Category: Politics

Edo Tribunal dismisses petition against Okpebholo’s victory, affirms APC’s mandate

Emporium Reporters

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its alleged chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje.   In its ruling, the Tribunal struck out the petition on Wednesday, declared it lacked merit and was frivolous. It determined that Omoaje had no legal standing to challenge the election, as he neither participated in the September 21, 2024, polls nor had any direct electoral grievance.   The Tribunal noted that Omoaje’s primary contention was his claim to…

Tribunal Judgment: Gov Okpebholo urges APC supporters, Edo residents to maintain peace

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal prepares to deliver its judgment on Wednesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo has called for calm, urged supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents of the state to uphold peace and unity.   In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor reassured the people of Edo State that the judicial process is an essential part of democracy and must be respected.   “We have witnessed a vibrant and competitive electoral process, and I…

Atiku Media Office Fires Back at Wike Over 2023 VP Selection

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Atiku Media Office has responded to claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding the selection process of the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Friday, the Atiku camp dismissed allegations that Wike had secured 13 votes from a committee set up to recommend a running mate for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had only two. It emphasized that the selection of a running mate is not determined by votes but by…

Atiku denies allegations of financial misconduct linked to 2023 Presidential Election …… Challenges EFCC to release findings

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly denied allegations that he received funds from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through Ms. Aisha Achimugu during the 2023 presidential election.   In a statement issued by his media office and signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku described the allegations as “a blatant lie from the pit of hell” and a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation. The statement dismissed the claims as a “contrived political hogwash” orchestrated to serve the interests of President Bola Tinubu.   “It may interest Nigerians to note…

INEC dismisses recall petition against Senator Natasha

Emporium Reporters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing procedural deficiencies.   In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stated that while the recall process is constitutionally guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the petition submitted did not meet the necessary requirements.   According to the Commission, the petitioners from Kogi Central had presented six bags of documents, purportedly containing signatures from over half…

Bayelsa, Delta Govs Inaction Could Backfire – Tietie warns amid Rivers crisis

Emporium Reporters

Six days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, the decision continue to stir controversy, with critics decrying it as an attack on democracy and an unconstitutional overreach.   Amid the growing backlash, socio-political critic and lawyer, Frank Tietie, has faulted the inaction of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for not taking legal action to challenge the declaration at the Supreme Court.   Tietie, the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), warned via…

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah sworn in as Namibia’s first female President, pledges economic growth

Emporium Reporters

Namibia made history on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president. Her inauguration, attended by several African heads of state, mark a new chapter in Namibia’s political landscape while extending the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah become one of the few women to lead an African nation. Her victory came despite a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which secured 25.5% of the presidential vote. In her first address as President, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to focus on…

APC applauds National Assembly’s swift approval of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for its swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, described the decision as a patriotic move to safeguard peace and security in the oil-rich state.   In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC praised the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly acknowledging the opposition caucus for supporting the emergency measures.   “The President is committed to ensuring peace, maintaining law and order, protecting…

NNPC debunks Port Harcourt refinery explosion rumor, assures public of safety

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, urged the public and media to disregard the misinformation.   In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident in question was a controlled flare operation, which has since been fully contained.   “There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” the statement assured.   The…

Senator Ipinsagba’s 18-Month Scorecard: Transforming Ondo North with Developmental Strides

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   Senator Emmanuel Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, has showcased his achievements over the past 18 months. During an interactive session with selected journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the APC chieftain highlighted key developmental projects and initiatives that have positively impacted his constituents.   Within his first three months in office, Senator Ipinsagba initiated three signature projects across the six local government areas in Ondo North. These included a state-of-the-art cottage hospital…