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Former Plateau Youth Leaders Voice Concerns Over Conflicting Tribunal Judgments
The Forum of Former Youth Leaders (Veterans) in Plateau State convened a world press conference at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Jos to address what they call “disturbing issues” surrounding the conflicting judgments delivered by the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State.
Gathered at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre on September 19, 2023, veterans and concerned citizens voiced their worries and concerns over the recent rulings by Justice M.B. Tukur that overturned previous judgments related to Plateau State senatorial and House of Representatives elections.
The tribunal had been delivering judgments over the past three weeks, with the conflicting judgments for the representatives of the state at the National Assembly causing significant concern among the veterans.
The crux of the issue lies in the question of the political structure, on which aggrieved petitioners based their suits against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The earlier judgment, pronounced by Justice William Rotimi and his colleagues, upheld the validity of the PDP’s structure. According to the veterans, this ruling was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
In the cases between Sen. Simon Mwadkon Vs others, Hon. Musa A. Agah Vs others, and Hon. Isaac Kwallu Vs others, the tribunal ruled that the nomination and sponsorship of candidates for elections were the sole duty of the party and that contesting such nominations should be limited to party members through a Federal High Court.
The veterans expressed support for these rulings, considering them in compliance with relevant laws and a definitive resolution of the structure and nomination of candidates issue.
However, Justice M.B. Tukur’s subsequent contradictory judgments, delivered on September 11, 2023, overturned the victories of several candidates, including Hon. Peter Gyendeng, Hon. Musa Bagos, and Hon. Beni Lar, along with Sen. Napoleon Bali of Plateau South Senatorial District, on the same grounds as the earlier judgments.
The veterans voiced their concern, asserting that Justice Tukur’s decision to contradict his colleagues who had upheld the elections could sow discord and chaos in the state.
“While we respect the sanctity of the Nigerian Judiciary, we are perturbed about this recent judicial debacle that is capable of setting the state in needless strife. This development is awfully troubling to us,” they stated.
The press conference also emphasized Plateau State’s history of political consensus, highlighting the unity in choosing its leaders. In the 2023 general elections, Plateau State overwhelmingly returned PDP to power, securing victories in the governorship, senatorial, and House of Assembly elections.
The veterans stressed that the press conference represented the choice and rights of the majority of Plateau citizens and called for respect for the people’s choice. They argued that Justice Tukur had erred in law by intervening in matters outside the jurisdiction of the tribunal and requested a review of his judgment.
They also called for the cases involving the election of PDP members that are still pending in the tribunal to be upheld and urged the National Judicial Council and law enforcement agencies to investigate any potential motivations behind the controversial judgments.
In conclusion, the veterans expressed their belief in the neutrality of the judiciary and urged lawyers to attend retreats to enhance their understanding of the law. They reiterated their confidence in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man and called for justice to prevail.
News
Nigerian Players Scorecard: Chukwueze Assists, Osimhen, Onuachu Scores And Injured Across Europe
Nigerian footballers continued to make their mark across Europe over the weekend, with goals, assists and impressive individual performances headlining another busy round of club action.
Samuel Chukwueze made an immediate impact off the bench for AC Milan, providing the assist for Alphadjo Cisse’s 68th-minute goal against Juventus. Chukwueze featured for 30 minutes before Milan conceded a dramatic 90+2-minute equaliser through Gatti as the encounter ended in a draw.
Victor Osimhen found the net for the sixth time this season for Galatasaray in their away Super Lig victory over Basaksehir. However, the Nigerian striker was forced off with an injury in the first half. Early reports suggest he could be sidelined for at least a month, although the full extent of the injury remains to be confirmed.
At Trabzonspor, Paul Onuachu enjoyed a productive but injury-hit outing, scoring twice before being forced to leave the pitch. The striker featured for 44 minutes, opening the scoring in the fifth minute before completing his brace in the 22nd minute. Chibuike Nwaiwu also impressed as Trabzonspor secured a big home victory over Genclerbirligi.
Akor Adams played 70 minutes for Venezia in their 3-2 Serie A defeat away to Frosinone, creating one clear chance as his side suffered another setback.
In the Women’s Super League, Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a solid performance in goal for Brighton, but could not prevent a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, with the decisive goal arriving inside the opening 10 minutes.
Rasheedat Ajibade started the new PSG Feminine league campaign in style, scoring after just three minutes in a 2-0 away victory over RC Lens. The Super Falcons captain played all 90 minutes, created four chances and was assisted by compatriot Jennifer Echegini, who featured for 62 minutes.
Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run, finding the net for the fourth consecutive game despite Ajax suffering a 3-1 home defeat to PSV.
In Scotland, Emmanuel Fernandez delivered a strong defensive display for Rangers, winning nine duels and making two tackles in 89 minutes during a narrow league victory over Motherwell.
Elsewhere, Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featured for Coventry City in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
In the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Ayaosi recorded a goal and an assist in Slavia Praha’s comfortable win over Zbrojovka Brno, while Samuel Isife also registered an assist.
In Turkey, Tosin Kehinde delivered one of the weekend’s standout displays, scoring twice and providing an assist as Bandırmaspor secured a big victory over Boluspor.
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