NEWS
JUST IN: Atiku Breaks Silence, Criticizes Supreme Court Ruling
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has finally spoken up regarding the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his petitions challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that last Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.
At a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Atiku expressed his disappointment with the judgment, highlighting that the evidence he presented against Tinubu was not accepted by the apex court.
He said “If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed irrespective of who occupies the Presidential seat.
“If the Supreme Court decides that the Electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics.
“Obviously, the consequences of those decisions for the country will not end at the expiration of the current government. They will last for decades. I am absolutely sure that history will vindicate me. We now know what the Supreme Court has decided.
“In response to the official backlash against me, I instituted several cases in the courts, which led to seven landmark decisions that helped to deepen our democracy and rule of law. At the current historic moment, the easier option for me would have been to fold up and retreat after the mandate banditry perpetrated by the APC and INEC,” he said.
Atiku added: “But I went to the Nigerian courts to seek redress. I even went to an American court to help with unravelling what our state institutions charged with such responsibilities were unwilling or unable to do, including unravelling the qualifying academic records of the person sworn in as our President and by implication, hopefully who he really is.
“I offered that evidence procured with the assistance of the American Court to our Supreme Court to help it to do justice in this case. I give this background to underscore that what we are currently dealing with is bigger than one or two presidential elections and is certainly bigger than Atiku Abubakar. It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children.
Regarding the implications of the presidential tribunal and Supreme Court rulings, Atiku stated that he leaves it to Nigerians and the world to decide their interpretation of the Supreme Court’s unfortunate decision.
The House of Representatives has taken decisive action in response to the widespread shortage of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, by summoning the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
This move follows a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Shehu Ajilo, the representative for Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
While President Bola Tinubu currently holds the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, and Heineken Lokpobiri serves as Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), the specific minister summoned was not disclosed by the lawmakers.
Lawmakers anticipate receiving a briefing from the Minister regarding the fuel crisis, along with proposed measures to tackle the issue effectively.
Details later.. . .. . .
A tumultuous scene unfolded during the Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday, marked by a heated altercation among senators over seating arrangements in the recently refurbished chamber.
Commencing around 11 am, the plenary commenced with the customary procession, followed by Senate President GodsWill Akpabio’s announcements, including recognition of lawmakers whose birthdays occurred during the recess.
Tensions escalated when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) engaged in a vocal exchange with Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), with finger-pointing gestures exchanged between the two.
Subsequently, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined Yau in confronting Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) regarding the seating arrangements.
Reports indicate that the dispute stemmed from discontent among senior senators regarding their seating positions, particularly those allocated seats in the front row on the far right side of the aisle.
In an attempt to restore order, the Senate President called for senators to address their grievances individually, yet Yau refused to comply, prolonging the tumultuous session for approximately 20 minutes.
Following the Senate President’s address, the Senate leader proposed a resolution to convene a closed-door session, which was subsequently approved.
At approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate transitioned into an executive session.
The Senate had adjourned plenary on March 20 until April 16, with resumption postponed twice to accommodate the completion of renovations on the chamber, which had been ongoing since 2022.
The resumption of Senate proceedings on Tuesday was marked by a heated confrontation as senators engaged in a row over seating arrangements.
The session, which began at 11 am, saw Senate President GodsWill Akpabio kick off with routine announcements, including recognition of birthdays celebrated by lawmakers during the break.
However, the atmosphere turned tense when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice at Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), sparking a fiery exchange.
Joining Yau, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) directed shouts at Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who was overseeing seating arrangements.
Ranking Senators reportedly expressed frustration over their seating assignments in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.
Despite Senate President’s suggestion for them to approach the chair individually, Senator Yau declined.
The tumultuous session continued for approximately 20 minutes as senators exchanged heated remarks.
Following the Senate President’s welcome-back address, the Senate leader proposed transitioning to a closed-door session.
Subsequently, at approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate convened for an executive session.
Plenary, which was initially adjourned on March 20 until April 16, was postponed twice to accommodate the ongoing renovations of the chamber since 2022.
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