Connect with us

NEWS

INEC boss visits CJN over conflicting judgements on electoral cases

Published

on

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to address the spate of conflicting judgments on electoral cases in the country.

He said the Commission was worried about the recurring decimal among courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject-matter, especially in cases related to pre-election, post election and leadership crises in political parties. Apart from its enormous cost implications to the country, the INEC Chairman said the practice had also created a negative public perception.

Prof Yakubu spoke on 17th January, when he led members of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the CJN in Abuja. According to him, with the 2019 General Elections barely a year away and for which the Timetable and Schedule of Activities had already been announced, it had become imperative to draw the CJN’s attention to the Commission’s areas of concern.

He said: “For instance, in a recent leadership crisis in one political party, the Commission was served with six conflicting judgments and orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction within a short period of three months (May – July 2016). Similarly, the Commission was confronted by conflicting pronouncements by the lower courts on matters already decided by the superior courts, including the Supreme Court. This is making the work of the Commission very difficult and creating unnecessary negative public perception for INEC and, I must say, the Judiciary as well.”

He continued: “My Lords, in the course of discharging our responsibilities, no public institution in Nigeria is subjected to more litigations than INEC. Over the last two years (2016 and 2017), the Commission has been involved in 454 court cases, in addition to 680 cases determined by the Election Petition Tribunals, arising from the outcomes of the 2015 General Elections, making a total of 1,134 cases so far.”

He expressed satisfaction with what he described as a “productive working relationship” between and the Judiciary and INEC, recalling that in 2011 when the Commission was inundated with numerous and sometimes conflicting ex parte orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, it was the CJN’s intervention following an appeal from the Commission, that averted a major threat to the electoral process. That intervention, he affirmed, stemmed the frequent use of such orders in election litigation in Nigeria.

His words: “It is in the spirit of this longstanding engagement with the Judiciary that the Commission once again seeks the intervention of Your Lordship in addressing the issue of conflicting judgments and other issues we consider pertinent in election litigation in Nigeria. We hope that by addressing these issues, the Judiciary would further assist the Commission and, indeed, the country in growing our democracy.”

Prof Yakubu explained that as a demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law, the Commission obeyed all court orders and carried out all consequential actions since the 2015 General Elections. He said INEC also conducted all the 80 court-ordered re-run elections and had issued Certificates of Return to 23 petitioners declared winners by the Appeal Tribunals.

He said: “We have similarly obeyed all court orders on the registration of political parties, leadership disputes in political parties, nomination of candidates and a host of other judgments, “ He assured the CJN that the Commission “shall continue to obey court orders, while taking full cognizance of judicial hierarchy at all times.”

He reiterated the responsibility shared by the Judiciary and INEC for ensuring certainty and credibility of both the process and outcome of elections “and the peace and progress of our country as a stable democracy based on the will of the people and anchored on the rule of law.”

He commended the leadership of the Judiciary for standing firmly on the side of justice in several landmark judgments. But the challenge, he observed, is how to ensure constituent application of such decisiveness by courts at all levels.

Responding, Justice Onnoghen agreed that both the Judiciary and INEC were the foundation of democracy in Nigeria. He said conflicting court orders were bound to arise as a result of the multiple court cases filed by politicians at different courts, which according to him, were bound to have different facts and different interpretations by the different presiding judges.

He said: “the beauty of the system is that it has a way of correcting itself. That is why you have the appellate system to take care of errors and mistakes committed in the course of court proceedings and in respect of substantive law”.

The CJN said the Judiciary was aware of the enormous responsibility before it assuring that it would remain committed towards deepening democracy and improving the system. He however urged the Commission to educate Nigerians on their roles as well as INEC’s.

Prof Yakubu presented the Commission’s compilation of some of the issues critical to election litigation in Nigeria and its recommendations to the CJN.

The Commission’s team include National Commissioners Adekunle Ogunmola, Solomon Soyebi, Baba Shettima Arfo, Amina Zakari, Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine, May Agbamuche-Mbu, Okechikwu Ibeanu and Mohammed Haruna.

Others are the Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman, Prof Bolade Eyinla, Special Adviser to the Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Kuna, Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Chinwe Ogakwu and some Directors.

AFRICAN

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards

Published

on

By

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards | fab.ng

Ghana dominated the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) recent International Excellence Awards for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). All three top awards went to Ghanaian students in a ceremony held last Tuesday at the Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The outstanding young men hail from St. James Seminary Senior High School. Two of the awardees are proud alumni of St. James Seminary, further solidifying the school’s academic excellence. A total of 2,327,342 students from the five WAEC member countries participated in the 2023 WASSCE, making this Ghanaian achievement even more impressive.

The ceremony itself was a moment of national pride. Ghana’s Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah, congratulated the winners for their exceptional performances. He highlighted their consistent success, mentioning that Ghana claimed two out of the top three spots last year and achieved a clean sweep this year.

Meet the Ghanaian heroes:

  • Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton (St. James Seminary)
  • Dzandu Selorm (Labone Senior High School)
  • Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi (St. James Seminary)

Ghana's performance in WAEC Excellence Award testament to Akufo-Addo's legacy, says Adutwum - Asaase Radio

Mr. Amo-Kodieh beamed with pride as he addressed the crowd, expressing his immense honor at being named the overall best student of the 2023 WASSCE. He attributed his success to his dedication to academic excellence. Throughout his journey, he actively pushed his intellectual boundaries, embraced challenges, and thrived in dynamic learning environments.

Get the latest and greatest updates right away! Join our exclusive WhatsApp channel and never miss out on exciting news again.

Mr. Amo-Kodieh acknowledged the government and all stakeholders who played a crucial role in his achievement. “Their immense support,” he declared, “was instrumental in turning this path to success into a reality.”

Extending his appreciation further, Mr. Amo-Kodieh spoke on behalf of all awardees at the (WAEC) Excellence Awards. “We are incredibly grateful,” he emphasized, “to the government, the GES, the Ministry of Education, the WAEC, and especially our families. Each of you played an indispensable part in shaping our education.”

Continue Reading

MOVIES

Onyeka Onwenu Set To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Upcoming Film

Published

on

Onyeka Onwenu To Chronicle Her Music Journey In Film | Fab.ng

Nigerian veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu is making a movie about her long music career! She recently told the News Agency of Nigeria that the film will cover her decades of experience in the music industry. Onwenu is known as the “elegant stallion.” She started her career in the 1970s and is excited to share her perspective on how Nigerian music has changed over the years.

Onwenu said,

“I am currently working on a film that will chronicle my experiences in the music industry from the 70s to the present day. Having been a part of this narrative for decades, I have a wealth of stories to share.”

Onyeka Onwenu also has another exciting project in the works! She plans to release a compilation of her classic songs with a fresh twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists. This means fans can look forward to both a movie and a new music collection from her later this year.

“I am rebranding my old songs and collaborating with new talents. My aim is to offer listeners a fresh perspective on timeless classics,” she explained.

Onyeka Onwenu is a woman of many talents! Besides working on the movie and music project, she recently released a new single called “Abu Otito” (Songs of Praise). This song has a special meaning: Onwenu is donating the money earned from streams of the song to the Rose of Sharon Foundation, which helps widows.

“I am passionate about using music to address social issues. From supporting widows to promoting education among rural children, I strive to make a positive impact through my art.”

Onyeka Onwenu’s generosity extends beyond music. She’s passionate about helping others, especially children. Onwenu has already set up programmes to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged kids in Abia State. And she’s not stopping there; she plans to expand these initiatives to Imo State as well.

“We not only pay school fees directly to schools but also offer civic education to instill a sense of cultural identity. These efforts represent my dedication to empowering future generations,” the musician noted.

Onyeka Onwenu also has some advice for other musicians. She says they need to be persistent and take charge of their careers, especially during tough economic times.

“Hang in there and create opportunities for yourselves,” she urged, highlighting the need for proactive approaches in navigating the ever-evolving music industry landscape.

Onyeka Onwenu’s work in music, film, philanthropy, and education makes her a true role model for future generations.

“I have been part of the story right from time, and I am still moving forward, so I have a lot of stories to tell,” she remarked.

Onyeka Onwenu is giving her fans a double treat this year! Besides working on a new movie, she’s also releasing a collection of her classic hits with a modern twist—collaborations with up-and-coming artists.

Onwenu’s music has always been about more than entertainment. She’s used her powerful voice to promote Nigerian culture and social issues. Remember the evergreen duet “Wait for Me” with King Sunny Ade? It tackled population control, a relevant message even today.

Another one of her classics, “African Woman,” celebrates the strength and beauty of African women facing challenges. Songs like “Sodom and Gomorrah” explore biblical themes, while others like “Iyogogo,” “One Love,” “Dancing in the Sun,” and “Choices” cover a range of topics that continue to resonate with fans.

Check out more news updates here.

Continue Reading

MOVIES

Zack Orji Is Alive – AGN President Shuts Death Rumours

Published

on

Zack Orji: AGN President Confirms He Is Alive | Fab.ng

Rumours are going around that Nollywood actor Zack Orji has passed away. But that’s not true. The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, said on his Instagram page on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, that these rumours are false. He asked people to stop spreading this misinformation.

His post read,

“Mr Zack Orji is alive 💯💯💯💯💯💯Please ignore mischief makers who enjoy circulating fake news. This is to show how wicked some people can be. It is totally unacceptable. He will not die but live to declare the good works of God in Jesus’ name.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Emeka Rollas Ejezie (@emekarollas)

A concerned commenter said,

“Thanks a lot for the update sir. I don’t know why some people prefer to disseminate unconfirmed information. May he not die. Wish him a quick recovery.” 

In December 2023, the public learned about the actor’s health struggles, leading to concern among his fans. On December 31st, he collapsed in his home’s toilet and was quickly taken to the hospital.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment due to the severity of his condition. Reports indicated that he couldn’t speak or walk at that time. Fans became even more worried when a video surfaced showing the actor in a hospital bed.

During his recovery, he received visits from prominent figures including the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Hajia Nana Shettima, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the wife of the Minister for Works, Rachael Umahi, and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, among others.

In January 2024, there was relief among Nigerians as reports confirmed the actor’s recovery at a private hospital in Abuja following brain surgery.

Continue Reading

Latest

Big Brother Nigeria: Ebuka Auditioned On A Dare | Fab.ng Big Brother Nigeria: Ebuka Auditioned On A Dare | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT1 day ago

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Auditioned For Big Brother Nigeria On A Dare

Talk show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu recently appeared on the “Menisms Podcast” and shared a surprising story about his beginnings. Ebuka...

Love Nwantiti Still Highest RIAA-Certified Nigerian Song | Fab.ng Love Nwantiti Still Highest RIAA-Certified Nigerian Song | Fab.ng
MUSIC1 day ago

“Love Nwantiti” Extends Its Record As Highest RIAA Certified Nigerian Song

CKay’s song “Love Nwantiti” is a global Afrobeats phenomenon that took off on TikTok in 2021. Believe it or not,...

Beverly Naya: Why I Almost Quit Acting | Fab.ng Beverly Naya: Why I Almost Quit Acting | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT1 day ago

See Why Beverly Naya Almost Quit Acting

Nollywood actress Beverly Naya recently talked to media personality Chude Jideonwo about a tough time in her career. She said...

Tyla Teases Potential Collaboration With Blackpink’s Lisa | Fab.ng Tyla Teases Potential Collaboration With Blackpink’s Lisa | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT1 day ago

Tyla Teases Potential Collaboration With Blackpink’s Lisa

Music fans! South African singing sensation Tyla is brewing up a potential collaboration with K-pop megastar Lisa from BLACKPINK! The...

How Osita Iheme Feels About Pawpaw Memes On Socials | Fab.ng How Osita Iheme Feels About Pawpaw Memes On Socials | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT1 day ago

This Is How Osita Iheme Feels About All The Pawpaw Memes On Social Media

Veteran Nollywood actor Osita Iheme, also known by his famous nickname Pawpaw, likes how people use funny pictures (memes) from...

Nancy Isime Wins Big At The Ikon Awards In Uganda | Fab.ng Nancy Isime Wins Big At The Ikon Awards In Uganda | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT1 day ago

Nancy Isime Wins Big At The Ikon Awards In Uganda

Nigerian talent Nancy Isime is making waves across Africa. Her hard work and dedication to her craft were recently recognized...

Chidi Okezie: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold Medal | Fab.ng Chidi Okezie: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold Medal | Fab.ng
SPORTS1 day ago

Chidi Okezie’s Gold Medal Inspiration: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold

In 1987, Nigerian athlete Innocent Egbunike stormed onto the international scene. At the All-African Games, he clocked a phenomenal 44.23...

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards | fab.ng Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards | fab.ng
AFRICAN2 days ago

Ghana Leads The Front At The WAEC Excellence Awards

Ghana dominated the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) recent International Excellence Awards for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination...

Kanayo O. Kanayo In "Out Of Breath" | Fab.ng Kanayo O. Kanayo In "Out Of Breath" | Fab.ng
MOVIES2 days ago

Kanayo O Kanayo To Play First Major Igbo-speaking Role Since 1992

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo will star in “Out of Breath.” This is his first major Igbo-speaking role in...

Stonebwoy Delivers Performance With Odumodublvck | Fab.ng Stonebwoy Delivers Performance With Odumodublvck | Fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT2 days ago

Stonebwoy Delivers Stunning Performance With Odumodublvck At African Games Closing Ceremony

Ghanaian music star Stonebwoy, a celebrated BET award winner, rocked the 2023 African Games closing ceremony! Held in Accra, Ghana,...

Trending