The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Presents Scorecard To Mark One Year In The 10th Senate

     

    On the 13th day of June, 2023, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe was inaugurated as Senator of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    After surmounting the herculean task of defeating the incumbent Governor to become Senator, Representing the people of Cross River North Senatorial District, he was hugely distracted with post-election litigations.

    Despite the distractions, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has continued to show unprecedented dexterity and enthusiasm in the discharge of his constitutional duties and responsibilities to his constituents:

    Appointments:

    1. Due to his competence and experience, he was appointed, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas.

    2.Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on SDGs

    3. The Leadership of the Senate also appointed him as Board Member of the Governing Council of National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)

    4. Senator Jarigbe is also a member of the Constitution Review Committee, several other Standing and ad-hoc Committees.

    BILLS AND MOTIONS:

    1. Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023; SB142 (First Reading Passed)

    2. Police Act, 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (SB.54) (First Reading Passed)

    3. Federal University of Agriculture, Ogoja, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill, 2023; SB. 809. (Second Reading Passed)

    PROJECTS FACILITATED:

    (INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS)

    1). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Inyie-Ukan, Gakem, Bekwarra LGA.
    (Completed)

    2). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at St Patrick’s Primary School, Ibil, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    3). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at St. Pius Primary School Nkpakna, Ekajuk 1, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    4). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Mbube West Secondary School Ekumtak, Mbube West 1, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    5). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Secondary School, Uhutu, Bishiri South, Obanliku LGA.
    (Completed)

    6). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Begiaba, Bendi 11, Obanliku LGA.
    (Completed)

    7). Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Oe’Yi Onwu Secondary Grammar School Yahe, Yala LGA. (Completed)

    8. Construction of Six (6) Classrooms Block at Primary School Ejakpe Ukutia, Utugwang North, Obudu LGA. (Completed)

    9. Construction and Furnishing of Three Classrooms Block at Migrant Science and Technical College, Okambi, Obudu LGA.

    10). Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Dam Road, Ukwel-Obudu, Obudu LGA. (Completed)

    11. Construction of Three (3) Classrooms Block at Community Primary School Egbe Mbube, Ogoja LGA. (Completed)

    12. Renovation of Four (4) Classrooms Block at Secred Heart School, Ezekwe/Okpodon, Yala LGA.

    13. Construction of 1.5km Ibil-Abakpa Road “Alladim Section” (Completed)

    14. Rehabilitation of Abakpa-Ndok Road in Ogoja LGA (Completed)

    15. Construction of Egbe, Oboso Ojirim Road, Ogoja LGA
    (Completed)

    16. Construction of Olachor Okpoma Ward Road, Yala LGA.
    (Completed)

    17. Construction of a section of Aliforkpa Road, Yala LGA (Completed)

    18. Construction of 1.5km Yahe-Ukelle road (Completed)

    19. Construction of Ukpagada Bridge, Ogoja LGA. (Ongoing)

    20. Construction of Igwo Road, Obudu LGA. (Ongoing)

    21. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Egoja Edim, Ogoja LGA. (Completed)

    22. Electrification of Gakem-Abouchiche Communities (Ongoing)

    23. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ohong, Obudu LGA. (Completed)

    24. Construction of Solar Powered Boreholes at Okpaka, Wanokom, Yala LGA. (Completed)

    25. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ugbakoko, Becheve, Obanliku LGA. (Completed)

    26. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Ijegbemi, Mfuma/Nrigom, Yala LGA. (Completed)

    27. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Sankwala, Obanliku LGA. (Completed)

    28. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Mfamju Ibil, Ogoja LGA. (Completed)

    29. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Utanga, Obanliku LGA.(Completed)

    30. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Belesa, Bishiri North, Obanliku LGA.(Completed)

    31. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Mbagide, Ogoja LGA.
    (Completed)

    31. Installation of solar powered street lights in almost all the streets of Igoli-Ogoja.

    32. Installation of solar powered street lights across the ten wards of Bekwarra.

    33. Electrification and installation of new equipment at Ibil, Ogoja LGA.

    34. Construction of Bansara Road in Ogoja LGA.

    35. Upgrading of Sports Facility in Canaan City Sports Club, Calabar.

    36. Facilitates Installation of Solar powered street lights in Idum Mbube.(Ongoing)

    37. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Odajie.(Ongoing)

    38.Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Egbe Mbube(Ongoing)

    39. Facilitates Installation of solar powered street lights in Nkim Ocharu (Ongoing)

    40. Facilitates installation of Solar powered street lights in Ishindede.(ongoing)

    41. Facilitates Installation of Solar powered street lights in Itung.(ongoing)

    42. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Aburumbede (ongoing)

    43. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ntangh Mol (ongoing)

    44. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Nkimkol (completed)

    45. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ndok Zaria. (Completed)

    46. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Mfom (ongoing)

    47. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Begiaba (Completed)

    48. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ohong (completed)

    49. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Betukwel (completed)

    50. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ukpah (ongoing)

    51. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Afrike Ochagbe (ongoing)

    52. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Afrike Okpeche (ongoing)

    53. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ugboro (ongoing)

    54. Facilitation of solar powered street lights in Utanga (ongoing)

    55. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Bebi (ongoing)

    56. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Belegete (ongoing)

    57. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Ijegu (ongoing)

    58. Facilitates installation of solar powered street lights in Yabu (ongoing)

    59. Facilitation of solar powered street lights in Woda (ongoing)

    HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECTS

    60. Distribution of Laptops and Printers to selected Secondary Schools in Ogoja LGA.

    61. Empowerment of 110 youths with motorcycles across Cross River North.

    62. Donation of 100 Bundles of Roofing Zinc and Cash to Communities Affected by Windstorm in Bekwarra LGA.

    63. Empowerment of traditional rulers with motorcycle across the 54 wards of the Senatorial District.

    64. Empowerment of Business women with cash grant to boost business in Bekwarra LGA.

    65. Distribution of 50 carriage tricycles to stakeholders across the five LGAs.

    66. Empowerment of selected lecturers of Ukelle extraction with laptops.

    67. Empowerment of youths across the six wards of Ukelle with grinding machines, sewing machines and refrigerators.

    68. Donation of MF-375 Tractor to Jarified Brothers Cooperative.

    69. Sponsored Medical Outreach Patients in Cross River North.

    70. Facilitated training and on Aquaculture Data Management and Empowerment of 500 Youths in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Congratulations and Happy One Year Anniversary, Distinguished Senator.

  • Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe Hails 25 Years Of Democracy in Nigeria BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO 

    In a stirring address commemorating Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North Senatorial District delivered a heartfelt message that resonated with constituents and democrats alike. The occasion, marked by reflection and gratitude, underscored the nation’s progress and the pivotal role of democratic principles in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Senator Jarigbe began his speech by honoring the “forefathers of our democracy,” recognizing the immense sacrifices made by numerous individuals to establish and sustain Nigeria’s democratic framework. He highlighted their courage and dedication, which have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s political evolution.

    A special mention was made of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, whose decision to peacefully transfer power in 2015 was lauded as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Senator Jarigbe praised Dr. Jonathan for his patriotism and selflessness, noting that his actions during the presidential transition strengthened the nation’s democratic foundations and set a high standard for future leaders.

    Emphasizing that democracy is a continuous process rather than a final destination, Senator Jarigbe called for ongoing commitment to democratic principles. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in governance, urging leaders to prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal or political gain. By doing so, he argued, Nigeria’s democracy can remain vibrant and resilient.

    The senator’s address also included a call to action for his fellow leaders. He urged them to emulate the patriotism of Dr. Jonathan and ensure that election results genuinely reflect the will of the people, free from coercion and manipulation. This, he stated, is essential for maintaining the integrity and endurance of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Concluding his remarks, Senator Jarigbe reaffirmed his commitment to the democratic ideals that have guided Nigeria over the past quarter-century. He called on all Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of past leaders and to work collectively towards a future where every citizen’s voice is heard and respected.

    Senator Jarigbe’s address was a poignant reminder of the progress Nigeria has made and the ongoing efforts required to sustain and strengthen its democracy. As the nation celebrates this significant milestone, his words serve as both a tribute to past achievements and a rallying cry for continued vigilance and dedication to democratic principles.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Okoi, and does not represent TheLumineNews or, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • No Vacuum In The Leadership Of The Cross River State House Of Assembly BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    On 22 May 2024 ,something that startled political pundits happened in the Cross River State when the people were hit with the breaking news that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has been removed.

    However rumour mongers started speculating that because the removed Speaker was not replaced the removal of the previous speaker would not stand .

    There is No Rule in the Rules and Regulations of the Cross River State House of Assembly that says when the Speaker of the House of Assembly is removed ,another Speaker must automatically with alacrity elected to replace the one removed.

    The Cross River State House of Assembly is independent and indeed a sovereign.
    Its proceedings are internally regulated by the Assembly.

    Therefore the insinuation that the removed Speaker remains in office because another Speaker was not elected on 22 May 2024 when he was removed upon a resolution signed by 17 members is bunkum and constitutionally a balderdash.

    four and not more than forty members.
    Section 92 (1) and (2) (a)(b) and (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 provides as follows:
    (1) There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of a House of Assembly who shall be elected by the members of the House from among themselves.
    (2) The Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly shall vacate his office –

    (a) if he ceases to be a member of the House of Assembly otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of the House;

    (b) When the House first sits after any dissolution of House; or

    (c) if he is removed from office by a resolution of House of Assembly by the votes of not less than two-third majority of the members of the House of Assembly

    Section 92 (c) (c) of the Constitution is very explicit,the Speaker stands removed from office if he is removed by a resolution of votes of not less than 2/3 of the members of the House of Assembly.

    In other words,the Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office in three circumstances namely:
    (a) when he ceases to be a member of the House of Assembly;
    (b) the House sits after dissolution;and
    (c) If he is removed by a resolution of votes of not less than 2/3 of the members of the House of Assembly.

    Finally ,there is no vacuum in the Cross River State House of Assembly because the Deputy Speaker is still in office as he was not affected by the removal Speaker.

    Section 95(1) and (2) of the Constitution is handy and therefore comes into aid.
    Section 95 (1) and (2) of the Constitution provides as:
    (1) At any sitting of a House of Assembly, the Speaker of that House shall preside, and in his absence the Deputy Speaker shall preside.
    (2) In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, such members of the House as the House may elect for a purpose shall preside.

    In the light of the above,there is no vacuum whatsoever in the leadership of the Cross River House of Assembly presently.

    The Deputy Speaker will preside over the House whenever it reconvenes and a new Speaker will be elected there after.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Why The Defunct CPC Bloc Must Produce The Next APC Chairman BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    The APC is an amalgamate of three political blocks, name ACN, ANPP, CPC, and factions of APGA, and DPP that came together to merge in 2013 to form the Party.
    The first National Chairman was the respected Chief Bisi Akande from 2013 to 2014.
    He came from the defunct ACN bloc.
    The next chairman was Chief John Oyegun.
    He was chairman from 2014 to 2018 and also was of the ACN bloc.

    The next chairman was Comrade Adams Oshiomole from 2018 to 2019.
    He was also from the ACN bloc.
    He was replaced in July 2019 with His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, as Acting National Chairman of the APC from 2019 to 2022.
    He was also from the ACN bloc.
    He was replaced by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a defector from the PDP. He was chairman from March 2022 to August 3 2023.
    He was replaced by Dr Abdullahi Umar Danguje ,another defector from PDP, on the 3 August 2023 until now.

    He should resign and leave the seat for somebody from North Central Geopolitical Zone who must be from the old CPC bloc.
    This is the justice of the matter .
    @ Obono-Obla

  • Jarigbe Congratulates Gov Bassey Otu On His Electoral Triumph And Supreme Court Victory

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has congratulated the executive governor of Cross River State, H. E Senator Prince Bassey Otu on his 2023 gubernatorial election triumph as well as his victory at the Supreme Court.

    The Supreme Court had on Friday 12th January, confirmed Governor Otu as the validly elected governor of the State in the March 18, 2023 Governorship Elections.

    Senator Jarigbe in a Press Statement he personally signed, described the victory as a testament to the people’s trust and confidence in the governor’s ability to lead with wisdom and integrity.

    He appreciated the Governor for creating an ambience of peace by not yielding to the divisive tendencies of political gladiators, who misled the immediate past Governor to go into war with all imaginary opponents that led him to political oblivion.

    The lawmaker further noted that he look forward to continued collaboration with the governor’s administration in a shared commitment to advancing the interests and wellbeing of his constituents, for the development and progress of Cross River State.

    Congratulations Your Excellency.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • Sandy Onor Congratulates Otu, Odey, Calls For Support That Will Make Cross River The Dream Homeland

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP, gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 general elections in Cross River State, Prof Sandy Onor, has congratulated Sen Bassey Otu, for the successful journey from the primaries through the main elections leading up to the final declaration at the Supreme Court.

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews, Onor noted that “I write most sincerely to congratulate the governor and his deputy, Rt. (Hon.) Peter Odey for the successful journey for the successful journey from the primaries through the main elections leading up to the final declaration at the Supreme Court, which typifies the entire gamut of every election cycle”.

    Onor thanked his entire team for the unwavering support throughout the election period as he stated” On behalf of my entire team, I lavishly thank all those who believed in and stood by us, the clergy, across the Catholic and protestant aisle; youths, elders, men and women, party faithfuls across the three senatorial districts and even across parties, and all those who shares in our genuine yearnings and aspirations of the development of Cross River State.

    “I thank in particular, the Caterpillar Movement in all its multi-faceted dimensions and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ably led by the irrepressible Barrister Venatius Ikem for their support, prayers and resilience throughout this struggle to make Cross River State a dimension of excitement and splendor as well as an oasis of security and development”.

    Prof Onor used the opportunity to call on all and sundry to support Gov Bassey Otu, to make Cross River State the dream homeland that we all cherish.

    “We call on all and sundry to give His Excellency, Sen Bassey Edet Otu, and those who work with him, all the support, advise and prayers that they will need to make Cross River State, the dream homeland that we all cherish”.

  • Dr Helen Isamoh -Egodo Congratulates Gov Otu On Supreme Court Victory

     

    Cross River Hon. Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Helen Isamoh -Egodo has congratulated His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu on his victory at the Supreme Court on Friday.

    Welcoming the court’s verdict as a healthy development, Isamoh said in a statement that the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which earlier upheld Otu’s election did justice to the case.

    She commended the Supreme Court for rightfully upholding the judgement of the Election Tribunal, adding that the judgement of the court was a victory for the nation’s democracy and a reaffirmation of the peoples mandate bestowed on the Governor on March 18th, 2023.

    “I welcome the judgement of the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja on the Cross River Governorship Election Petition with immense joy and appreciation to the judiciary for doing justice on the matter.

    “This ruling has once again reaffirmed that power lies with the ballot in compliance with the Electoral Act.

    “I must commend the courage and sagacity exhibited by the panel of the Supreme Court, which dismissed the matter”.

    “On behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, I congratulate my leader, Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on this reassuring victory.

    “This victory is coming at a time when Cross Riverians people have embraced the Season of Sweetness and the People First Agenda of his administration”.

    “This victory is for all Cross River people as indeed light has come to outshine the forces of darkness,” she said.

    ©CRS Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

  • Governor Sim Fubara And FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Sign Peace Pact.

     

    Consequently;

    1. ALL matters instituted in the courts by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State, shall be withdrawn IMMEDIATELY

    2. ALL impeachment proceedings initiated against the Governor of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately

    3. The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP

    4. The remunerations and benefits of ALL members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly

    5. The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government

    6. The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly

    7. The names of ALL commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval

    8. There should NOT be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration

  • The Macabre Dance In Rivers State Reached A Crescendo BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The macabre dance in Rivers State reached a Crescendo:

    It seems to me that the political crisis in the Rivers State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party between Governor Simi Fubara and former Governor, Honourable Nyesom Wike,has smothered, and the consequent eruption will possibly led to collapse of the executive and legislative branches of the Rivers State government.

    Already, the polarization between in the PDP has fragmented and factionalized the Rivers State House of Assembly into two antagonistic camps.

    27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly belonged to Nyesome Wike’s camp and two days ago in a darinh and deft politcal manoeuvring defected from the PDP and joined the APC.

    The Pro-Simi Fubara’s camp in the Rivers State House of Assembly is made up of only 4 members.

    On 13 December 2023, the purportedly to be a vacant.
    The seats of the 27 members that defected from PDP to APC were declared vacant by the four members Pro-Sim Fubara.

    However,pundits wondered how four members could take such a weighty decision when membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly is 31.

    The constitution says that the quorum of a State of Assembly is one-third of its membership.

    Therefore ,one-third of 31 members of the Rivers State House of Asssembly are 11 members.

    On 14 December 2023, the four members of the Pro-Sim Fubara’s camp purportedly convened and passed the budget for 2023/2024 financial year.

    The budget is a law.
    When a budget is passed
    It is otherwise known as the Appropriation.

    Section 121 (1) of the Constitution makes it mandatory for the Governor to cause to be prepared and laid before the House of Assembly at any time before the commencement of each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the State for the next following financial year.

    Therefore, the pertinent question is:
    Is it constitutional for only four members of a State House of Assembly to pass a law?
    Can a budget passed by 4 out of 31 members Rivers State House of Assembly (Appropriation law) survive a constitutional scrutiny for the passage of a bill into law as laid down by section 100 (1)& (2) of the Constitution?

    I certainly have my doubt.
    The affliction that has befallen the Rivers State has spread to the executive branch of government.

    On 14 December 2023, typically, of the scene in a movie, almost one-third of the members of the Rivers State Executive Council resigned their membership.

    It seemed to me that those who resigned from the Rivers Executive Council belonged to the Nyesom Wike’s group.

    Undoubtedly, there is a political cum constitutional crisis in Rivers State.
    This is the truth of the matter.
    It will take a sustained legal intervention to entangle and wriggle out of all the legal conundrums and labyrinths that crisis has caused.

    What has happened in Rivers State is reminiscing what happened in the old Western Region of Nigeria in 1962 when a crisis in the Action Group Party was the governing party triggered a constitutional crisis and politcal conflagration that led the Federal government to declare a state of emergency in the Western Region.

    The chicken has come home to roost!!
    Is history repeating itself?

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Why The Next Governor Of Kano State is Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    I always advised social media denizens or even people who don’t know the mechanics and intricacies of the law not to comment on it. issues concerning judgments of courts or law or election tribunals.

    But the age of techno apologies to Wole Soyinka has made it possible for everybody to become a lawyer and attempt to interpret judgments of courts even without reading them to digest the reasoning of the judges; to evaluate how they assess the evidence adduced by both parties during trial.

    After evaluating the evidence he put it into the mythical scale of justice he holds in his right to weight, and you see which side the scale tilts.

    After that, the judge will apply the law to those facts before he delivers his judgment.

    When you read the judgment of the tribunal and that of the court of Appeal and grasp it well you will see the predilection of politicians to be so desperate for power that most times they disregard rules, regulations and the law with recklessly abandoning all decency, all in a frenzied bid to grab power by all means.

    Then when they reach the cul de sac they expect judges to close their eyes to their murder of the law and proceed to use sentiments to wriggle them out.

    But judges are blind to public opinion sentiment and emotional outbursts of the social media mobbers.

    Governor Kabir Yusuf was a member of the PDP and a governorship aspirant in the party. Kano State.

    When it dawned on him that he would not grab the party ticket he recklessly and quickly made a volte-face and hurriedly joined the NNPP and grabbed its ticket.
    He didn’t know that APC political intelligence was scooping him to gather hard evidence against him.

    By the time Governor Yusuf was purportedly given a ticket by NNPP; the period prescribed by the Electoral Act for political parties to submit the list of their candidates to INEC had closed.

    What is the implication of all this?

    Simple; at the time Governor Kabir Yusuf purportedly joined NNPP and filed his nomination under its platform, he was not a member of the party.

    Membership in a political party is a must for anybody who wants to be a governor of a State and is indeed a fundamental constitutional requirement he must fulfil.

    Section 177 (1)(c) of the constitution makes it obligatory for someone to be a member of a political party that wants to sponsor his election.

    This is the provision of the constitution that Governor Kabir Yusuf NNPP brazenly and with ignominy breached which the Court of Appeal found against him.

    Governor Yusuf and NNPP had a bad case.
    Even at the Tribunal, they called one witness. This witness strangely told the Tribunal that it should use all the documents rendered by INEC to decide the case!!

    The documents tendered by INEC demonstrated that the results sheets were not stamped and signed by presiding officers at more than 16,000 polling stations.

    That will amount to a sheer waste of precious judicial time to appeal this judgment to the Supreme Court.

    The Supreme Court is an appellate court and ordinarily would not substitute its findings with those of the trial court and intermediate appellate court save in rare cases.

    The Supreme Court will not disregard the findings made by a trial court that hears the case, or observe the demeanour of the witnesses during cross-examination save in exceptional circumstances.

    I have not seen any exceptional. circumstances that will cause the Supreme Court to do otherwise in the case of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf & NNPP versus INEC & APC!
    Governor Kabir Yusuf and NNPP should just throw in the towel, period.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.