News
Efforts to arraign INEC suspended REC failed
Attempts by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to arraigned its suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hundu Yunusa-Ari, before Adamawa State High Court 9 sitting in Yola, Adamawa State got a step back .
Trial Judge, Justice Benjamin Manji, draw the attention of the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN to the orders of Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, who ordered that parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
Justice Manji, furthermore advised Rotimi Jacobs, to go back to his clients ( INEC) and inform them that it will be an affront to the orders of Hon.Justice Okorowo, for the matter to proceed.
The judge further added that, for now, there is nothing the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola, can do pending the determination of the matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Meanwhile, there was no any legal representation for the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, when the matter was mentioned.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Monday, suspended INEC from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, over his declaration of Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as governor in the March 18, 2023 poll.Hon.Justice Donatus Okorowo gave the order after a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Chief. Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, counsel to Senator Dahiru, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.
In the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, the APC candidate in the poll sued INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and another as respondents.
Chief. Aondoakaa, SAN leading alongside M S Diri, SAN and others while moving the motion on Monday, argued that until the election petition tribunal decides his client’s fate per section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Mr Yunusa-Ari cannot be valid.
He said the decision of INEC to file an action against any person involved in Senator Dahiru’s April 15, 2023 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in the state when the tribunal was yet to determine the petition of his client would deprive her of section 285(6) of the law which gives 180 days within which the petition filed on May 6 should be dispensed with.
The senior lawyer informed the court that though a similar suit was filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, the sister court ordered the APC candidate to satisfy him as to whether his court has jurisdiction.The suit was withdraw after it was overtaken by events. Senator Dahiru approached the tribunal with her suit, having been an election-related matter.
Chief. Aondoakaa, SAN said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous.
He said in the undertaking that they were ready to face any cost should the court find the case to be frivolous.
After listening to Chief.Aondoakaa, SAN ,Hon. Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
The judge, who adjourned the matter until July 18, 2023, for a hearing, ordered the respondents to show cause while the reliefs sought by Senator Dahiru should not be granted as prayed.
The judge further ordered accelerated hearing of matter in view of the urgency of the matter
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.
*
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.
*
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
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader