Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to show cause on why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele should not be allowed to contest the presidential election slated for next year.
This is contrary to a trending and misleading report that a Federal High Court has refused Emefiele’s request to restrain the INEC and the AGF from his presidential ambition.
Justice Mohammed has only summoned INEC and AGF to appear in court on May 12, to show cause on why status quo antebellum, should not be granted to the CBN Governor.
The case, instituted to seek clarification about Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act as amended, 2022, which according to the Counsel to the CBN Governor, Mike Ozekhome, does not affect him, being a public servant and not a political appointee, and thus, he could run for the post of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without vacating his position as the CBN Governor.
Specifically, the Judge has summoned INEC & AGF to show up in the court on May 12 to explain why Emefiele should not be allowed to run.
Emefiele, through the suit, sought seven reliefs from the court, one of which was to declare him qualified to contest for the presidential post.
The reliefs include: “A DECLARATION that the Plaintiff can only be governed by or subject to the provisions of section 137(1) (g) and 318 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), which require a public officer seeking election into a political office to resign, withdraw or retire from his appointment at least 30 days to the presidential election, rather than by the provisions of section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 or the guidelines, rules, criteria, measures or conditions made by the plaintiffs political party or any political party,” read the court filing.
“A DECLARATION that the Plaintiff can validly participate in the primary election of a political party and is entitled to vote and be voted for as candidate of any political party of his choice for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for the election to the office of President or any other office under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Having heard the Plaintiff, the court directed the Defendants, including INEC and AGF, to come to court on Thursday, 12th May, 2022, to show why the order for maintenance of status quo ante bellum should not be granted.
The Court also ordered the Plaintiff to deliver all processes to the Defendants, including a hearing notice.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, on Friday, dismissed the appeal filed by the Labour Party candidate, David Doherty, against Hon. Wale Rauf of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agenjo
August24news.com gathered that the judgement was celebrated on the official facebook page of the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi.
The Appeal Court affirmed the ruling of the House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal which declared Rauf as the rightful winner of the Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2 election conducted on March 18, 2023.
It also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Doherty and issue new one to Rauf of the APC.
Rauf would be returning to the House to serve as a second term lawmaker, having served between 2019 and 2023.
Our Correspondent had reported that the House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lagos, upturned the election of Doherty and declared Rauf as winner.
Doherty not satisfied with the ruling, approached the Court of Appeal.
BREAKING: 2 REJECTED AS LAGOS LAWMAKERS CONFIRM SANWO-OLU’S SECOND BATCH OF NOMINEES
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed 15 out of the second batch of 18 nominees sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently.
The confirmation happened after Hon. Mojeed Fatai, Chief Whip and chairman of the screening committee, laid a report of the exercise before the House.
At a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmakers rejected Engr. Olalere Odusote and Mr. Samuel Egube.
However, the House resolved to step down the confirmation of Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu for another day.
Dr. Obasa, commended the committee saying the members did a thorough job screening the nominees. His position was supported by the lawmakers present at plenary.
Those confirmed include: Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen Mr. Oluwaseun Oriyomi Osiyemi Prof. Akinola Emmanuel Abayomi Dr. Oluwarotimi Omotola Wahab Fashola Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose-Medem Mrs. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe Mrs. Bolaji Cécilia Dada Mrs. Barakat Akande Bakare Mr. Olugbenga Omotosho Mr. Mosopefoluwa George Dr. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje Dr. Olumide Oluyinka Mr. Abayomi Samson Oluyomi Dr. Iyabode Oyeyemi Ayoola Hon. Sola Shakirudeen Giwa.
The OMO EPETEDO FORUM has heartily rejoice with an illustrious Son of the Community, Hon. Sola Giwa on his nomination into the Cabinet of Lagos State Government by His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of the State.
The forum notes with joy, decision of the Governor to re- nominate his Special Adviser on Transportation back to the cabinet.
” It is with great joy that our Son, a brilliant, visionary and great grassroot mobiliser is re-nominated into the government. The gesture, no doubt, is an affirmation that His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has listening ears. He has cleared doubt of all by listening to vast majority of Lagosians who clamoured for a rejig of the Commissioners list. By this Action, He has undoubtedly reaffirmed our belief in clear vision, nobility of character,politics of principle, and above all, his quest for a prosperous Lagos that works”
We are assured that Sola Giwa will introduce new, lofty ideas into the administration. He has been a top-notch performer since the beginning of his Career in life. So, this new task will definately be carried out with utmost sincerity and will birth favourable outcomes.