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  • TNG Special: Obio/Akpor embassy in Abuja where constituents ‘smoke garri” on arrival from Rivers

    TNG Special: Obio/Akpor embassy in Abuja where constituents ‘smoke garri” on arrival from Rivers

    By Emma Ovuakporie

    …only Ikwerre music is played

    …established 5years ago by Rep Kingsley Chinda for his constituents

    …guests also enjoy free transport

    Obio/Akpor Embassy is located in the heart of Suncity Estate in Abuja, the Federal Capital city, arguably one of the biggest estates in Africa.

    One of the amazing features of the embassy is the ‘smoking of garri’ by guests on arrival from Obio/Akpor constituency where Kingsley Chinda represents in the House of Representatives.

    In a chat with TNG, Chinda tells the story of how the embassy came to being from his University days in Rivers State University.

    Hear him:

    The Obio/Akpor embassy idea started way back as an undergraduate when I went into the Rivers state University, I discovered that no son or daughter of Ikwerre descent has been the president of the student union and I also saw that the Ikwerre students there were weak generally and I thought of what to do in order to sensitize and conscientize them.

    So the first thing I decided to do even as a new student, a first year student was to set up what I call the Ikwerre embassy in the school, we got a banner, flew the banner in front of my room and went home to get a bag of garri knowing that students are always looking for garri to drink.

    And so if you come to the Ikwerre embassy, we always give you free garri to drink and that attracted a lot of students coming to our room to get garri to drink and that popularized the room and also the Ikwerre embassy.

    So anywhere on campus, if you are too hungry the next thing you hear is that I am going to Ikwerre embassy to smoke garri.

    And we also played traditional Ikwerre music very early hours of the morning which we call eregbu, we will play that cassette and students will also be screaming and cursing and shouting, asking why are this Ikwerre people disturbing us, why won’t they allow us to sleep and all that.

    But because they had that palliative of getting free garri from us nobody would want to attack, nobody would want to actually show any sign of strong enmity and so that helped to grow the Ikwerre student union in school.

    Those who had issues knowing that there is an Ikwerre embassy, both girls and boys who had issues with accommodation or who had financial issues will always run to the embassy to tell us their problem and we struggle within our limits to solve them.

    Now when I became a commissioner for environment in Rivers state I also had several calls from our people, some stranded in Lagos, Abuja that they don’t have money for accommodation, money for transport back home, either they came for visa application or for job interview and all that.

    And those days the technology that we have now was not fully developed, so transfers were a little bit difficult. Where I wanted to assist, I had to either look for a friend who is in Lagos or Abuja to give money to such stranded persons to come back home.

    So it occurred to me that perhaps the local government council can even build a hotel either in Lagos or Abuja, where some of our persons could have either subsidized or free accommodation, if they come for official purposes, not pleasure trips.

    So when I had the opportunity to run for the house of Reps, I just made up my mind that one of the things I would do is to see how I can tackle accommodation to a reasonable extent for my constituents.

    And so I assured that once we step our foot in the national assembly, that we are going to set up the Obia/Akpor embassy which will provide hospitality services for constituents that are coming for official purposes and that we would provide that for just three nights, so you have three nights free of charge a place to sleep, that will enable you carry out your business and go back home.

    And to that we added a free transport scheme. So every month a bus leaves Abuja for Port Harcourt and takes people back.

  • Breaking: Against Oshiomhole’s wish, Douye Diri sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa

    Breaking: Against Oshiomhole’s wish, Douye Diri sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa

    Against the wish of Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the Bayelsa State governorship election of 2019, Douye Diri has been sworn in as Governor.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Kate Abiri administered the oath of office to Diri, swearing him in as the 5th civilian Governor of Bayelsa on Friday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented certificate of return to him in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

    There would be no govt in Bayelsa from Friday night – Oshiomhole

    National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole had faulted the Supreme Court judgment declaring the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Douye Diri as new Governor-elect in Bayelsa.

    Oshiomhole said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to the apex court judgment.

    He said the court would have borrowed a similar case that nullified governorship election in Bauchi.

    “In 1999, there was a similar case in Bauchi involving Gov. Adamu Muazu.

    “The court found out that the running mate was not qualified for whatever reason to contest that election and accordingly the supreme court nullified the election of Gov Muazu.

    “And the court as a consequence, directed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election.

    “I believe it is still the same supreme court and therefore we have asked our lawyers to exploit all lawful legal windows to ensure that Bayelsa people have a governor of their choice.

    “Let me also say that it is not a state secret.

    “If the supreme court has ruled that David Lyon cannot now be sworn in as the person who has the highest number of votes and the spread to be sworn in, it simply means from tomorrow there will be no government in Bayelsa state.

    “From the facts available to us and in due consultation with our lawyers, it is clear that no candidate meets the requirements of the supreme court which means no one can be sworn in legally tomorrow, unless there is deliberate attempt to abuse the legal process,” he said.

    Wike warns Oshiomhole against inflammatory remarks

    In the heat of the Supreme Court judgement, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on the Federal Government to warn the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to stop making inflammatory remarks capable of destabilising the country.

    Governor Wike also berated the APC National Chairman for saying that there will be no swearing-in of the PDP Candidate in Bayelsa State, saying he has no such powers.

    He said: “The Federal Government should warn Oshiomhole to stop making remarks that will destabilise Nigeria.

    “What he is doing in Edo State is not proper and he should not bring it to the rest of the Niger Delta.”

    He said that Oshiomhole lacks the power to make pronouncements after the Supreme Court has ruled on the Bayelsa matter.

    “Who is Oshiomhole to determine who has spread in a state? Supreme Court has made a ruling. It is unfortunate for Oshiomhole to come forward to say that nobody will be sworn in ” he said.

    He said that Oshiomhole is making unguarded statements because he has lost the support of APC Governors, hence he wants to curry favour through careless talks.

    He said: “It is most unfortunate what Oshiomhole is doing because he wants to retain his position as National Chairman. APC Governors have rejected him, that is why he is struggling to prove that he is fighting for the Party.

    “He is making statements as if he owns the country. This is the same way he is carrying on in Edo State fighting the Governor.

    “He believes that he has the forces to cause crisis. He is arrogating powers to himself, which is not good “, he said.

    Governor Wike described Oshiomhole as a man who preaches one thing, then goes ahead to practise a different thing. He said the situation in Edo State has exposed Adams Oshiomhole as a godfather who once preached against godfathers.

    He said Oshiomhole would not be allowed to destroy the Niger Delta. Governor Wike said the rule of law must continue to prevail at all times.

    INEC bows to pressure, declares Sen. Diri winner of Bayelsa governorship election

    In the face of pressure from different quarters INEC declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Douye Diri, as winner of the Bayelsa governorship election following Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the declaration at a news conference on Friday at the commission headquarters in Abuja.

    Yakubu said that INEC had received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment of the apex court which disqualified the deputy governorship candidate of the APC and vitiated the joint ticket of the party earlier declared winner in the election.

    The court also ordered the commission to “declare as winner of the governorship election in Bayelsa state the candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast with the requisite constitutional (or geographical spread).

    “In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the commission met this morning and reviewed the result of the election in which 45 political parties contested.

    “Without the votes scored by the APC, whose candidates were deemed not to have participated in the election, the total number of lawful and valid votes cast in the election now stands at 146,999.

    “Out of this figure, the candidate of the PDP scored the highest number of lawful votes with 143,172.

    “Similarly, the party has scored more than 25 per cent of the lawful votes cast in all the eight Local Government Areas of the State.

    “Furthermore, the total number of registered voters in places where election was not held or cancelled as a result of sundry violations is 90,822. The candidate of the Accord party has the next highest score with 1,339 votes.

    “The margin of lead between the candidates of the PDP and the Accord party is 141,833 votes. With this outcome, the election is conclusive at first ballot.

    “Consequently, Sen. Diri and Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of the PDP are hereby declared winners and returned elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively.’’

    Yakubu said that detailed result would be uploaded on INEC’s website and social media platforms shortly.

    He said that the commission was aware that the tenure of the incumbent governor of Bayelsa ended at midnight Friday Feb. 14.

    “Therefore, in fulfillment of the requirement of Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) the Certificates of Return to the Governor and Deputy Govemor-elect will be presented to them immediately as ordered by the Supreme Court,’’ Yakubu said.

    Bayelsa election: INEC presents certificate of return to Sen. Douye Diri of PDP

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had presented Certificate of Return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Douye Diri, as winner of the Bayelsa 2019 governorship election, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

    Diri was presented the certificate of return by National Commissioner in charge of South/South, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, on Friday at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

    Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had declared Diri winner of the state governorship election.

    Yakubu said INEC had received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the apex court, which disqualified the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vitiated the joint ticket of the party earlier declared winner in the election.

    “The court also ordered the commission to “declare as winner of the governorship election in Bayelsa State the candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast with the requisite constitutional (or geographical spread).”

    “In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the commission met this morning and reviewed the result of the election in which 45 political parties contested.

    “Without the votes scored by the APC, whose candidates were deemed not to have participated in the election, the total number of lawful and valid votes cast in the election now stands at 146,999.

    “Out of this figure, the candidate of the PDP scored the highest number of lawful votes with 143,172.

    “Similarly, the party had scored more than 25 per cent of the lawful votes cast in all the eight Local Government Areas of the state.

    “Furthermore, the total number of registered voters in places where election was not held or cancelled as a result of sundry violations is 90,822.

    “The candidate of the Accord Party has the next highest score with 1,339 votes.

    “The margin of lead between the candidates of the PDP and the Accord party is 141,833 votes. With this outcome, the election is conclusive at first ballot.

    “Consequently, Sen. Diri and Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of the PDP are hereby declared winners and returned elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively, ” he stated.

    Yusuf said that detailed result would be uploaded on INEC’s website and social media platforms shortly.

    He said that the commission was aware that the tenure of the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa ended at midnight Friday Feb. 14.

    Receiving the certificate, Diri commended INEC and the judiciary for being the “last hope of the common man.”

    “We pray and hope that God will heal our land, Bayelsa, and Nigeria. God has taken us through wide road and the road has taught us reconciliation, lessons” Diri said.

    The Supreme Court on Thursday sacked David Lyon and Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, as governor and deputy governor-elect in the Nov. 16, 2019 Bayelsa governorship election.

    Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment, reinstated the Nov. 12, 2019, judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which disqualified Degi-Eremieoyo from participating in the governorship poll.

    The court held that the trial court was right in finding the deputy guilty of presenting false information to INEC.

    The Justice Mary Odili-led panel, held that no person shall be qualified to contest election if he presented false information for the purpose of election.

    The apex court ordered that the certificate of return be withdrawn immediately from the governor and his deputy and be issued to the candidate with the second highest votes in the Nov. 16, 2019 election.

    Diri was accompanied to INEC by some party leaders and his supporters.

  • Minister urges NCC board to link SIM cards, national ID cards, BVN

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has called on the newly inaugurated Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to link up simcard registration to national Identification Card (ID Card) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    Pantami, who made the call at the inauguration, which held at the ministry’s headquarters on Thursday, in Abuja, said that it was an important step to take as it was part of the policy of the present administration.

    “Try to see how our sim registration will be linked up to our national identification card.

    “It is also very important so that our BVN will all be linked up with our digital ID,” he said.

    According to him, the policy is with regard to our achievement on handling 9.4 million sim cards, some are partially registered, some not completely registered.

    “After that, President Muhammadu Buhari directed me to share that information with security agencies and also ask for their opinion on how to consolidate that achievement.

    “As part of what they have sent to us, some responded that there are issues that we must address.

    “One of them is total number of registered sim cards that each Nigerian should be allowed to have without difficulty.”

    He further suggested that every individual should possibly have three sim cards as regards the policy sent to the NCC as part of regulation to the board.

    The minister adviced that when individuals would need additional sim cards from the agreed number, they should provide justification in order to acquire more than the agreed number.

    “In the document policy we have sent, we say possibly three, as part of regulation the board; we said possibly, possibly is not final.

    “So it is flexible. This is based on what the Minister of Defence has sent to us,” he said.

    Pantami urged the board members to work hard and not to take their work lightly.

    In his remarks, The Board Chairman, Prof. Adeolu Akande, expressed happiness and gratitude for the opportunity and support to be of service to the commission.

    Akande, who spoke on behalf of the newly-inaugurated board, promised on behalf of the board and management of NCC to meet up and exceed the minister’s expectations.

    He thanked the minister for standing by them during their screening in the National Assembly.

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) NCC, Prof Umaru Danbatta thanked the minister for giving a full compliment to NCC’s governing board.

    Danbatta wished the newly inaugurated board success in the discharge of their duties.

  • Violence in Bayelsa: PDP calls for Oshiomhole’s arrest

    Violence in Bayelsa: PDP calls for Oshiomhole’s arrest

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed to immediately pull in the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole for questioning and prosecution for incitement.

    The party said the violence and arson being perpetuated by APC agents in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital, on Friday, was in furtherance of Oshiomhole’s inciting call that no governor would be sworn-in in Bayelsa state, contrary to the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    “Oshiomole’s statement was a direct call for sedition and violent subversion of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the statutory authority of the Supreme Court and the mandate of the people of Bayelsa state.

    “He should therefore be pulled in immediately for prosecution for inciting violence and arson in the state.

    “Nigerians can recall that our party had on Thursday cautioned Oshiomhole over his utterances and apparent plots to cause violence and a breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “The world however watched with horror as APC agents, chanting APC slogans, assaulted the people of Bayelsa state, set the PDP secretariat in the state ablaze, attacked the premises of Radio Bayelsa, vandalized vehicles and equipment, took over major highways and attacked travellers, all in the bid to violently subvert the judgment of the Supreme court and forcefully take control of the state.

    “The PDP therefore charges the people of Bayelsa, the security agencies and Nigerians at large, to hold Oshiomhole responsible and accountable for the violence in Bayelsa state and deal with him accordingly in line with the provisions of our laws.

    “Oshiomhole must be brought to book and stopped from the use of garrulity and clear misuse of language to cause crisis in our country,” a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP read.

  • DTSG set to tackle flooding in Warri, environs as master drainage system commences

    Communities in Warri, Uvwie and environs have been charged to embrace peace to enable the commencement of the drainage project conceived to end the perennial flooding and the attendant consequences in the economic nerve center of the state.

    The director general (DG) of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay gave this charge Thursday at a meeting with the representatives of the communities at his office in Warri.

    He stressed that the state government has resolved to stop the flooding challenge being faced in the area, and that it was in the interest of the people affected to cooperate with the contractors to accomplish the work smoothly.

    “Peace is indispensable in achieving development, you must collaborate with the government and the contractor to ensure that the target of stopping this flooding menace is realized once and for all.

    “Please go back to the elders and youths and advise everyone to be peaceful, and not disrupt the activities of the contractor. The contractor has the next 18 months to deliver but I know that if we cooperate with them, the job will be delivered before that period”, Macaulay stated.

    According to him, the contracting firm has been urged not to employ outsiders for jobs that the community youths can easily be engaged to do, stressing that as the project progresses, more communities would be engaged while those that had been used will be disengaged.

    “Communities whose areas have been handled do not need to interfere with others when it gets to their turn, to avoid dispute,” he added.

    The Chairman Ekurede Itsekiri Community Mr. Olugbo Ese Abel stated that his community will support the Agency to deliver on the project because they have been suffering from flood for the past eight years.

    Also the Secretary, Okere Community, Dr. Uku I. Godwin expressed optimism that things will turn out well for the communities when the project is achieved, and assured the Agency that there would be no disturbances from the youths.

    Furthermore, the Ugbori Community Secretary, Mr. Abel Beji said that the youths of Ugbori Community are solidly behind the Government to do what they propose to do for the good of the people.

    On his part, the Superintendent Manager, Levante Construction Limited, Mr. William Tayor stated that the study for the project is perfect, and that they will start by clearing up the waterways in the affected areas.

  • Fire razes DELSU postgraduate hostel

    Fire razes DELSU postgraduate hostel

    The postgraduate hostel of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, was razed by fire in the early hours of Friday.

    Mr Eddy Agbure, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, disclosed on Friday in Warri.

    Agbure said that the incident happened between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Friday.

    He said no life was lost and preliminary investigation had begun to ascertain the actual cause of the inferno.

    “It was a colossal loss, but I am happy that no life was lost in the incidence. Preliminary investigation has commenced to ascertain the actual cause,” Agbure said.

    Eyewitness said that the fire destroyed the first and second floors of the two-storey building before the arrival of fire fighters.

    Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Andy Egwuyenga, accompanied by some management staff, had visited the scene and sympathised with the students.

    ‘It is very unfortunate that fire started here and we incurred a lot of damage.

    “But, even in this situation, we thank God for His mercy that there is no fatal casualty or reported death.

    “The only two or three students that had slight bruises were quickly treated,” VC said.

  • Samsung’s jailed board chairman quits

    Samsung Electronics’ Board Chairman, Lee Sang-hoon, who was jailed for sabotaging union activities, has resigned from the South Korean company, the company said on Friday.

    The resignation came less than two years after Lee’s appointment split the chairman and chief executive roles for the first time in an effort to enhance transparency and independence of the world’s top memory chip manufacturer in the wake of a corruption scandal involving group heir Jay Y. Lee.

    “Samsung suffered a major setback in its bid to strengthen its board … and it would need a fresh face to turn around,” said Park Ju-gun, Head of Research Firm CEO Score.

    Ju-gun added that the move was widely expected given that Lee Sang-hoon is in prison.

    Samsung said Lee’s successor will be appointed in the near future and could be picked from remaining members of its board, which consists of six external directors and three internal executives.

    Those include the three CEOs of Samsung’s components, mobiles and consumer electronics divisions.

    The change at the top came as Jay Y. Lee faced trial on charges that he bribed a friend of former President Park Geun-hye to win government favour over succession planning at the conglomerate.

    Criticised by a judge overseeing Lee’s bribery case for its lack of an effective compliance system, Samsung and some of its key affiliates had recently appointed external experts to a new oversight panel to stamp out criminal conduct.

    Lee Sang-hoon was given one and a half years jail sentence in December for sabotaging legitimate union activities.

    He has appealed against the decision.

    Samsung’s board chairman is not involved in day-to-day business operations but chairs a board meeting to review and approve major business decisions including investment plans.

    The company is expected to hold a shareholder meeting in March.

  • Heads up ladies: See what men want for valentine

    Heads up ladies: See what men want for valentine

    A cross section of men in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday said that women should give them valuable gifts for the Valentine Day celebration.

    In interviews, they lamented that over the years, women do give them underwears as gifts during the celebration.

    They added that women should learn to give men valuable gifts like perfumes, shirts, wrist watches among others.

    Mr David Oyedira, a medical doctor told NAN that his girlfriend always gave him boxers for the valentine, and expected him to give ‘the world’.

    “I am tired of boxers all the time, this time around, I want something better this year,’’ he said.

    Mr Ikechukwu Maxwell, a businessman said women are too stingy and believe they are wise, adding that he was not ready to patronize anybody this time.

    “This year’s valentine, I am on my own, I am not buying any gift for any lady, because in return, all I get is underwear, I have got enough underwears in my house,’’ he said.

    Mr Oluwasegun Ojo, a civil servant said he was looking forward to the valentine celebration, adding that he has a lot of surprise packages for his babe.

    “But I have already told her, I don’t want underwear, it’s going to be great.

    “Women generally appear to have the habit of presenting one common gift to their spouses on valentine day; most women are used to buying only underwear.

    “Whereas women want something more valuable than underwear as a gift on valentine day. Women expect their spouse to buy them expensive gifts on valentine day, like car, phones, jewelries, clothes, shoes or tickets to travel abroad.

    “Many ladies are not used to spending their own money to show their love to their spouse. I advised them to change for the better,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Aisha Opeyemi, a trader said she prefers to buy underwear for her spouse on valentine day because it is affordable.

    “I will buy underwear for my husband because I feel it is most useful to him and besides they are cheap and affordable for me,” she said.

    Ibikunle Oluwaseun, a school teacher said the gift presented does not matter but what matters was the intention behind the gift.

    “I don’t have money to buy expensive gifts, but I buy what I think will be useful to him.

    “The Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for me to change my husband’s boxers, since he might not remember to buy even when the ones he has are worn out.

    Ola Ibitoye, a business woman said that she prefers to buy underwear because men don’t appreciate flowers and men outfits are expensive.

  • BREAKING: Bayelsa Governor-elect, Diri receives Certificate of Return

    BREAKING: Bayelsa Governor-elect, Diri receives Certificate of Return

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificate of Return to candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Douye Diri, as winner of the Bayelsa 2019 governorship election, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Diri was presented the certificate of return on Friday at INEC headquarters in Abuja by the National Commissioner in charge of South/South, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.

    Earlier at a media briefing, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission had received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the apex court, which disqualified the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vitiated the joint ticket of the party earlier declared winner in the election.

    In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Commission met this morning and reviewed the result of the election in which 45 political political parties contested.

    Without the votes scored by the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose candidates were deemed not to have participated in the election, the total number of lawful and valid votes cast in the election now stand at 146,999.

    Out of this figure, the candidate of the PDP scored the highest number of lawful votes with 143,172. Similarly, the Party has scored more than 25% of the lawful votes cast in all the eight (8) Local Government Areas of the State.

    “Furthermore, the total number of registered in places where election was not held or cancelled as a result of sundry violations is 90,822. The candidate of the Accord party has the next highest score with 1,339 votes. The margin of lead between the candidates of the PDP and the Accord party is 141,833 votes. With this outcome, the election is conclusive at first ballot.

    “Consequently, Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of the PDP are hereby declared winners and returned elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively,” the INEC Chairman stated at a media.

    Receiving the certificate, Diri commended INEC and the judiciary for being the “last hope of the common man.”

    “We pray and hope that God will heal our land, Bayelsa, and Nigeria. God has taken us through wide road and the road has taught us reconciliation, lessons” Diri said.

    The Supreme Court on Thursday sacked David Lyon and Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, as governor and deputy governor-elect in the Nov. 16, 2019 Bayelsa governorship election.

    Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment, reinstated the Nov. 12, 2019, judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which disqualified Degi-Eremieoyo from participating in the governorship poll.

    The court held that the trial court was right in finding the deputy guilty of presenting false information to INEC.

    The Justice Mary Odili-led panel, held that no person shall be qualified to contest election if he presented false information for the purpose of election.

    The apex court ordered that the certificate of return be withdrawn immediately from the governor and his deputy and be issued to the candidate with the second highest votes in the Nov. 16, 2019 election.

    Diri was accompanied to INEC by some party leaders and his supporters.

  • INEC bows to pressure, names PDP’s Diri governor-elect, releases detailed results of Bayelsa election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Governor and Deputy Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, will be presented Certificates of Return immediately as ordered by the Supreme Court.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made this known on Friday at a media briefing on the Bayelsa State Governorship election held at the conference room of INEC headquarters in Abuja.

    Following the Supreme Court judgement, see detailed results of Bayelsa election below:

    INEC bows to Supreme Court judgement, releases detailed results of Bayelsa election after Supreme Court judgement
    Detailed results by order of the Supreme Court

    Read INEC Chairman remarks at the media briefing below:

    MEDIA BRIEFING BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROFESSOR MAHMOOD YAKUBU ON THE JUDGEMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT ON THE BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, INEC HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA, ON FRIDAY 14Th FEBRUARY 20,20

    Honourable National Commissioners Secretary to the Commission Directors The M.ia Ladies and Gentlemen

    1. 1 welcome you all to this briefing. As you are aware, the Supreme Court of Nigeria yesterday delivered a judgement in a pre-election suit on the Bayelsa State Governorship election held on 16. November 2019. The Commission has received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the apex court which disqualified the Deputy Governorship candidate and vitiated the joint ticket of the party earlier declared winner in the election. The Court also ordered the Commission to “…declare as winner of the Governorship election in Bayelsa State the candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast with the requisite constitutional (or geographical spread)”.

    2. In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Commission met this morning and reviewed the result of the election in which 45 political political parties contested. Without the votes scored by the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose candidates were deemed not to have participated in the election, the total number of lawful and valid votes cast in the election now stand at 146,999. Out of this figure, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored the highest number of lawful votes with 143,172. Similarly, the Party has scored more than 25% of the lawful votes cast in all the eight (8) Local Government Areas of the State.

    3. Furthermore, the total number of registered in places where election was not held or cancelled as a result of sundry violations is 90,822. The candidate of the Accord party has the next highest score with 1,339 votes. The margin of lead between the candidates of the PDP and the Accord party is 141,833 votes. With this outcome, the election is conclusive at first ballot.

    4. Consequently, Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of the PDP are hereby declared winners and returned elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively.

    5. The detailed results will be shared with you at this briefing and uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms shortly.

    6. The Commission is aware that the tenure of the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State ends at midnight today Friday 141 February 2020. Therefore, in fulfilment of the requirement of Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Certificates of Return to the Governor and Deputy Governor-elect will be presented to them immediately as ordered by the Supreme Court.

    7. 1 thank you for your presence.