Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in the February 25 presidential election has insisted that Bola Tinubu was illegally declared President of Nigeria.

According to him, the declaration is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Atiku stated this in his final address to support his petition seeking nullification of Tinubu’s victory.

He maintained that Tinubu having personally admitted and as also confirmed by his witness that he forfeited $460,000 to the American government over the offence of narcotics trafficking and money laundering has no basis to contest for Nigeria’s Presidency.

Atiku dismissed the claim of Tinubu and his witness that he forfeited the $460,000 money in a civil court action.

The former Vice President argued that the definition and colour of “civil action” being given to the criminal forfeiture by Tinubu were of no moment and untenable because a United States of America Court acted on the indictment of Tinubu before imposing the forfeiture fine on him.

The final address endorsed by Atiku’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, read in part.

“The forfeiture of $460,000 by the 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) to the United States Government (a competent authority in the instant case) is neither contested nor disputed by any of the Respondents. The feeble response of the Respondents is that there was no arraignment or criminal conviction.

“The verified complaint for forfeiture and the entire records of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division dated September 15, 1993, was indicated that the 2nd Respondent’s funds totaling $460,000, were seized as the funds which constitute proceeds of narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

“The 2nd Respondent’s (Tinubu’s) sole witness Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, admitted under cross-examination when shown the American court judgment that the proceedings affected the 2nd Respondent, as his name was reflected in the records of the court.

“It is pertinent to observe that the 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) evaded denying the forfeiture of the said sum of $460,000 U.S Dollars to the United States Government for narcotics trafficking and money laundering activities but engaged in the semantic distinction between civil and criminal forfeiture, as well as the defence that the offence was committed over 10 years.

“It is submitted, that forfeiture whether “civil” or “criminal” takes its source from the commission of a crime.

“The word “forfeiture” means – “the divestiture of property without compensation. The loss of a right, privilege, or property because of a crime, breach of obligation, or neglect of duty.”

“It is submitted with respect that in all the above definitions, the common thread that runs through all categories of Forfeiture is the imputation of a crime, leading to the seizure of property or money.

“It cannot be argued therefore that there was no imputation of crime or a finding of a violation of Penal laws relating to proceeds of drug trafficking or/and money laundering for which punishment was imposed.

“The 2nd Respondent’s forfeiture proceedings fall squarely within the prohibition and disqualification list contained in Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution as the proceedings constitute:

“…a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) OR for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal OR substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal, or.”

“No doubt and it is so submitted that the “United States DISTRICT COURT, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, EASTERN DIVISION qualified as a court (of record) and the forfeiture qualified as a punishment for criminal behavior or “Criminal activity” of 2nd Respondent. The Petitioners contend that the words “any offence (by whatever named is called)” and “substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him” as used are clearly elastic enough and indeed disqualified the 2nd Respondent in his quest to contest the Presidential election.

Atiku asked the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, to invoke Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution to nullify the declaration of Tinubu as president on account of his narcotics crime and remove as the president.

National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman has resigned from office.

Lukman in a letter addressed to the Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the current posturing of leaders of the party, including President Bola Tinubu, is at variance with his own core values.

Details later…

Abia State government says it will establish an innovation park and a modular refinery to accelerate economic development in the state.

Okey Kanu, the commissioner for information stated that plans were underway to build the park and refinery.

Mr Kanu disclosed this while answering questions from journalists after the State Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said the decision to embark on the project was informed by the resolve of Mr Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to the people of Abia.

The commissioner added that the initiative would provide an avenue for the Abia government to address the issue of youth unemployment.

“A lot of investors are showing strong interest to partner government to establish the innovation park.

“The park will house an incubation centre. Those involved in manufacturing, logistics, power, modular refinery will form part of this park,” the commissioner explained.

On his part, the commissioner for petroleum and mineral resources, Joel Ogbonna, said efforts were ongoing to rehabilitate the road leading to the Osisioma depot to make the facility functional and accessible to oil marketers.

Mr Ogbonna said that the Abia government was making efforts to effect repairs on the vandalised Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline damaged by suspected vandals.

He added that plans were underway to set up a modular refinery in Ukwa West through public-private partnership as part of the government’s efforts to address the high cost of petroleum products.

He however blamed the high cost of petroleum products in the state on the non-operation of the Osisioma depot, and said marketers in the state now source products from Lagos and Porthacourt.

The events, powered by Air Peace in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), are to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Nigerian heroes in the fields of sports and diplomacy. They are to honor the 1976 Montreal Olympics Athletes, as well as the 1980 African Cup of Nations football team, both of which brought immense glory to Nigeria.

The events will take place on Friday, 28th of July, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Federal Government has denied media reports that the tuition fees in Federal Universities have been increased in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, the government said the reports are inaccurate and incorrect.

Alake said the government is aware that some universities recently announced an increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.

He, however, said the universities only increased discretionary charges for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges, saying that the hike does not involve tuition fees.

The statement reads: “It was widely reported earlier this week across some news media outlets that the Federal Government had increased tuition fees in federal universities in the country. These reports are inaccurate and not correct.

“We are aware that some universities have in recent weeks announced an increase in the amount payable by students on sundry charges.

”However, the fact remains and we have confirmed that these are discretionary charges by each university for hostel accommodation, registration, laboratory and other charges. They are not tuition fees.

“Authorities of these universities even made this fact clear enough in explaining the rationale behind these new fees.

“For the avoidance of doubts, federal universities in Nigeria remain tuition-free.”

Alake said the president remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents has access to quality tertiary education.

He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to his promise of ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of the economic situation of their parents, has access to quality tertiary education.

“In addition to the Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu last month, which will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, the Federal Government will also strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students.

“Parts of the government’s plans to make sure all diligent students complete their education on time, notwithstanding their parents’ financial situation, include work-study, merit-based scholarships and grants.”

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has revealed that there would likely be a rerun of the 2023 presidential election but forces behind the election results will stand firmly against it.

This was made known in a statement signed Tuesday and made available to TRIBUNE ONLINE by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin.

The cleric made it known that there are leakages in the judiciary which are not well packaged and will later expose the ruling party.

‘’As Nigerians await the tribunal judgment, there is no way to it, there are leakages in the tribunal as revealed by the Lord. The leakages are not well packaged and will expose the ruling party.

“The ruling party has also realised there are no two ways to it. There are cabals monitoring this tribunal and they are very desperate,’’ he disclosed.

He noted that if the election tribunal wants to be fair, the best is to call for a rerun but forces behind the case will do anything to ensure the election remains the as it is.

The religious leader asserted that the judiciary is supposed to raise the hope of Nigerians with a fair judgment but forces will seriously fight against the right judgment.

He however mentioned that an unfair judgment will make the judiciary and the independent national electoral commission (INEC) to be irrelevant.

‘’If the tribunal wants to be fair, the best is to call for a rerun but forces behind the case will want the election result to remain as it is. The point is the direction of what I see is a rerun of the election but the forces behind the election will want it to remain the same.

‘’This will knock the judiciary and make them to be irrelevant. It will make INEC not to be a body Nigeria can rely on. Of course, Judiciary will pay for it if it doesn’t go for it and INEC will pay for it in the future.

‘’What I see is a rerun but the power behind it will try to make it remain as it is. The tribunal is supposed to raise the hope of Nigeria and correct all the misconduct of the judiciary but the forces behind it will fight against the right thing,’’ he added.

Suspected kidnappers on Tuesday abducted the former Provost of Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Abeokuta, Dr Ayodele Àjayi, his wife and driver.

It was gathered that the incident happened at about 7.17pm at Ikija village, Olodo area on the Abeokuta-Ibadan road in Odeda Local Government of Ogun state.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE further learnt that Mrs. Àjayi was later released by the kidnappers while they went away with the former provost and his driver.

A source informed that the activities of the hoodlums kept on increasing on a daily basis around the area, saying no fewer than five persons had been kidnapped in the last week.

The source explained that the gunmen came out of the bush and launched an attack on their victims.

“Just yesterday, the gunmen abducted five persons, but two out of them were later released.

“Also, last month, three people were killed. Among those who were killed was a popular businessman who operated a big farm along the axis.

“The Olu of Odeda in Odeda town, Oba David Olorunisola was almost kidnapped this week while his driver was shot and is still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

“We need help, this is getting too much. Our people are no longer safe, we need the government’s intervention and security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities”, the source said.

We don’t know identity of the victim yet – Police

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident to our correspondent, adding that the police and other security operatives are on the trail of the abductors.

Members of an armed robbery gang which used to operate at Osu-Ife axis along the expressway have confessed that they got the two guns that they were using for operations from one Iya Bose who was trading in alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.

They made the confession after their arrest by Osun State Police Command. They also revealed that they had two okada riders who were taking them to and from the spots they perpetrated the criminal act.

The gang members apprehended were identified as Chibuzor Obinna (33), Igwe Chukwudi a.k.a Bishop (41), Ogbonna Destiny Monday (28) and Nwaze Eze (40), while Olamilekan Samson a.k.a Afuye (30) and Akinolu Kola (29) were the ones to take the armed robbery suspects to designated spots of operation and return to pick after they had had their way with victims.

Exhibits recovered from them included an English pistol, a locally-made double-barrel pistol, bags of new costume, jewellery, footwear, two laptop computers, and different brands of phones.

According to the police spokeswoman in Osun, SP Yemisi Opalola, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Kehinde Longe, at the briefing, the suspects usually robbed motorists along Osu-Ife highway. Their mode of operation was to congregate at their designated spot of attack after two motorcycle riders had dropped them. They were said to possess two guns for their operations and usually targeted commercial vehicles carrying goods.

Findings by the police revealed that some of the gang members based in Lagos used to come to Osun but later decided to rent rooms in Ilesa because of its proximity to the spot where they operated.

However, their cups became full recently as they gathered in the bush to launch another attack on motorists when a hunter noticed their activities within the bushy area. Acting in collaboration, the hunters, policemen from Osu Division and a vigilante group, went after the suspects, making them to flee in different directions, with one of them, Monday, having sustained injury.

Undeterred, the police and the vigilante combed the bush but couldn’t see any of them initially. Their efforts however yielded fruits in the morning when one of the suspects, Obinna, was apprehended while trying to come out of the bush where he hid. He was found to be in possession of the guns with which they operated.

With the arrest of Obinna, the Commissioner of Police directed the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) to take over the case for a follow up, and in less than 24 hours, three other suspects who went for the operation were arrested by the operatives. Two of them, Chukwudi a.k.a Bishop and Eze, were reportedly picked from their rooms while the third gang member was found in an uncompleted building with bullet wound on his thigh. Their accomplices, the okada riders, were also arrested.

A search of their rooms revealed some of the goods stolen from vehicles that were attacked, including bags of costume jewellery estimated at N5 million. They were said to have intercepted a bus going to Kano from which they packed the jewellery. Also, two laptops, shoes, clothes and over 20 phones were recovered from them. One of them, Loco, is said to be at large.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed that the woman they were buying alcoholic drinks and cigarettes from, popularly called Iya Bose, was the one borrowing them the two guns they used to operate.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, has revealed the state government will begin the distribution of a cash palliative of N10,000 to public servants in the state to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, with effect from July.

Abiodun disclosed this in an interview, monitored by our correspondent, on Channels Television on Tuesday evening.

The governor noted that the palliative will last for three months and was done in consultation with relevant bodies.

He said, “Paying special allowances is nothing novel or new to the system. It’s just that in this instance, we have designed this alongside the members of our labor unions. We just didn’t wake up one morning and arbitrarily chose to pay them N10,000.

“We sat down with TUC, JNC, and NLC weeks ago. After several meetings, we agreed that N10,000 across board from levels 1–17 will create that immediate relief to civil servants and pensioners that have to move every day.

“This amount will be paid over the next three months in the first instance, because we’ve identified the fact that we need to have an immediate intervention, then an immediate to medium-term intervention, and a long-term intervention.”

“It’s our hope that at the expiration of the first three months, our medium-term intervention plans will have begun to unfold. So we can begin to take out the N10,000 cash palliative. The idea is that this will not be pensionable and, as such, will continue to be regarded as an allowance as against their basic salary and other emoluments.”

Abiodun also noted that there will be about 280,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries of the cash palliatives, and he expects the private sector to follow suit.

He said, “What we aim to do is to immediately begin this intervention, believing that the private sector will also begin to follow suit because, as you know, we cannot intervene by this means with the private sector because they don’t work for us.

“However, we have other provisions in that our list that we rolled out yesterday that will affect as many of those who are not in public service as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor confirmed that plans to convert buses from diesel to CNG have started.

“The conversion is not restricted to state-owned mass transit buses alone and will extend to privately owned minibuses across the state at the expense of the government,” he said.

Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has apologized to the Muslim community over the controversial video uploaded by his principal.

Recall that Davido had came under fire after uploading a music video of his signee, Logos Olori’s new song titled, ‘Jaye Lo’ which captured people praying in Islamic way and dancing in a mosque.

Davido, however, deleted the controversial video on his social media pages following public backlash.

After the public outcry, the Muslim community still demanded a public apology from Davido.

Reacting to the development, Israel DMW, in a post on his Instagram story on Wednesday, apologized on behalf of Davido.

Israel appealed to Muslims, saying that the video is purely an entertainment effort that was wrongly presented.

He stated, “Let me specially apologise to my Muslims brothers and sisters, on the video my oga posted, as a result of him wanting to lift up somebody, which is one of his hubbies.

“It was purely an entertainment effort wrongly presented. Make una no vex. Love you all.”