Politics

Edo tribunal: INEC tenders 148 BVAS Machines

Published

2 months ago

January 31, 2025

* As APC, Gov Monday Okpebholo kicks

The Edo State Governorship election tribunal has taken custody of 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the conduct of the September 21 governorship election in 133 pulling units tendered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Machines which were contained in small boxes where produced before the court by a subpoenaed witness, Anthony Itodo, a senior technical officer in the ICT department of INEC, were later placed in the custody of the court by counsel to the petitioners, Robert Emukpoerua (SAN).

Presenting the electoral devices before the court, the witness informed the court that he was in court in honour of the subpoena issued to him to produce the BVAS.

He told the court that he had brought a total number of 148 BVAS machines that were used in 133 pulling units in Edo State for the September 21 governorship election.

However, his statement elicited heated arguments from counsel to the petitioners and the respondents, as to the actual number of the BVAS machines that were contained in the box.

While the petitioners had informed the court that the witness had earlier informed them that the number of the BVAS machines was 151 and not 148, counsel to the respondents on the other hand insisted that the court should record the number given by the witness had said in open court.

To resolve the issue, counsel to the petitioners urged the court to direct the witness to open the boxes and count the total number of the BVAS machines.

“My Lords, the subpoenaed INEC staff repeatedly told us there were 151 BVAS machines, and now he says it is 148. I appeal to the court to have the secretary count the BVAS devices.”

While demanding that the BVAS devices be removed from their boxes. Emukpoerua stated, “We did not request BVAS machines with boxes; we requested only the BVAS devices. Let him bring out the BVAS machines and take away the boxes. My subpoena is for BVAS machines, not boxes, and I have not seen the BVAS machines.”

Meanwhile, counsel for Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), respectively, objected to the submissions insisting that going by the nature and content of the subpoena issued to the witness, he cannot proceed beyond the production of the BVAS machines.

They contended that the INEC staff was not a sworn witness and was only required to tender the documents and leave. They further argued that there was no need to exaggerate the BVAS issue.

INEC counsel, Kanu Agabi, clarified the matter by confirming to the Tribunal that “there are 151 BVAS units, but only 148 were requested, and only 148 relate to the election.”

Regardless, the tribunal decided in favour of the respondents by holding that it would record 148 as the total of BVAS machines before the court.

Meanwhile, before the close of proceedings on Thursday, the BVAS machines were taken from the boxes and placed before the court at the instance of the petitioners counsel.

The production of the BVAS machines came after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a subpoena, following the commission’s initial refusal to release the machines voluntarily.

The PDP has consistently argued that the election was marred by over-voting, claiming that results announced by INEC exceeded the number of accredited voters in multiple locations.

However, the submission of BVAS machines marks a pivotal moment in the petition, as the devices serve as the primary source of accreditation data.

Earlier in the day, the tribunal admitted certified true copies (CTCs) of exhibits submitted by the PDP, which allegedly highlight inconsistencies between polling unit figures and the final announced results.

Specifically, a PDP witness from Akoko Edo, Eseigbe Victor, a 43 year-old farmer who served as the ward 9 collation agent, testified that while the election process in the 13 polling units within the ward appeared proper, the results collated at the ward level differed from those uploaded on INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV).

But when confronted under cross-examination by counsel to the respondents, he admitted that the governorship election at the ward level was free and fair.

He however, told the tribunal he did not sign Form EC8B for Ward 9 in Akoko-Edo.

When asked to provide evidence of his participation in the election process, he responded: “As the ward agent for Ward 9, Akoko-Edo, I have my tag as the ward chairman, and when the election was going on, I noticed the incorrect collation, which is why I did not sign it.”

He stated that there are 36 polling units in Ward 9 and that he received the unit results from the polling unit agents.

He added, “My evidence is based on those documents I received from my agents.” He affirmed receiving reports from his polling unit agents, which he said were oral. However, he admitted that he did not incorporate the oral reports into the documents. The reports were signed by the agents.

Another witness, Uyigun Imasuen, a collation agent from Oredo Local Government provided evidence suggesting that INEC’s declared results for Ward 1 did not match polling unit records or the data uploaded on IREV.

The witness noted that there were 72 polling units in total in Ward 1 of Oredo LGA. He confirmed that he was the party agent for all units and that he received result sheets from party agents of the units.

Under cross-examination, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel for one of the respondents, argued that the witness did not sign the statement as he was not in Benin when the election was held.

The witness refuted this claim, stating: “I was fully in Benin. My family is in Benin, and I signed the statement on September 11.”

Ikpeazu then requested a plain sheet for the witness to sign his signature five times to prove to the court that he had signed the document. Upon signing, Mozia objected to admitting the witness’s signature on the plain sheet, stating that the reasons for the objection would be reserved.

Notwithstanding, the court admitted the signed sheet as evidence.

The Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo, who contested the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in the state, had dragged INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress before the Tribunal to challenge the election results.

Hearing continues today at the tribunal.

Daily Sun

Politics

Edo tribunal dismisses petition against Gov Okpebholo, APC

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Seyi Babalola

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.

Politics

Natasha: Akpabio’s kinsmen tackle Atiku over corruption, abuse allegations

Published

13 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Seyi Babalola

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.”

Politics

Rivers’ll emerge stronger from political crisis – Fubara

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2025

Seyi Babalola

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.