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LG election: Timi Frank urges Rivers’ people to stand by Fubara

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, on Friday, called on the people of Rivers State to stand firmly behind Governor Siminilaye Fubara to enable the the state conduct a free, fair and credible Local government elections.

Frank who made the call in a statement in Abuja however warned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, not to use his men to cause anarchy in their state.

He decried the conduct of the police which he described as partisan and called on the international community to hold Egbetokun responsible for any killings destruction of property as the people of the state vote to elect their council chairman on Saturday.

He also warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has boasted that he will do anything at all cost to set fire in Rivers state.

Frank said: “The involvement of the Police in Rivers is to destabilise the state and cause unrest during the forthcoming local government elections on Saturday.

“They are relying on illegal instructions given to them by Wike to stop a lawful democratic process in Rivers state.

“From intelligence at our disposal, Wike is boasting that the President has given him the authority to do and undo in Rivers State
and that is why he has engineered the police to engage in illegality by attempting to stop an election meant to usher in a democratically elected local government council administration in the state as ordered by the Supreme Court.

“Besides, Wike has told some persons that he will do everything to scuttle the local government election and ensure that they impose their people to take over the state by force because he allegedly has the backing of the President to take over the state considered to be
strategic to the President’s
plan to win the 2027 presidential election.

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“The President is silent today about the illegality and wickedness Wike is orchestrating against Fubara and the people of Rivers state because the crisis is benefiting him, but he will be help liable ultimately for any breakdown of law and order in the state as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“They have turned Rivers into a theatre to flex federal might and make it a battleground but they must allow the electoral process to be free and fair because it is clear to all that Fubara has the full support of the Rivers’ people.”

According to him, under Wike as the governor of Rivers State, those who fought him were banned from coming to Rivers State to carry out their lawful activities.

“Therefore, it is time for Fubara to take charge and ensure that Rivers State becomes a no go area for all those fighting him politically,” he said.

He lamented that the Nigeria police meant to provide security for the people of Rivers state are only concerned about the political interests and security of Wike.

He called on the international community to note the involvement of the police in foisting illegality in Rivers State on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.

He warned that if the crises now being fanned by the police do occur it would have negative consequences for the people of Rivers state and the economy of the country in view of the level of oil production which is a critical revenue earner for the Federal Government.
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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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