Politics
Group File Fresh Suit To Halt Tinubu’s Inauguration Over Guinea Passport
A non-governmental organization named Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) recently filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.
The organization is seeking to prevent the inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, scheduled for May 29.
In their motion ex-parte filed with the suit labeled FHC/ABJ/CS/669/2023, the civil society organization accused the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, of making false statements under oath regarding his ownership of a Guinean Passport.
Additionally, the organization submitted an affidavit of urgency along with the lawsuit, urging the court to intervene swiftly due to the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
The plaintiff also requested the court’s permission to pursue an order of mandamus, compelling the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate and potentially recommend the prosecution of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for perjury if evidence of his false claims regarding Guinean citizenship is discovered.
ASRADI informed the court that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu provided false information under oath by failing to disclose his Guinean citizenship in the Form EC9, which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of his qualification requirements to participate in the presidential election held on February 25.
“The non-disclosure by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the INEC Form EC9 of the dual citizenship of his voluntary acquisition of the citizenship of Guinea amounts to Perjury, ” it averred in an affidavit that was attached in support of the suit.
The group averred that it “only became aware of the perjury committed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 16, 2023”, from an online publication, adding that police failed to act on its request for the matter to be investigated, hence its decision to seek the intervention of the court.
Among proof of evidence, the plaintiff attached to the suit included its letter to the IGP, dated May 8 and signed by its Executive Director, Mr Adeolu Oyinlola.
Consequently, ASRADI, through its lawyer, Mr Chukwunweike Okafor, is among other things, praying the court for; “A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 215(1)(a) and 2 of the Constitution and Sections 31 and 32 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the respondent is under both constitutional and statutory obligation to investigate Tinubu for the offence of perjury contained in the INEC Form EC9 sworn to by him on June 14, 2022, regarding his Guinean citizenship”.
As well as, “An order of mandamus compelling the respondent to investigate the fillings made by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in respect of his Guinean citizenship contained in INEC Form EC9 sworn to by him on June 14, 2022, and where he is found culpable of the offence of perjury, refer him to the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution”.
It further sought an order to “compel the respondent to investigate and prosecute Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the offence of perjury before May 29, 2023 which is the date of the swearing -in of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
In the affidavit of urgency that was deposed by Oyinlola, the plaintiff said its ex-parte motion “should be heard and determined before the swearing -in of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023”.
Currently, no specific date has been scheduled for the hearing of the case.
The House of Representatives has adopted the report on the four tax reform bills of the President Bola Ahmend Tinubu administration.
The house made the adoption on Thursday at plenary in Abuja.
Having scaled the lower house, the tax reform bills now await the endorsement of the Senate.
ALSO READ: Economic Reforms Aim To Protect Nigeria’s Future – Tinubu
Notably, the adopted bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.
The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon James Abiodun Faleke, said, “These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterwards, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause.”
He assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills would produce widely acceptable laws.
“I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations,” Faleke said.
He thanked fellow lawmakers and the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax bills and presenting them for consideration.
He commended President Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date back to 1959.
“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.
On his part, the Deputy Committee Chairman, Hon Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), noted that no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform bills.
He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders, ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.
Hon Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from all geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.
“The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders.
“These were never seen as perfect documents. The Executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version,” he added.
In the same vein, Hon Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the Executive making adjustments to reflect public interest.
“In spite of being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue.
“This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage,” Hon Ugochinyere said.
In the views of Hon Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos), all stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.
“This is a great day for Nigeria. The House has approved the necessary reforms, and we now await Senate concurrence,” he said.
The ragging battle for the soul of Edo State between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn, with the APC-run government accusing the PDP leadership of being the brain behind the menace of kidnapping ravaging the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement in Benin City on Tuesday averred that intelligence reports indicate the involvement of PDP leaders in recent kidnappings and violent crimes across the state.
He posited that the opposition PDP was sponsoring insecurity in Edo State as part of calculated efforts to undermine the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
ALSO READ: Under Tinubu, Nigeria Is Moving In Right Direction
Itua described the PDP’s outcry over insecurity as “crocodile tears,” accusing them of deliberately orchestrating chaos while pretending to be concerned about public safety.
According to Itua, “The sudden concern expressed by PDP leaders is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their own complicity. These are the same individuals who, during the 2024 governorship election, armed non-state actors with dangerous weapons, many of which were never recovered. Today, those weapons are in the hands of criminals terrorizing innocent Edo citizens.”
He added that the PDP’s strategy was to create an atmosphere of fear, spread misinformation, and discredit the current administration.
“Their goal is clear — destabilize the state, weaken public confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, and push a false narrative of failure. But Edo people can see through these antics,” Itua stated.
He revealed that the state government has called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of PDP leaders in the rising wave of kidnappings and armed violence.
“No individual or political group should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain. Those found culpable must face the full wrath of the law,” he added.
Gov Okpebholo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the protection of lives and property. The government urged Edo residents to remain vigilant and not fall for what it described as the PDP’s “deceptive tactics.”
Itua pointed out that “Insecurity thrives when its perpetrators believe they are untouchable. It is time for security agencies to prove them wrong.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the duly elected leader of Ondo State after an appeal challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election was dismissed.
The case, brought forward by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mr. Agboola Ajayi, was thrown out by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Ajayi had sought to disqualify Aiyedatiwa over allegations that his running mate, Dr. Olayide Owolabi, submitted inconsistent documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
READ ALSO: Gov Aiyedatiwa Grants Clemency To 43 Convicts In Ondo
He argued that some certificates bore “Jackson” as the deputy governor’s middle name, while others had “Owolabi,” with no official record of a name change.
However, the apex court ruled that a documented name change does not amount to electoral fraud.
It found evidence confirming that Owolabi had used “Jackson” during his secondary school years before formally changing it.
Additionally, the court ruled that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to challenge the election, as he had filed the case after the legal time limit.
The suit, which stemmed from nomination forms submitted on May 20, 2024, was only taken to the Federal High Court on June 7, exceeding the 14-day window allowed by law.
As a result, the Supreme Court upheld the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, dismissing the case and imposing a ₦2 million cost on Ajayi, payable to each of the four respondents.
Reacting to the judgment, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, described it as a victory for democracy and due process.
“As I have stated previously, the courtroom is a battleground for legal reasoning, and every advocate who argues a case contributes to strengthening our democracy,” Ajulo said.
He emphasized that the ruling had effectively put an end to the prolonged legal battle over Aiyedatiwa’s election, reinforcing the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State.
“The decision solidifies the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State, closing the chapter on the prolonged political legal tussle,” he added.
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