Falana backs call for live coverage of election tribunal cases – Newstrends
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Falana backs call for live coverage of election tribunal cases

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Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has expressed his support for the calls to televise the tribunal proceedings, adding that it will enhance the credibility of the judiciary.

He also said he would not join his colleagues to “rubbish” the integrity of Nigerian courts.

He spoke on Sunday in an interview with Channels Television.

“I have always campaigned for that. That is the trend in Africa — in Ghana and Kenya — the proceedings are televised because judges should have nothing to hide,” he said.

Falana said Nigerian courts are capable of delivering justice in election-related matters, adding that it was wrong to carpet them as being bad.

Some politicians and legal practitioners have raised doubts about the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary to dispense justice in the presidential election petitions filed by the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Bola Tinubu, the president-elect.

There have also been calls for the proceedings of the tribunal to be televised.

Speaking on the development, the human rights advocate said he would not embark on the “fallacy of generalisation” by condemning the judiciary.

He said, “I’m not going to join some of my colleagues who are rubbishing the court. I go to court on a daily basis. If I have a problem with any court or any judge for that matter, what I’m required to do is to write a petition to the National Judicial Council.

“But I cannot for goodness sake embark on what I called a fallacy of generalisation to say ‘Oh, Nigerian courts are bad, Nigerian judges will not dispense justice’.

“For me, once you prepare your case, I don’t think there should be any cause for alarm. Elections have been annulled in Nigeria by our courts.

“Our courts have ordered rerun elections. One of them, I think the case of Buhari and Yar’Adua; the president-elect then escaped narrowly. It was a decision of four to three justices of the supreme court… the elections of 2007, the winner of the election, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, did say the election was highly flawed.”

 

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Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

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Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

Dr. Jasper Uche, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has officially tendered his resignation from the party.

In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuaku Ward in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Uche’s decision to step down was clearly stated. The letter copied to both the PDP Chairman of Umunneochi LGA and the State Chairman of the party, reads:

“This is to notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today.

“Kindly note that this decision was taken after extensive consultation.

“I thank the party for giving me the platform, which culminated in my nomination as Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections”.

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In a related development, Hon Ikechukwu Nwabekee, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Osisioma Ngwa North constituency, has also chosen to sever ties with the party.

In a letter directed to the party chairman of Amasaa Ward 5 in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Nwabekee stated:

“Kindly note that the decision is taken after extensive consultations and out of deep personal conviction.

“The firm resolve to withdraw my membership is without prejudice to my friends, associates, and numerous supporters who might have different opinions, as I seek for new challenges.

“I thank the party for giving me a great platform to perform, including rising to the position of Chief Whip Abia State House of Assembly,” Nwabekee added.

Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

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BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent

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BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent

Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday ignored the state governor Siminialayi Fubara’s consent in passing a new law.

The lawmakers specifically passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 into Law

It is the third time in three months that the state assembly would override the governor.

In March, the assembly had ruled against Fubara to enact the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law.

It took same measure in April by passing the local government amendment bill into law despite the refusal of Fubara to give his assent.

The lawmakers also threatened to take stringent measures against the governor “if he continues to flout the laws of the state”.

The assembly said it acted in consonance with the provisions of Section 100 (5)of the 1999 Constitution voted, and with a two-third majority votes passed the bill into law.

The lawmakers had passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 on the 26th of March, 2024, and transmitted it to the governor for assent, which he declined.

Speaking on the bill , the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said it was to secure taxpayers’ money and ensure that it is not spent on frivolities and twisted contracts.

Amaewhule condemned a situation where due process is relegated to the background, contracts awarded without legal backing and the state being governed in a “dictatorial panache”.

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Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

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Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

In anticipation of the upcoming governorship election slated for September 21 in Edo State, the state chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for the fair representation of Muslims in the state’s governance.

Mallam Abdulazeez Igbinidu, the Chairman of Edo State’s NSCIA, voiced this demand during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City. He emphasized the inadequate representation of Muslims in the state’s governance structures.

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Addressing the attendees, Mallam Igbinidu highlighted the purpose of the meeting, which aimed to collectively address the concerns of Muslims regarding the conduct of the upcoming governorship election.

He stressed the necessity for equity and fairness in representation within the state’s governance framework to ensure that Muslims are adequately represented.

The call for equitable representation underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in governance, reflecting the need for all population segments to be adequately represented in decision-making processes.

Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

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