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Machina/Lawan Case : Makarfi Ambassadors Faults Supreme Court Judgement, Says Judgement Unhealthy for Democracy

… This Travesty of Justice Can’t Happen under PDP Govt

Group under aegis of Makarfi Ambassadors has faulted the Supreme Court judgement on the Machina/Lawan Senatorial issue, declaring it as travesty of Justice.

The group,which is a People’s Democratic Party Campaign Support group observed that three Apex Court Justices that over-turned the earlier judgements of the Federal High Court and Appeal Court do not appear to be helping the nation’s democracy to grow.

According to the group , the judgment is not only shocking ,but also unhealthy for democracy.

The Supreme Court had on Monday in its judgment ruled in favour of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, in the case between him and Bashir Machina regarding Yobe North Senatorial District,which the Federal High Court in Damaturu and the Appeal Court in Abuja had earlier ruled in favour of Machina.

Reacting to the judgement in a press statement jointly signed by
Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed – Coordinator on General-Matters and Engr. Bolade Aina, Coordinator Planning/Strategy, the group described as unfortunate a situation, where Senator Ahmed Lawan didn’t participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary that took place in Yobe State and produced Machina and was declared winner.

Makarfi Ambassadors further said ,” The understanding the group had based on the Electoral Law, among others is that candidate must emerge from primaries conducted by political parties.

“But how logical, sensible and fair is it that a person who did not participate directly and actively in a competition would be rewarded with the prize at the expense of those who took active parts in the said competition?”

“The lower courts that adjudicated on this matter, in our view, did the right thing. The three Supreme Court Justices that over- turned the judgements do not appear to be helping our democracy to grow.

What we deduce from this action is that the judiciary , especially the Supreme under the ruling party APC would not be a last resort for the masses.

Recalled the Imo Guber race case where Hope Uzodinma ,who was number four in the elections later became number one via same supreme court judgment .

We are calling on Nigerians to vote out APC and consider the main opposition party ,PDP that will give fair grounds for democracy to thrive .

PDP is a party that respects rule of law and has demonstrated that during its sixteen years reign as ruling party .

On Kaduna Guber race, the Makarfi Ambassadors urged the Electorate to vote Hon Isa Ashiru Kudan,Stating, “we assure citizens of a progressive leadership with human face .

Why I am Contesting For Senate -Hon Abdulghafar Dirisu

Hi,

My names are Bala Abdulghafar Dirisu
I’m contesting for senate to change the fortunes of Kogi West and to give the great people of Kogi West quality representation.

As a Senator, I want to push bills that will put a stop to incessant flooding and ensure the major rivers and flood plains are dredged, bills to ensure more affordable and quality education and health care for the people of Kogi West

Furthermore, I would ensure that women are properly empowered, while children, widows and the aged are adequately provided for via welfare schemes

I also want to be in the red chamber of the National assembly to bring empowerment to my constituents to help eradicate poverty

I am in the race to ensure that Kogi West Senatorial District and Kogi State enjoy the benefits of postive leadership which I would provide when I get to the red chamber

To this end, I urge you all to go out on February 25 and cast your ballot for Bala Abdulghafar Dirisu on the banner of National Rescue Movement ( NRM)

Thanks and God bless you

COUNT DOWN…21 DAYS TO THE RESCUE DAY FOR NIGERIA: ON 25TH FEBRUARY, 2023.

The 6th and 7th of the 30 Reasons Why I Need Your Support To Serve As Member, House of Representatives.

NO 6:
YOU CAN BE SURE TO HAVE A PROACTIVE PARLIAMENTARIAN.

Since October 2022 Nigerians have been groaning under the yoke of artificial fuel scarcity, the Petroleum Minister appears not to even be aware and the National Assembly that suppose to serve as Checks and Balances appear not to know their constitutional power again.

Fellow Nigerians, with people like me at the National Assembly, you can be sure I would have moved a motion that would have put those concerned on their toes long before today and get out of our way, the dehumanizing artificial scarcity that some wicked elements are benefiting from at the detriment of the good people of Nigeria.

NO 7:
NO SKELETON IN MY CUPBOARD THAT THE EXECUTIVE CAN CAPITALIZE ON TO SILENCE ME

Majority of those serving at the National Assembly are those that have held elected positions before and have their hand soiled with corruption. Hence, even if they try to check the recklessness of the Executive, they will just flash the record of their past corruption at them and they will maintain immediately and look away, as if they don’t know about the plight of the suffering Nigerians or they don’t know their constitutional power.

My dear country people, won’t you rather support a man like me that has no trace of skeleton in his cupboard and cannot be coaxed into silence?

Watch out for the 8th and 9th of the 30 reasons why I solicit your support to represent you as Honourable member of the House of Representatives.

Support Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Emmanuel Sunday Olorunmagba
For House of Representatives,
Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
Of Kogi State.

Under the platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM)

THE DESPERATION OF ATIKU AND THE CONSEQUENCES TO THE NORTH

-By Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba

It is so pathetic and hypocritical that the Atiku Abubakar that had consistently said the presidency was the turn of the north since 2014, has not bought his way to jettison the PDP zoning he had insisted must be followed when it was in favour of the north. And he as a northerner, Fulani and a Muslim is now desperately canvassing and plotting the possibility of taking over from another northerner Fulani who is also a Muslim man, without caring about the consequences to the north.

However, despite the fact that it’s obvious Atiku knows the consequences, but chose to ignore it due to his inordinate ambition; it’s important to clearly state that:

After eight (8) disastrous years of a northerner, Fulani who is also Muslim man; for another northerner Fulani and Muslim man to take over immediately will definitely result in the following:

A confirmation that the north assume they are the “born-to-rule” and other tribes are mere slaves or glorified second class citizens.
A total breakdown in anything that has to do with political alliance between the north and the south, which will clearly manifest in future elections.
Total collapse of trust between the north and the south, since it would have been so clear that despite the north holding to power more than the south during the military era, they have decided to play on the intelligence of the south during the democratic administration, using rotation as a tool when it favours them and jettisoning it when the rotation now favours the south.
Complete collapse of the rotational system resulting in avoidable unhealthy rivalry even in all major political parties in Nigeria.
The serious challenge that will bring about selfless and unbreakable alliance between the South East, South South and South West that will eventually results in the south also retaining power for minimum of sixteen (16) uninterrupted years or even more.
In summary it is obvious that Atiku Abubakar actually does not care about the political future and image of the northerners and has decided to sacrifice them on the altar of his desperation to achieve his inordinate ambition at all costs.

Just as a reminder, it was Atiku Abubakar who, when he insisted it was the turn of the north, quoted John F. Kennedy that, “those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable.”

And in 2014 when former president Goodluck Jonathan was about to complete six years as a president and was seeking for one more term that he was constitutionally entitled to, Atiku Abubakar insisted it was the turn of the north. And he (Atiku) did all in his power to frustrate him (Jonathan) as he led five governors to storm out of Eagle Square. He then sponsored them to form New PDP (NPDP) before they moved to All Progressive Congress (APC) to support Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner to emerge as president in fulfilment of the turn of the north.

Again in 2109, Atiku insisted it was the still the turn of the north that the north is entitled to eight (8) uninterrupted years as president. Hence he offered himself to contest under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to serve the term of the north according to the constitution of PDP on power rotation. In agreement with the gentleman principle of power rotation between the north and the south, we massively supported Atiku Abubakar in 2019 to complete the tenure of the north. But his fellow Fulani man defeated him and continue to complete the eight (8) years for northerners.

Despite that it was the same Atiku Abubakar that was screaming that it was the turn of the north and the north had consistently occupied Aso Rock it in the last two administration; the same Atiku Abubakar has in 2022 used his dollar power to conner the leadership of PDP and bought over the delegates of PDP to still take PDP presidential ticket when it’s now the turn of the south.

The questions to ask Atiku Abubakar and all of the people promoting him are:

After eight (8) disastrous years of a northerner, Fulani man and a Muslim, are they assuming that the northerners remain the so called “born to rule”?
Are they insinuating that the Southerners are totally subdued slaves, especially the South East people that have not ruled Nigeria since the first Republic?
Do they want people to believe that there is no Southerner that is good enough to also be the president of Nigeria at this time?
If by mistake Atiku Abubakar, a Northerner, Fulani and a Muslim becomes the next president after eight (8) years of a northerner, Fulani and a Muslim; can there ever be political alliance between the north and south again; since the northerners would have succeeded in confirming the notion that they believe they are the “born-to-rule” while others are second class citizens?

In conclusion, it is now the turn of the south and precisely the South East that has not produced any president since the first republic. And the South East has credible candidate, a man of integrity who has vast understanding of the myriad of problems befalling Nigeria and how to tackle them towards the birth of a new nation.

Come onboard and let’s rescue our beloved country together through ballot revolution on Saturday 25th February, 2023. We can do it.

SIGNED:

Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba,
Candidate for House of Representatives,
Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
Of Kogi State.

Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo Trains Women On Cosmetology

*One thousand women to benefit

* Beneficiaries to get starter packs

The African Democratic Congress ( ADC) Party Candidate for Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency (House of Representatives) in the forthcoming election, Hajiya Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo has commenced the second phase of the 1000 Women Skills acquisition and Empowerment Scheme .

About 100 women drawn from Sabon Tasha, Maraban Rido, Ungwan Bulus and environs are currently been trained on how to make soap, jelly and air freshener at the Kadara Township Hall in Sabon Tasha kaduna

According to Honorable Hawwa, after the training program each of the women would be given starter packs in due course The African Democratic Congress ( ADC) Candidate for Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency (House of Representatives) in the forthcoming election, Hajiya Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo has commenced the second phase of the 1000 Women Skills acquisition and Empowerment Scheme .

According to Honorable Hawwa, after the training program each of the women would be given starter packs in due course to enable them to start some forms of trade or business. She revealed that the training program would be a continuous exercise with the aim of empowering women in order to reduce their dependency on male folks.

The ADC candidate further explained her choice of training and empowering women .

“Women are the pillar and builders of the society, when they are weak, it means the society would be weak, but when women are empowered, they would build up a very strong and virile society .

While responding to questions from journalists, the politician cum activist also said plans are afoot to train youths and men as well .

Ann Gwaza, the women leader and the Hajiya Hawwa Gambo campaign Organisation said that the project is aimed at empowering women because empowering women is like empowering the whole nation, she therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the skills they would learn to make sure they better their lives and that of their society

She further added

“Hawwa been passionate about the people in Chikun and Kajuru have started doing things for her constituency members even when she has not been elected yet

“If she is elected, Hawwa would do more ,Gwaza concluded

The Chairman of the ADC in Chikun Local Government Area, Victor Boniface while speaking to the beneficiaries of the scheme urged them to vote for the candidate of the ADC , Hawwa Abdullahi Gambo promising that she would not disappoint them.

Some of the women beneficiaries also expressed their appreciation to Hawwa while vowing to vote for her in the coming election enable them to start some forms of trade or business. She revealed that the training program would be a continuous exercise with the aim of empowering women in order to reduce their dependency on male folks.

The ADC candidate further explained her choice of training and empowering women .

“Women are the pillar and builders of the society, when they are weak, it means the society would be weak, but when women are empowered, they would build up a very strong and virile society .

While responding to questions from journalists, the politician cum activist also said plans are afoot to train youths and men as well .

She further added

“Hawwa been passionate about the people in Chikun and Kajuru have started doing things for her constituency members even when she has not been elected yet

“If she is elected, Hawwa would do more ,Gwaza concluded

Some of the women beneficiaries also expressed their appreciation to Hawwa while vowing to vote for her in the coming election

CSOs Form Group to Resist Sale of NNPC , Other Public Assets

… Threatens to Go to Courts over any attempt to Sell

Coalition of Civil Society members have formed a group under umbrella of the Movement Against Privatization(MAP) to resist the sale of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other National assets by any government .

According to group, since the idea of selling national assets ,such as: NITEL , National Fertilizer,NEPA , Steel companies and several others didn’t favoured the ordinary Nigerians and masses in past, there should be no reason to consider selling for now .

The group, which threatened to mobilise Nigerians if any government decides to consider selling NNPC, said it’s not only prepared to mobilise Nigerians should there be any attempt to sell public assets ,but also vowed to go to court and stop it.

In a press statement signed by the Secretary General, Usman Dabo,the group said part of the reasons for coming together to form the group is to ensure that it protects innocent Nigerians from being deceived or hoodwinked to believe that Privatization of public assets is the only solution to effective production and adequate supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as Petrol.

The statement further reads : “We formed the Movement Against Privatization because cannot afford to adopt a “Siddon-Look’ approach and watch our sensitive companies that touch live of Nigerians in almost all ramifications to be out sold under any guise by selfish politicians and their cronies.

“No sensitive leader and government will consider selling a critical national oil company ,such as NNPC limited especially, considering the monopoly of price involved in such companies .

“We have watched and listened to all the presidential candidates and observed that most of the Presidential candidates appeared to be talking in favour of privatisation and this we would vehemently resist.”

It however described as unfortunate , that the situation ,where the crop of Presidential candidates are not talking about creating policies that will encourage both local and international investors to invest in building new refineries.

Stressing ,”This is why we crying out loud now to anyone that will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari to know early enough that this movement is out to resist any attempt to auction NNPC and other public assets.

“We have put up structures across the 36 States of Nigeria , including the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja to mobilise Civil Society Organizations, Traders , Students and other Nigerians to return the street for mother of all protest,if there is any government that mutes the idea sale of public assets .”

Meanwhile, the Group which threw its weight behind complete removal of subsidy disclosed, “We have set up a special unit to begin a process of Sensitisation with a clear message of “Don’t Sell NNPC” in particular ,but open Windows for individuals to invest in private refineries, so doing, there would be opportunities to tackle the problem of perennial scarcity ; Create employment , transfer technology , expand scope of industrial growth and development .

“This group insist that whoever wins the elections should leave the existing refineries to operate as a government entity and create policies that will be friendly to investors” .

North Will Support Obi-Datti To Rescue Nigeria – ODPM

A support group, the Obidatti People’s Movement (ODPM) has expressed optimism that Northern Nigeria will be all out to give support to Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed during the 2023 general elections billed for next month, as well as all the LP candidates vying for various offices

The group expressed this at a press briefing held on Monday January 16, 2023 in Kaduna, ahead of Obi’s campaign flag off billed for Wednesday 18th in the political capital of Northern Nigeria, with the them, “Our Future is Bright with OBI-DATTI VICTORY”

“We sincerely believe that the North will support Obi-Datti campaign to rescue this nation come May 29,” the group said.

According to the text of the briefing jointly signed by Honourable Charles Obiora Anueyiagu (National Coordinator, Obi-Datti People’s Movement Nigeria), Bon Nebo Esq Diaspora Coordinator ObiDatti People’s Movement and Kenneth Chukwu
(Director General ObiDatti People’s Movement), the group assured Nigerians that with an Obi-Datti presidency, all the woes of Nigeria will become a thing of the past within the shortest possible time.

“Our unalloyed support for joint ticket of Obi-Datti is hinged on the following facts;

(1) Character, Capability and Competence.

2) Verifiable track records and accountability.

The first time all Nigerians speaking with one voice irrespective of tribes regions and religions.

3) Transformative agenda. A paradigm shift from consumption to production.

4) Equal opportunities to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or religion.

5) An end to corruption and for empowerment of Nigerian youth.

For the first time Nigerians and the rest of the world have a presidential and vice presidential candidate both being loved equally for their ability and competency of good leadership.

(3)Transformation Agenda.
They have records of prudent management and leading by example. And will therefore, be able to transform our civil service, the armed forces, the police force, and all other paramilitary, and governance institutions for good.

(4) Education and Youth Development:
This is also the first time the skills, wisdom and suppressed knowledge of Nigerian Youth comes alive in a high scale dimension. This is a rebirth of hope for our youth who are the future of our nation, Nigeria.

(5) Corruption:
Corruption will die natural death. Only the incorruptible can fight corruption successfully. And only the contented pass through the Nigeria system without being corrupted. We have a duo with impeccable and incorruptible character.

Therefore, our victory in the forthcoming election is the right signal for rebirth of integrity and change of the psyche of our people towards non-corruption characteristics.

(6 ) Nigerians will choose their leaders by themselves not by imposition. This is the greatest opportunity God has given to the populace to decide our future. And we must take advantage of it.

(7) Trust Restored: Their victory will restore hope to Nigerians that democracy works. This victory is our collective victory which guarantees the future for which God blessed our nation abundantly.

(8) Develop Nigeria among world economic power.
They will enhance and increase economics potential global (net export ) and utilize the blessings of God to Nigeria and Nigerians for the good of all.

“With the above, you will all agree that Our Future is Bright with OBI-DATTI victory and together we will achieve by God’s Grace,” the group said.

ODPM said that they have so far, carried out several activities that include the following;

“We created a site named, wheremypvc.com, where we encouraged masses to go get their PVCs, we tell them locations of their PVCs within Rivers State.

“We visited Mile 3 and Mile 1 markets in Rivers State on need to pick up their PVCs and we encouraged them to come out in mass and cast their votes on 25th of February 2023.

“We went all out again to educate people on need to vote for credible leaders, using Peter Obi as our focal point on October 1, 2022 and 8th October 2022.

“Similarly, on January 11, we were at Ogbogoro Town Hall, helping and assisting INEC officials in sorting and giving out PVCS to prospective voters.

“On January 12, we were at Akpor Grammer School, assisting new voters on how to retrieve their data and print out slip for easy collection

“On Friday, we stormed
Ahoda for sensitization.

“Before that, between November 29th to 30th, we sensitized in Port Harcourt City Local Government (PHALGA), we visited ward 17, 8, 1 and 2 we sensitized the whole Eagle Island too.

“Similarly, on November 11th and 12th 2022, we visited Orie Umuogb

“On 7th November to 9th of November, we sensitized some areas in Obioakpor Local Government Area, like Ogbogoro, Ozuoba, Choba, St John Market and Mike 3 Market.

“From September 13th to 15th 2022, we sensitized Akpajo, onne, Eleme Market all In Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Between October 3rd to 5th, we sensitized Ikwere Local Government and areas we visited were IPO, Omerelelu, Big Elele Market.

“A car rally took place at university of Port Harcourt on Friday 16th of December 2022. It was a weekly outreach for two months.

“We also visited University of Science and Technology on 13th September 2022, as well as embarked on sensitizing eligible voters at Elechi Amadi polytechnic on 12th of September 2022.

“In all our sensitization outreaches, we made use of stickers of various sizes, aprons, tote bags dummy ballot papers and wrist bands as sensitization and voters education materials.

“On 18th of January 2023, our principals Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed will be visiting Kaduna State.

“Same activities were carried out in other states of the South East and South South, as well as Lagos in the South West.

“We therefore, ask all the executives and coordinators of this honourable group and the Obidients all over the North West to be present in Kaduna for this very important campaign.

“We plan to use this opportunity to show the world our abilities, and also to identify with our principals in Kaduna,” they explained.

According to them, some notable names of their members in the North include,

Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim
Alhaji Mannir Rabiu Katsina
AIG Hadi Zarewa Rtd
Engr Mike Ayuba Auta
5 Hon Jonathan Asake
Hon Bashir Idris Aliyu Zangon Aya
Hon MS Ibrahim
Alhaji Audi Makama
Alhaji Maitama Danmasani Kano
Hon Auwal Tafoki

“We therefore, encourage everybody to be there and be a part of this history making political event seeking to liberate and promote the Nigerian people,” they said.

THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHIEF KENNETH GBAGI STANDS HIM OUT AS THE BEST AMONG THE REST

The Delta State governorship candidate under the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olorugun Kenneth Gbagi is undoubtedly the best among the rest as his outstanding achievements is speaking loud and clear in his favour as the man the good people of Delta State need as their governor at this juncture.

As a minister for State For Education, under his tenure, 13 Federal Universities were created, while numbers of educational reforms were introduced which saw to heavy government funding of tertiary, secondary and primary schools. By and large, these reforms have helped increased the access of millions of Nigerians to education at all levels.

According to Fabian Idehin, a journalist, “Mr Gbagi within that short period as a minister introduced series of reforms that triggered the positive growth of the educational sector in the country.

“He made sure that the federal government invested heavily in primary and secondary schools across the country with the aim of bringing secondary and primary schools closer to the masses and it worked”.

Idehin added,
“It was the efforts made by the former minister that led to the creation of 13 Universities in country.

“He also instituted reforms at the tertiary levels which led to more enrolment of candidates into universities, polytechnics and monothenics. Furthermore, students were given more access to loans and scholarships while tertiary institutions enjoy more fundings from local and international partners

“At the homefront, Mr Gbagi ensured that a Federal Girls College was established at Ughelli South to cater for the need of people from that areas”.

Before he became a Minister, the first Military Administrator of Delta State, Colonel Bassey Asuquo, had appointed him Chairman of Delta Development and Property Authority (DDPA) due to his capacity, sincerity and commitment to serving humanity in all honesty.

Chief Gbagi didn’t operate below the confidence reposed on him as within that short period, he came up with a revenue formular that saw the DDPA, which had a zero account balance when he assumed office, to have over N800 million in its accounts from issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

It was testified that “As a businessman and an industralist who has employed hundreds and provided opportunities to numerous Deltans, Gbagi has the leadership qualities and what it’s takes to lead Delta State to the promised Land. As he had demonstrated and shown capacity while as Minister of State for Education and has a successful entrepreneur and industrialist.

Mrs. Mary Daniel, a house wife and residence of Asaba opined that

“The former Minister has invested his resources in generating employment opportunities within the state by building and setting up businesses to provide employment for jobless Deltans.

According to her, “If Olorugun Gbagi is elected as the next Governor of Delta State, for the first time, Delta State would have the highest private investor and employer of labour in the state, and incorruptible leader rolled into one, as a governor”.

Therefore, the best that the good people of Delta State can do at time is to queue behind Chief Kenneth Gbagi, give him all the supports he needs and massively vote for him to emerge as the next governor of Delta State.

Dw German-west African correspondent bags global humanitarian award 2023

The Global Network for justice and humanity(GNJ,&h) which is a human right agency base in Belgium has honored ibrahima yakubu Deutsche welle German international radio correspondent Hausa service west -Africa with the award of service to humanity and human development for been the outstanding journalist 2o23.

The recipient was nominated through an indept investigation for the period of 7 years by the country representatives on the most outstanding journalists who has been writing series of reportage related to the protection of women and children’s in the country.

The finalists deemed it fit to recognized the role been played by the journalist which is toward sensitising thousands of rural and urban settlers on harmful effects Child Abuse, gender base violence and forced marriage

The recipient was selected for the various sacrifices on the flight of rural women in terms of access to primary health care for delivery and the fight against maternal and infants mortality to residents in communities across rivers.

Ibrahima yakubu is the first journalist in West Africa who recieved the global award for the selfless service to humanity and protection of internally displaced person IDPs, destitutes, and abondoned children at orphanage home.

Abuja Judge Reverses Arrest of Akwa In PDP Guber Candidate, Says He was Wrongly Informed

By Ndon Asian

The presiding chief magistrate Emmanuel Iyana of Abuja Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse 6, has now reversed himself, setting aside his earlier order and warrant for the arrest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial flag bearer for Akwa Ibom State.

The ruling followed a motion filed by counsel to Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Bar Samuel Ikpo who asked the court not only to set aside its earlier order but also to decline jurisdiction which it wrongly assumed, thereby rendering every proceedings a nullity.

Chief magistrate Iyana, in his ruling delivered some minutes ago, admitted in line with the submission of Ikpo that the order was issued in error having been misled into assuming a jurisdiction he lacked in the first place.

He also set aside his his warrant for the arrest of the PDP flag-bearer on the same reason of having been misled to issue it.

It can be recalled that the magistrate had in late December 2022 issued an order for the arrest of the PDP governoship candidate under very controversial and suspicious circumstances.

The the controversial order followed a complaint by one Edet Godwin Etim who claimed to reside in Ibeno – Ibeno LGA, and who according to him, left the employ of Royalty Hotel Eket in Eket LGA.

The Defendant who has has been publicly campaigning had repeatedly stated that he was not aware of the existence of any case against him, having not been served any court processes; had resigned from the BOT of Royalty Hotel in 2020 to take up an appointment with the Akwa Ibom State Government as a Director.

News of the purported “conviction” by magistrate Iyana was recently broken by the Cable – an online news medium. Since the news emerged, many opposition figures and their supporters have taken to the social media to celebrate.

Apparently, Mr Etim may have to return to Akwa Ibom State where the jurisdiction lie, to begin the process afresh if he has sufficient substance to support his claims.

The matter was brought pursuant to section 89(3) and 101(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 for the offence of Cheating and Dishonesty of Inducing Delivery of Property in the Penal code.