News
PDP Presents Compelling Testimonies in Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal as Proceedings Progress
In the ongoing Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal, the lead counsel of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ombugadu DR J S OKUTEPA (SAN), presented his case today, August 17, 2023.
The first subpoenaed witness, the HOD of INEC ICT for Nasarawa State, provided documents, notably BVAS screenshots printouts from affected polling units. However, only two out of the expected five copies were presented, with the witness claiming the missing three are unaccounted for.
The second witness, a pivotal figure, PDP’s State Collation Agent Barr Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, took the stand. He highlighted documents originating from the INEC BVAS IREV which were not collated according to the INEC Guidelines for the 2023 General Elections. These documents pertained to various electoral wards and constituencies across the state.
Specifically, Ayiwulu pointed out discrepancies in the collation process, including Form EC8As, EC8Bs, and related documents for both the Governorship and State Assembly results in multiple areas. He further stated that the scores from Form EC8As were inaccurately reflected in Form EC8Bs for certain wards, while results from Form EC8A of Ashige ward were unlawfully nullified.
During cross-examination, the witness, who attested to numerous irregularities and human errors in the last Governorship elections, implored the tribunal to use the original and certified copies to ensure accurate compilation of results. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the authentic Form EC8AS to declare the rightful candidate.
Ayiwulu meticulously analyzed the results of the State Assembly Elections for Lafia Central, pointing out disparities in accreditation.
After the PDP’s presentation, their lead counsel, DR J S OKUTEPA SAN, announced the closure of their case, signaling readiness for the defense from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents. The first respondent, INEC, represented by Lead Counsel Isiaka Dikko (SAN), expressed readiness for their defense.
The INEC’s defense is scheduled to commence on August 18, 2023, marking another pivotal stage in the proceedings. The tribunal continues to scrutinize and assess the evidence presented, with implications for the outcome of the Nasarawa State Governorship Election. Stay tuned for further developments on this significant legal matter.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business19 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking15 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign20 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment12 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment12 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business12 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Sports12 hours agoMessi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
-
Foreign14 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform