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Tribunal Confirms Ododo Winner Of Kogi Gubernatorial Election
The Kogi State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal has delivered its final judgment, affirming the election of Usman Ododo as the governor of Kogi State.
This decision puts to rest the contestation from Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who had challenged the election results.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, concluded that the election process adhered significantly to the stipulations of the Electoral Act.
The panel of three judges, in a ruling on Monday, May 27, asserted that the SDP and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, failed to provide sufficient evidence to invalidate the election results.
Justice Birnin-Kudu emphasized that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.
This assertion is crucial, as it addresses concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the electoral process. The tribunal’s ruling reinforced the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in administering the election.
The Kogi governorship election, held on November 11, 2023, concluded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
Ododo secured a total of 446,237 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who garnered 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 46,362 votes.
Another explosion occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.
This incident follows a similar explosion that shook the Trans Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell, in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area just hours earlier.
The latest explosion reportedly took place at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline deep within the forest, which transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
While the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed, community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the oil installation in the forest.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that she would investigate the incident but had not provided a response at the time of this report.
A video obtained by our correspondent displays a large fire burning in a remote location.
In a separate development, Ijaw youths blocked the Ahoada section of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State on Tuesday in protest.
The demonstrators, numbering over 100, carried placards in solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his political dispute with the state House of Assembly. Some of the placards read: “We demand Wike’s dismissal as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the House had on Thursday last week, considered and approved the report of the House Committee on Finance which made some recommendations, particularly in controversial areas such as the Value Added Tax and inheritance tax.
While awaiting the Senate to similarly pass the bills, the proposed reforms are expected to be transmitted to the President for his assent in the days ahead.
Details shortly…
Two members of the house of representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, announced the defections in a letter read on the floor of the lower legislative chamber on Tuesday.
More to follow…