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.
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.
The Federal House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye, has brought smiles to the faces of his constituents by distributing empowerment items worth over ₦150 million to 1,000 beneficiaries.
The event, held on Sunday at the Faith Joe Events Centre, Alegongo, Ibadan, featured the distribution of 500 bags of rice, 308 bags of fertilizers, and 300 units of pesticides. The programme was facilitated in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Orji River, Enugu State, as part of the lawmaker’s commitment to supporting his people.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support, prayers, and cooperation since he assumed office in 2023.
He noted that the empowerment initiative was a token of appreciation and a demonstration of his belief in human capital development as the foundation for societal growth and development.
“I have always prioritized life-changing projects and programmes for my people. This empowerment is just one of the many ways I strive to enhance the lives of my constituents. I assure you that I will continue to serve with dedication, ensuring impactful dividends of democracy that uplift your standard of living,” Olafisoye said.
In their remarks, Mr. Jimoh Musa Ajeigbe and Pa James Olorisade, popularly known as Olowe, praised the lawmaker for his exceptional performance. They described his achievements as unprecedented in the history of the constituency since 1999.
Among the beneficiaries of the empowerment items were Oladepo Modinat, Akande Ganiyat, Olakojo Sulaiman, Olapade Timileyin, Dasola Adeleke, and Oyelakin Bose, who expressed their gratitude for the support.
Prominent leaders who graced the occasion included Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji (Atiku), Hon. Olusegun Olaleye (Radical Brother), Hon. D.A. Lawal, Hon. Ope Salami, Hon. Biodun Oladeji, Hon. Femi Akintunde, and several others.
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