The Edo governorship election tribunal has dismissed the petition by Action Alliance (AA) and Adekunle Rufai Omoaje against Governor Monday Okpebholo and his political platform, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winners of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.

The three-member tribunal, in a unanimous judgment yesterday in Abuja, threw out the petition for being frivolous and lacking in merit.

In the first judgment of the Tribunal yesterday, the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led tribunal held that Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who filed the joint petition, has no locus standi to institute the case.

Among others, the Tribunal held that Omoaje did not participate in the governorship election and as such, has no power to question the validity of the election.

The Tribunal also held that Omoaje’s grouse against the election was that he was not recognized as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the poll, but it was held that his claims had no basis in the Electoral Act 2022.

Omoaje had in the petition asked the Tribunal to declare the declaration of Okpebholo and APC as winners of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as illegal, unlawful, unconditional and null and void on non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

He also alleged corruption and that Okpebholo and APC did not win the majority of lawful votes in the election.

Omoaje also alleged that AA was not allowed to nominate a lawful governorship candidate for the election, having not signed the nomination form as the National Chairman of the party.

INEC declared that Okpebholo of the APC won 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, who polled 247,655 votes in the election.

Kinsmen of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, under the aegis of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals (IK- Pro), have tackled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his allegation that Akpabio is corrupt and has the propensity to abuse women.

Atiku had while reacting to the sexual harassment allegation levelled against Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said the Senate President was involved in abusing women when he was a governor.

He also accused the Senate President of corruption following the quick approval of state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

Kinsmen of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, under the aegis of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals (IK- Pro), have tackled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his allegation that Akpabio is corrupt and has the propensity to abuse women.

Atiku had while reacting to the sexual harassment allegation levelled against Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said the Senate President was involved in abusing women when he was a governor.

He also accused the Senate President of corruption following the quick approval of state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

The group condemned Atiku’s comments in a statement signed by Edidiong John, National President and Barr. Kemfon Neke, National Secretary, which was made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday.

They described the allegation as a blackmail aimed at scoring cheap points ahead of the 2027 elections.

Parts of the statement read, “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in his recent remarks, baselessly accused the Senate President of corruption and alleged that he had a history of abusing women during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“However, he failed to provide any specific details or reference any pending corruption charges against Senator Akpabio. Likewise, he did not cite any verifiable incidents of abuse to support his outrageous claims. Instead, he resorted to reckless falsehoods, seemingly in a desperate bid to tarnish the Senate President’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is ironic that such accusations emanate from a man whose own past is riddled with serious credibility concerns. The former customs officer turned politician, who amassed enormous wealth, enabling him to contest every presidential election since the advent of the Fourth Republic, has a questionable record.

“More damningly, his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, detailed his moral and ethical shortcomings in his book, My Watch, Volume 2 (pages 31-32). Obasanjo described Atiku Abubakar as having “a propensity to corruption,” “a tendency to disloyalty,” “an inability to say and stick to the truth all the time,” “a propensity for poor judgment,” “a belief and reliance on marabouts,” “a lack of transparency,” and “a refusal to use money to buy his way out of all issues, and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety, truth, and national interest for self and selfish interest.

“Given such an unflattering verdict from one who had the closest view of Atiku Abubakar’s tenure, it is preposterous for him to pontificate about corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. His moral authority on the subject is nonexistent.

“The coordinated attacks, including false accusations of sexual harassment, have always been politically motivated and are now fully exposed as part of a larger agenda for 2027. It is unfortunate that some politicians are willing to go to any lengths, including fabrications and character assassination, to advance their ambitions.

“Despite these attempts at distraction, the Senate under Senator Akpabio remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the enactment of quality legislation and robust oversight. The focus remains on advancing national development and delivering prosperity to Nigerians.

“‘IK-PRO also notes with concern Atiku Abubakar’s selective outrage over the National Assembly’s unanimous decision on the Rivers State issue. The decision, which received overwhelming support from lawmakers across party lines in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is now being singularly blamed on Senator Akpabio.

“Curiously, the former Vice President has not directed similar criticism toward the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a fellow northerner, who also presided over the unanimous resolution. This selective targeting of Senator Akpabio, a southern leader, is both suspicious and troubling.”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Governor Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt, during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit on Monday.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.

He said: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed, but emphasized that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.

Fubara, while urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”

He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared their solidarity with Governor Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.

Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.

He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100 percent Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.

He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.

He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the Governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.

During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.