A Federal High Court in  Abuja on Monday struck out a suit filed by the Labour Party (LP) seeking an order compelling INEC to conduct fresh election in the Rivers House of Assembly to fill the seats of the defected lawmakers.

Justice James Omotosho struck out the suit after counsel for the party, F.

I. Adariku, applied to withdraw suit.

In the suit, the LP had sought the order of the court to compel the commission to conduct fresh election to fill the seats of the lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

But INEC, through its lawyer, Victor Giwa, disagreed with the LP.

Giwa, in a preliminary objection filed on INEC’s behalf, prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being frivolous and incompetent.

According to the lawyer, the suit is an abuse of court process.

He urged the court to decline jurisdiction in the case as the plaintiff (LP) lacked the locus standi and territorial jurisdiction to institute the action.

Giwa, a human rights activist, argued that there was a pending case currently ongoing at a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt judicial division with suit number: FHC/PH/CS/25/2024 before Justice E.A Obile.

He said the Port Harcourt suit had same parties and concerned same subject matter which was filed earlier before the instant suit in February.

However, after INEC filed its objection, the LP approached the court to withdraw the suit.

Adariku, who held the brief of Kehinde Edun, the party’s national legal adviser, sought to withdraw the suit, praying the court to strike it out.

A. S. Adisa, who held the brief of Giwa, did not oppose the application.

The lawyer, however, sought for N500, 000 cost.

The judge, in a ruling delivered on May 3 but its certified true copy sighted on Monday, ordered LP to pay N50, 000 cost.

“It is hereby ordered as follows: that this matter having been withdrawn is hereby struck out.

“That the cost of 50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) is awarded against the plaintiff in favour of the 29th defendant (INEC),” Justice Omotosho declared.

Reports says that other defendants in the suit were Gov. Siminalayi Fubara,  Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Christopher Ofiks, Azeru Opara, and Enemi George.

It also included Granvill Wellington, Ngbar Bernard, John  Iderima, Queen Uwuma  Williams, . Loolo  Opuende and  Abbey Peter.

Others are Igwe – Obey Aforii, Justina Emeji,  Ignatius Onwuka,  Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Lemchi Prince Nyeche,  Barile Nwakoh, Emilia  Amadi,  Nkemjika Ezekwe,  Davios  Oxobiriari,  Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforii and  Wami Solomon.(NAN)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to conduct the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States from Monday, May 27 to Wednesday, June 5.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this at the commission’s second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held on Monday in Abuja.

Yakubu said that INEC would also distribute uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the two states during the period, advising those who were yet to register or collect their PVCs to use the opportunity to do so.

He said that the resumption of the CVR would also afford registered voters who wanted to transfer their registration from other states to Edo and Ondo.

“Let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.

“Persons who are already registered voters should not attempt to register again as that will amount to double or multiple registrations and it is illegal.

“Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does not require fresh registration,” he said.

Yakubu said that taking into consideration the limited time to the election, the CVR would take place at ward and state headquarters of INEC instead of the local government offices, and a few designated centers.

“This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo and 203 centres in Ondo, in addition to our state offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 walk-in registration centres in the two states.

“There will be no online pre-registration option in the two states because of time constraint. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),’’ he said.

He added that in the next few days, INEC would commence the training of at least 794 officials for the exercise, saying that the locations for the registration centres and other relevant information had been made available to political party leaders.

Yakubu appealed to political parties and other stakeholders to join INEC in mobilising prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the eleventh hour.

He said that INEC plans to publish the list of uncollected PVCs in its offices in the two states and simultaneously uploaded to the commission’s website.

Yakubu appealed to party leaders to continue to play by the rules during the electioneering process and beyond, ahead of the April 24 commencement of electioneering campaign for Edo election.

He also urged them to adhere strictly to the timeline for the upload of the list of polling and collation agents to INEC dedicated portal.

He said doing so would enable INEC to produce and deliver identity cards in good time for the expected 76,823 polling unit agents and 3,587 ward, local government and state collation agents for the election.

“Turning to Ondo, political parties have just concluded their primaries. Eighteen political parties conducted primaries monitored by the Commission.

“I wish to remind you that parties have one week to the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is 6.00pm on Monday May 20, 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.

“I urge you to adhere strictly to the deadline. Political parties have been given 23 days from the end of primaries to prepare and submit the list of only two candidates (governorship candidate and running mate) to the Commission,’’ Yakubu said.

He said that the commission was remobilising to conduct the two State Assembly constituencies in Enugu and Kano States.

Yakubu also said that INEC would soon announce date for the conduct of by-election into existence of vacancies in National and State Assemblies caused by either death or resignation of members in three states constituencies and one federal constituency.

“The constituencies are; Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Yusuf Dantalle, pledged to work with INEC to mobilise voters for Edo and Ondo governorship election.

“Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship election, it is important that voters are massively mobilised to register and participate in the poll.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will spearhead this crucial exercise in collaboration with INEC.

“In previous elections, Council would move to various states, sensitize and mobilise the people on upcoming polls, called for non-violence and urge them to shun vote buying and selling, etc with the limited funds at its disposal,’’ Dantalle said.(NAN)

From Marcel Duru, Charity Wins, Owerri

Delegation from the National Assembly, led by the House of Representatives Committee on Army, chaired by Hon. Abdullahi Mamudu. Among the members of this esteemed committee was Hon. Barr Harrison Nwadike, representing the Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency.

During their visit, Hon. Nwadike and his colleagues embarked on an oversight function aimed at assessing the security situation in Imo State. The committee’s focus on matters pertaining to the Army underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of lives and properties across the nation.Hon. Nwadike commended Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, for his warm hospitality and unwavering commitment to addressing security challenges within the state. He praised Governor Uzodinma’s proactive approach and open-heartedness in tackling issues related to security, which reflects a deep sense of patriotism and dedication to safeguarding the interests of the people.Expressing his gratitude, Hon. Nwadike thanked Chairman Abdullahi Mamudu for his exemplary leadership in guiding the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Army. He acknowledged the committee’s legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the security framework of the nation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative endeavors between the legislative and executive arms of government in ensuring national security.The visit by Hon. Nwadike and his colleagues highlight the collective commitment of lawmakers towards enhancing security measures and fostering peace and stability in Imo State and beyond. It underscores the importance of collaboration and synergy between different levels of government in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.As the nation navigates through various security concerns, the proactive engagement of leaders like Hon. Nwadike and Governor Uzodinma serve as a beacon of hope and reassurance for citizens. Their dedication to the welfare and safety of the people sets a commendable example for effective governance and public service.In conclusion, the oversight function in Imo State led by Hon. Barr Harrison Anozie Nwadike and his colleagues signifies a proactive approach towards addressing security challenges and underscores the collective commitment of stakeholders towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.