News
Benue Re-run: Onjeh, APC Supporters Protest, Want Results Reversal
Toryila KAJO, Makurdi
Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s Benue South re-run election, Comrade Daniel Onjeh and his supporters have staged a peaceful protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Makurdi, calling for the reversal of the results which was in favour of senator David Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
The leader of the protesters and chairman of APC in Benue South, Alhaji Mohammed Hassan while presenting the party’s position paper to the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Isifanus Dwafang said they are dissatisfied with the purported declaration of Mark as the winner of the re-run election.
“Our party is pleased to formally remind you that the just concluded re-run election on which this letter is predicated was as a result of the wilful declaration of result in the same election in 2015, without caution and regards to law and Justice that made the commission, Benue state, and the Nation to incur unwarranted expenses hence the need for this letter to avert waste of time and resources by all concerned”.
The party chairman said a total of about 29,273 votes were cancelled by the commission across the senatorial area, leaving the total difference between our candidate, comrade Daniel Onjeh, and the declared candidate standing about 13,751 votes only, therefore, cannot sustain a declaration, but an inconclusive election to enable the voters the opportunity to determine for themselves their senator.
“It is APC’s stand to which we hereby maintain that the purported declaration and return of senator David Mark is unacceptable, unlawful, illegal, null and void and in the circumstance call on the commission to declare the said election inconclusive and not to issue any certificate of return to senator Mark, but to set down election in the affected polling units within seven days for the purpose of determining the actual winner of the election”.
On his part, comrade Onjeh said INEC cannot allocate powers to itself and declared Mark as the winner of the re-run election on ground that there will be violence in the area if the exercise was cancelled, but toe the part of fair play and Justice; alleging that those that almost attacked the a Resident Electoral Commissioner in Otukpo were ‘thugs and cultists’ loyal to senator Mark.
“As former president of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and President of West African Students Union (WASU) which I control over 40million students, we are giving 48 hours within which INEC should reverse itself over Benue south re-run election. Anything to the contrary will deem compromise and my supporters will take over and occupy this office”.
Responding, the Resident Resident Commissioner, Prof. Isifanus Dafwang, noted that in 2015 election which the then opposition APC won governorship and two senate seats in the state, the PDP had written to Prof. Jega to remove him as REC from Benue, accusing him of siding the opposition, saying today, the reverse is the case.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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