Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Judgement: Stop distracting Tinubu, allow him work for Nigerians – APC Chieftain Ngwu

    Judgement: Stop distracting Tinubu, allow him work for Nigerians – APC Chieftain Ngwu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: Chief Hycienth Ngwu, former South-East Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged opposition parties and critics to stop distracting President Bola Tinubu henceforth and allow him work for Nigerians.

     

    Ngwu said this shortly on Thursday after the Supreme Court of Nigeria reaffirmed the earlier judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) reaffirming Tinubu winner of the Feb. 18, 2023, Presidential Election as declared by INEC.

     

    He said that he had earlier said after the PEPT judgement that reaffirmed Tinubu victory that the judgement remained “a reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians and that Tinubu won fair and square.

     

    According to him, the Supreme judgment today, truly reaffirms my earlier position during the PEPT judgment that is a reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians.

     

    “The Supreme Court has finally nailed it; upholding the votes cast for President Tinubu by the people as the voice of God.

     

    “Having come this far, I want to thank the critics and presidential candidates that went this far and by now they should be satisfied and their followers be satisfied also as all the necessary steps have been taken to reverse any abnormality witnessed in the election.

     

    “It was a near-perfect Presidential election that was won very clearly by the ruling APC candidate and our President,” he said.

     

    The APC chieftain called on the opposition parties and persons to set aside all distractions and bury all animosity and face governance in the interest of Nigerians.

     

    “Governance is for Nigerians. We are all Nigerians and let us all support the President and his team to deliver sound macro-economic policies that will certainly leverage us out of the economic mess that we are witnessing in the country.

     

    “I believe that President Tinubu has a sound economic team and their policies are very sound; but because of these distractions of going to tribunal the people are yet to come to reality with these sound policies and programmes.

     

    “However with this judgment they will all come to terms with reality.

     

    “Let all these bickering and opposition activities take a rest. Let’s put a stop to it and allow the very good and sound economic policies and programmes the economic team has put in place to strive,” he advised.

     

    Ngwu, who is a foundation member of the APC, noted that Nigerians needed to benefit from these policies and programmes and then be happy.

     

    He said that the ultimate focus of good governance remained the economic wellbeing and benefit of the people of Nigerians.

     

    He urged Nigerians to close ranks and work together for the peace and prosperity of the country irrespective of political party and ideology, adding: “This is good for us, our children, the future of the country and to our neighbouring countries”.

     

    “The political and economic stability, peace and progress of the country would not only impact on Nigerians but to residents of other African countries as they all look up to Nigeria and whatever happens here affects them directly or indirectly.

     

    “We should allow President Tinubu’s administration to marshal out his good intentions and plans for Nigerians, which is encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    President Tinubu has the capacity to deliver; he is an experienced politician and of a sound mind too. He will certainly give us the best if we work with him,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Pakistan issues last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave

    Pakistan issues last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave

     

    Islamabad:.  Pakistan on Thursday gave a last warning to all immigrants in the country
    illegally, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, to leave voluntarily before a Nov. 1 deadline.

    The Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said at a news conference on Thursaday that Pakistan was determined to
    go ahead with a plan to remove all undocumented immigrants after Nov. 1.

    The minister said the decision was taken after Afghan nationals were found to be involved in crimes, smuggling and
    attacks against government and the army, including 14 out of 24 suicide bombings this year.

    “All the illegal immigrants have been identified. The state has a complete data,” said Bugti.

    “I want to appeal one more time that all the illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily by the deadline.”

    Bugti warned that law enforcement agencies would start an operation to remove people after the expiry of the deadline.

    He also said action would be taken against anyone found involved in facilitating or hiding the immigrants.

    The immigrants, mostly Afghans, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for years, would be processed at temporary
    centres being set up by the government.

    Those leaving voluntarily would be helped to leave Pakistan, such as preparation of their documents, permission to exchange
    currency and transportation.

    Pakistan has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979.

    Hundreds of thousands of Afghans moved to Pakistan to escape war and conflicts, and many are registered as refugees with
    the government and UN agencies.

    The expulsion plan marks a new low in relations between the South Asian neighbours after border clashes in recent months.

    Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies,
    saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Breaking: Supreme Court upholds President Tinubu’s election, dismisses Atiku’s appeal

    Breaking: Supreme Court upholds President Tinubu’s election, dismisses Atiku’s appeal

    The Supreme Court, on Thursday, affirmed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the presidential election that held in the country on February 25.

    The apex court, in its lead judgement that was prepared and read by Justice Inyang Okoro, held that there was no merit in the petition that a former President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, filed to nullify the outcome of the election.

    It held that Atiku did not prove that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not substantially comply with provisions of the Electoral Act, in the conduct of the election.

     

    The apex court held that section 185(1) of the Evidence Act provided that an election should not be liable to be invalidated, when alleged non compliance did not substantially affect the outcome of an election.

     

    It held that evidence contained in the record of the appeal showed that the Appellants abandoned the duty imposed on them by the law to not only prove the alleged non compliance, but to establish that failure of INEC to transmit results of the election through its IReV portal, influenced the outcome of the presidential poll.

     

    The Supreme Court said it had in past judgements, made it clear that there was a difference between election result collation system and the IReV portal.

     

    “Where the IReV portal fails, it does not stop the collation which up till the last election was manually done,” the court held.

     

    Nevertheless, it stressed that INEC’s failure to electronically transmit results of the election, denied the electorates the opportunity to follow and cross-check results that were eventually uploaded.

     

    “Truth must be told, the non transmission of results to the IReV portal may also reduce the confidence of the voting population in the electoral process,” the Supreme Court warned.

    It held that the unavailability of results on INEC’s IReV portal “for whatever reason, could not be the reason for an election to be nullified.

    The apex court held that Atiku and PDP did not prove that they suffered any miscarriage of justice as a result of the dismissal of their petition by the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC.

     

    It described as misconceived and misplaced, Atiku’s contention that Tinubu ought not have been declared winner of the presidential election, having failed to secure 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

     

    The apex court affirmed the position of the PEPC that the FCT does not have a status that is more special than that of the 36 States of the federation.

     

    It further upheld the striking out the evidence of some of the witnesses that testified for Atiku at the PEPC hearing, adding that most of the witnesses gave “inadmissible hearsay” evidence.

    The Appellants did not present any evidence to warrant the interference of the findings of the lower court,” head of the apex court panel, Justice Okoro, added.

     

    On the issue that President Tinubu was involved in a drug related case in the USA that led to the forfeiture of $460, 000, the Supreme Court held that Tinubu raised the issue when the Respondents had already filed their process.

     

    It held that the action denied the Respondents the right to fair hearing.

     

    “The ruling of the lower court is unassailable and this court will not interfere,” it held.

     

    The court held that whereas Atiku alleged that the result that was declared by INEC was not accurate, he, however, failed to put forward their perceived rightful result.

    It held that the result announced by INEC was presumed as correct in the absence of “any rival or alternative result.”

     

    “The figure before us shows that the 2nd Respondent won the highest number of votes and was duly declared winner.”

     

    Consequently, the court, resolved all the issues that Atiku raised in his petition, against him.

     

    “On the whole, having resolved all the issues against the Appellants, it is my view that there is no merit in this appeal and it is hereby dismissed.

     

    “Judgement of the lower court delivered on September 6 is hereby affirmed. I shall make no order as to cost,” the Supreme Court held.

    It will be recalled that INEC had on March 1, announced that Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, won the presidential contest, ahead of 17 other candidates that participated in the poll.

     

    It declared that he garnered a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat his two major rivals, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes

     

     

     

  • Diaspora organisation celebrates Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as health minister

    Diaspora organisation celebrates Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as health minister

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas South Savannah has celebrated the achievements of the Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Canada’s Manitoba Province.

    NIDO Americas South Savannah Vice President Dr Tomi Ademokun, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, congratulated Asagwara on her new position.

    Asagwara is the first Nigerian woman appointed as minister of health in Canada’s Manitoba Province and at the young age of 39.

    “NIDOA South Savannah looks forward to witnessing Uzoma Asagwara’s continued success and contributions in her new position.

    “We celebrate her achievements and wish her the very best as she embarks on this new and important chapter in her illustrious career.’’

    Ademokun said her appointment was a reflection of the strength that lies in multiculturalism and the enriching contributions that immigrants make to their new communities.

    “We commend the government of Canada’s Manitoba Province for recognising the immense potential in Uzoma Asagwara and for entrusting her with the vital responsibility of overseeing the health and well-being of its citizens.

    “We are confident that she will bring her dedication, compassion, and expertise to her new role, striving to create a healthier and more equitable society,’’ she said.

    According to her, this momentous achievement not only celebrates the remarkable journey of an outstanding individual but also marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian and Canadian communities alike.

    “Uzoma Asagwara’s appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment to public service.

    “Her passion for healthcare and social well-being has been an inspiration to many, and her journey from Nigeria to Canada serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their adopted homeland.

    “As the first Nigerian woman to hold such a prestigious position in Canada’s Manitoba Province, Uzoma Asagwara embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity that both nations cherish.’’

    Born in Winnipeg, Canada, when her parents from the Igbo ethnic group of Abia, South-Eastern Nigeria, migrated there in the late 1970s, Asagwara was earlier elected to represent the Canadian Union Station in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2019.

    By winning a seat in the Manitoba Assembly and also becoming the first black queer legislator, she succeeded in breaking a 150-year jinx to achieve such a feat.

    Asagwara’s duties as the new health minister, will intersect with bioeconomy in different ways and she will be expected to drive innovation and health advancements within the biosciences.

    NAN reports that the Nigerian-Canadian psychiatric nurse, whose career spans over a decade in the country’s health sector, has also played basketball actively in Canada.

    In 2008, she bagged a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and also completed a joint programme between the University of Winnipeg and the University in Brandon, both in Manitoba.

    NAN

  • Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to admit PDP’s new evidence- Justice Okoro

    Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to admit PDP’s new evidence- Justice Okoro

    by Ebere Agozie

    The Supreme Court on Thursday held that it lacked jurisdiction to admit fresh evidence in the appeal of the judgment of the presidential election petition tribunal.

    The suit marked SC/ /2023 CA/PEPC/05/2023 was filed Atiku and the PDP as the Appellants while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu Bola Ahmed and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the Respondents.

    The Appellants in the Notice of Appeal said they were “dissatisfied with the decision more particularly stated in paragraph 2 herein, contained in the consolidated judgment of the Court of Appeal (sitting as the Presidential Election Petition Court), coram:- Haruna Simon Tsammani, JCA, Stephen Jonah Adah, JCA, Misitura Omodere Bolaji-Yusuff, JCA, Boloukuroma Moses Ugo, JCA, and Abba Bello Mohammed, JCA delivered 6th September 2023 in Petition No. CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor vs Independent National Electoral Commission &  others.

    Particularly contained from pages 487 to 752 of the consolidated judgment (as well as the concurring contributions and rulings thereto) doth hereby appeal to the Supreme Court upon the grounds set out in paragraph 3 and will at the hearing of the appeal seek the reliefs set out in paragraph 4.”

    The Presidential Election Petition Court had dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and Atiku challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.

    The tribunal also dismissed the petition of Peter Obi of the Labour Party, challenging Tinubu’s election, describing it as “unmeritorious”.

    NAN

     

  • Supreme Court dismisses Atiku’s plea to file fresh evidence against Tinubu

    Supreme Court dismisses Atiku’s plea to file fresh evidence against Tinubu

    By Ebere Agozie

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the motion by former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking leave of the court to file fresh evidence in his appeal against the victory of President Bola Tinubu, in the February 25, presidential election.
    Ruling on the motion, Justice John Okoro, held that a clinical look at the issues formulated by all the parties is the argument of whether the court as presently constituted has the power to grant the motion.
    Okoro held that out of the seven issues distilled by Atiku for determination, none related or covered forgery, which the appellant is seeking to bring in.
    “The Constitution does not permit that, and this court has no jurisdiction to grant the filing of fresh evidence that was not pleaded at the PEPC”.
    The Supreme Court noted that Atiku did not even deem it fit to file for an amendment of his pleadings and for extension of time, since the 180 days allowed by the Constitution had elapsed since September 17, 2023.
    Atiku, had in the motion dated Oct. 5,  pleaded the apex court to grant him leave to bring in additional evidence by way of depositions on oath from the Chicago State University for use in his appeal to wit: the certified discovery deposition made by Caleb Westberg on behalf of Chicago State University on October 3, 2023, disclaiming the certificate presented by the 2nd respondent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
    The 32-page deposition was released to the former Vice President on the orders of Judge Nancy Maldonado of the District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division, Illinois, United States of America.
    NAN
  • Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

    Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

    By Flowerbud News

    Oct. 26, 2023

    The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to 6,547, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health authority.

    The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) , further reported on Thursday morning that 68 per cent of the fatalities were children and women.

    It cited figures from the Hamas-controlled agency.

    Around 1,600 people in Gaza had been considered missing.

    These figures cannot be independently verified.

    Israel’s army said it is preparing a ground offensive in Gaza.

    Terrorists acting on behalf of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, massacred civilians in Israel on Oct. 7.

    More than 1,400 people were killed when armed Hamas militants staged cross-border attacks.

    According to Israel’s army, at least 222 other people were forcibly taken into the Gaza Strip.

    Four hostages have been released.

    Hamas says it will not release more hostages until Israel allows fuel and medicine to be delivered to the Gaza Strip.

    dpa/NAN

  • Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

    Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

     

     

    Tel Aviv/Gaza:.  The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to 6,547, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health authority.

    The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) , further reported on Thursday morning that 68 per cent of the fatalities were children and women.

    It cited figures from the Hamas-controlled agency.

    Around 1,600 people in Gaza had been considered missing.

    These figures cannot be independently verified.

    Israel’s army said it is preparing a ground offensive in Gaza.

    Terrorists acting on behalf of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, massacred civilians in Israel on Oct. 7.

    More than 1,400 people were killed when armed Hamas militants staged cross-border attacks.

    According to Israel’s army, at least 222 other people were forcibly taken into the Gaza Strip.

    Four hostages have been released.

    Hamas says it will not release more hostages until Israel allows fuel and medicine to be delivered to the Gaza Strip. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Breaking: Tinubu’s victory can’t be annulled over non electronic transmission of election results – Supreme Court

    Breaking: Tinubu’s victory can’t be annulled over non electronic transmission of election results – Supreme Court

     

    By Ebere Agozie
    Abuja:  The Supreme Court says the failure by the Independent National Electoral Commission to transmit election results electronically did not affect the outcome of the election and could not warrant the nullification of the result of the presidential election.

    Justice John Okoro, made the pronouncement in a lead judgment on the appeal by former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and that of the candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, seeking to nullify the February 25, presidential election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Okoro also dismissed the issue of the 25 per cent requirement for Abuja, as a none issue.
    Details later (Flowerbudnews