Senegal professional football star, Sadio Mane, has reportedly bought French fourth-division club Bourges Foot 18.

Naija News learnt that Mane had been contributing some funds to the club to aid with their recruitment but would now be fully involved having also received the approval of the mayor of the city, Yann Galut.

The 31-year-old currently playing for Saudi Arabia Pro Club, Al Nassr, has reportedly completed the deal.

Mane confirmed the purchase on Wednesday after sending a video clip online saying, “We’ve been working with the city for the past three years. We’re here to nurture and organise the club. The challenge is immense, but if the people of Bourges remain involved, I’m confident we can achieve our goals. I believe I’ll be visiting Bourges very soon.”

According to Mirror, the club is located 250 kilometres from Paris in central France, but it has never played higher than the French second tier (as Bourges 18).

The club currently sit second bottom in Group B of the Championnat National. They were only formed two years ago following a merger between two clubs in the region.

The league is made up of a mix of amateur teams and professional clubs who field their reserves, the likes of Toulouse and Angers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the verdict of the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding the outcome of the 2023 presidential election as disappointing.

The PDP in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court.

It added that the confidence of many Nigerians in the judiciary has been shaken by the Supreme Court ruling.

Naija News recalls the apex court on Thursday affirmed the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the winner of the February 25th presidential election.

The court proceeding led by the Presiding Judge, Justice John Okoro, dismissed the petitions filed by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on the ground that they lacked merit.

The Supreme Court held that the candidate of the PDP failed to prove that he won the election, stating that there was no alternative figure of votes to counter that validly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Okoro, who read the judgment, said the Supreme Court could not manufacture votes in support of Atiku and PDP.

Reacting to the court judgement, the PDP said the Supreme Court has failed Nigerians.

It submitted that the position of the apex court is against the constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act and Nigerians are surprised as to how the court failed to take cognizance of the reported violation of electoral rules and guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.

The statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Supreme Court in the petition filed by the PDP and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar against the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winners of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court which the PDP believes is against the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, the Guideline and Regulation issued by INEC under which the election was conducted.

“The PDP asserts that it is indeed a sad commentary for our democracy that the Supreme Court failed to uphold the provisions of the law. Instead, it trashed the expectation of majority of Nigerians who looked up to it as a Temple of Impartiality to deliver substantial justice in the matter having regards to the laws and facts of the case.

“Nigerians earnestly expected the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution in terms of qualification and minimum requirement for a winner to be declared in a Presidential election in Nigeria especially with regards to the required statutory 25% of votes in the FCT as well as issues of violation of electoral Rules and Guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.

“Nigerians are still at a loss as to how the Supreme Court condoned the serious issues of forgery, falsehood and perjury on the altar of technicalities.

“The general gloom, melancholy and sense of despondency across the country upon the delivery of the judgment is an ominous sign of eerie situation which portend grave consequences because of the disappointment embedded in the judgment.

“This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man.

“The PDP remains undeterred and charges Nigerians not to be discouraged or allow the judgment to detract from their collective quest for the entrenchment of a credible electoral system that can guarantee a government that truly derive its legitimacy from the people.”

President Tinubu attended the 29th session of the NESG last Monday and promised to grow GDP to $1 trillion in 2026, just three years from now. ‘’A one trillion-dollar Nigerian economy is possible by 2026 and a three trillion-dollar economy is possible by the end of the decade. We can do it with double digit, inclusive and sustainable and competitive growth’’, he announced in a speech to an audience comprising mostly key operators of the country’s private sector. They applauded tentatively, perhaps out of courtesy. A 150 per cent jump in GDP from the current size of about $400 billion in three years would be a miracle.

The President did not give specific details of how he would achieve such a feat, but from all indicators, it is a highly unlikely aspiration. The economy has to grow at an annual rate of 50%. Right now, we are crawling at 3%, and the IMF projects 2.9 per cent this year. I think the most realistic target is to grow the economy to N1 trillion in 2031, the end of his constitutionally allowed term limit. Even that would be a tough act. With inflation at over 27 per cent and unemployment at above 50 per cent, we are practically in a stagflation. The first order of business should be to improve economic productivity, drive down inflation to single digit and reduce unemployment.

The main drivers of the economy are crude oil, agriculture, services and manufacturing. In 2022, agriculture contributed 23.7% to the Nigeria’s GDP; industry (30.78 percent) and services (40.04 per cent). Hydrocarbon has since lost its prime position in a major contributor to economic output due to rampant crude oil theft and limited production capacity arising from lack of investments in that sector. But it, nonetheless, remains the main source of our foreign exchange earnings. I do not foresee any major investments in that sector in the immediate term, and I will advise that we should not expect much it.

What then should the Tinubu administration do to achieve a significant GDP growth in eight years? Number One: The low-lying fruits is agriculture. We should double our total agricultural output, eliminate all forms of food importation and, instead, commence exports of some food items like rice, wheat and palm oil in the next four years. Without massive exports, the value of the Naira will continue to fall and inflation will continue to rise.

There should be drastic measures, including closure of borders, to stop smuggling of food items into the country. I understand that the Anchor Borrowers Program, which was initiated by the Buhari administration, as a major funding source for agriculture, may be scrapped. What is the replacement? At the NESG Summit, the President announced that his administration had ‘’introduced several measures to resuscitate the economy, including N500 billion intervention to support small businesses and the agricultural sector’’. Who is managing this, and how is it disbursed?

Number Two: The government should be intentional and deliberate about promoting manufacturing and industry. The main challenge of that sector is scarcity of FX to import raw materials and other inputs. It is a shame that manufacturers still rely on imported raw materials after decades of being in business. Why did they not come up with locally sourced alternatives all these years? In supporting local manufacturers and assemblers, the government should commit to buying Made-in-Nigeria goods. There is no reason why our ministers, legislators, military and other public institutions cannot use Innoson vehicles.

Only this week, Lagos State Governor commissioned a car assembly plant in Ogba, Ikeja - a joint venture between the state and CIG Motors, a Chinese auto maker. It has the capacity to produce 5,000 cars in a year. The first set of 2,000 units have already been assembled and will be in the market soon. All government agencies in Lagos should use CIG vehicles.

Dangote Petrochemical Complex which had already commenced production of fertilizer and is expected to commence refining of fuels by year end will also stimulate GDP growth. By the time the refinery reaches full capacity this time next year, we should end fuel importation which has been a major source of economic hemorrhage. It is expected to create 135,000 jobs; generate 12,000 MW of electricity and produce 53 million litres of petrol; 34 million litres of diesel; 10 million litres of kerosene and two million litres of aviation fuel per day. This is an important addition to the economic output. Furthermore, the government should encourage establishment of more private refineries and, in addition, sell off all the four moribund government-owned refineries that have gulped N11 trillion and over $2 billion in turn around maintenance since 2010, according to Senator Sunday Karimi.

Three: End insecurity. I’m pleased to note that the major security challenges, characterized by mass murders and extensive terrorist attacks, have drastically reduced. I am also excited that the mass killing of farmers and villagers in Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa and other food production centers have diminished remarkably. Our men and women in uniform deserve our commendation for their sacrifices. They should hold their grounds and ensure that these successes are not reversed for without security of lives and property, we can’t make progress in any sector.

Four: Check corruption. President Tinubu told the NESG participants that ‘’we shall govern ethically, with accountability and transparency’’. This is music in my ear. But I should note that it takes a great deal of efforts to fight corruption and actions usually speak louder than words. Buhari came into office promising to fight corruption, and I actually supported him for that. But he failed in some aspects, especially at the CBN and in crude oil theft. To instill investors’ confidence in the economy and promote development, Tinubu has to live up to his promise, but Nigerians will not be convinced if he promises ethical conduct and accountability on one hand while his adult son continues to use government’s planes for leisure travels.

Five: Roles of the governors. It bears repeating that GDP growth is not the responsibility of the federal government alone. State governments have enormous roles to play in our national economic growth and development. But are the governors pulling their weight or they are only waiting for FAAC every month? I shall weigh in on this in details presently.

Even if we grow the economy to one trillion dollars in eight years, at the current population growth rate, the per capita GDP will be a paltry $4,500 or less. That cannot guarantee inclusive growth unless we reduce our population growth to less than two per cent.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the victory of President Bola Tinubu is a proof that the February 25 presidential election was not manipulated.

Ganduje stated this in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Thursday.

The former Governor of Kano State called on presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is counterpart in the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to wait till 2031 when Tinubu would have rounded off his second term.

Ganduje, who congratulated Tinubu, said the judgement has laid to rest all claims by the opposition parties.

Ganduje said the Supreme Court verdict would pave the way for President Tinubu to concentrate on implementing the “Renewed Hope” mandate of the APC for the benefit of Nigerians.

He said, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, it is our responsibility as patriots to pool our resources together to move the country forward. I congratulate both Atiku and Obi on their dogged fight in extending the frontiers of our democracy and law.

“This is democracy. Tinubu’s victory is another victory for democratic rule in the country. There is still room for both Obi and Atiku to actualize their presidential aspiration after the second term tenure of President Tinubu in 2031.”

Ganduje also called on Nigerians, irrespective of political leaning, to rally round the President to ensure that he delivers more dividend of democracy and move the country on the path of sustainable progress.

Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme Court has backed the Court of Appeal in its position that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is like other states.

The apex court took the position at it ongoing ruling on the appeals filed by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi challenging the decision of the presidential election petition tribunal which upheld the victory of Bola Tinubu in the last presidential election.

The presiding justice of the panel, John Okoro, asked, “Are you saying if someone scores 25% votes in 30 states but not in Abuja, he should not be president? Is that how you interpret the law?

“That is not the law. Supreme Court agrees with the Court of Appeal,” he added.

Meanwhile, the apex also ruled that the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to transmit the election results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal did not affect the outcome of the presidential election.

Reading the lead judgment, Okoro said, “When IReV fails, it does not stop the collation of the results. It deprives people of viewing results. The nonfunction will affect the trust of the electorates in the election.

“Unavailability of IReV cannot be a ground for the election to be nullified.

“The failure did not affect the outcome of the election. The issue is resolved against the appellants. “

[hallmarknews]

The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 26, dismissed the appeal by Atiku Abubakar and the PDP against the September 6 judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), affirming the election of President Bola Tinubu.

On the issue of President Tinubu’s CSU certificate, the apex court rejected new evidence provided by Atiku Abubakar’s legal team.

However, in a statement by one of the justices, it was explained why the deposition was not allowed.

He said that the deposition made by the Registrar of the Chicago State University (CSU), Caleb Westberg, was not authenticated.

He further argued that the deposition had no seal by the court, or signature by the consulate to affirm the authenticity of its origin.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the non-availability of election results on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal is no ground for the nullification of the February 2023 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Okoro, leader of the five-panel of Supreme Court justices, gave the ruling in the appeals filed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the Presidential Elections Petitions Court (PEPC) which upheld Bola Tinubu’s February win.

He said the petitioner seeking to nullify an election must show noncompliance substantially affected the election.

According to him, the appellant abandoned the duty placed on them to prove noncompliance but relied solely on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) inability to electronically transmit the election results to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal.

Justice Okoro said the Electoral Act empowers INEC to determine the mode of transmission of election results.

He said a court should give a holistic interpretation of the constitution. According to him, such an interpretation must be people-oriented, adding that a narrow and selfish approach should be avoided.

He says the interpretation of law must be such that it will reduce law-making to absurdity, noting that he sees merit in the issue as raised by the appellants and dismissed it.

The decision of the PEPC is unavailable, Justice Okoro says.

“The interpretation of the constitution should serve the generality of the people Let me drive this matter home,” he said.

“Are saying that if a candidate scores majority votes across the country but fails to win the election in the Federal Capital Territory. Can’t the candidate be declared president?”

says I remain loyal

The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has tendered an unreserved apology to the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, over the embarrassment that the ongoing political crisis must have caused in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who said the crisis was being caused or fueled by some political contenders in the state, reiterated that he remained loyal to the governor and his administration.

The deputy governor stated this while speaking with journalists in his office in Akure, the state capital.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort that Mr. Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the state as a result of the events of the last few months. I tender my sincere apology to Mr. Governor on this as our leader in the state.”

Details later…

..rejects Atiku’s motion to file fresh evidence

Says Scoring 25% of votes in FCT not mandatory 

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.

The apex court in its ruling dismissed the appeals by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart Peter Obi.

Also, the Supreme Court has dismissed the application of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to present fresh evidence to support his appeal at the court.

Atiku had sought the leave of the apex court to submit Tinubu’s credentials obtained from the Chicago State University to prove the president forged the documents he submitted to INEC.

The matters were, however, heard on Monday by a seven-man panel led by Justice John Okoro.

The argument for and against the admissibility of the fresh documents by Atiku dominated the proceedings.

Urging the court to admit the documents, the lead counsel for Atiku, Chris Uche, SAN described the allegation of forgery against the president as a grave constitutional matter that the apex court should look into.

But the counsel to Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, urged the court not to admit the fresh documents, adding that INEC was not a party to it.

Reading the lead judgment on Thursday, Okoro said the application was filed after the 180 days prescribed by the law lapsed.

He said the court cannot activate section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to admit fresh evidence.

He said, ” The leave cannot be granted. We do not have the vires to grant it. There is no paragraph in the petition that indicates forgery. It would float on the appeal if it should be admitted.

“They (petitioners) were tardy and not diligent enough. This does not fit into the determination of this appeal. It is hereby refused and dismissed. “

The Supreme Court further agreed with the Court of Appeal that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is like other states.

The presiding justice of the panel, John Okoro, asked, “Are you saying if someone scores 25% votes in 30 states but not in Abuja, he should not be president? Is that how you interpret the law?

“That is not the law. Supreme Court agrees with the Court of Appeal,” he added.