COVER
Tinubu, APC Close Defence in Peter Obi’s Petition
President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress yesterday closed their defence in the petition filed by Mr Peter Obi and Labour Party (LP).
Lawyers to President Tinubu and the APC who called Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as their star witness informed the court that they have established their case through the witness and do not need to call another witness in the matter.
The witness who is a practicing Attorney in the United States of America and currently the Majority Leader of the Senate, in his evidence told the court that their is no record of criminal proceedings or conviction of Senator Bola Tinubu in the United States of America.
Senator Bamidele in his witness deposition further told the court that their is a shortfall of ten thousand, nine hundred and twenty-nine votes in the votes recorded for Senator Bola Tinubu in Kano state.
Earlier, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) admitted the Chicago State university records of President Bola Tinubu who formally opened his defence in a petition filed against his electoral victory by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
At the resumed hearing of the petition, the defence tendered educational documents to establish Tinubu’s attendance and graduation at the American University comprising of the admission letter offered the president by the institution, as well as a United States of America visa from 2011 to 2021, among others.
Lawyers to President Tinubu also presented the membership register of the Labour Party in Anambra State to prove its case that Peter Obi was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the LP, as at the time of the election.
Tender LP Membership Register, 18 Exhibits Against Obi
At the resumed hearing of petitions at the court yesterday, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima tendered a copy of the Labour Party (LP) membership register for Anambra State in proof of their argument that Peter Obi is not a registered member of the party.
Tinubu and Shettima had argued, in their response to the petition filed by Obi and the Labour Party, that not being a party member at the time of the 2023 presidential election disqualified Obi from contesting the last election on the platform of the LP.
The document was tendered by Tinubu’s and Shettima’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), along with LP’s letter forwarding the membership register to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Although the lawyer to the petitioners, Livy Uzoukwu objected to the admissibility of the documents, the court, however, admitted them and marked them as Exhibits RA17 and RA18.
Similarly, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday tendered 18 exhibits before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in a bid to escape the disqualification request of the Labour Party (LP) and Peter Obi, its candidate in the February election.
While Tinubu, for the second time in less than 24 hours, presented his records at the Chicago State University to the court, Shetima tendered his letter of withdrawal from the Borno South Senatorial race upon being picked to be Vice Presidential candidate.
Tinubu and Shetima tendered the exhibits to the court to debunk allegations of non-qualification to stand for the 2023 presidential election.
Through their lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Tinubu separately put at the disposal of the Court a letter of February 3, 2003, signed by a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tafa Balogun, requesting the criminal records of Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria.
At yesterday’s proceedings, where they opened their defence in a joint petition of the LP and Obi, Tinubu tendered another letter from the US Embassy which, in response to the Police letter, claimed not to have any criminal records of Tinubu.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not object to tendering and admitting the documents as exhibits, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, vehemently kicked against the admission of the documents.
However, in spite of the vehement objection by PDP and Atiku, the court admitted the documents as exhibits to be used to determine whether the President attended the Chicago State University and to determine as whether he was convicted in the United States of any drug offences as alleged by Obi and his party.
Obi and LP had predicated their joint petition seeking nullification of Tinubu’s election on the ground of not having requisite educational qualification and conviction for drug-related offences by a US court, among others.
Similar exhibits had on Tuesday been admitted by the same court but in a different petition of Atiku and PDP, who are also asking the court to kick out Tinubu from the Presidency on the same grounds.
Besides the records on educational background and absence of criminal conviction, Tinubu tendered several US visas to establish his frequent visits to America and clearances obtained from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Meanwhile, the defence has been stepped down for calling witnesses.
By David Torough, Abuja
Business tycoon Aminu Alhassan Dantata yesterday donated N1.5 billion to those affected flood in Maiduguri, Borno State.Dantata who was accompanied friends and associates in Kano was received in Maiduguri by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.The businessman extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the state especially those who lost their beloved ones to the flood.
Dantata, 96 lamented the bad economy and prayed for the peace and harmony of Borno State and Nigeria. The Borno State governor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit.He acknowledged that its serves as a powerful beacon of hope and solidarity during the trying times.Zulum said, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of humanity by a 96-year-old to visit us.“Let me say it, Our Baba has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah.”This donation comes after Dantata’s nephew, Aliko Dangote also donated N1 billion to the flood victims.Meanwhile, Borno State government has raised the alarm, saying the people are at the risk of health crisis.Government has warned residents against eating vegetables from flooded areas because they are contaminated.A statement posted by the Ministry of Information and Internal Security on Facebook yesterday advised the public to abide by the warning for their wellbeing.The statement read, “Due to the recent flood disaster, vegetables from flooded areas are seriously contaminated with harmful substances, including sewage, dead bodies, chemicals and bacteria.“Consuming these contaminated vegetables can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases, food poisoning, and other health complications. “To protect your health and safety, we urge you to avoid buying vegetables from flooded areas; only purchase vegetables from trusted sources and reputable markets; ensure that all vegetables are properly washed and cleaned before consumption.”Nearly 500,000 people have been displaced and more than 1 million affected by flood that recently submerged several parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.The flood, described as the worst in the state in 30 years, resulted from the collapse of Alau Dam due to high rainfalls. The disaster also killed about 80 percent of animals in a zoo in the city as some ran away.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger State Government has signed a $2billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish company, Direkci Group for the off-taking of Soya Beans in the State.The agreement signed at the Niger State Government House, Minna was witnessed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, officials of Direkci Group led by their MD/CEO Mr Nurullah Mahmet and other top government functionaries.
The 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10 years period, is under the Niger Foods, and is expected to boost agriculture in the State, create job opportunities and improve the economic status of local farmers. Bago appreciated the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in Niger State.According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”He said going forward, the state government was equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish company, Mr Nurullah Mahmet said they have been in agric business for decades and have established their presence in Nigeria for 17 years.He said they were attracted by the agricultural programmes of the state and partnering with the state would be mutually beneficial for both parties.He commended Bago for providing the needed impetus for agric investment in the state.The MD said they were willing to put in $10 billion in agriculture investment for the next 10 years and would work with the government of their country to provide security for their investment in the state.The Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun disclosed that the Turkish firm will buy 500,000 tonnes of soya beans each year for 10 years.He said the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilizers, ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.Adigun revealed that the Turkish firm was also investing in a 100,000 hectare Green House project with cold chain facility at the agro processing zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as tomato and pepper among others.He added that the group will also establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production facility including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.Adigun said the partnership would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.He announced that already, the group had ordered the first chicken house for 500,000 chickens and would be functional in six months time, while 2000 green houses were already being shipped as the group was also to provide $50 million as direct support to farmers.The agreement, according to Adigun will include the company providing security for their investment in areas prone to insecurity in the state.
From Sylvia Udegbunam EnuguEnugu State Government and Jelfah Nigeria Ltd yesterday signed N40 billion deal for the revitalisation of the long-moribund state-owned Sunrise Flour Mills, Enugu.The deal signed at the Government House, Enugu saw Jelfah acquire 60 percent equity stake in Sunrise Flour Mills and is expected to invest N24 billion in the iconic mills, which went moribund since 1985 just two years after it was commissioned in 1983.
The state government keeps 40 percent based on the existing assets of the company. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony and public announcement of the transaction, the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah said this milestone, coming on the heels of the N100 billion deal to resuscitate the hitherto dying Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL) is clear demonstration of his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through private sector investment.“Just a few months ago, we secured an investment size of N100 billion with a company known as Pragmatic Palms Limited, and today we have just witnessed Enugu State, again securing another investment size of N40 billion.“This investment will see Jelfah Group investing N24 billion into the existing Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills. N22bn will be directed into revamping and resuscitation of the Sunrise Flower Mill, and N2 billion is going to come to the State by way of cash.“The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is also going to own 10,000 hectares of farmland, where we are going to cultivate the inputs for the flour mills such as cassava and grain.“This is a testament that when we say Enugu State is open for business, we are truly committed to it. We understand how to make a win-win deal, both for the investors and for the people of Enugu State,” Mbah stated.He assured Jelfah group of continued support, enjoining other prospective investors to come over to invest in the state.“We hope that this signals to other investors, who may still be on the fence that Enugu is actually ready for business. We are committed to not just creating the enabling environment, but also working with investors to help them derisk investments and grow their businesses,” the governor concluded.Speaking, the Chairman of Jelfah Group, Moses Saromi, said they were attracted by Governor Mbah’s vision, dynamic leadership, and speedily increasing ease of doing business in Enugu State under his leadership, saying that Jelfah was in a hurry to transform Sunrise Mills to a centre of excellence.“Your policies have unlocked new opportunities for private sector participation, and Jelfah is proud to be part of this progressive movement.“This acquisition of 60 percent equity not only aligns with Jelfah’s long-term vision, but also furthers the governor’s ambition of empowering the people, revitalising moribund assets, and ensuring sustainable development. And together with our consortium partners, our goal is to transform Sunrise Flour Mills into a centre of excellence, harnessing our collective expertise to drive growth and value creation.“So, we firmly believe that this partnership will catalyse positive change, spark job creation, elevate local production capacities, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of Enugu State,” he said.“We have worked hard in the last months to get to this point. We have a short term, medium term, and a long term plan for the flour mills. Activities will start in earnest. In another 90 days, you are going to experience a lot of movements and activities with regards to the revitalisation of the flour mills.“Our activities will include recruitment of people, who will run the plant, indigenes of the state, obviously. And as the governor rightly said, we are creating a model that will provide the inputs for the mills, such as the 10,000 hectres of farmlands to cultivate all the inputs for the mills,” he said.
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