Edo poll: Court decides Imasuagbon, Akpata LP candidacy tussle July 19
A Federal High Court sitting in Benin presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri has reserved judgment till the 19 July, 2024, on the candidacy tussle in the Labour Party Governorship primaries conducted on February 23, 2024.
Kenneth Imasuagbon had approached the High Court in Benin and Abuja, challenging the nomination of Olumide Akpata as the candidate of the party for the governorship election slated for September 21st, 2024.
He is challenging the nomination of Akpata because the Labour Party party (second defendant) did not follow the electoral guidelines in the primaries and he (Olumide) did not fill and sign the indemnity form among other grounds.
After two adjournments, the case eventually came up for hearing on Tuesday (today) where written addresses from counsels of the plaintiff and defendants were adopted.
Lead counsel to the plaintiff, A. A Malik (SAN), in his argument, had prayed the court to dismiss the submission of the counsels to Akpata on the ground that the 1st defendant violated the electoral act and party’s constitution which he noted are critical elements of the electoral processes.
Malik also pointed out that the plaintiff had disclosed reasonable cause of action on the matter and urged the court to throw away the submission of the 1st defendant, declare and return the plaintiff as the winner or on the alternative void, nullify the primary election and order a fresh election.
He alleged that the conduct of the LP primaries was marred with over-voting which runs contrary to the party guidelines and the constitution.
On his part, the counsel to the defendant, Kadiri Asamah (SAN) said that the argument and submission of the plaintiff is baseless and can’t be litigated upon by the court adding that it was a pre-primary issue and as such be dismissed by the court.
Asamah, while adopting all the arguments contained in his written addresses urged his Lordship to dismiss the written addresses of the plaintiff, adding that it was an abuse of court processes.
After listening to both parties, the judge looked at his calendar and said, “July 19 for judgment.”
Addressing newsmen after the court session, Imasuagbon expressed confidence in the ability of the court to dispense justices in the matter, reiterating his desire to bring about a better Edo State for all.
“I am confident in the ability of the court will dispense justice in this matter. We have taken the right step by taking the matter to court to clear any ambiguity.
“I desire to see that Edo State becomes better for everyone and hopefully we will be able to realize that in the near future.”
The Chairman of Northern Youth Wing Christians Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Musa Misal, has denied issuing any press statement in support of Rev Yakubu Pam, the former Northern CAN chairman, stating that their allegiance is with Rev John Joseph Hayab.
Misal in a statement issued to journalists said some people wrote an earlier statement and asked him to sign, but he refused because he was present when the State Chairmen in the 19 Northern States and FCT elected Rev John Joseph Hayab as their leader.
“I was present, live and direct when the State Chairmen and Secretaries, together with Christian Stakeholders, elected Rev Joseph John Hayab as chairman, an election that has brought joy and relief to many Christians in the region,” he said.
The Northern States YOWICAN and the general public should disregard the fake statement. We are children of God who will give account before God on the day of Judgement.
“I, therefore, wish to disassociate myself from the “Northern CAN Youth Wing Stands Firm for REV Pam ” press statement and also appeal to any of my colleagues that has allowed anyone to use him to stop henceforth.
“My appeal also goes to the former leaders to stop the desperation and join the joy of the moment with Rev Hayab as our New Chairman,” he added.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, their arrest follows credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities.
”Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones.
”They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.
“As in the previous days, the night was quiet, and the pope is now resting,” a spokesman said.
The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for two weeks, where he is being treated for a severe bilateral pneumonia.
In recent days, Francis’ condition had slightly improved, according to official reports. Sources close to him revealed in the evening that he was “out of the most critical phase.”
The pope is receiving medication along with physiotherapy aimed at easing the respiratory infection, he is repeatedly being provided with extra oxygen through a face mask or a nasal tube.
This therapy is evidently effective as since the weekend, Francis has had no breathing difficulties, according to official reports. His blood values have also improved.
However, a discharge is not expected soon: “Given the complexity of the medical condition, further days of clinical stability are required,” an evening bulletin stated.
The pontiff has now been in hospital for longer than ever. Doctors still emphasise how dangerous such a severe pneumonia is at Francis’ age.
He was elected as the head of the Church in March 2013, succeeding the German Benedict XVI. Francis is now the second oldest pope in history.(dpa)
