The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, has disqualified Chief Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election slated for Saturday, November 16, 2024.

The judgment, delivered unanimously by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, overturned an earlier Federal High Court ruling that had validated Ebiseni’s candidacy.

Justice Banjoko, in delivering the lead judgment on Wednesday, clarified that the appeal brought by the Labour Party against Ebiseni and two others, marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024, was allowed based on substantial eligibility concerns.

According to the appellate court, Ebiseni’s disqualification stemmed from irregularities surrounding the Labour Party’s primary election process.

The court found that the second primary election, which produced Ebiseni as the governorship candidate, failed to comply with the provisions of the Labour Party’s constitution and Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

Specifically, the court held that the primary violated internal party rules and did not meet the transparency and procedural requirements necessary to validate the candidacy.

The judgment also noted that Ebiseni’s nomination was the result of a factional dispute within the Labour Party. The party leadership was accused of conducting parallel primaries, which led to the emergence of multiple candidates.

The appellate court determined that the primary election that produced Ebiseni lacked the official recognition of the Labour Party’s National Working Committee, rendering the process illegitimate.

Furthermore, the court found evidence of procedural lapses in the submission of Ebiseni’s nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

These lapses, according to Justice Banjoko, were sufficient grounds for disqualification, as they undermined the credibility and legality of his candidacy.

The decision invalidates the earlier ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Nwite had ordered INEC to accept and recognize Ebiseni and his running mate, Ezekiel Awude, as the Labour Party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates, declaring the second primary election valid.

With the appellate court’s ruling, the Labour Party is now left without an official governorship candidate just days before the election.

The Certified True Copy of the judgment is expected to be provided to all parties involved for further review and possible action.

This development adds a significant twist to the Ondo State governorship election, as political analysts speculate on its potential impact on the Labour Party’s chances and the overall electoral landscape.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has categorically stated that there will be no opportunity for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to secure the party’s ticket in the 2027 elections.

Wike made this assertion during a live media parley held in his Abuja office on Wednesday.

When questioned about Atiku’s recent comments regarding his economic blueprint as a superior alternative to the current administration’s policies, Wike dismissed the notion, arguing that Atiku had already presented his ideas to Nigerians in 2023, only to be rejected.”Did he not present it before Nigerians? Did Nigerians choose him?” Wike asked rhetorically.

He continued, “He is lobbying for another chance, but the chance will not be there. In which party?

How can we rely on one man for so many years?”Drawing a parallel to American politics, Wike referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump to illustrate his point. “Look at America,” he said. “I’m sure many of you did not support Trump, saying he is this, he is a racist, he is that.

We cried, but Americans thought differently and made a decision for the good of their country.”Wike emphasized that the rejection of Atiku’s blueprint by Nigerians in the last election should be taken as a clear message. “You presented your blueprint in 2023; Nigerians heard you clearly and said thank you, but it will not work.

We will not support you,” he asserted. According to Wike, leadership should not be monopolized by one individual over an extended period, as it limits the growth and diversification of ideas within the party.

The Minister also criticized Atiku’s approach to opposition politics, suggesting that criticism alone does not equate to effective opposition. Wike further highlighted the importance of collective efforts within political parties, using Trump’s comeback strategy as an example.

“Trump was not in government, yet he got to work and told the Republicans, ‘Listen, what do we do? We have to be serious.’ You can’t sideline people and say you will fight someone just because you feel he is too influential,” Wike remarked.In conclusion, Wike dismissed Atiku’s claim to have a better plan for Nigeria, reiterating that Nigerians had already evaluated and rejected his proposals. He stressed the need for inclusivity and fresh ideas within the PDP, suggesting that relying on a single individual for the party’s leadership would only hinder progress.

The recently crowned African champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko is the latest high profile wordsmith who will be attending the Wooden edition of the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics (JAMSC).

The Kigali history maker and Ultimate Scrabble Showdown contender told your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, that he his is ready for the competition scheduled to hold on the 16th and 17th of this month (November), at the Chevron Recreational Club Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.

Another former African champion and the youngest captain of Team Nigeria, Enoch Nwali is another heavyweight player who will grace the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics which is the last major competition in the ephemeris of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation.

Over 150 players are expected to compete for honours in three different categories, Masters, Intermediate and Opens at the Classics with over 3.5 million naira as prize money.

Registration window for the event officially closes midnight today the 13th of November, and it will not be extended according Khaleel Adedeji a key member of the Organizing Committee of the Classics.

It’s an 18 rounds of games competition rated by Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) and will run for two days, games start by 10am daily with the 2021 Collins Scrabble Dictionary as the reference material.

750,000 Naira is the top prize money for the Masters category and lots of spot prizes will be up for grabs at the Classics that is supported by Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Mind Games Incorporated and Lekki Scrabble Club.

Ryan Jacob who is the defending champion in the Masters category has promised to make any player seeking or desirous, wrestle the Adowei Memorial Crown from him and sweat profusely all through the 18 rounds of games.

The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, is leading a high powered, passionate cast of mind game stakeholders and dignitaries to the competition that is gradually building a formidable reputation for itself among a plethora of competitions in the NSF circuit.

Instituted by Engineer Ebikeme Adowei in honour of his mother, the Classics has become a fertile ground for the game of words in Nigeria to grow on.

The JAMSC which began five years ago, has assumed a national status where players from across the country find true satisfaction and fulfilment participating in.

Engineer Adowei, immediate past President of the Lekki Scrabble Club said this year’s edition is bigger in prize and will be better in the area of organization.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited owners of the famous Ultimate Scrabble Showdown have promised to reward Oluwatimilehin Doko with the sum of 250,000 naira for winning the 15th edition of the African Scrabble Championship concluded last month in Kigali, Rwanda.

The chairman of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole explained that the company is rewarding the new African Scrabble King because of his dedication, hard work and commitment to the sport.

The CEO of Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole, described the young Oluwatimilehin Doko as an enigma, a conquer, potentate and all these attributes makes him a complete scrabble player.

Doko, the contender at the maiden edition of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown in Nigeria is currently the second highest ranked African player in the world at number 9 behind Enoch Nwali at number 6.

“Oluwatimilehin Doko is unique, talented, gifted and most of all very humble. He’s passionate about the game of words, reads and studies a lot, he’s friendly, always willing to learn. That’s the mark of a true champion,” Oduwole stated.

“I’m very elated and excited with this massive achievement by Doko, it sends the right signal and message to young players and students that hard work, commitment and dedication coupled with divine blessings and favour will elevate you as well as reward you too,” Olatunde Oduwole, the multiple national champion added.

He said, the money is a token of appreciation and promise to continually encourage and support young talented and dutiful players who adds value to the game of scrabble in Nigeria and the continent.

“Our goals and objectives at the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited is to add value to scrabble, reward excellence, encourage youths to embrace and combine sports with education as well as compete for honours with fairness and honesty.” Oduwole explained.

It’s noteworthy to state that, Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited has provided two comprehensive sponsorship deals for Enoch Nwali to the Governor Douye Diri National Championship and also sponsored Oluwatimilehin Doko to the Lekki Scrabble Classics this year.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that it will punish electricity distribution companies (DisCos) who violate consumers’ rights on the issue of obsolete meters.

The FCCPC issued the warning on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted,” Ijagwu said.

“The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.”

Ijagwu said contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by the IKEDC and EKEDC.

According to the statement, the planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached the commission’s directives.

As such, Ijagwu said it is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

He stated that the order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated,” Ijagwu said.

“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.”

Consumers have been advised to contact the FCCPC on the commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.

The FCCPC added that it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced on Wednesday the immediate halt of all revenue collection activities across the state, especially in motor parks and similar locations, until further notice.

Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took their oaths of office on Tuesday, administered by the state’s Chief Justice, Daniel Okungbowa, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

According to a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor has instructed the state Commissioner of Police to apprehend anyone who violates this directive.

The statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collections in Edo, especially in motor parks and similar areas, until further notice.

“The governor stated that he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.

“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely.”
The governor warned that anyone found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government would face arrest.

“The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenue on behalf of the state government.

“The governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives shortly. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenue on behalf of the state government,” the statement stated.

In October, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano confiscated 709.979kg of illegal drugs in the state.

This information was provided in a statement issued by the agency’s Kano Command spokesperson, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the State Commander of the agency, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, also reported the arrest of 129 individuals.

“All the 129 suspects are males.

“The total illicit substances recovered under the period is 709.979kg, which is made up of  309.991kg of cannabis sativa.

”Others are 394.835kg of various psychotropic substances,comprising 741,600 tablets of Tramadol, 2.789kg of pregabalin and 0.027kg of methamphetamine, among others,” he said,

He stated that during this time, the command achieved 22 convictions.

“These convictions serve as a deterrent to those involved in drug-related activities and underscores the agency’s dedication to enforcing the law.

“The suspects arrested have been profiled, and those who deserve prosecution have been charged to court, while others have been referred to the counseling unit for support and rehabilitation,” Idris-Ahmad said.

He praised the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), for his steadfast support and motivation, which have played a crucial role in these successes.

The commander also acknowledged the Kano State Government and all other partners for their cooperation and contributions to the ongoing battle against drug abuse.

“The command will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with all other stakeholders to combat drug trade and promote awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse” he said

Idris-Ahmad urged the public to contribute to the battle against drug abuse and trafficking by sharing any relevant information with the agency via its dedicated hotlines “0800 1020 3040.”

“Together, we can build a healthier and safer society,” he said.

NAN