Category: General News

 

Flowerbudnews

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 27 for continuation of hearing in the $150 million US dollars suit filed by a Nigerian, Chianugo Peter, against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC to demand compensation following alleged contract breach.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the date for the defence to cross-examine Peter after he was led in evidence virtually by his lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong Esq. FCIArb., in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023.

The lawsuit revolves around the alleged shutdown of Mr Peter’s YouTubeAudio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts.

Peter, through his lawyer, named GoDaddy.Com LLC and Google LLC as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit filed on April 14, 2023.

In his earlier originating summons filed by Ekpenyong Esq. FCIArb. of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, the Nigerian sought a $150 million in compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC for the alleged cyberspace contract breach.

The plaintiff alleged that the defendants shut down his domain and business name: YouTubeAudio.com and transferred the rights over the name to Google LLC.

Although GoDaddy.com LLC neither filed any process nor represented in court, Google LLC, an American multinational technology company, in its initial statement of defence dated November 9, 2023, and filed November 10, 2023, by its lawyer, Mark Mordi FCIArb. SAN of the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, urged the court to dismiss Peter’s suit as being unmeritorious and lacking in merits.

Justice Egwuatu had, in April 2024, gave the plaintiff go-ahead to amend his originating processes after his lawyer moved the application for same and it was not opposed by the defence counsel.

In his amended statement of claim dated April 29, 2024, Peter sought ten reliefs.

Amongst the reliefs, he wants a declaration that upon the registration of YouTubeAudio.com domain name by GoDaddy in 2015, and its incorporation as a business name with registration number: BN 2395035 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2016, acceptance for registration by the Trademark, Patents and Designs Registry and its approval and registration on Google AdSense and Google PlayStore in 2021, without objection or caveat that it “infringes YouTube trademarks, the plaintiff acquired exclusive rights over YouTubeAudio.com.”

He sought a declaration that GoDaddy.com LLC was wrong to shut down the YouTubeAudio.com domain name on December 7, 2022 and that Google LLC was wrong to remove “YTAudio” with its website youtubeaudio.com from its Google PlayStore on December 25, 2023 without adequate compensation to him.

He said this is notwithstanding that YouTubeAudio.com domain and business name is different and distinct from YouTube trademarks.

He wants the court to declare that he is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works from July 2, 2015 to December 7, 2022.

He sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of $50 million to him for promotional and marketing works on the YouTube Audio business name and YouTube Audio.com domain name for eight years from July 2, 2015 to December 7, 2022.

He sought a $100 million in damages for loss of anticipated profits associated with the brand equity and goodwill of YouTube Audio and YouTube Audio.com domain name.

Peter also sought from the defendants the sum of 50 million naira to enable him to carry out fresh registrations of its new name and secure an alternative domain name to host its application to attract users.

The Nigerian sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of 10 million naira to him for prosecution of the suit.

Alternatively, Peter prayed the court for an order for GoDaddy.com LLC to reinstate and hoist the YouTubeAudio.com domain name which was shut down on December 7, 2022 and for Goggle LLC to also reinstate YouTubeAudio.com on its Google PlayStore platform which was unilaterally removed on December 25, 2023.

He submitted that he acquired rights over YouTubeAudio.com domain name from Go Daddy.com LLC who conducted a search before confirming that he could make use of the name.

The plaintiff averred that he promoted the domain and business name from 2014 to 2022 and even wrote to Google LLC to introduce YouTubeAudio’s services and to partner with it in 2014 and 2021 but received no response from it on both occasions.

He said in February 2021, he applied for and YouTubeAudio.com was registered on Google Adsense platform for displaying advertisement on the website.

Besides, Peter said in August 2021, the domain and business name was registered on Google Playstore.

According to him, the plaintiff consistently paid GoDaddy.com LLC for registration and use of the domain name from 2015 to 2022.

But Google LLC, in its amended statement of defence and counterclaim dated and filed May 31, 2024, averred that its registration of the YOUTUBE trademarks at the Trademarks Regstry gives it the exclusive night to the use of the said trademarks.

It submitted that it has incurred expenses in the sum of $24,040 64 US dollars in dealing with Peter’s “deliberate infringement of the counterclaimant’s YOUTUBE trademarks.”

The company, therefore, sought a declaration that Peter’s registration and use of the YouTubeAudio business name with BN 2395035 at the CAC is an infringement of its YOUTUBE registered trademarks.

It prayed the court for an order directing Peter to pay the company the total sum of $24,040.64 being the expenses incurred in dealing with his infringement of the YOUTUBE registered trademarks.

It equally sought an order directing the plaintiff to pay the company the cost of defending the suit.

In his amended reply to Google LLC’s amended statement of defence dated 12th July 2024, Peter responded that it is not in doubt that Google LLC owns YouTube trademarks, however, YouTubeAudio is distinct and different from YouTube trademarks.

He submitted that Google LLC, being a foremost search engine in the world, knew that he had earlier written to it, that he was making use of the YouTubeAudio domain name for the past eight years without any objection or caveat by either GoDaddy.com or Google.

“Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name,” he said.

When the suit came up on Feb. 6, Peter’s counsel, Ekpenyong, informed the court that his client was away on further studies in Canada and applied to move their application for virtual hearing of his testimony and it was granted.

Google LLC’s lawyer also moved their application for virtual hearing and the same was granted by the Court and the judge adjourned the suit until March 26 for the plaintiff to open their case.

On the last adjourned date, Peter, as sole witness, adopted his amended witness deposition on oath dated 26th April 2024 and amended additional witness deposition on oath dated 12th July 2024 as his oral testimony before the court.

Ekpenyong tendered documents on YouTubeAudio which Peter relied upon, including YouTubeAudio profile, certificate of its registration, acceptance letter at the Trademarks Registry for its registration, its bank particulars, payment receipts of domain name to Go Daddy.com LLC and newsletter showing when Google LLC commenced music services in Nigeria.

He also tendered “the plaintiff’s email to Google LLC on his services, Google LLC’s solicitors’ letter to the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s solicitors’ response to Google LLC’s solicitors, notices and processes at the forum, the page on the website showing that it has been shut down.

“Pages of companies not affiliated with Google LLC using the ‘YouTube’ acronym, its page on Google Playstore console showing its website and domain name and marketing materials on Facebook and other social media platforms since 2015” and the same were admitted as exhibits.

The lawyer equally tendered documents on YouTubeAudio relied upon in the plaintiff’s amended additional witness deposition on oath, including Google LLC Adsense policies and Adsense page congratulating it on being registered on the platform.

He further tendered email correspondence with the forum after it made its decision, tracking policy of Google LLC and flash drive showing that “YTAudio” was accompanied with the youtubeaudio.com domain name on the Google Playstore platform and the same were admitted as exhibits.

After the plaintiff concluded his testimony, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter till May 27 for Google LLC’s counsel to cross-examine Peter.

Meanwhile, no appearance has still been entered for GoDaddy.com LLC.

 

–  Our slogan at NBTE is “Skills rather than degrees” because acquiring skills is the in thing. No nation can develop without promoting skills acquisition.

– I support parity because skills and vocations are the in-thing now all over the world.

(Rector, Ayede Polytechnic Dr. AbdulHameed (in the middle) discussing with other officials at a public event).

By Biola Lawal
Ayede (Oyo State):  FLOWERBUDNEWS:  The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed has commended the National Assembly for its move to remove the  disparity  between HND and Bachelor’s Degree holders in the country.

Speaking in an interview with journalists who recently visited the tertiary institution, Dr. AbdulHameed said that the need to remove the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s Degree in the country was long overdue.

(Dr. AbdulHameed pose with one of the Ayede Polytechnic students)

”So, I want to appreciate the National Assembly for giving us the opportunity and I want to believe that the bill will eventually be passed,” the Rector told the  journalists.

Dr. AbdulHameed expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would assent the bill into law once passed by the National Assembly, saying, ‘:In fact, we thought that before the expiry of the life of the last administration, it would have been signed.

The bill would ensure that ”once you are a HND holder and a BSc holder, the parity should be there. It is high time we forget about paper qualifications, let’s focus on what we can contribute to the society, the positive impacts we can make on the society,” the Rector stated.

Dr. AbdulHamerd said: ”I support parity because skills and vocations are the in-thing now all over the world.

”In advanced countries, skills and vocations are encouraged. If you are talking about China today, it is because they give a premium to entrepreneurship development through skill acquisition and vocational development.

”I attended over three universities to get my degrees, and I have been in the polytechnic sector for over 30 years so I can make comparisons. If you look at it, it is because we lay so much emphasis on paper qualifications that is why we are not progressing the way we should as a country,” the Rector stressed.

Dr. AbdulHameed stressed the need for more government support for skill acquisition, saying,’ ” if the government can encourage skills and vocations, we will move faster.

”Our slogan at NBTE is “Skills rather than degrees” because acquiring skills is the in thing. No nation can develop without promoting skills acquisition, he stressed, adding:

”In the advanced climes, what you see is that when you graduate from polytechnics, you get B.Tech not HND. Even the British that we copied have phased out this HND of a thing. What you see in Britain now is B.Tech, BSc and what have you.

”So, why is Nigeria the exception? Because of paper qualifications, we want to pride ourselves as being higher than the others… because I am a degree holder, I am better than the HND holder whereas it is not so.

”It depends on what you are able to contribute to the larger society. It is not just about paper qualification or theories alone.

On the expected Parity of HND and Bachelor’s Degree, the Rector said; ”When parity is finally achieved and the polytechnics now focus on what they are established to do,  it will impact positively on the society.

”Back in the days, I knew that if you were an undergraduate of The Polytechnic Ibadan or Yaba College of Technology, when it came to practicals or hands-on skills, they were far better than university undergraduates,” Dr. AbdulHameed stated.

”But when discrimination became pronounced, the students just went to earn the certificates and just move on to other things; whereas the purposes for establishing the polytechnics were there. Conventional universities are more for theoretical things while the polytechnics are to train manpower that would move the economy of the country forward,” he said, adding;

”The polytechnics now train higher level manpower too, who impact the society positively.”

Flowerbudnews recall that the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State is one of the six established by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.

Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed is its pioneer Rector (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

 

– Dangers In the Manner Of House of Reps’ Order To the Nigerian Law School Over ‘Delayed’ Bar Results.

 

By Sylvester Udemezue

1. Nigeria’s operates a bicameral legislature known as the National Assembly, established by the Constitution and made up of the Senate as the upper Chamber headed by the Senate President, and the House of Representatives as the lower Chamber headed by the Speaker of the House of Reps. Like the Senate, the House of Reps has powers to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Nigerian Federation.

2. Beyond making laws, Nigeria’s House of Reps plays a key role in representing citizens’ concerns and overseeing the executive arm of government to ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance. It exercises these oversight functions through various means, including: (1) Investigations into public interest issues or misconduct; (2) Public hearings involving citizens and experts; (3) Ministerial briefings for insight into government activities; (4) Passing resolutions and motions with recommendations; (6) Issuing reports to guide improvements; (7) Receiving and investigating public petitions and complaints; (8) Summoning officials to provide information; (9) Initiating impeachment proceedings in serious cases; and (10) Using oversight committees to monitor government actions. Overall, these powers ensure the government remains accountable to the people.

3. The House of Reps initiate investigations through: (a) motions by members, (b) petitions from citizens or groups, (c) resolutions passed by the House, or (d) referrals from the Speaker. Once an investigation is warranted, it’s referred to the House committee with relevant expertise. The committee receives specific terms of reference and timeline to guide the investigation. They may hold public hearings, invite witnesses, collect documents, and conduct field visits. Afterward, the committee submits a report with findings and recommendations, which can lead to further debate or legislative actions.

4. The Council of Legal Education, established in 1962, is the main regulatory body for legal education in Nigeria and oversees the Nigerian Law School (NLS). It holds broad powers to ensure effective legal training. The Nigerian Law School, also founded in 1962 by the Federal Government, provides practical vocational training for aspiring lawyers seeking admission to the Nigerian Bar.

5. The House of Representatives has several committees, including the House Committee on Education and the House Committee on Justice. While the Committee on Education oversees general educational institutions like universities and colleges, the Nigerian Law School falls under the purview of the House Committee on Justice. This committee is responsible for overseeing the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, ensuring they fulfil their roles in legal education and certification. Its specific duties include: (a) performing oversight functions to ensure the Council operates within its mandate, (b) reviewing the Nigerian Law School’s budget for adequacy and proper allocation, and (c) investigating issues related to funding, infrastructure, academic standards, and transparency, among other issues of public interest.

6. The House of Representatives has a duty to handle any petition or complaint made against the Council of Legal Education or the Nigerian Law School fairly, justly, and in accordance with natural justice, particularly the principle of audi alteram partem (the right to be heard). Upon receiving such a complaint, the House should review the complaint for validity and, if necessary, refer it to the appropriate committee (e.g., Justice or Education) with specific terms and deadlines. The committee should investigate by consulting stakeholders, inviting the accused parties, gathering evidence, and possibly holding public hearings. After the investigation, the committee submits a report with recommendations for the House to consider. Critically, the accused must always be given a chance to respond before any decision is made, ensuring no one is condemned without being heard.

7. History of Complaints Against The Nigerian Law School and Attitude of the House of Reps:

(a) *Controversy over High Rate of Failure at The NLS:* On August 15, 2015, ChannelsTV reported that the Nigerian House of Representatives discussed the high failure rate in the Nigerian Law School bar final exams. Representative Bode Ayorinde raised the motion, noting that 32% of candidates failed. He attributed this to poor learning conditions and inadequate facilities at the law schools. In response, the House directed its Committee on Justice to investigate the state of the law schools and identify the causes of the high failure rate.

(b). *The Armasa Firdaus Controversy:* In 2017, during a session led by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the then Speaker, the Nigerian House of Representatives addressed a motion raised by Hon. Abubakar Danburam-Nuhu from Kano State concerning the Nigerian Law School’s refusal to call Amasa Firdaus to the Bar due to her wearing a hijab. Danburam-Nuhu argued this action violated Firdaus’ fundamental rights, noting that other countries like the UK and Kenya allow hijabs during such ceremonies. In response, the House directed its Committees on Justice and Judiciary to investigate the issue and ensure all parties were fairly heard before making a final decision.

(c). *Brouhaha Over Increase In NLS Fees:* On February 21, 2024, Obinna Ginger, on behalf of Kingsley Chinda, moved a motion in the Nigerian House of Representatives concerning a 60% increase in Nigerian Law School fees, from ₦296,000 to ₦476,000 for the 2023/2024 Bar Part II session. The motion highlighted Nigeria’s 27.33% inflation rate, which is projected to rise to 30% by December 2024, and warned that the fee hike could significantly reduce the number of students attending the Law School. In response, the House called on the Council of Legal Education to immediately reverse the fee increase and directed the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to explore solutions and report within two weeks. The issue was widely covered by media outlets, including Daily Post, Sahara Reporters, Punch Newspapers, and BarristerNG.

(d) ‘ *Delayed’ Bar Final Results:* On 27 March 2025, the House of Representatives passed a resolution ordering/directing the immediate release of the November 2024 Bar Part 2 Exams, describing the delay in release of the results as a “humanitarian crisis”. The House directed also immediate resolution of the issue of backlog of students awaiting their Call to the Bar in Nigeria. The NigeriaLawyer blog news of 27 March 2025 under the headline, “Reps Declare “Humanitarian Crisis” Over Withheld 6,000 Bar Exam Results, Order Immediate Release” reported that the motion that led to the resolution was sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka. The sponsors of the motion had argued that delay in releasing the results had taken severe emotional toll on the about 6000 who sat for the exams. According to them, at least three students who sat for that exam “had died” while waiting for the release of the results. In directing the Nigerian Law School and Council of Legal Education to immediately release the results, the Lawmakers condemned the situation as a “humanitarian crisis” and a threat to justice and fairness. The House also directed its Committees on the Judiciary and Justice to intervene in the matter to ensure immediate release of the results. Additionally, the House called for a streamlined, transparent Call to Bar process to prevent further hardship and to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

8. The Need for The House of Representatives to Observe a Fair Hearing Always: The Nigerian Law School, as an institution responsible for the training of future legal practitioners, plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of legal education and upholding the integrity of the Nigerian legal system. Given its importance, it is essential that any allegations made against the Nigerian Law School are handled fairly and transparently. It’s accordingly respectfully submitted that the House of Representatives acted unfairly, unjustly, and too hastily when, without giving the Nigerian Law School an opportunity of being heard, the House passed a resolution condemning the Nigerian Law School over the perceived delay in releasing the November 2024 Bar Part 2 exam results, concluded that the “delay” was a “humanitarian crisis” and a threat to justice and fairness, and ordering the Law School to immediately release the results. First, the House didn’t know why the delay occurred. Affording the Law School an opportunity of being heard would have given the House a better understanding of the true state of affairs, ensuring that the House made an informed, balanced decision on the matter.

9. It’s therefore respectfully advised that any time the House of Representatives receives any allegations, complaints or petition against any person or institutions, the House should first bring the allegation, complaint or petition to the attention of the affected person or institution and also afford the affected person or institution an opportunity of being heard before taking any decision or passing a judgment on the matter. The Nigerian Law School plays a vital role in the Nigerian legal education and legal system and does not engage in actions inimical to its students or the Nigerian legal profession; its actions are and decisions are taken in the best interest of both its student and the generality of the legal profession and Nigeria. Thus, any allegations made against Nigerian Law School before/to the House of Representatives should be handled fairly and transparently; the House should always allow the Law School an opportunity to respond to allegations before making any decisions.

10. There are several reasons why giving the Nigerian Law School (NLS) a fair hearing is crucial. First, such maintains respect for the rules of natural justice, due process, and fairness by allowing the NLS to respond to such accusations, thereby ensuring an impartial decision-making process. Second, affording the NLS a fair hearing helps in protecting the integrity, credibility and role of the Nigerian Law School in shaping the legal profession. Third, observance of fair hearing would prevent unfair treatment by allowing the NLS to present its case so as to prevent unjust decisions. Fourth, fair hearing promotes transparency by fostering trust in the legislative process and ensuring that decisions affecting the NLS are based on a complete and accurate understanding of the situation in each case. Fifth, fair hearing promotes the rule of law and due process and respect for legal institutions. Sixth, fair hearing promotes accountability by reinforcing checks on legislative power and ensuring that all allegations are substantiated before decisions are taken thereon. Seventh, respect for fair hearing encourages the culture of dialogue by facilitating greater cooperation and understanding between the legislature and the Nigerian Law School. Eighth, fair hearing safeguards the interest of stakeholders including the students and the entire legal profession.

11. It all boils down to fairness. Fairness is the cornerstone of justice and equality, highlighting the importance of treating others with impartiality. Fairness is about giving everyone an equal chance and making decisions that reflect honesty and justice. Fairness means ensuring that all voices are heard, and that decisions are reached without favoritism or bias. Fairness doesn’t mean equal outcomes; it means equal opportunity, recognizing that everyone has a right to be heard. The principle of audi alteram partem is the second long arm of natural justice which protects a person from arbitrary judicial or administrative actions whenever his right is at stake. It is a fundamental element of the Nigerian legal system, demanding that no person should be judged without a fair hearing; any person accused of anything must be given a opportunity to respond to the evidence against him, before any decision is made against the person. It’s in the best interest of the public that a fair hearing is observed always so as to ensure that justice is not only done, but that it’s seen to be done.
Long live the Nigerian Law School!
Long live the House of Reps!
Long live the Federal
Republic of Nigeria under the Rule of Law!

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (udems).
Legal Practitioner, Law Teacher, and the Proctor of The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law and Justice [A Public Interest Law Advocacy Group]
08021365545, 08109024556.
TheRealityMinister@Gmail.Com
(14 April 2025)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), has honoured the former military governor of old Kano State, retired Col. Sani Bello, with a lifetime achievement award in business, leadership, and philanthropy.

The newly inaugurated 20th National President of the chamber, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, made this known in a statement on Monday, said the award ceremony held in Lagos.

Balogun explained that the award was conferred on the elderstateman in appreciation of his remarkable leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and outstanding philanthropic contributions.

According to him, the contribution of Col. Bello has significantly impacted Nigeria’s business, media, and energy sectors.

He also said the award recipient, who is the esteemed Chairman of Qausain TV and Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, retired Col. Bello has successfully operated major hydropower plants like Kainji, Jebba, Zungeru, and Kashimbila.

He added that the television station of Bello Qausain TV continues to grow as a major voice in broadcasting industry.

Balogun said that the chamber remains committed to fostering stronger economic and business relations between Nigeria and the United States.

 

Flowerbudnews

The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) has urged the courts to summon the courage to nullify elections that are not in compliance with stipulated laws.

The Executive Director of the school, Dr Sam Amadi, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference on Edo Governorship Election Tribunal judgment.

Amadi also called on the Court of Appeal to reassert its authority to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do its job right.

He emphasised the need for INEC to always ensure that its processes and actions were fully in compliance with the provision of the Nigerian constitution, the Electoral Act and its guidelines.

According to him, the survival of democracy in Nigeria depends on an electoral process that gives citizens assurance that voting can truly be a means of changing government.

He said where the electoral process could no longer guarantee change of government because the process had been hijacked, then the incentive structure in democracy is lost.

“The base of judicial involvement in the election is that where the electoral manager truncates, violates the electoral process, the judiciary will reverse it as an incentive.

“Everything about governance is an incentive. If the electoral manager goes wrong, the redeeming feature is that the court will nullify the election.

“This will send a message that next time, do not do that way, it doesn’t pay, because if you do it, the court will nullify the election.

“But, where the court legitimises or validates that atrocity, it is a message that next time, do it, it pays,’’ he said.

Amadi said that the appeal became necessary following the petitions and other salient issues arising from the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal and the use of technicality by court.

He said that the petitions which centered on two core issues: alleged lack of compliance with Section 73 of the Electoral Act and wrong collation of election result, using duplicate result sheets, should not be overlooked.

The executive director said that elections had been rigged in the past by criminal-minded electoral officials often diverting sensitive materials to politicians who would write false election results which were used to declare them winners.

“To stop this, the Electoral Act, in Section 73(2), requires that serial numbers of all Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voting papers, accreditation sheets and result sheets must be written down in prescribed form before EC25B voting.

“If this is not done, the results are invalid,’’ he said.

Amadi expressed concern that the tribunal, in its judgment, rejected the evidence of improper collation of result for the election because the BVAS machines supplied by INEC were not operated to show the actual results.

He quoted the tribunal as describing the process as ‘dumping evidence before the court’.

He said that the court ought to have mandated INEC to operate the machine before it, and not giving the commission the opportunity to violate the law at the expense of the electorate and the victims of such actions.

Amadi said that the school’s focus on Edo governorship election in 2024 was not because electoral malpractices only occurred in the state, but because of its interest in Nigeria’s democracy.

“We don’t actually care about the outcome or who wins or who didn’t win, but it’s because of its important implication for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

“TAS is a non-partisan and an independent think-tank of scholars, intellectuals and policy professionals committed to the propagation of insights and ideas that can transform the African society and usher an era of quality livelihood for the people,’’ he said.

Amadi said that if the country kept ignoring bad performances by INEC and the judiciary, Nigeria might move from a democracy to an electoral autocracy

He described Edo governorship election as important and a connecting bridge between the 2023 general elections and the 2027 general elections.

A fellow of the school, Chuks Akamadu, described the news conference as a timely call on INEC to improve on the country’s democracy and the judiciary to uphold right electoral procedures.

Another fellow of the school, Nwokoye Emmanuel, also urged INEC and the judiciary not to usurp the right of citizens to elect their leaders through elections.

Paul Obi, also a fellow of the school, suggested that anybody who acted against electoral laws, including INEC officials, should be made to face the consequences.