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Tag: Petition

  • Cross River assembly condemns petition seeking Bakassi’s delisting from LGAs

    Cross River assembly condemns petition seeking Bakassi’s delisting from LGAs

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has strongly condemned a petition sent to President Bola Tinubu by a group identified as the Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi, urging the federal government to delist Bakassi from Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

    The petition, also copied to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, was criticized by lawmakers for bypassing state authorities and failing to engage Governor Bassey Otu directly.

    Raising the issue during plenary, Hon. Eyo Bassey, who represents Bakassi State Constituency, stated that he was not consulted before the petition was submitted. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the needs of the Bakassi people through constructive dialogue rather than political agitation.

    Co-sponsors of the motion denounced the petitioners for sidestepping established channels, calling it a disregard for due process. Other lawmakers highlighted Governor Otu’s key developmental projects across the state, urging Bakassi residents to work with the government rather than be swayed by political interests.

    The legislators emphasized that Governor Otu’s People First Agenda is inclusive, benefiting all parts of the state, including Bakassi. They cited initiatives such as the Bakassi Deep Seaport project as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the area’s progress.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, condemned the petition as “a complete misnomer and facade,” warning against attempts to politicize sensitive issues.

    “Cross River State is our common heritage. No local government is more ‘Cross River’ than another. No selfish interest will derail the progress our state is witnessing. Cross River is on the right track,” Ayambem stated.

    The Assembly resolved to summon the petitioners for a public explanation while urging Bakassi stakeholders to embrace dialogue and cooperation. Lawmakers called on residents to remain calm and trust the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

  • Edo guber Election Petition Tribunal to reconvene Monday

    Edo guber Election Petition Tribunal to reconvene Monday

    The ongoing legal battle regarding the September 21st governorship election in Edo State, the state’s election petition tribunal convened on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to consider the petition filed by Ighodalo Akintunde Asuelimen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Asuelimen is challenging the election victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The tribunal, operating under petition number EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, is tasked with reviewing the claims brought against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other respondents involved in the contentious election process.

    During the proceedings, the tribunal provisionally admitted a plethora of documents submitted by the petitioners, a step viewed as crucial in validating their claims.

    Counsel for the petitioners outlined the verification process undertaken by all parties prior to the submission of diverse documents as evidence, despite facing objections from the opposing respondents. These objections were noted, with the respondents opting to reserve their arguments for the final written addresses, indicating a protracted legal battle ahead.

    The tribunal’s provisional admission of these extensive documents is one step for the petitioners, albeit with the understanding that further conditions may be imposed before these documents are fully accepted as part of the case record. The evidence presented included a total of over 70 exhibits from various local government areas, along with multiple forms and booklets that are critical to substantiating the petitioners’ claims.

    Among the documents provisionally admitted were:
    1. Certified True Copies (CTCs) of Forms EC8B from various wards across Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, and Esan South East.
    2. Forms EC8EL and EC8D, marked as Exhibits PA1 and PA2.
    3. CTCs of Form EC8D from 18 polling units, designated as Exhibits PA3-PA20.
    4. An extensive array of 320 copies of polling unit forms EC8A, admitted as Exhibit PCA1-PCA320.
    5. 58 CTCs of Form EC8A obtained from INEC’s IREV portal, marked as Exhibits BDA1-BDA58.
    6. 308 CTC polling unit booklets containing Form BC25B, noted as Exhibits PCB1-PCB308.

    The atmosphere at the tribunal on Saturday was notably charged, with heightened security measures in place as armed Police and other security operatives ensured a secure environment, reflecting the increasing tensions surrounding the tribunal’s sessions leading up to this point.

    The extended hearing on Saturday was indicative of the tribunal’s commitment to thoroughly addressing the substantial evidential submissions made by Ighodalo Akintunde Asuelimen and his legal team.

    Following the extensive examination of the documents, the tribunal adjourned, scheduling its next session for Monday, January 20, 2025.

    This upcoming session promises to be pivotal as the tribunal continues to navigate the complexities of the case and the implications it holds for the political landscape of Edo State.

    All eyes will be on the tribunal as it picks up where it left off, amidst a charged atmosphere and a community eager for resolution.

  • Traditional ruler asks subjects to shun petition writing

    Traditional ruler asks subjects to shun petition writing

    The paramount ruler of Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, (HRM), Dr. John  Elaigwu has advised Idoma sons and daughters to shun petition writing and pull down syndrome against one another.

    The Och’Idoma gave the advice   when the officials of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) led by the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Abah visited  him on Friday in Otukpo.

    Elaigwu expressed concern on the recent happenings in the University which he described as unfortunate, emphasising on the need to respect constituted authorities in the land.

    He said that leadership comes from God and He gives it to whoever he chooses at his appointed time, saying that all the petitions and counter petitions against FUHSO leadership were unnecessary.

    The traditional ruler urged all Idoma people to exhibit true love, peace and unity towards one another to make Idoma land a development hub for all.

    The Och’Idoma while congratulating the new leadership of the university, said  that  as the first Federal Government-owned University of Health Sciences in Nigeria, situated in Idoma land, must be guarded  jealously by all to serve its original purpose.

    He challenged the management under the new leadership to build on the good foundation already laid by the foremost leaders of the university.

    Elaigwu encouraged members of  the management team of the school  to put in their best to make the future of the university  great.

    Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor said the visit  was to pay homage and  seek his blessings, particularly, during the transition of the University.

    Abah said that he was nominated  as the acting vice chancellor following  the retirement of   the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Innocent Ujah.

    Abah  was nominated on Nov 28,  by the Senate of the University. Abah further said his nomination was subsequently approved and he was issued appointment letter on the Nov. 29 by the second Governing Council of FUHSO.

    He thanked the traditional  ruler for the peace in his domain and the good working relationship between the Palace and the University, and promised to build on the legacy.

    Abah said that there is  no alternative to peace and progress of the University.

    He assured  that the new mantra of his administration is “FUHSO FIRST” as the University would come first before his personal interest.

  • Reps endorse probe of petition seeking forensic audit of GT bank N1trn profit, suspension of Agbaje

    Reps endorse probe of petition seeking forensic audit of GT bank N1trn profit, suspension of Agbaje

    The House of Representatives has resolved to look into corruption and money laundering allegations against Mr Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and the bank.

    The President of Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Alhaji Yusuf Kabiru had submitted a petition to the lawmakers seeking investigation of Agbaje and forensic audit of GTBank over allegations of fictitious 1 trillion Naira profit, alleged use of family members as front, corruption and money laundering.

    In a petition dated September 23rd, 2024, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the group noted that the bank has been a prominent player in Nigeria’s banking industry since its inception, however, recent reports have raised concerns regarding the integrity of its financial practices under Mr Segun Agbaje’s leadership.

    The petition laid by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday sought, urged the lawmakers to look into these allegations promptly so as to serve not only justice but also restore faith among investors and citizens alike in financial institutions.

    The petition read in part, “We respectfully submit this petition to request a thorough investigation into serious allegations against Mr Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and the bank itself. The allegations include fictitious reporting of profits amounting to 1 trillion Naira, utilization of family members as fronts for illicit activities, round-tripping practices, fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

    The allegations suggest that GTBank may have engaged in deceptive accounting practices to artificially inflate profit figures. Such actions not only undermine investor confidence but also pose significant risks to the stability of our financial system.

    “Fictitious Profit Reporting: It has come to light that GTBank may have reported profits that do not reflect its actual financial performance. Specifically, claims indicate that the bank reported a profit exceeding 1 trillion Naira without substantial evidence supporting such figures.

    “Use of Family Members as Fronts: Credible reports suggest that Mr. Agbaje has utilized family members as fronts in various business dealings related to GTBank. This practice raises ethical concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency within the bank’s operations.

    ” Round-Tripping Activities: Allegations have surfaced regarding round-tripping—where funds are moved in and out through different accounts or entities to create an illusion of legitimate transactions. This practice is often associated with money laundering and other fraudulent activities.

    “The combination of inflated profit reporting and unethical business practices points towards systemic issues within GTBank that could be indicative of broader fraud and corruption. Given the scale of these allegations, there is an urgent need for scrutiny regarding potential money laundering activities facilitated by GTBank’s operations.

    “In light of these serious allegations, we urge your esteemed committee to take immediate action by: Conducting a Thorough forensic Investigation: An independent investigation should be initiated to examine these allegations comprehensively. This should include forensic audits and interviews with relevant stakeholders.

    “Suspension of Mr Segun Agbaje: Pending the outcome of this investigation, we call for Mr Agbaje’s suspension from his position as Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc to prevent any potential interference with the inquiry. Involvement of Regulatory Bodies: We request that both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) take immediate steps to secure depositors’ funds at GTBank during this period of uncertainty. It is crucial that measures are put in place to protect customers’ investments from any potential fallout resulting from these allegations.

    “We recommend you seek assistance in this investigation by engaging relevant regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary session, referred it to House Committee on public petition for investigation.

  • Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP over paternity allegations

    Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP over paternity allegations

    Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has petitioned the Inspector General of Police  (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations that he fathered his colleague, Mercy Chinwo’s son.

    The singer, in a petition filed by his lawyers, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, asked the IGP to investigate and prosecute four social media users who accused him of paternal fraud.

    Recently, four social media users Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid alleged that Bassey fathered the son of the popular gospel singer, an allegation that went viral social media.

    They made the allegations on their social media accounts when Mercy and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms on March, 29.

    Mr Ejike’s post read: “This Mercy Chinwo’s child she was hiding after giving birth, but the truth is that this baby looks exactly like singer Nathaniel Bassey.

    “Nothing anybody wants to reason with me oh. This child is Nathaniel Bassey’s Baby. Maybe a secret away match occurred; otherwise, how can we make empirical sense of this.”

    Mr Terrence Ekot on the platform “X” reads: “Take a look at the stunning resemblance of Mercy Chinwo’s son and Nathaniel Bassey.

    “Though the duo has been working together on several projects, what do you have to say?”

    The posts had gone viral on social media, with many calling out  Bassey on why he should he should be involved in such an appalling act .

    According to the petition submitted to the IGP on 1 April, the consequences of making such statements on social media had been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals, render marriages unstable.

    The lawyers said the social media posts by the four individuals amounted to complete assassination of Bassey’s character.

    They therefore, urged the police authorities to urgently treat the petition against the four social media users.

    The petition reads in part : “Our client is a gospel music minister whose songs and ministrations have impacted the lives of so many from different walks of life across the globe.

    “On Friday, the 29th day of March 2024, Mercy Chinwo Blessed another popular gospel music minister, and her husband posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms.

    “However, our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed to find that the above-mentioned suspects, as mischief makers with a criminal intent to destroy the image and character of our client..

    “They had made different social media posts of defamatory matter, calling our client ‘the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blessed’s son,’ a woman who is married to another man.

    “In a post on the platform “X” formerly known as Twitter, “Dj SpoiltKid” a verified X user, quoted the statement by Okoronkwo Ejike along with a screenshot of the post and added, “When are we doing DNA test?”

    “These nefarious acts of these suspects, if not immediately dealt with, will continue to destroy our client’s image, injure his reputation, assassinate his character and cast aspersion on the good name built by our client over the years.”

    The lawyers said the alleged actions of the four individuals contravened sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).

    “Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others.”

  • Indian petitions police in Lagos over alleged fraud by another Indian

    Indian petitions police in Lagos over alleged fraud by another Indian

    An Indian businessman in Nigeria, Mr Sanjay Kumar, has petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, over alleged N17 million fraud by another Indian business partner.

    Kumar, who made a copy of the petition available to NAN, alleged that his compatriot,  identified as Mr Dinesh Verma, also threatened his life and harassed him over his investment.

    He said he fell victim to deceitful practices, involving fraudulent conversion amounting to N17 million, committed under false pretences by Verma and others.

    Kumar noted that the unlawful activities were associated with Dinsanj Ventures Limited (DVL), K2K Square Investment Limited and President-Afro Asian Initiative for Community Development, Nigeria.

    He alleged that Verma and others at DVL, deceitfully obtained money from him at various dates between January 2019 and January 2020.

    “They did so under the false pretence of granting me a shareholder’s position in DVL and K2K.

    “Despite my financial contributions and business development, they failed to fulfill their commitment to raise my shareholding to 20% and have consistently misled me with unfounded promises and unresolved agreements.

    “When I demanded my rightful shareholding and benefits, they resorted to harassment through authorities, even though they have not fulfilled their obligations such as paying my salaries and immigration fees for the past three years,” he alleged.

    Kumar pointed out that the Indian petitioned against and others had escalated their actions, subjecting him to physical and mental harassment.

    He, therefore, urged the AIG to conduct a thorough investigation into the offences, with a view to recovering his lost funds, ensuring the safety of his life and property.

    “I request that justice is served, so my family and I can live peacefully in Lagos State without fear of further threats or attacks,” he said.

    When contacted, Mr Dinesh Verma said that the whole allegation was false and malicious.

    “There is no fraud of N17 million against Sanjay Kumar or anybody else and neither was there any threat to his life.

  • PEPC quashes parts of petition by Obi, LP for being vague

    PEPC quashes parts of petition by Obi, LP for being vague

    The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has struck out about 17 paragraphs of the petition by Peter Obi and the Labour Party (LP) for containing vague and generic allegations.

    In a ruling on some motions filed by the respondents to the petition, the court held that in the affected paragraphs, the petitioners made allegations of malpractices and irregularities in the conduct of the election, but failed to provide specific details in support of the allegations.

    The court noted, for instance, that the petitioners failed to show which polling units the malpractices alleged occurred; the number of votes affected; and their polling unit agents who reported the alleged irregularities and malpractices, among others.

    It rejected the respondents’ argument that Obi was not a member of the LP at the time of the election, noting that membership is an internal affair of a political party, which has the sole power to determine who its members are.

    The court held that it did not lie with the respondents to question Obi’s membership of the LP.

    The court also faulted the contention that Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second in the election, were necessary parties that ought to be joined in the petition.

    Respondents to the petition are INEC, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettma and the APC.

    Details soon…

  • Presidential election: CSOs call on Peter Obi, Atiku, others to withdraw petitions against Tinubu

    Presidential election: CSOs call on Peter Obi, Atiku, others to withdraw petitions against Tinubu

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Tinubu/Shettima 2023 has called on all candidates who are not satisfied with the February 25 presidential election to shield their swords and embrace the transformational government of Bola Tinubu.

    Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his counterpart Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and others that participated in the February 25 presidential election, filed their individual petitions against the outcome of Tinubu’s victory.

    The Coalition in world press conference delivered by its National Coordinator Dr. Lilian Ene Ogbole, pleaded to a the candidates to accept the result of the election for unity government in national interest.

    “It is no news that well-meaning Nigerians all over the world and the international community at large are applauding and giving our dear president ovations for his giant strides thus far, his decisiveness in tackling and containing serious national issues, and the transformational reforms and socio-economic policies and initiatives he has brought to the table in less than 30 days in office.

    “These bold steps are gradually resulting in accelerated relief and reassurance of hope in the President’s RENEWED HOPE AGENDA for not just Nigerians but the entire African continent.

    “As stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we have deemed it imperative to use this medium to call on all selfless, well- meaning Nigerians and patriots across party lines every where around the globe to shield their swords and embrace this apparently transformational government of national unity and all-inclusiveness.

    “We resolved to say unequivocally loud and clear, here and now that the victory in the last presidential election is a victory for all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliation and alignment, religion or tribe, it is indeed a victory for Africa, the entire black race and of course victory for the entire world and humanity at large; it was a no victor no vanquish election.

    The Coalition noted that President Bola Tinubu government has thus far proved beyond every reasonable doubt to be transformational in nature with huge potential to reunite, revitalize, renew and reposition Nigeria for breakthrough to an uninterrupted era of progress and prosperity

    “Even though we are aware that it is the fundamental right of all aggrieved candidates to seek for a redress in the court of law, in national interest we wish to us this avenue to crave the indulgence of all aggrieved candidates who are seeking for redress in the tribunal to withdraw their litigations against the president and join hands with him in the proposed national unity and all inclusive government.

    “We are saying this confidently because we can see from all indications that the Tinubu led administration is ready to work assiduously to install peace, development and progress in Nigeria.

    “We are certain that the priority of all candidates of other political parties is to do same selflessly in national Interest since Tinubu is playing out their intentions they could and should go a step further to synergize with him to achieve the same patriotic purpose in national interest.

    “For this is the only way to prove to the world that indeed, their struggles are not personal and selfish, but rather in national interest and quest to restore the dignity of man in our domain through initiation and implementation of people friendly policies and programmes.

    The coalition also called on all elder-statesmen from across the length and breadth of Nigeria to swiftly without further delays invite all aggrieved parties to a round table meeting and appeal to them not to subvert the will of the people through distractions but to join hands with the government that was willingly elected by Nigerians to change their story through unprecedented development for the betterment of all and Sundry.

     

     

  • Petition: U.S. Immigration lawyer testifies against Lagos deputy governor

    Petition: U.S. Immigration lawyer testifies against Lagos deputy governor

    A U.S. Immigration lawyer, Mrs Olubusayo Fasidi, on Thursday said that Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat took oath of allegiance in the U.S. to renounce Nigerian citizenship.

    Fasidi, a Nigerian, testified before Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal.

    She was led in evidence by Dr Olumide Ayeni (SAN), counsel to the petitioner, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party.

    The witness told the tribunal that Hamzat, the third respondent in the petition, also applied for naturalisation as contained in Forms 8CFR/337 and N400.

    Ayeni tendered the documents to the three-man tribunal but counsel to all the respondents objected, saying that the reason for their objection would be included in their final written addresses.

    During cross-examination by Mr Eric Ogiegor, counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the witness said that an individual could enjoy dual citizenship.

    She, however, said that she was not aware of the provision of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that dealt with dual citizenship.

    She said that she was subpoenaed before the tribunal to explain U.S. law and not Nigeria’s Constitution.

    Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN), counsel to Hamzat and Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asked the witness to disclose the jurisdiction and date Hamzat applied for naturalisation but she said she would not, because the information was protected by Privacy Act of 1974.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) counsel,  Mr Norris Quakers, asked the witness if she was aware that Hamzat disclosed his American citizenship.

    The witness replied in the affirmative, and Quakers thereafter argued that the witness addressed issues of law and not those of facts.

    The tribunal led by Justice Arum Ashom, while admitting all the documents in evidence, ordered counsel to the respondents to include their objections in their final written addresses.

    The other members of the tribunal are Justice Mikail Abdullahi and Justice l.P. Braimoh.

    The tribunal adjourned the case until June 26 for continuation of hearing.

    Earlier, Ayeni presented result sheet from polling units in nine local government areas of the state to establish differences in some areas, against what is recorded on INEC’s Form EC 40A.

    Counsel to INEC, Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat and APC objected to the admissibility of the Form EC 40A, reserving reasons until their final written addresses.

    NAN

  • Court admits statisticians’ reports in Atiku ‘s petition

    Court admits statisticians’ reports in Atiku ‘s petition

    The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on Wednesday admitted in evidence statistics reports of inspectors of the election.

    In a petition marked CA/PEPC/05/2023, Atiku Abubakar and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the outcome of the Feb.25 presidential election which brought Tinubu as the winner.

    The respondents are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC president Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The petitioners’s 21st witness PW21) Samuel Oduntan is a statistician and a subpoenaed witness.

    He adopted his statement on oath which was objected by all the respondents when led in evidence by Eyitayo Jegede, SAN who represented Abubakar and the PDP.

    Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN represented INEC, Wole Olanipakun, SAN represented Tinubu and Lateef Fagbemi, SAN represented APC.

    The respondents’ counsel objected to the tendering of the statistician ‘s report from the inspection of the election, alongside the three appendages.

    INEC reserved their position on the demonstration of the content of the documents.

    Olujimi and Fagbemi told the court that their are not giving any consent because they objected to the admissibility of the documents

    They added that the petitioners never mentioned that the documents would be demonstrated.

    Mahmoud however, prayed the court to provide them with the soft copy of the flash drive of the documents.

    In response, Jegede asked for INEC to provide them with the voters ‘ register and the court also asked for it too.

    Earlier, Jegede told the court that the evidence in chief of the witness be taken today while the cross examination would be tomorrow.

    All the respondents ‘counsel confirmed that they all met and agreed on that.

    Meanwhile, the five-member panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned until Thursday for cross examination of the witness and further hearing of the petition.