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CDS, IGP deny aiding, abetting activities of illegal miners

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, have denied suggestions that their personnel provide security for illegal miners in the country.

The duo made the denial  at a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Resources.

The hearing, which was conducted on Thursday in Abuja, was coordinated by Rep. Jonathan Gaza, chairman of the committee.

The security chiefs were  responding to a query by the Committee that the members of the armed forces and the police were providing security for illegal miners.

The committee had based its stance on “reliable reports”.

According to the CDS, represented by the Director of Operations, Defence Headquarters, AVM Nnaemeka Ilo, army personnel only provide protection for legitimate requests made by legitimate miners, who operate in conflict-inflicted areas.

He said the armed forces of Nigeria was ever ready to give all the necessary support needed to stop illegal mining.

“It is not our primary duty, but part of our responsibility is that whenever the civil authority tasks us to do something, we have to do that.

“So, for the Armed Forces to be here, it shows we are ready to support the agencies involved in stopping illegal mining, including the civil defence, police and the ministry.”

He dismissed insinuation of supporting illegal miners as ”simply untrue”.

“If there is any such allegations, please we would want to know which of the mines, or who brought the allegations so that we would take it up from there.

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“If there is any such allegation, we want to know who brought that up, but as it is, that is a lie, sir.

“Legitimate requests are made for the military to give protection to legitimate miners that licence have been issued to, in conflict-inflicted areas.

“Once we get such requests, what we normally do is to write to the Ministry of Mines.

“In fact, we direct them to send their letters to the Ministry of Mines. So, if the Ministry of Mines requests us, because of the nature of the environment, because of the conflict, we do sometimes give protection.”

He, however, said that such protection was limited to those people licensed by the government to carry out mining activities from the Ministry of Mines, based on requests from the ministry.”

Also, the Inspector General of Police, who was represented by AIG Ademola Hamzat, said no responsible organisation paid by the public would do anything that would be against the wish of the people.

He said the police often provide security  to some individuals established to be under serious threat, especially in crisis areas.

“But, from my own office, there is nothing to show that we protect any illegal mining site,” he said. (NAN)

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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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