition party in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after his last efforts at securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket collapsed on Friday via his disqualification from the race.

    To set the record straight, the governor emphatically declared that he won’t appeal the disqualification as it will amount to efforts in futility.

    Recall that ThenewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier last month reported that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was patiently waiting for a slip in APC to grab Obaseki.

    Unconfirmed reports reaching TNG said Obaseki picked PDP card at ward 4 in Oredo Federal Constituency at about 6.46pm on Friday.

    The PDP apparently relying on the Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue option of 2019 had gone to bed waiting for an APC slip.

    Ortom after discovering that he may not get a guber ticket in APC had defected to.PDP 3 months to the election and rubbished APC in the election.

    Meanwhile, the PDP on Friday said that the party will readily admit the embattled governor into its fold if he decides to join the main opposition party.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan confirmed this on Friday.

    “Yes, we will accept him of course,” Ologbondiyan said.

    Also, chairman of Edo PDP, Hon Aziegbeni while appearing on a national television programme on Thursday had said’ the party’s National Working Committee, NWC in its wisdom could grant Obaseki a waiver if he approaches the party.

    With this window of opportunity, Obaseki could latch on it to run under the PDP umbrella signalling a tough battle in the election.

    The three frontline contenders, in PDP, Engr Gideon Ikhine, Kenneth Imasuagbon and Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama may just pave the way for Obaseki to emerge as PDP flag bearer.

    If this happens, Obaseki with a heavy war chest at his disposal may give Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu a toe-to-toe run during the September guber election.

    It’s already in various media channels that 18 APC local government chairmen and their local government chairmen may defect to PDP any moment from now.

  • BBNaija: Nigerians react over Tacha’s shocking disqualification[VIDEO]

    BBNaija: Nigerians react over Tacha’s shocking disqualification[VIDEO]

    Controversial BBNaija housemate, Tacha was this evening disqualified from the reality TV show over violating the rules.

    Staunch fans of Tacha were shocked at her disqualification.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B27SNhzDkl7/

    As expected, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinion over her disqualification.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B27SZkWjGmJ/

    Read the comments below