S’Court Decides Tinubu’s Fate on Alleged Double Nomination May 26

The Supreme Court will on May 26, decide whether it will nullify the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over alleged double nomination. The apex court on Monday, adjourned to the above date to deliver its judgment in the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after taking submissions from the counsel representing parties in the suit.

Specifically, the PDP is seeking the disqualification of the President-elect, Tinubu and the Vice-President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, over alleged double nomination; an act which they say violates the electoral laws. The appellant anchored its appeal on the claims that the appellate court erred in law when it dismissed its appeal and affirmed the judgment of a trial court which held that the suit was incompetent and lacking in merit.

PDP is claiming that the APC breached the law when it nominated Shettima as the senatorial candidate for Borno Central and as vice-presidential candidate. At Monday’s proceedings, while APC’s lawyer, Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN), asked the court to strike out the case on the grounds that it has become statute barred, because the 180 days stipulated by law to hear the suit has elapsed, PDP’s lawyer, Mr Joe Agi (SAN), disagreed.

It is Agi’s position that the issue of 180 days does not apply in respect of double nomination, adding that since the act is purely an illegality, the court has the right to entertain the appeal. “They have done that before, they did it in the case of Nwosu and APC and they will do it again,” Agim added. The appellant accordingly urged the apex court to grant the appeal, set aside the concurrent decision of the two lower courts and nullify the election of Tinubu and the vice-president-elect for alleged double nomination.

The PDP had by their appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/108/2023, urged the appellate court to reverse the January 13 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja which dismissed its suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked locus standi to have instituted the suit. The three-member panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, in the lead judgment held that the PDP failed to establish its locus standi in the case. Justice James Abundaga, who delivered the judgment of the appellate court, had agreed with the respondents that the PDP is a busy body, who dabbled into issues that are internal affairs of the APC.

“The appellant, having failed to disclose its locus standi, this appeal fails and it is hereby dismissed,” he said and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the Federal High Court. Justice Abundaga awarded N5 million cost against the appellant’s lawyer, J. O. Olotu. The PDP had, in the suit filed on July 28, 2022, challenged the validity of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for the 2023 presidential election, arguing that Shettima’s nomination as the running mate was in breach of the provisions of Sections 29(1), 33, 35 and 84{1)}(2)} of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended).

 

Source: Thisday

 

 

CJN warns judges against bias, wants confidence in judiciary restored

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday, warned judges in the country to shun all forms of bias and ensure justice is dispensed equitably on all cases before them. Ariwoola, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference of the National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria, stressed that it was the only way to restore confidence in the judiciary.

Describing the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the CJN said judges must strive to interpret the law at all times without affection and ill will. Ariwoola said, “The judiciary is saddled with the responsibility of upholding the rule of law by interpreting, construing and applying the relevant laws. The judiciary is indeed the last hope of the common man, and we as judicial officers must strive to preserve the confidence reposed in us by the society.”

He informed that the objective of the conference was to reinforce the capacity of women judges in the judiciary, adding that, it is safe to say that certain vices in society have greater impact on women and the girl-child, and this forum allows for discourse along these lines. “I must mention that violent crimes against the female gender include sexual slavery and human trafficking, rape and female genital mutilation which persist despite efforts to eradicate same. “As such, the forum avails us the opportunity to discuss salient issues arising from policy formation and recent legislations that have the potential of having an impact on women in the society,” he stressed.

Speaking further, Ariwoola observed that, trafficking in persons has become a cankerworm that has eaten deeply into the different spheres of society, noting that the issue largely affected women and as such, the ongoing fight against human trafficking, therefore, remains a task that all stakeholders must close ranks to tackle. The CJN maintained, “It is the desire of most Nigerians that this hydra-headed monster be curbed. Towards this end, and in light of the foregoing, your conference has been designed to acquaint delegates with emerging developments on combating human trafficking as well as other key issues.

“It is my conviction that this forum will serve as an avenue to enlighten distinguished delegates on global best practices in confronting challenges arising from this special area of the law,” he noted further. The President, NAWJN, Jummai Sankey, said the theme of the conference, “Ending Violence Against Women and Children”, was in line with the goal of the association to sensitise stakeholders in the criminal justice system on the need to work together to end sexual and gender-based violence, as well as all forms of violence against women and children in society.

“Women judges should therefore not rest on their oars. Rather, this should serve as a clarion call to your lordships to strive to excel in your various jurisdictions, continue to work diligently and serve with integrity to encourage more appointment of women judges to the Bench and leadership positions in the judiciary,” Sankey implored.

 

Source: Punch

 

 

Italian footballer, Gabriele Gallani dies after falling into a canal in Amsterdam

Police have launched an investigation after Italian footballer Gabriele Gallani died in Amsterdam after falling into a canal. The 24-year-old, who captained ASD Piccardo Traversetolo, died at the hospital after being rescued from the canal by emergency services.

According to Italian media reports, Gallani had fallen into the canal while he was walking with friends in the Kloveniersburgwal district of Amsterdam. His disappearance reportedly was not immediately noticed, with Gallani having walked behind his friends.

Gallani was in a critical condition when he divers located him in the water, with police, ambulances and an air ambulance having been called to attend to him. Gallani was transported to hospital but died a few hours later.

 

Source: Lindaikeji