Nigeria’s News Headlines – Friday, October 27, 2023
Supreme Court Affirms Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential Victory
In a landmark decision, Nigeria’s Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the February 25th presidential election.
The court, led by Presiding Judge Justice John Okoro, dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, on the grounds of lacking merit.
According to the Supreme Court, the PDP candidate failed to provide evidence that he won the election, emphasizing that there was no alternative vote count to contest the one validly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Okoro, reading the judgment, underscored that the Supreme Court cannot fabricate votes for Atiku and the PDP.
Rotimi Amaechi Calls for Nationalistic Leadership
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, delivered a significant speech at the 2023 TheNiche Annual Lecture themed “Why We Stride and Slip: Leadership, Nationalism, and the Nigerian Condition.”
Amaechi stressed that Nigeria is still in search of true national leaders, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the scope and focus of the country’s democracy.
He lauded the nationalists who fought for independence, asserting that genuine nationalistic leadership should transcend ethnic considerations.
PDP Expresses Disappointment with Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its disappointment regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP voiced concern that the Supreme Court’s reasoning has alarmed, disappointed, and deeply troubled the majority of Nigerians.
The PDP’s confidence in the judiciary was shaken by the Supreme Court ruling, as it believed the decision contradicted the constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act.
The party expressed surprise that the court did not take cognizance of reported electoral rule violations, manipulations, and alterations of election results by the APC.
Senate Confirms Musa Aliyu as ICPC Chairman
The Senate confirmed Musa Aliyu as the substantive chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sought Senate confirmation for Aliyu’s appointment.
The screening process took place during the plenary, with Aliyu, a lawyer and Attorney-General of Jigawa State, undergoing examination in the Committee of the Whole chaired by Deputy President Jibirin Barau.
Supreme Court Criticizes Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi
The Supreme Court criticized Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) for engaging in a media trial and reaching conclusions before court rulings.
In a ruling by the presiding justice of the seven-man panel, Justice John Okoro, the court dismissed the appellants’ argument that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal used disparaging language against them.
Justice Okoro emphasized that the tribunal’s judgment did not display hostility and bias against the appellants, thereby upholding their right to a fair hearing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Welcomes Supreme Court’s Ruling
Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of appeals filed by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the ruling on his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement he personally signed, the President expressed his commitment to building the country together with his rivals now that the court cases are over.
He commended the professionalism and diligence of the Justices presiding over the matter and pledged to meet and exceed the expectations of Nigerians in service delivery and governance.
Labour Party Rejects Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Labour Party (LP) rejected the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25th presidential election.
The LP called on the international community to intervene and defend democracy in Nigeria, describing the judgment as “shocking and surprising.”
Ondo Deputy Governor Apologizes, Calls for an End to Crisis
Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, tendered an apology to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and called for an end to the needless crisis in the state.
Aiyedatiwa addressed a world press conference and expressed his disappointment with the barrage of negative news over the crisis in the last few months.
He clarified that there were no issues between him and the Governor and blamed political actors for creating crisis for their selfish interests.
Ethiopian Airlines Clarifies Its Involvement in Nigeria Air Project
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, provided clarity on the controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air.
Tasew explained that Ethiopian Airlines was initially hesitant but continued with the project as requested by the Nigerian government.
The airline agreed to paint the Nigeria Air logo on its aircraft for inspection, adhering to the government’s request.
Abdullahi Ganduje Praises Supreme Court’s Ruling
Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lauded the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s victory.
He asserted that the ruling proves that the February 25th presidential election was not manipulated and called on the opposition parties to accept the verdict.
Ganduje believes that this decision paves the way for President Tinubu to focus on implementing the “Renewed Hope” mandate of the APC for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Supreme Court’s decision to affirm Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election has significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria.
It not only solidifies Tinubu’s position as the country’s president but also raises questions about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of the judiciary.
The dissent expressed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) reflects the deep divisions and mistrust within the country’s political system.
Rotimi Amaechi’s call for true national leadership is timely and underscores the need for leaders who transcend ethnic considerations.
Nigeria’s democracy indeed requires rethinking, and the pursuit of genuine nationalistic leadership is a step in the right direction.
The rejection of the Supreme Court’s verdict by the Labour Party (LP) adds another layer of complexity to the post-election landscape.
It highlights the polarization and challenges facing the country’s democratic institutions.
President Tinubu’s welcoming of the Supreme Court’s ruling and his call for unity are significant.
As he moves forward with his presidency, it is crucial that he prioritizes national unity and good governance to address the concerns and divisions expressed by the opposition parties.
The apology and call for an end to crises by Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is a positive step toward resolving internal conflicts.
It is essential for political actors to put the interests of the state and its citizens above personal or party gains.
The clarification provided by Ethiopian Airlines regarding its involvement in the Nigeria Air project sheds light on a controversy that raised questions about the transparency of the process.
The willingness of the airline to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s request suggests a collaborative effort in establishing the national carrier.
Abdullahi Ganduje’s praise for the Supreme Court’s verdict may signal a desire for the ruling party to move forward and focus on governance.
However, it remains to be seen how the opposition parties will respond and whether this decision will lead to political stability or further divisions in Nigeria.
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