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Ondo polls: INEC urges traditional rulers, religious leaders to caution youths
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to caution the youth against violence to ensure a peaceful governorship elections on Oct. 10 in Ondo State.
Mr Adekunle Ogunmola, National Commissioner/Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, INEC, Abuja, said this at the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sensitisation workshop for religious/community leaders and youth associations in Akure.
Ogunmola stated that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).
He noted that the commission was to strengthen the capacity of the traditional rulers to effectively resolve disputes and build public trust.
Ogunmola said that INEC was committed to conducting free and fair elections in Ondo State, hence the need to engage religious and community leaders, including presidents of youth associations from selected local government areas in the state.
According to him, the commission is expecting all the leaders to be peace advocates, preaching messages of peace and harmonious living to the people.
“As religious leaders, you are role models, and your followers look up to you for direction, guidance and mentoring.
“Also, you are custodians of customs and traditions of your subjects, comprising all classes of people, including the youth who are in active politics.
“Your role as royal fathers or community leaders is very important in influencing positive conducts of your subjects, in promoting peaceful elections which we are yearning for.
“The influence you have on your subjects and followers is strategic to the electoral process. We are optimistic that your positive impacts on the elecrorate cannot be overemphasised.
“The commission, therefore, implores you to use your influence in your various communities to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair and credible governorship elections come Oct. 10.”
Ogunmola called on all the youth presidents to advocate peace among themselves before, during and after the elections.
“As youth presidents, you have a large followership of able-bodied young men, who may channel their energies in disruptive ventures if not properly directed.
“In view of the above, you are our Peace Ambassadors in whom we are confident, that you will impact positively on your members,” he said.
Mr Hamza Fassi-Fihri, ECES Project Coordinator, described the community and religious leaders as better placed to mediate in electoral disputes among political actors, especially at the grassroots.
“Community and religious leaders have the goodwill and credibility to serve as mediators in the ADR process.
“It is our expectations that the experience to be gained at this workshop will improve their competence to play this peacemaking role,” he said. (NAN)
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London Property Dispute Exposes Alleged Corruption, Forgery by Nigerian Politician and Lawyer
By Hassan Taiye
A recent judgment by the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has shed light on a complex web of alleged corruption and forgery involving a Nigerian politician and a senior lawyer. The case revolves around a disputed property in North London, valued at 79 Randall Avenue.
The property was purchased in 1993 under the name “Tali Shani,” which is allegedly an alias for late General Jeremiah Useni, a powerful member of the Abacha regime. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, claimed the property was gifted to him by “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021 as payment for legal services. However, the tribunal dismissed this claim, describing it as “fabricated” and “fraudulent.”
The tribunal’s ruling highlights the alleged involvement of Ozekhome and his associates in fabricating documents, including a Nigerian passport, National Identification Number (NIN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN). The NIN was reportedly created remotely from Monaco using a non-compliant photograph and bypassing biometric requirements ¹.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ozekhome and others over alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful attempt to acquire the London property. The ICPC has launched an investigation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has also taken notice of the case ²
Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN Senior lawyer accused of forgery and attempting to acquire the property through fraudulent means.
General Jeremiah Useni Late Nigerian General allegedly behind the purchase of the property under the alias “Tali Shani.”
Osilama Ozekhome*: Ozekhome’s son, implicated in the alleged forgery and fraud.
L-r Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola; Senate Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Whip Tahir Monguno and Senate Committee Chairman on Financial Institutions, Tokunbo Abiru, after resumption of plenary yesterday. Photo: Senate President’s Office
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet amid a growing controversy surrounding his academic credentials.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement issued late Tuesday.
Nnaji’s exit follows mounting allegations that his academic certificates were forged. Investigations revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree he claimed to possess, stating that he never completed his studies at the institution and was therefore not issued any certificate.
According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but failed to meet the requirements for graduation.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly disowned the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji, describing it as fake.
His resignation marks the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Tinubu administration over questions of integrity and accountability among public officials.
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