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Peace, hope return to Benue APC – Chairman

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Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Dr Benjamin Omale, has expressed optimism that peace is returning to the state and predicted improved performance for the party.

Speaking in Makurdi during a courtesy call by the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Makurdi, the Chairman noted that over seventy percent peace mission has been achieved in Benue APC through consultation with critical stakeholders in line with the mandate from the National Secretariat.

Omale disclosed that the seven-man caretaker committee under him has been meeting with aggrieved parties during the 2023 party primaries, adding that positive responses have been recorded.

The caretaker committee Chairman informed that Benue State was leaping from president Bola Tinubu and governor Hyacinth Alia’s peace and good governance, while warning that any member of the party found in the habit of fanning embers of discord would be made to account for his or her actions and appealed to those still in court to consider the interest of the party for amicable solution.

According to him, all stakeholders would be accommodated in the scheme of things in Benue state under the leadership of governor Hyacinth Alia, whom he said is already doing well in governance.

He appreciate the media for balance reportage of political affairs in the state and  appealed that there should thorough investigations before going to the press in order not to hit the polity.

Commenting, the State Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Bem Angwe, revealed that members who contributed to the success of the party during the 2023 general election would be fully compensated.

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Angwe said “APC won’t disappoint Nigerians and what is left is the required patience and support for president Bola Tinubu and governor Hyacinth Alia administrations to delivery on mandate. He stated.

The State APC Woman leader, Hon. Ngohide Agaigbe,in her comment said aggrieved members of the party are cooperating with the caretaker Committee to restore peace and unity, assuring that women in Benue remains supportive now and years to come.

The NUJ chairman, Comrade Vincent Nyinongu, who responded appreciated the committee for embarking on peace mission within its fold.

He informed that NUJ was engulfed in crisis for several years and it was governor Hyacinth Alia administration that waded into and resolved it even as he expressed the readiness of journalists in the state to practice responsibly through accurate and balanced reportage of affairs.

The Chairman called on APC leadership in the state to run an open door administration such that journalists will access the required information for publication.

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Ighodalo vows to Appeal tribunal verdict upholding Okpebholo’s election victory

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 19 September governorship election in Edo, Mr Asue Ighodalo, has said he will challenge the tribunal’s judgment at the Court of Appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s victory and dismissed the petitions from the PDP and Ighodalo.

Ighodalo, in a statement in Benin, said his decision to challenge the judgment aimed to protect Edo people’s collective rights and ensure they freely determine their future.

“Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered its judgment on our petition challenging the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 election in our dear state.

“While we may not all agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must continue as democracy’s foundational bedrock.

“Our pursuit of justice affirms our firm belief that Edo people’s right to freely choose their leaders through credible, free, and fair elections must always prevail.

“As a committed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urge all Edo people to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding,” he stated.

Ighodalo said this was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

He commended the people for their massive support, sincere love, and belief in their shared vision for a prosperous Edo, which had fuelled their journey.

“For us, this has never been about personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ for Edo while upholding democracy’s core values.

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“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a serious miscarriage of justice.

“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about democracy’s essence, our collective right to determine our future, and our legacy for generations unborn.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice,” Ighodalo said. (NAN)

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Reactions trail Edo tribunal judgement

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the tribunal’s judgment affirming the election of Gov. Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Sept. 19 governorship election in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Okpebholo’s victory.

It dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Reacting to the judgment, the Edo chapter of the PDP expressed disappointment with the ruling delivered by the three-man election petition tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi.

Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, said the party was waiting to receive the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making further decisions.

“PDP is disappointed with the judgment of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel.

“As a party, we are waiting for the Certified True Copy. We will study it and decide on our next course of action,” Nehikhare said.

Mr Aslem Ojezua, a former PDP chieftain who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he was unsurprised by the tribunal’s decision, as the petition lacked merit.

“What I expect now is for Ighodalo to congratulate Okpebholo and join hands in solving the problems confronting our people and communities,” Ojezua said.

He added that the verdict was clear, highlighting the distinction between legal and sensational issues.

Chief Dan Orbih, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), said the tribunal had spoken, and they could not question its ruling.

Orbih stated that PDP would now focus on bringing back members who left during the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

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He emphasised that efforts would commence to rebuild the party in Edo State following the election setback.

Orbih blamed the PDP’s struggles on former Gov. Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of driving members away from the party.

“Unfortunately, the former governor brought distress, division, and disaster to the PDP.

“Today, I did not see his face among those at the tribunal, waiting for the judgment outcome.

“As it stands, lawyers will study the verdict and make a decision after a careful review of the well-established ruling,” he said. (NAN)

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Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Confirms Monday Okpebholo as Governor

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The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.

In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.

The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.

Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.

Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.

Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.

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