News

Jos North/Bassa Fed. Constituency: Tribunal reserves Judgment in Baba Hassan, APC vs Musa Agah, 6 others

Published

3 years ago

July 28, 2023

vicky

In a high-stakes legal battle before the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Trial Tribunal, the final written addresses of the parties were adopted on Thursday, marking the conclusion of arguments in the case. The Tribunal has now reserved its judgment, leaving the parties and the public in anticipation.

The case, between Ibrahim Baba Hassan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the petitioner and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Musa Agah Avia of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adam Alkali of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and Daniel Asama Agoh of the Labour Party (LP) as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth respondents, was the second on the cause list and took precedence in proceedings.

Representing the first respondent (INEC), P. A Okereke Esq presented the final written address along with the response to the petitioner’s final written address, dated and filed on 26th July 2023.

P. A Akubo (SAN), counsel for the second respondent (Musa Agah Avia), adopted two processes – the substantive final written address dated 15th July 2023 and the response to the petitioner’s final written address dated 24th July 2023.

The crux of the petitioner’s case lies in challenging the second respondent’s qualification to contest the House of Representatives Election for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency on the grounds of alleged invalid nomination. Additionally, they claim that the third respondent (PDP) lacks a valid structure due to non-compliance with a court order. However, the second respondent’s counsel vehemently contended that these grounds were no longer valid, citing Exhibit 2R1, 2R2, 2R6, and 2R8, which included reports and judgments confirming the 3rd respondent’s compliance and legitimacy.

Furthermore, the issue of the 2nd respondent’s nomination was asserted to be within the domain of the 3rd respondent (PDP), making the petitioner’s challenge irrelevant, according to the second respondent’s counsel.

Counsel for the third respondent, J. M Okafor Esq, brought to the Tribunal’s attention that the petitioner’s allegations pertain to pre-election matters rather than constitutional qualifications or disqualifications of candidates. As such, he urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petition entirely with substantial costs.

Yakubu Ruba SAN, representing the fourth and fifth respondents, argued that the other respondents’ focus was misdirected, urging the Tribunal to disregard their attacks on co-respondents and instead focus on the issues raised by the petitioners.

N. D Gwaison Esq, on behalf of the sixth and seventh respondents, refuted the claim that respondents should not attack each other, asserting that parties have a duty to address the court on the facts and evidence presented.

Finally, J. A Adoku, the counsel for the petitioners, adopted their final written address and pointed out that the case falls under the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, citing relevant precedents. He emphasized that the petition had merit and all requested reliefs should be granted.

With the adoption of all written addresses and responses, the Tribunal concluded the proceedings and announced that the date for judgment would be communicated to the parties involved. As the country awaits the tribunal’s decision, the outcome of this closely watched case will have significant implications for the political landscape.

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News

‘No one can rig Osun poll’ – Gov Adeleke

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Preport

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said no one will be able to rig or steal the August 15 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area, Adeleke told supporters that every vote would count and urged residents to protect their ballots.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the people were ready to defend their votes.

“I heard some politicians vowing to steal the votes. Where and how? Osun votes are untouchable. This is Osun State, the heart of Yoruba nation. Nobody can rig us out here,” Adeleke said.

He added, “The people’s votes will be defended. Their will on August 15 will become a reality.”

The governor also said, “Osun people are not scared. Osun people are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes.”

Adeleke said his administration’s achievements would help secure victory, adding, “Our records speak for us.”

Health

DR Congo records 3,200 Ebola cases, 1,405 deaths as outbreak worsens

Published

3 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Preport

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 3,200 confirmed Ebola cases, including 1,405 deaths, as the outbreak continues to spread across six provinces, according to the country’s latest situation report.

The report, which covers data up to Saturday, showed that 571 patients have recovered, while 773 others remain in isolation and under medical supervision.

Within the previous 24 hours, health authorities recorded 125 new infections and 51 deaths, underscoring the continued transmission of the virus.

Ituri remains epicentre

The outbreak, declared on 15 May, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although candidate vaccines are undergoing evaluation.

According to the report, Ituri Province continues to bear the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 89 per cent of all confirmed infections nationwide.

Health authorities attributed the sustained spread of the virus to population movements, insecurity, artisanal mining activities and cross border travel involving Uganda and South Sudan.

They noted that the outbreak remains in a phase of sustained transmission, with a high level of virus circulation across affected communities.

The report also highlighted mounting pressure on treatment facilities, particularly in North Kivu Province, where 171 patients are occupying centres designed for 141 beds.

Nationwide, Ebola treatment centres have reached an occupancy rate of 82.1 per cent, reflecting the increasing burden on the country’s health system.

Authorities said surveillance and response measures would be intensified to curb transmission and prevent further spread of the disease.

Case in Uganda

The latest figures from the DRC come as neighbouring Uganda moves closer to being declared Ebola free.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Uganda began the mandatory 42-day countdown after discharging its last Ebola patient from an isolation unit.

Under World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, a country can only be declared Ebola free if no new cases are recorded during the 42 -day period.

Preparedness in Nigeria

As the outbreak worsens in Central Africa, Nigerian health authorities have intensified surveillance and emergency preparedness to reduce the risk of cross border transmission.

PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated its Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened screening at points of entry and heightened surveillance across states following the declaration of the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.

READ ALSO: CEPI begins first human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine

The federal government has also identified 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory as being at high risk of Ebola infection based on a dynamic risk assessment and has urged state governments to strengthen surveillance, isolation capacity and infection prevention measures.