NEWS
Kogi Gov Takes Turn At Elections Tribunal On Wednesday
It is expected that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, would open his defence at the state governorship election petition sitting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Biztellers reports that the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closed its defence in the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate in the Kogi State November 11 election, Murtala Ajaka, on Tuesday.
Recall that INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku on Monday tendered several documents to support the victory of the governor.
Some of the documents include the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election, INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers, and INEC Form EC8C.
In addition, Njoku tendered more documents, which were admitted as exhibits at Tuesday’s proceedings.
The documents admitted as exhibits are the summary of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), another document containing the BVAS’ identification numbers, and the BVAS machines used for the election, among others.
He then told the tribunal headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudo that INEC wouldn’t be calling any witnesses after assessing the case of the petitioners.
Njoku informed the tribunal of the commission’s desire to close its case.
He said, “My lords, the 1st respondent, having reviewed the state of pleadings in this petition, the evidence elicited from petitioners’ witnesses under cross-examination, and the documents so far tendered in evidence by the 1st respondent, considers it reasonable not to further belabour the tribunal with the calling of witnesses.
“In the circumstances, INEC applies to close its case.”
Consequently, Justice Birnin-Kudo declared the INEC’s case closed.
The Judge then adjourned the matter till April 16 for Ododo to open his defence.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated a 12-member committee tasked with recovering government vehicles reportedly in private hands.
The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has been given a two-week mandate to retrieve the vehicles and ensure their return to the state government.
READ ALSO: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He urged the committee to carry out its assignment thoroughly and within the bounds of the law.
In his response, Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the team with the assignment, vowing to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing, as those in custody of the vehicles have refused to return them,” Okungbowa said.
“The governor deemed it fit to inaugurate us today with a mandate to recover all government vehicles in private hands.”
The committee, which includes representatives from Edo’s three senatorial districts, is set to investigate and recover the vehicles based on credible intelligence already at their disposal.
“We already have vital information regarding some persons still holding government vehicles,” Okungbowa stated. “We will do the job according to the law, and both the government and the people will be satisfied with the outcome.”
He also called on members of the public to assist the committee by providing information about any government vehicles that may still be in private possession.
“We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government,” Okungbowa said.
The committee’s vice chairman, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, will work alongside other members to ensure the success of the initiative. The public can reach the committee at 08110165121.
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
RELATED NEWS: Tinubu Seeks ₦1.767tn Loan to Tackle 2024 Budget Deficit
Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
READ ALSO: Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
JUST IN: Senate Approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77trn Loan Request
Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
