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Kano Tribunal Hit By N10M Bribery Allegation

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Why Tribunal Denies Live Coverage For Presidential Poll

 

The Chairperson of Panel 2 of the Election Petition Tribunal in Kano, Justice Azinge, expressed concern on Tuesday, revealing that certain lawyers were trying to influence judges in her team through bribery.

 

According to her this marked the second instance where a judge complained about lawyers attempting to corrupt the legal process by offering bribes to her and her colleagues.

 

She mentioned in court that there were rumors of money changing hands, including an alleged incident where a staff member reportedly received N10 million.

 

However, she didn’t clarify if the staff member involved was from her court or a different one.

 

Justice Azinge issued a warning that she would not tolerate any further efforts to undermine justice by means of corruption.

 

“In recent years, allegations of lawyers bribing judges cast shadows over Nigeria’s judicial system, a complex issue that is threatening to erode the public’s trust in the pursuit of justice.”

 

“While it is important to acknowledge that not all lawyers engage in unethical practices, the spectre of judicial corruption remains a concerning challenge that the Nigerian legal community must confront head-on.”

 

BIZTELLERS reports that the issue of lawyers bribing judges underscores the complex interplay of power, ethics, and accountability in the Nigerian legal sphere.

 

“Corruption within the judicial system strikes at the core of fairness and unbiased legal proceedings, eroding the fundamental values on which justice stands. The repercussions are extensive, impacting individuals, communities, and the overall credibility of the legal framework.”

 

Instances of lawyers trying to manipulate court outcomes through illegitimate channels emphasize the urgency for comprehensive reforms.

 

The Nigerian legal community must engage in self-reflection and self-regulation to uncover and tackle the underlying factors that might encourage unethical conduct.

 

Maintaining transparency, ensuring accountability, and dedicating themselves to upholding the rule of law are crucial elements in dismantling the culture of corruption. This culture poses a risk to the credibility of the justice system.

 

“Efforts to combat judicial corruption should involve not only legal professionals but also civil society organisations, academia, and governmental bodies.

 

“Strengthening mechanisms for reporting and addressing allegations of corruption, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and enhancing ethical training for lawyers are crucial steps in creating a more robust and trustworthy legal ecosystem.”

 

When asked for his response regarding the allegation of lawyers attempting to bribe Election Petition Tribunal judges, the Chairman of the Kano State Nigeria Bar Association, S. S. Gezawa, mentioned that he came across the news on an online newspaper.

 

The report stated that Justice Azinge, Chairperson of the Kano EPT, alleged that certain lawyers were trying to bribe judges.

 

He also mentioned that there were rumors suggesting that one of the court officials received a bribe of N10 million.

 

“I’ll say, it is what it is, it is an allegation, if any member of the EPT or my Lord, the Chairperson of the panel, Justice Azinge, has any allegation or proof of evidence of such, it can be formalised, a complaint can be channelled to the NBA or to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for necessary action against the erring lawyer”

 

“We should also remember that lawyers are not immune to prosecution.”

 

In response, the NBA leader contended that if there is substantial evidence indicating misconduct by any lawyer, it should be reported to relevant security agencies like Anti-Corruption Agencies, the police, EFCC, or ICPC, in cases involving staff or public servants.

 

He emphasized, “So long as it has not been formalised, we will see, as my lord said, it is rumours and allegations, that is what it is”

Politics

Political Bombshell: Kwankwaso’s Son Joins Kano Governorship Race

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A major political development has emerged in Kano State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, officially entering the race as the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The announcement was disclosed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kwankwassiya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, who confirmed that Mustapha Kwankwaso had been selected as Gwarzo’s deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election.

ALSO READ: NNPC Boosts Orthopaedic Healthcare, Donates MRI Equipment at Kano

“Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been unveiled as the running mate to His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo for the 2027 governorship election,” Mohammed stated.

Mustapha Kwankwaso, a businessman and politician, is widely recognized as one of the prominent figures within the Kwankwassiya political movement, a powerful political bloc founded by his father and known for its strong influence across Kano State.

His emergence on the NDC ticket is already generating discussions among political stakeholders, with many viewing the move as a strategic attempt to tap into the widespread support base associated with the Kwankwasiya movement.

Political observers believe the partnership between Gwarzo and Mustapha Kwankwaso could reshape the political dynamics in Kano as parties begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship election.

The development also signals the growing involvement of a new generation of political actors in Kano politics, while highlighting the enduring influence of the Kwankwaso political family in the state’s affairs.

With more than a year before campaigns fully gather momentum, the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket is already attracting attention and could become one of the most closely watched political alliances in Kano ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Mourinho Returns as Pérez Secures Landslide Victory in Real Madrid Election

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Real Madrid president Real Madrid has confirmed the return of José Mourinho after incumbent president Florentino Pérez secured a landslide victory in the club’s presidential election, extending his rule until 2030.

Pérez won re-election with a commanding 65% of the vote, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme, who secured 35%, according to the club’s Electoral Board.

The result reinforces Pérez’s long-standing leadership, which has now spanned more than two decades across two separate terms.

SEE ALSO: Bruno Lage Sacked As Benfica Move To Secure Mourinho

Speaking after his victory, Pérez described the outcome as a strong endorsement of his vision for the club’s future, insisting that Real Madrid will continue to thrive both on and off the pitch.

The president also used the moment to confirm a major sporting development—the return of José Mourinho, a move that immediately sparked excitement among supporters.

Mourinho, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at the club, is widely regarded as one of the most influential managers in modern football.

Pérez said the club remains committed to competing at the highest level in Europe, with ambitions of securing a record-extending 16th UEFA Champions League title while continuing the redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

He also reaffirmed his stance on the club’s ownership model, stressing that Real Madrid will remain a member-owned institution despite growing global trends toward private ownership in football.

The announcement has been widely interpreted as the beginning of a new competitive era for the Spanish giants, with expectations rising among fans following both the election result and Mourinho’s return.

Pérez ended his address with a call for unity among supporters, including those who did not vote for him, promising to continue addressing concerns while focusing on sporting success.

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2027: Oborevwori, Omo-Agege Trade Fresh Blows Over Tinubu, Obi Endorsements

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The political rivalry between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has escalated once again as both men exchanged heated words ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The confrontation follows renewed political realignments in Delta State, including Governor Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he previously defeated in the 2023 governorship election.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Tinubu Will Defeat Atiku If Election Is Rigged — Babachir

Oborevwori has since pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing the President as his “number one project” and a key political ally whose victory would benefit Delta State.

However, Omo-Agege, who recently left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the governor of political fear and abandoning party structures in the state.

“He is not a threat” — Oborevwori

Responding to criticisms, Governor Oborevwori dismissed Omo-Agege’s political relevance, insisting he poses no electoral threat.

“He is not a threat because I’ve won him before,” the governor said, adding that many of the senator’s supporters had already left him before his exit from the APC.

Oborevwori also accused Omo-Agege of political betrayal, claiming he had previously turned against key figures who supported his rise.

“He betrayed James Ibori, he betrayed Great Ogboru, he betrayed O’tega Emerhor. So if he says he wants to betray me, he’s not a threat,” he stated.

“He panicked and ran into APC” — Omo-Agege

Omo-Agege fired back, alleging that the governor defected to the APC out of fear of losing political ground.

“The governor panicked, chickened out, and ran into the APC,” he said.

He insisted that his performance in the 2023 elections proved his continued strength in Delta politics, particularly in Delta Central.

“If Sheriff believed I was not a threat, why didn’t he stay back in the PDP and take me on in 2027?” he asked.

Governance and ₦3.15 trillion controversy

Both politicians also clashed over governance performance and state finances.

Oborevwori defended his administration, saying infrastructure development had improved across all local government areas, with contractors being paid promptly.

“First time in history, no contractor is being owed,” he said, citing ongoing projects such as Effurun Roundabout, DSC Roundabout, and PTI Junction.

Omo-Agege, however, described the administration as underperforming despite receiving over ₦3.15 trillion in three years.

He alleged that about ₦750 billion remained idle in the Central Bank of Nigeria while critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure suffer neglect.

Tinubu vs Obi political divide deepens
The rivalry has also taken a national dimension, with both politicians backing different presidential candidates for 2027.

Oborevwori declared support for President Tinubu, calling him Delta’s “in-law” and urging residents to back his re-election.

“Tinubu is my number one project,” he said.
Omo-Agege, on the other hand, declared his support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that he would contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“My presidential candidate in 2027 is Peter Obi,” he said.

Political tensions rise ahead of 2027
Observers say the renewed exchange signals an early start to a high-stakes political battle in Delta State, with shifting alliances and competing loyalties likely to shape the 2027 elections.

With both camps firmly entrenched in opposing political directions, Delta State is expected to remain a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s unfolding political landscape.

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