Appointment
Appeal Court upholds Tribunal judgement that affirmed Ododo’s election as Kogi Governor
The judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal that affirmed the election of Usman Ododo as the Governor of Kogi State has been upheld by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.
After dismissing the appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party’s candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka a three-man panel of the appellate court upheld the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the victory of Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State in the November 11, 2023 governorship election.
The Appellate Court, while resolving all four grounds of appeal against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, held that the petitioners failed to prove all the allegations in their petition beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court also ruled that the issue of alleged certificate forgery against Ododo is a pre-election matter and ought to have commenced at the Federal High Court.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in November 2023 declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo, as the winner of the November 11, 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election.
Ododo polled 446,237 votes, to beat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who scored 259,052, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 46,362 votes.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, Ajaka approached thepp tribunal seeking an overturn of the election results and an order directing INEC to conduct a fresh election in about five LGAs.
The SDP and its candidate challenged the poll on the grounds of alleged forgery, voting and non-compliance to the Electoral Act.
Witnesses from the five Local Government Areas including Adavi, and Okene LGAs, disputing the results in the polling units were called however, the tribunal dismissed the petition and affirmed Ododo’s election, holding that the petitioner could not prove that the governor presented a forged certificate, among other things.
Appointment
Senate endorses Omolola Oloworaran as PENCOM Director-General
The Senate has endorsed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran as the substantive Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Oloworaran for the position and sought Senate approval through a formal request.
Her confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, presented during Thursday’s plenary session.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), stated that Oloworaran met all legal and professional requirements as outlined in the Pension Reform Act 2014. He emphasized that she fulfilled the criteria stipulated under sections 19(2), (5), (6), and 26 of the Act, qualifying her for the role.
“The nominee has demonstrated competence and meets the legal prerequisites for this position. The committee finds her to be a fit and proper person for appointment as Director-General of PENCOM,” Senator Fasuyi said.
During the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin put the committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the senators.
Oloworaran’s confirmation ensures continued leadership at PENCOM, an agency critical to Nigeria’s pension administration and reform initiatives.
Appointment
Edo Governor Okpebholo Appoints Gani Audu as Chief of Staff
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as Chief of Staff, with the appointment taking immediate effect.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, made the disclosure through a press Statement on Thursday.
According to the statement the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, who made the announcement described Audu’s new role as integral to advancing Governor Okpebholo’s reform agenda for the state.
The statement reads: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect.”
Hon. Audu, born on August 18, 1969, brings a rich background in governance and administration to his new role. A graduate of Auchi Polytechnic with an HND (1994), he went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University (2011) and an M.Sc. in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja (2024).
Audu’s political experience spans nearly two decades. He served as Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010, represented Etsako West Constituency 1 in the Edo State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, and was the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2020 Edo State elections.
This strategic appointment is expected to bolster the governor’s administrative team and support his vision of transformative governance in Edo State.
Appointment
President Tinubu Congratulates Donald Trump on Re-election as U.S. President
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on Wednesday, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations amidst the complex global challenges and opportunities.
Trump, who claimed victory on Wednesday, pledged to “heal” the country as he was on the brink of defeating Kamala Harris in a remarkable White House comeback.
President Tinubu praised Trump’s victory, emphasizing that it reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He also commended the American people’s commitment to democracy.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Trump’s experience as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021 would foster beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. He expressed hope that this new era under President Trump would promote peace, economic cooperation, and address global challenges.
Acknowledging the significant influence of the United States in shaping global events, President Tinubu believes that Trump’s leadership will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
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