Politics
Court Disqualifies KANSIEC Chairman, Members from Conducting Kano LG Polls
The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has disqualified the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from conducting the local government elections scheduled for October 26, 2024.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice S.A. Amobede, in response to a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tiga, in his suit, challenged the eligibility of the KANSIEC chairman and its members, citing their alleged affiliation with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and failure to meet the required civil service grade qualifications.
In his judgment, Justice Amobede declared that the defendants, as active participants in partisan politics, were unfit for their roles as electoral officials.
“The defendants, being card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and in partisan politics contrary to Section 197 (1) (b) and Section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, are not qualified to be the Chairman and Members of the Defendant, (KANSIEC),” the judge ruled.
Continuing, the court disqualified Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of KANSIEC, citing his ineligibility based on his previous civil service rank.
Justice Amobede noted that Zakirai did not meet the legal requirement of holding the rank of Director in the Kano State Civil Service before his appointment, as stipulated under Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.
In addition to the disqualifications, the court also invalidated all prior actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the upcoming elections, including the issuance of election guidelines, the screening of candidates, and the sale of nomination forms.
“Whatever the Commission did or has done or is doing in preparation for the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State, such as issuance of election guidelines, circulars, screening of candidates, sale of nomination and expression interest forms, whichever and howsoever, are null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the court ruled.
The court further restrained KANSIEC from conducting the local government elections in Kano’s 44 local government areas until qualified individuals were appointed to the Commission.
“The 1st Defendant (KANSIEC) cannot validly and competently conduct Local Government Election 2024 in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly and legally appointed as chairman and members of the commission,” Justice Amobede declared.
The ruling also directed law enforcement agencies to ensure immediate compliance with the court’s order.
“The defendants are forthwith disqualified and removed from their positions as chairman and members of the Commission,” the court ordered.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ilaji Sports and Resorts and a prominent figure in Oyo State politics, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has officially announced his decision to withdraw from the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Sanusi made this known very recently during a meeting held with stakeholders of the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Movement in Ibadan.
According to information obtained by Mega Icon Magazine a day ago via his Facebook page, ‘Asiwaju Jubril Dotun Sanusi,’ he expressed profound gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering encouragement throughout his political journey.
However, he cited the challenges of opposition forces as a decisive factor in his withdrawal.
“If I were to vie for the gubernatorial seat, I believe I would win. However, I foresee significant opposition that would not benefit my followers. The challenges posed by adversaries far outweigh the support I would receive from friends,” Sanusi stated, reflecting on his decision.
Sanusi further clarified his non-partisan stance, stating, “I do not intend to seek membership in any political party. What I have in my hands now transcends politics.”
He emphasized his focus on business ventures, particularly his engagements in the oil and gas sector, including a major investment in Ghana’s oil industry.
Looking ahead, Sanusi revealed plans for the global expansion of his hospitality brand. He announced that by mid-year, the Ilaji Resort in Malta will be officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone for his business portfolio.
In his concluding remarks, Sanusi reaffirmed his commitment to serving humanity beyond the political sphere.
“Together, let us continue to dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity,” he urged.
The announcement has sparked diverse reactions among his supporters and political analysts, with many commending his focus on global business opportunities and philanthropy.
Politics
Ex-Oyo ALGON Scribe, Jesutoye, Celebrates FIRS Boss, Adelabu, at 47, Lauds Leadership Excellence
The immediate past Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Jesutoye Oluyinka, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, on his 47th birthday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Jesutoye, who also served as the council chairman of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, described Adelabu as a trailblazer whose visionary leadership and dedication to national development have brought pride to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Highlighting Adelabu’s impactful contributions to the nation’s financial and economic sectors, Jesutoye commended his remarkable efforts in revolutionizing tax administration and boosting revenue generation at the FIRS.
“As a dedicated public servant, Dr. Adelabu’s outstanding performance underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for Nigeria’s progress,” the APC chieftain stated.
Jesutoye also prayed for Adelabu’s continued success, good health, and greater accomplishments in both his personal and professional pursuits.
“As you celebrate another year of impactful life, may you achieve even greater milestones for the nation,” he added.
He further called on young leaders to draw inspiration from Adelabu’s exemplary leadership and devotion to nation-building, describing the FIRS boss as “a shining light from Oyo State.”
Jesutoye concluded by wishing the celebrant many more years of fruitful service to the nation.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied rumours of his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former governor addressed the claims as baseless, describing them as the handiwork of mischief makers.
According to a close aide, El-Rufai, a key figure in Nigerian politics, could not have switched political allegiance without making an official announcement.
Reacting to the rumours on Sunday via his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, El-Rufai urged the public to disregard the “patent lies” circulating about his political affiliation.
He revealed that legal action would be taken against those propagating the false claims.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai stated.
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