COVER
Enugu Guber Poll: I’m Confident of Tribunal Victory – Edeoga
By Eddy Ochigbo & Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the March 18 election in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, has expressed confidence and trust in the judiciary to deliver justice to him by declaring him winner of the gubernatorial contest in the state.
Edeoga, who is challenging the declaration of Peter Mba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election, spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to DAILY ASSET’s head office, Abuja, yesterday.
He praised the resilience of the people of Enugu State in giving him the push to seek justice over the result of the election, noting that voters in the state demonstrated a strong desire for a genuine political change in this year’s elections.He further noted that given the declaration made by INEC which indignated the people of the state, some observers were amazed by the vibrancy and cheerfulness with which he has carried on, especially as the unexpected declaration of Mba led to sudden deaths in the state and in some cases triggered mental ill health in some others. According to him, this is “because they couldn’t come to terms with the declaration when they know that I won the election. This is evidential.”
He noted that “In Enugu State now, we have 14 members of the House of Assembly out of 24, leaving the PDP with only 10. Labour Party has two senators, leaving the PDP with one. LP has seven members of the House of Reps, leaving PDP with only one. It was an easy road to victory for me and the party. We have 17 LGAs in the state.
In the result of 16 LGAs that came in, LP was leading with eleven thousand votes. The result of only one LGA which is the LGA where the PDP candidate comes from was deliberately kept back, where sixteen thousand voters were accredited and they returned thirty thousand votes in other to beat the clear lead of LP.”
He observed that “There was no reason for the result from that LGA to come late or last because it is one of the closest to the INEC Headquarters. The results from the farthest and biggest LGAs had come in, that of Nkanu East was deliberately kept back, now we know, for the necessary adjustments to be made after all other results had come in, in connivance with the resident electoral commissioner who provided them with extra sheets to accommodate the alterations that ensued.”
According to him, “When this thirty thousand results came into the collation centre, all the opposition political parties protested, that it was an anomaly. And then Abuja intervened and the collation was suspended. I understand that the relevant persons:
the REC and some INEC National officers were asked to come to Abuja. People asked me to go to Abuja and I said no because the matter is clear. The law says in matters of over-voting, you cancel. So I said Abuja would do the right thing, they will apply the law and announce the proper result. But lo and behold rather than cancel what Abuja did was to scrap off sixteen thousand votes from the over-voting and now said that PDP had won by about three thousand votes. They gave LP one hundred and fifty-seven thousand and gave PDP one hundred and sixty thousand. Up till now, no one has told us the basis of that decision.
“The only issue for me was my disappointment from my naivety because I had assumed that Nigeria could work because I had thought that there are patriots in Abuja and that Abuja would apply the law. When it failed I was disappointed. Abuja had no right to allocate favours. They have no powers at all. They acted outside the law in making those allocations. We now sent a petition to Abuja.
“There are places where twenty-one thousand votes were cancelled, incident forms entered. Twenty-one thousand votes for LP against three thousand and they were my strongholds. Do you want to take into consideration these cancellations? We filed a petition in the tribunal. We are challenging INEC’s declaration on that election. The basis of our challenge are three. One, that the candidate of the PDP was not qualified to contest the election, abnitio, having submitted a forged NYSC document.
“We have uploaded the evidence to that effect. Number two, we asked the tribunal to help rectify the calculation errors because in Udenu LGA which is the LGA of the current governor what the PDP and INEC did was to re-allocate my favours.
“In a polling unit where it was clearly recoded and acknowledged and certified that LP won, for instance 80 for LP and 14 for PDP, at the point of collation, the officers deliberately moved the victory to the PDP and moved the loss to LP. And it happened consistently in Udenu to the point that we need proper calculation and to return three thousand votes. And these are in documents, certified by INEC.
“We said they are calculation errors, so please calculate properly. And the third arm is that we said they acted in variance with the Electoral Law. In the area of over-vote, you cancel. We gave example, especially with Nkanu East, the home LGA of the PDP candidate where there was clear over vote. So we are saying please apply the law on over vote.
“So we are in the tribunal, the PDP has replied. Anytime from now, the battle will begin. We are optimistic that before the matter will travel the gamut from Tribunal, Appeal to Supreme Court, the truth will prevail and justice will be done. We hope that justice will be done in our case because the injustices are glaring.”
While further espousing hope and confidence in the judiciary, Edeoga said “Our hope is in the judiciary. Even when the judiciary errs, people will know because the judiciary acts on precedents and facts, evidences, so we assume that they are going to follow the tradition. For instance, the precedence with regards to the submission of forged documents are very clear.
“The Supreme Court’s position on that is very clear. So we expect that for instance if the issuing office is called, in this case, the NYSC is called and asked did you issue this certificate? Once the NYSC said we didn’t issue it, the law expects nothing else than disqualification. We don’t expect the tribunals or the Supreme Court to depart from these precedents.
“We said it is calculation error. We didn’t allege any crime, so there is no reason why a judge who had come to effect justice would refuse to correct a calculation error when the miscalculations are obvious. The areas of our expectations do not leave much to idiosyncrasies, they follow strictly on matters that are factual and evidential.”
By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic incident at the Children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.
Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement stressed the importance of determining whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful development, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
The president, who expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident on Thursday, extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.
The statement read, “In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.”
The president wants a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.
He called on event organizers to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially children, just as he stressed the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.
According to the president, “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”
So far, police have confirmed that 35 children died while six others were critically injured.
According to a statement by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, yesterday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
The police stated that the event was organised by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.
The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has revoked the land title of former President Muhammadu Buhari for nonpayment of statutory fees.
A public notice issued yesterday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) showed that titles for 762 plots of land in the Maitama district of Abuja were revoked over failure to pay charges for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen was also affected.FCTA also threatened to withdraw the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) of 614 other individuals and companies if they fail to pay outstanding bills for their plots within two weeks.
The FCTA notice read, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.”
According to the administration, this action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to revoke Right of Occupancy for non-compliance with payment obligations or breach of other allocation terms.
The Cs-of-O of the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; his wife, Regina; and Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna were revoked.
Also affected are: former and serving lawmakers: the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former House of Representatives member, Nnenna Ukeje; Andy Uba and Smart Adeyemi, both former senators.
Wike, who assumed office in August 2023 has consistently emphasised his commitment to enforce order in Abuja’s land administration.
It was however a tough task for men of the Department of Development Control who were on mission to pull down unapproved structures.
Soldiers allegedly following the orders of an Army General on Wednesday evening attacked Development Control officials who were in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja to remove illegal structures in the area.
The officials were to remove the fence of a building on Plot 416 said to belong to one Major General.
An official of the department narrated their ordeal: “During this operation, there was an incident that happened at Plot 416 Sabon Lugbe that belongs a Major General.
“When the assignment was going on, the Major General got information…He sent two soldiers from his house to ascertain the situation.
“On getting to the scene, the soldiers who drove a vehicle wit covered number plate blocked the way out of the house to prevent the enforcement team from coming out of the premises, threatening that somebody must die today.
“Private Jamilu [second name unknown] went straight to the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle and pointed straight to him to come down or risk being shot immediately.
“He politely came down but was grabbed by the two soldiers who squeezed his neck with his clothes, beat him mercilessly and tore his shirt.
“Private Jamilu pulled his rifle and fired the four tyres of the caterpillar flat. He then called the Major General to come along with more soldiers for reinforcement, and he came with them in numbers.
“He ordered his men to take Sector Sodangi and his site officer to his house, beat them even right from outside alongside six enforcement officials who were also taken hostage for hours.
“Three Hilux vehicles were taken to the Major General’s house while the remaining vehicles that they could not lay hands on had their tyres flattened with gun shots.
“On receiving the information, the DPO Trademore came to the scene but the Major General refused to take compliments nor listen to her. She left and said she would come back.”
Director of the department, Mukhtar Galadima did not respond to our reporter’s enquiries. Also, the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye couldn’t be reached.
This is not the first time officials of the department have suffered attack. It has been a hazard they confront frequently in the course of their work.
By Ubong Ukpong & Eze OkeChukwu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday presented his administration’s ambitious N47.90 trillion budget estimates for 2025, assuring the people of the administration’s readiness to continue stimulating the economy through targeted fiscal stimulus packages, public expenditures, and non-inflationary spending.
While presenting the budget titled, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly, the president reiterated his unwavering commitment to rebuilding Nigeria and ensuring a prosperous future for the nation.
A breakdown of the proposed 2025 budget allocations showed the following: Defence and Security, N4.
91 trillion; Infrastructure, N4.06 trillion; Health, N2.48 trillion; and Education, N3.52 trillion.He said, “As we embark on implementing the 2025 budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear.
“This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy while addressing critical sectors essential for growth and development.”
On national security, Tinubu assured the public that his administration had “significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and Police Force to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.”
He said his government would continue to equip the security forces with the modern tools and technology necessary to safeguard the country.
“The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation.
“Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty,” the president noted.
On infrastructure development, the president explained, “When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy.
“We are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs.”
Tinubu shared his administration’s commitment to improving human capital development, revealing that the government had disbursed N34 billion to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“In the 2025 Budget, we have allocated N826.90 billion for infrastructure development in the educational sector, including allocations for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and nine new higher educational institutions,” he said.
For healthcare, Tinubu emphasized the importance of Universal Health Coverage initiatives and announced an allocation of N402 billion for infrastructure investments in the health sector, with an additional N282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Fund.
He added that his administration would continue its efforts to reduce medical import dependency and ensure quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
On corruption, Tinubu asserted, “Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them.
“We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.”
He urged Nigerians to look towards a brighter future and to support greater investment in the private sector, saying, “The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act.”
He stressed that the 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and hope, emphasizing that his administration’s journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which began 18 months ago, is well underway.
He said that Nigeria’s economy is responding positively to the fiscal stimulus measures, with growth projected at 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the same period of 2023.
He shared the 2025 budget’s revenue targets, with a proposed N34.82 trillion in revenue and N47.90 trillion in government expenditure, including N15.81 trillion for debt servicing.
The president projected inflation would decline from 34.6 percent to 15 percent, with an improved exchange rate of N1,500 per US dollar and crude oil production pegged at 2.06 million barrels per day, stating that, “This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.”
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his opening remarks said, “Your Excellency, we commend you on your groundbreaking tax reform initiative.
“The four tax reform bills—the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
“It is disheartening that those who have not taken time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.
“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.
“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.
“We will not kill any reform that you have forwarded to us for consideration Mr President but rather engage Nigerians to see the merits in them.”
In his vote of thanks, the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas said the government needs to reflect on the fiscal realities of Nigeria’s economy, especially the budget-population ratio of the country, when Nigeria is compared with other countries in Africa.
The Speaker noted that the Tinubu administration has taken bold and decisive steps to reform the economy in the past 18 months, stressing that removing fuel subsidies, unifying foreign exchange rates, and introducing innovative economic policies have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.
Abbas said while these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifices, they are acts of courage and patriotism.
He cited examples from China’s market reforms, India’s liberalisation, and South Korea’s industrialisation which, he stated, affirm the enduring benefits of such bold action. “These lessons inspire confidence that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms will foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure long-term prosperity,” he stated.
The Speaker stated that the Tinubu administration’s reforms have “disrupted the status quo, sparking resistance from vested interests,” noting that, “Yet these courageous measures underscore your resolve to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.”
The Speaker noted that the proposed 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion— a 35 percent increase over 2024— is “ambitious and commendable.”
He said the projections of 4.6 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, a crude oil price of $75 per barrel, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day are bold but achievable.”
He added, “However, Nigeria’s fiscal realities warrant critical reflection. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, our 2024 national budget of $36.7 billion remains modest compared to countries like South Africa, with a budget of $160 billion for its 60 million citizens; Egypt, with $110 billion for 110 million people; Algeria, with $60 billion for 45 million people; and Morocco, allocating $50 billion for its 37 million residents.
The Speaker assured the president, “This is not merely your budget; it is a national project requiring collaboration across all arms of government,” adding that the parliament will work to ensure its timely passage, provide legislative support for critical reforms, and conduct robust oversight to guarantee transparency and efficiency in its execution.
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