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Ondo: PDP Calls For Poll Shift …As Jegede Insists He’s Unstoppable
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.
The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Dayo Adeyeye said in a statement yesterday in Abuja, that the election should be postponed pending the determination of its suit before the Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Ibrahim Salauwa on Friday reserved judgment on the appeal challenging the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court recognising Jimoh Ibrahim as PDP candidate for the Ondo State guber poll.
Adeyeye said that the call was important as INEC, Makarfi and Eyitayo Jegede, the faction’s candidate in the election were all party to the suit.
“We make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC is a party to the suit before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
“INEC is well aware of the steps taken by certain parties to the suit to frustrate the course of justice.
“We also make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC postponed the Edo State gubernatorial elections and recently postponed the Rivers State re-run elections without any cogent or visible reason,’’ he said.
Adeyeye said that the decision of Salauwa to reserve judgment was taken as a result of a petition written against the panel.
He said that Salauwa said that the petition was addressed to the Chief Justice of the Federation and Chairman, National Judicial Commission (NJC) alleging acts of corruption, bias and breach of oaths of office.
“Furthermore, the respondents had filed a motion at the Supreme Court in which the Justices of Court of Appeal panel were named co-respondents in their personal capacities.
“ The indefinite adjournment is a consequence of the latest of several mischievous actions taken by Messrs Biyi Poroye, Jimoh Ibrahim and their legal team led by Mr Ben Nwofor (SAN).
“This outright bullying and intimidation of the Justices of the Court of Appeal is enabled by the recent invasion of the homes of Justices of the Supreme Court.’’
Adeyeye called on members and supporters of PDP in Ondo State and across the country to remain calm.
“We believe that there are men and women of integrity in the judiciary who will ensure that this act of injustice does not stand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP, has urged INEC, the judiciary and members of the public to disregard the call for the postponement of the election.
A statement signed by Sheriff’s deputy, Cairo Ojougboh, said the faction was ready for the election.
But even as the political fireworks rage, the governorship hopeful under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede SAN, who arrived Ondo State and touched down at the border town of Isua Akoko, yesterday, after weeks of being in Abuja to reclaim his mandate at the Appeal Court, told his supporters that they are unstoppable.
Jegede, who stormed the state and was received by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, party members and residents of Akoko at the Isua junction, boundary with Edo State, assured his supporters that all hope was not yet lost with the Appeal Court’s decision.
The people chanted his name as well as several solidarity songs such as “After Iroko who be next?”, restating their support for him for next Saturday’s election not minding the ongoing litigation.
In a brief address, Jegede said he is always greatly encouraged by the rousing reception and solidarity, assuring that collectively, they will soon emerge triumphant.
“My driving force to forge ahead has been God and the unprecedented solidarity from you my people in spite of all adversaries that we contend with everyday. Very soon, we shall triumph because we are unstoppable “.
At Oka Akoko, where he made another stop-over, and was cheered by another large crowd, Jegede advised the people to keep, intact, their permanent voters cards to enable them vote him, expressing optimism that the case in court will be over early next week.
“They keep asking us what makes us confident that we will contest this election. We say we have God who rules in the affairs of men. By early next week, the Pharaoh we see today, we will see them no more,” Jegede declared to hundreds of elated supporters.
Jegede was also at Akungba, Ikare, Oke Agbe, Owo and other towns in the northern senatorial district of the state where he advised members to continue with their campaigns to enable him emerge victorious next week Saturday.
On ground to receive the guber hopeful were; his running mate, John Ola Mafo, Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Fatai Olotu, party leaders like Debo Ologunagba, Akin Akinbobola, Taiye Afilaka, Tony Ala, among others.
The Nigerian Army says it has taken into custody Christopher Emmanuel, who allegedly assaulted a female vendor, Doshima, in Kula, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, Capt. Abdullahi Osabo, yesterday.
Osabo said the Headquarters Operation Whirl Stroke took cognisance of the incident, which occurred on May 6 and reported on May 8.
He said the incident might have stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid debt, with allegations suggesting that the soldier claimed the woman insulted him during a phone conversation.
According to him, it is further alleged that this confrontation may have escalated into a physical altercation, which is now under investigation.
“Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take disciplinary action based on findings of the investigation.
“The leadership of the Nigerian Army assures the general public and the victim that justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards.
“OPWS strongly condemns any form of indiscipline or human rights abuse by its personnel,” he said.
Osabo urged members of the public to report any instances of abuse by Nigerian army personnel to the Human Rights Desk helpline instead of using social media.
He gave the assurance that all reports of infractions by army personnel were viewed seriously, investigated, and sanctions applied where personnel were found culpable.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” he added.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will hold a valedictory court session on Wednesday, May 14, to honour the late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu, a former Justice of the court who passed away in October last year.
The session is scheduled to take place at 2.pm in the main courtroom of the Supreme Court.
A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the apex Court, Dr Festus Akande, revealed that the late judicial icon died peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born on March 16, 1933, in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Justice Ogwuegbu rose from a humble background to become a towering figure in the legal profession.
He was appointed a judge of the High Court of Imo State in November 1976, serving as Administrative Judge of the Owerri Judicial Division from 1976 to 1979. He later served in the same capacity in the Aba Judicial Division in 1980.
Elevated to the Court of Appeal in September 1987, Justice Ogwuegbu served in the Ibadan and Lagos Divisions before his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in April 1992.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the judiciary, he was seconded by the Federal Government to serve on the Supreme Court bench of The Gambia from December 1999 to 2002.
He returned to Nigeria to continue his meritorious service at the Supreme Court until his retirement on 16 March 2003.
The valedictory session will be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Tributes will be paid to the late Justice Ogwuegbu by the Chief Justice and other key stakeholders in the nation’s justice sector.
The session will also be attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
A total of 86 Nigerian Army captains will be sitting for the 2025 written promotion examination in Benin.
The week-long examination will run from May 12 through May 16 and is being hosted by the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST).
Speaking at the opening session on Sunday in Benin, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and president of the examination saluted the candidates for reaching this pivotal point in their careers.
He described the examination as a major stepping stone to higher responsibilities and called for professionalism, discipline and zero tolerance for examination malpractice.
“The examination is part of the Nigerian Army’s structured promotion process aimed at building a professional, disciplined and merit-driven officer corps, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of a capable and responsive force.
“This is an opportunity to make a solid progression in your chosen career.
“Let me assure you that if you have prepared well, you will pass this exam without resorting to any form of malpractice. We expect nothing short of a 100 per cent success,” he said.
According to him, the examination is a key prerequisite for promotion to the rank of major while also urging all participants to give it their best, especially those making a second attempt.
He noted that only three chances were allowed by the army policy.
Mr Aligbe however, warned that any candidate caught cheating, discussing answers in the hall or violating security protocols would be disqualified and made to face further disciplinary action.
He also disclosed that awards and commendation letters, including cash prizes would be given to candidates who rank first, second and third.
He added: “our desire is to see all of you pass”, while assuring fairness and transparency in the marking process.
In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Adegbite, commandant of NASST, said the school was honoured to host the promotion exam.
He noted that the examination marks a critical milestone in the career development of officers.
“You have undergone a rigorous one-month preparatory cadder.
“The mock exam assessed your readiness. We expect good performance.
“Be reminded of the security situation in Benin. Avoid unnecessary movements. Move in pairs and be security conscious,” he said.
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