FEATURES
[#ICYMI] We will deliver Tinubu as your successor - APC govs tell Buhari
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/we-will-deliver-tinubu-as-your-successor-apc-govs-tell-buhari
[#ICYMI] PDP crisis: Fresh Atiku, G5 reconciliation bid suffers setback
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/pdp-crisis-fresh-atiku-g5-reconciliation-bid-suffers-setback
[#ICYMI] Why I Will Never Backs Same Faith Ticket – Dogara
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/why-i-will-never-backs-same-faith-ticket-dogara
[#ICYMI] Morocco, Croatia earned $25 million, $27 million - Qatar 2022 World Cup prize money breakdown
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/morocco-croatia-earned-25-million-27-million-qatar-2022-world-cup-prize-money-breakdown
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] Tinubu, Obaigbena feud: we are not deceived - Etim Etim
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-tinubu-obaigbena-feud-we-are-not-deceived-etim-etim
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] Buhari At 80: 12 Things Nigerians Need to Know - Garba Shehu
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-buhari-at-80-12-things-nigerians-need-to-know-garba-shehu
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] On Campaign Gaffes, Missiles and Banters - Simon Kolawole
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-on-campaign-gaffes-missiles-and-banters-simon-kolawole
[#ICYMI] 2023: Apologize to Nigerians instead of campaigning – Atiku to Tinubu, APC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/2023-apologize-to-nigerians-instead-of-campaigning-atiku-to-tinubu-apc
[#ICYMI] [COMMENTS AND ISSUES] Public Disclaimer - Mike Ozekhome
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/comments-and-issues-public-disclaimer-mike-ozekhome
[#ICYMI] Argentina vs France: The French team were poisoned before World Cup final – Piers Morgan
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/argentina-vs-france-the-french-team-were-poisoned-before-world-cup-final-piers-morgan
Ramaphosa re-elected as South African President under ANC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/breaking-ramaphosa-re-elected-as-south-african-president-under-anc
2023: What’ll happen if BVAS machines fail at polling units during election – INEC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/2023-what-ll-happen-if-bvas-machines-fail-at-polling-units-during-election-inec
CSO tasks govt to address social injustice, economic inequality
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/cso-tasks-govt-to-address-social-injustice-economic-inequality
Buhari has never stolen a kobo unlike others – Islamic group celebrates President’s 80th birthday
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/buhari-has-never-stolen-a-kobo-unlike-others-islamic-group-celebrates-president-s-80th-birthday
KASTLEA to release all impounded motorcycles to owners
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/kastlea-to-release-all-impounded-motorcycles-to-owners
Tell the world I’m back – Davido announces return after son’s death [Video]
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/tell-the-world-i-m-back-davido-announces-return-after-son-s-death-video
Ronaldo silent as rival Messi leads Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/ronaldo-silent-as-rival-messi-leads-argentina-to-world-cup-glory-in-qatar
Qatar 2022: Pele is my GOAT, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo can’t rival him – Sunday Oliseh
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/qatar-2022-pele-is-my-goat-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-can-t-rival-him-sunday-oliseh
Qatar 2022: It’s a shame – Lineker slams FIFA for allowing Messi wear bisht during World Cup presentation
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/qatar-2022-it-s-a-shame-lineker-slams-fifa-for-allowing-messi-wear-bisht-during-world-cup-presentation
U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach gives conditions for inviting foreign-based players
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/u-20-afcon-flying-eagles-coach-gives-conditions-for-inviting-foreign-based-players
A Nigerian lawyer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Excel has finally addressed the issue of her leaked nude photo.
Last month, a nude picture of the young lawyer circulated on the internet.
There were reports that she was suspended from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) due to misconduct related to the leaked photo, the NBA, however, debunked these claims.
In a recent interview with Yangi Media, Ifunanya clarified that her nude photo was leaked by mistake and expressed that she is not ashamed of it.
According to her, the leaked photo is sexy, and she cannot undo what has already happened.
She stated, “Well, the nudes leaked, and it wasn’t my fault, contrary to popular opinion. Because people feel like the way I’m wild, I will go to the length of leaking my nudes maybe for popularity or anything, but that was not what happened, honestly.
“If I have my way, I wouldn’t even want that to happen. But that is how I saw it, and there is nothing I can do.”
When asked about the photo itself, she clarified that it was just a picture, not a video.
She acknowledged that many people have seen the picture and surprisingly, she does not feel ashamed of it. She even described the picture as sexy. However, she reiterated that it was a mistake.
Ifunanya also mentioned that if she had the financial means, she would have removed the picture from the internet a long time ago due to the backlash she has received from social media trolls and critics.
Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has opened up on the toughest moments in the longest cooking hours by a single individual.
Naija News reports that the celebrity chef originally aimed at 96 hours to surpass the current Guinness Record Holder and Indian chef, Lata Tandon, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019, however, Hilda created a new record of 100 hours and 40 minutes.
At the cook-a-thon which started on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and ended late Monday night, May, 15, the celebrity chef prepared over 200 meals, serving them to an impressive crowd who had come to cheer and support her.
In an interview with Pulse, Hilda expressed appreciation for the overwhelming love and support she received from many Nigerians
According to her, the first six hours of the cooking marathon were the toughest moments and she had to pray to God for strength.
In her words, ”I am so amazed at the outpouring of love from Nigerians towards achieving this record. The first six hours were the toughest for me, I had to pray to God for strength.
“I appreciate everyone who took time out to support and encourage me by visiting the venue to cheer me on or driving the conversation on social platforms.
“Your unwavering passion to see me succeed through this attempt is heartfelt. I am grateful to my family, the various teams that worked with me on this project, and fans from all over the world who kept the passion going”
A 44-year-old woman, Oluwatoyin Falade, on Wednesday, prayed an Orile Agege Customary Court in Lagos State to dissolve her 11-year-old marriage on grounds of infidelity on the part of her husband, Segun.
The petitioner, who lives at 23, Tunde Davids Close, Agege, Lagos has two children for Segun, ages eight and 11.
“My husband is a flirt, he runs after anything in skirt.
“I had two girls before I married him and those girls are 15 and 18. They stay with me and I don’t trust my husband because he chases everything in skirt.
“My husband changes women anyhow and he doesn’t respect me. If the court doesn’t dissolve the union, I will run away with my kids,” she burst to tears.
Oluwatoyin said that people mock her in the neighborhood because of her husband’s infidelity.
” I am fed up, Segun cannot change, chasing after women and ladies has become the order of the day for him,” she said.
She alleged that he doesn’t take care of her and the children.
In his response, Segun, 46, a Lagos State Judiciary worker, admitted to infidelity.
“I will not lie, I bring in different women to the house but I am ready to change. I have been begging her to please forgive me,” he said.
He said he takes care of the children and his wife.
“My Lord, you can see that my wife is robust and fresh. It is obvious that she is not suffering.
“I bought her a phone recently and I pay the children’s school fees,” he said.
Segun said that he was not ready for the dissolution and promised to make things right if given another chance.
The Court’s President, Mr Adewale Adegoke, told both parties to be at peace with each other.
Adegoke adjourned the case until May 30 for alternative dispute resolution mechanism (ADR).
Counsel for embattled Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti,Mr Olumide Adeyinka-Fusika (SAN), has said he is unaware that the police have seized his client’s gun licence.
The told our correspondent that he saw no link between his client case of assaulting a policeman and a gun licence.
An impeccable source told our correspondent that policemen seized the gun licence during a search of the musician’s house in Ikeja on Tuesday.
“The officers that searched Seun Kuti’s home on Tuesday only found a gun licence, and they seized it. I can confirm that the command is currently working on revoking the licence,” the source said.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, however, did not respond to inquiries by our correspondent concerning the incident as of press time, despite phone calls and text messages to his telephone line on Wednesday.
When contacted, Seun Kuti’s lawyer, Olumide-Fusika said, “Regrettably, I’m not aware of this. However, a licence is not a gun. A gun license is a mere piece of paper authorising the bearer or licence to own and have possession of a specified piece of arm (gun).
“Besides, what’s the connection between the allegation of slapping a policeman and police seizure of his gun licence?”
The SAN, however, did not respond to inquiries about the musician’s bail, as police order for his detention elapses today (Thursday).
A Lagos State Magistrates’Court in Yaba had on Tuesday granted an order for the musician to be remanded in the police custody for 48 hours.
The magistrate said, “The defendant is hereby remanded for 48 hours in police custody to allow the police to conclude their investigation. After 48 hours, his bail will take effect.
[Punch]
Nigerian Afrobeat singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed the huge amount of money he now charges for a music feature.
Naija News reports that the ‘If’ crooner made the revelation in a video of his recent interview that emerged online.
According to Davido, instead of featuring foreign artists for free, he is currently charging them $100k, which is equivalent to N46 million.
He said, “Nigga, I am charging now. Yeah, I am charging now. I am sending my lawyers. If I know you, $100k”
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” involving paparazzi in New York, a spokesperson for the couple said Wednesday.
The incident happened on Tuesday night after Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, attended an awards ceremony in America’s financial capital.
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland was with them in the vehicle, the spokesperson said in a statement emailed to AFP.
“Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.
“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers,” the spokesperson said.
A source close to the couple said Meghan and Harry were pursued by half a dozen blacked-out vehicles with “unidentified people driving recklessly and endangering the convoy and everyone around them.”
“The chase could have been fatal,” the source added.
Harry has long had a difficult relationship with the media.
He blames press intrusion for causing the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while she was being pursued by paparazzi.
Harry and Meghan sensationally quit royal family duties in early 2020 and moved from Britain to the United States, in part because of intense media scrutiny.
The younger son of King Charles III has been involved in several legal cases against British newspaper publishers since moving to California.
Last week the publisher of the tabloid The Mirror, which Harry accuses of unlawful information gathering, apologized “unreservedly” and said the prince was entitled to “appropriate compensation.” It did not provide further details.
Harry is also pursuing claims against two other media companies, the publisher of The Sun and, separately, the publisher of the Daily Mail. Those cases will be decided later this year.
The couple’s spokesperson added in the statement that “while being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.”
“Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all involved,” it said.
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Harry and Meghan had attended the Ms. Foundation for Women ceremony where Meghan received an award.
His tell-all, best-selling memoir “Spare” broke publishing records when it came out earlier this year.
AFP
The popular Nigerian Chef, Hilda Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has been gifted a plot of land located in Wana Court Green Estate, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, by a real estate firm, In-Motions Business Limited.
This is coming barely 24 hours after she broke the Guinness World Record for the longest hours of cooking.
Managing Director of the firm, Mr Gideon Ekanem announced the donation yesterday in a statement on his Twitter handle, noting that the now popular Nigerian Chef is worthy of the land gift because she has become a uniting force in Nigeria.
The statement read; “Congratulations record breaker, Hilder Bassey Effiong. We are proud of you. Thank you for becoming a uniting force for our nation in such a time as this. This is the true spirit of the Nigerian youth. Akwa Ibom State is super proud of you.
“Our company’s foundation rests upon the pillars of diligence and perseverance, as we consistently align ourselves with these virtues. Hilda Baci, @hildabacicooks embodies the very essence of resilience within our society today, and we wholeheartedly join the entire nation and our fellow.
“Akwa Ibomites exuberantly celebrates her extraordinary achievement. In recognition of this remarkable feat, we are delighted to present Hilda with a free plot of land in Wana Court, the first true Green and Smart Estate in Akwa Ibom State.
“May this well-deserved honour serve as a testament to your unwavering determination. Congratulations, champion! She Did It | 100hours | Hilda | Akwa Ibom |.”
A man has been arrested by the police in Cross River State for shooting his elder brother to death with a gun and cutting off his head and private parts.
The man whose name was given as Ekapong, weekend, in Epiebi ward, Ekori in Yakkur Local Government Area of the state, shot his elder brother, Ofrekpe on the farm following a dispute over palm fruits.
“He went to the farm and met our father packing palm fruits, which he cut from our family palm trees into a bag and shot him dead,” Alice, daughter of the slain man told Vanguard.
She said the father and her uncle have been quarrelling over who should harvest palm fruits in their late father’s plantation.
“He has been warning my father to stay away from the palm trees or he would deal with him but my father did not take him seriously, since the palm trees belong to the family,” she said.
She said it was one hunter, who heard the gunshot and thought one of his colleagues had killed an animal and rushed over to share in the game but saw something else and raised alarm.
She said when the hunter saw her uncle covered in blood, he was excited and rushed to open the bag which was beside him only to see a human head and private parts.
She said other people in the surrounding farms and bushes rushed to the scene following the hunter’s shout for help and that was how the man was apprehended.
Irene Ugbo, the Cross River Police Command spokesperson, said the man was in police custody and the investigation is ongoing.
Yoruba actor Ayo Olaiya has lost his brother Temitope Olaiya less than 24 hours after the death of his colleague, actor Murphy Afolabi.
Taking to his Instagram page, Ayo broke down in tears in a video he posted announcing the unfortunate happening of his brother’s death to the general public.
The actor also hinted that his brother died in a religious house.
“Oh death! You’ve taken from me again! You have snatched my dearest brother, Temitope Adufe Olaiya from me. Brother Tope, you are truly a fighter and a warrior.
“Even in this loss, I’m happy you died in the house of God. What a glorious exit! May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. We love you but God loves you more. We lost Sir Murphy Afolabi yesterday and I lost my beloved brother today,” he wrote.
The movie star also advised his followers, saying: “Let’s always learn from the death. We are all like dreamers in this world. One day, we will wake up from our dreams and that would be the end. Let’s take things easy in this world. May we all live long to fulfil our destiny in life. Rest on Bodami Tope. Bodami daadaa.”
Ayo made a video on Sunday where he wept while paying tributes to Murphy who died after a fall in his bathroom.
“This world is not our home and no one will get out of it alive. Therefore, remember to live well and do good while you’re still on the journey. Good night Murphy Omoafolabi
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he captioned the video.
More...
Come May 18 and all roads will lead to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The AMVCA is one of the biggest entertainment shows in Africa. In its ninth edition, the award show will present awards to nominated actors and actresses for their outstanding performances and immense contributions to the success of a film or television show. Did you miss this year’s nomination? See the full list here.
Voting may have closed now but we’re sure you cannot wait to see your faves clinch an award or two – or three! For those who voted, well done! Your votes will go a long way in ensuring your creatives and entertainers are recognised for the good work they’re doing. Other award categories winners will be decided by a panel of judges, headed by Femi Odugbemi.
Like the previous seasons, Africa will be on standby for a memorable award show like no other. From show productions to breathtaking style, amazing performances, great speeches, awards and everything that makes AMVCA unforgettable, here are the things we are expecting from the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. You should watch out for them too!
The Hosts With the Most
Get excited for this year’s AMVCA as it will be hosted by no other but IK Osakioduwa, alongside South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi. Looking forward to seeing them light up the stage? We are too!
Celebrations
The celebrations will span over three days, commencing with the Opening Night and Cultural Day event. Following that, the Digital Content Creators and Young Filmmakers Day will take place, before concluding with the Runway Show/Nominee Gala the following day. The celebrations will culminate with the Award Night. Check out some of the looks from the previous AMVCA Cultural Day.
Head-Turning Red Carpet Looks
Trust our celebrities to bring the heat and turn up looking peng! The AMVCAs are usually filled with glitz and glamour and we’re sure this year won’t be any different.
Remember the outfits that made Osas Ighodaro and Denola Grey clinch the best-dressed awards? Who’s gonna win this time around? We are sure to find out!
The BellaNaija Style team will cover all the glamorous looks from the AMVCA and we’re giddy with excitement. We’re sure our eyes are gonna pop, so get your glasses, people, the slay will be blinding! Did you miss the looks from last year’s AMVCA? See them here.
The Runway Shows
From the red carpet to live performances and, of course, the runway shows, there are many activities we look forward to. Like every other year, we’re going to see gorgeous designs from Nigerian brands and we can’t wait to see one or two celebrities grace the runway with their walk and poise. Did you miss the previous AMVCA runway shows? We’ve got you, see them here.
Heartwarming Speeches
If you ever want to learn how to deliver emotional speeches, then you need to pay attention to the AMVCA speeches – they’re filled with warmth and hope. There are moments when you truly see these celebrities for who and what they are. You see their happiness, joy, and excitement that all their hard work has eventually paid off. We listened to some wow speeches last year and this year will be no different.
While we wish all the nominees good luck, let’s take you back to some speeches by previous winners.
#AMVCA #AMVCA8 pic.twitter.com/OJKgVAd5A3
— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 15, 2022
.@Stan_Nze #AMVCA #AMVCA8 pic.twitter.com/j4e2rOUBwE
— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 15, 2022
.@theteniola #AMVCA #AMVCA8 pic.twitter.com/WnraVqbvgr
— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 15, 2022
There you have it! We’re sure the AMVCA show will wow us this year and we’re full of anticipation. We’ve got the nominees and voted! Now, we wait with bated breaths.
Follow us at bellanaija.com and across our social media pages for exclusive updates on the 2023 AMVCA.
[BellaNaija]
Guinness World Records has released an official statement on Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey Effiong popularly known as Hilda Baci.
Baci, the Akwa Ibom native surpassed the record for the longest cooking time by an individual, held by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon, who had completed the task in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs in Rewa, in 2019.
The statement which was published on the body’s official website on Tuesday read, “She’s hoping to snap up the record title for the longest cooking marathon (individual) which currently belongs to Lata Tondon (India) with a time of 87 hr 45 min”.
“Hilda began cooking on Thursday and continued through to Monday, reportedly whipping up 55 recipes and more than 100 meals in a whopping 100-hour stint.
“Officials on our records team look forward to reviewing the evidence and hope to be able to verify Hilda’s efforts as a new record very soon,” it also read.
According to the British reference body, one of its spokespersons said: “are looking forward to receiving the evidence for its Records Management Team to review before we can confirm the record is official.”
She was initially scheduled to stop at 4 pm today culminating in her former 96-hour target surpassing the current Guinness World Record holder but eventually surpassed the 96-hour target and has now achieved a 100-hour record time.
About 24 million voters gathered in February at over 176,000 voting points across the country to choose Nigeria’s next president, but only five persons will cast crucial votes at the first of two court stages in a conference room in Abuja in September.
The fate of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will continue to hang in the balance months after he would have been inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on 29 May. His stay in office will still be steeped in uncertainties until the handful of judges that will hear the cases challenging his victory hand down their verdicts.
Election petitions set the stage for a paradox for democracy to break its prime “majority rule”. The choice of the minority can take the place of the decision of the majority.
It gives a reason for the riveting attention millions of Nigerians and foreigners within and outside Nigerian borders are paying to the proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja, which began sitting on Monday.
The court will review a mix of varied, tricky legal and factual questions that have been raised in three petitions pending before the court.
After the courtroom fireworks that promise to last months, the five jurists will retire to their conference room, a drab, small conclave in the sprawling complex of the Court of Appeal headquarters perched on the fringes of the Three Arms Zone, Abuja – the domicile of Nigeria’s highest executive, legislative and judicial powers – to deliberate and possibly vote to take a final decision, in case there are disagreements on issues thrown up at trial.
They will return to a packed courtroom to announce their decision – whether the result of the 25 February presidential election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 1 March was valid or not valid.
The court has up to September, the end of a statutory period of 180 days from March when the aggrieved candidates filed their petitions, to give its decision.
The decision is, however, not final, as a displeased party can still appeal to the Supreme Court. But lawyers say the Court of Appeal’s decision sets the tone of the final decision of the Supreme Court, either in concurrence or disagreement.
Using publicly- available information, PREMIUM TIMES presents profiles of the five appeal court jurists who will give the much-awaited vital decision in September.
Haruna Simon Tsammani
Mr Tsammani, who hails from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was unveiled as the presiding justice of the five-member panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court last week.
The 63-year-old, who occupies a relatively distant 12th position on the seniority list of the 76 judges of the Court of Appeal, must be well-regarded to be appointed to head the panel, a prized responsibility that is ordinarily reserved for the president of the court, some lawyers have said.
The immediate-past President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Bulkachuwa, appointed herself to the position during the 2019 election cycle and only withdrew after succumbing to relentless calls on her by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to step down.
Mohammed Garba, who replaced Ms Bulkachuwa, and another member of the panel, Abdu Aboki, were later elevated to the Supreme Court bench.
Called to the Nigerian bar after undergoing one-year-long legal studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1983, Mr Tsammani has spent the last four decades of his life in the legal profession. This was after he completed his law degree programme at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, between 1972 and 1982.
The experienced jurist began his journey on the bench with his appointment as a judge of the High Court of Bauchi State on 17 September 1998, about 24 years ago.
The longest-serving Justice of the Court of Appeal among the five members of the panel, Mr Tsammani has spent half of his 24 years as a judge on the Court of Appeal bench which he was elevated to on 16 July 2010.
This is his first time participating in the panel of a presidential election petition court, a rarity that only a handful of judges in a generation are opportune to be involved in.
However, it is definitely not his first time adjudicating on an election petition or political case.
On 4 July 2020, Mr Tsammani delivered one of the judgements of the Court of Appeal in Abuja that affirmed the second term election of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
Well-familiar with intra-and inter-party disputes in Nigeria, Mr Tsammani gave the lead judgement of the Court of Appeal that handed back the control of APC in Kano State to the outgoing governor, Abdullahi Gaduje, in February last year.
He also delivered the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja that issued the order restraining the Rivers and Lagos state governments from taking action on their bids to collect Value Added Tax (VAT).
About a month later, in October 2021, he led the three-member panel of the court that dismissed a suit by the suspended National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, to allow the party to hold a hitch-free national convention.
Mr Tsammani also led the Court of Appeal’s panel that gave the October 2022 judgement suspending the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from custody after the charges against the secessionist were dismissed in an earlier judgement of the court.
Stephen Jonah Adah
Mr Adah hails from Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State in North-central Nigeria.
Number 23 on the list of Justices of the Court of Appeal, he is the second most senior judge on the panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court. He is currently the presiding justice of the division of the court in Asaba, Delta State.
Mr Adah is 65 years old.
He is equally a graduate of the law faculty of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1982, about 41 years ago – a year earlier than Mr Tsammani.
His journey on the bench began with his appointment as a judge of the Federal High Court 24 years ago on 12 November 1998.
He was appointed to the Court of Appeal bench on 5 November 2012, about 10 years ago and over two years after Mr Tsammani.
Mr Adah has a robust record of high-profile cases with diverse subject matters to his name. His decisions have triggered applause and controversies.
As a Federal High Court judge for 12 years, he gave judgements that portrayed his leaning towards the uncompromising defence of the supremacy of the constitution and the rights it grants citizens, as well as his aversion for arbitrariness by public officers.
In May 2012, Mr Adah nullified a provision in the Police Act prohibiting a female police officer from marrying a man of her choice without the permission of the commissioner of police in the command where she is serving.
Mr Adah held in the judgement that the provision contained in Regulation 124 of the Police Act was unconstitutional.
He also gave the 25 June 2012 ruling that thwarted the plan of then President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to rename the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos.
On 4 May 2012, he gave the judgment that restrained then-Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State from going ahead with his plan to ban or restrict the operations of commercial motorcyclists in the state. Without any law passed by the state House of Assembly to back the policy, Mr Adah said, “It is arbitrary for the state and dictatorial in a democratic setting for the government to curtail the movement of others without any valid law passed by the National Assembly or the state House of Assembly.”
Mr Adah’s decision inspired the law the Lagos State House of Assembly would later pass to give the ban on okada legal backing.
At the Court of Appeal, Mr Adah delivered the lead judgement of a three-member panel that affirmed the conviction of a former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, on 16 November 2018. President Muhammadu Buhari would later grant a widely condemned pardon to Mr Dariye alongside a former governor of Taraba, Jolly Nyame, after their conviction and jailing had been affirmed by the Supreme Court.
In May 2019, Mr Adah delivered a belated judgement that could have saved the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, who was controversially tried at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), and removed from office.
On 24 July 2020, he delivered the lead judgment of a panel of the Court of Appeal affirming the acquittal of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Robert Azibaola, and his wife, Stella Azibaola, accused of money laundering involving $40 million security funds.
Later that year, on 4 December 2020, Mr Adah led a panel of justices that affirmed the death penalty imposed on Maryam Sanda, in a celebrated murder case in which the woman was accused of stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death.
Less than two weeks later, the jurist, on 16 December 2020, delivered the lead judgement of a three-member panel that ordered a retrial of a former spokesperson for the PDP, Olisa Metuh, earlier jailed for seven years for money laundering by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Mr Adah, in his judgement, also quashed the indicting comments made by the trial judge concerning a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who is standing trial in a separate but related case of diverting billions of naira in arms funds.
Mr Adah trained as a teacher at Ilorin Teachers’ College, Ilorin between 1975 and 1976 before gaining admission to study law at ABU in 1978.
Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf
Ms Bolaji-Yusuf, the only female member of the panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court, hails from Oyo-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, South-west Nigeria.
The jurist, a law graduate of the law faculty of Obafemi Awolowo University, is 63 years old.
Appointed to the Court of Appeal on 24 March 2014, about nine years ago, Ms Bolaji-Yusuf now occupies the 31st position on the roll call of the judges of the court.
Before her elevation to the Court of Appeal bench, she had put in a total of 17 years into her judicial career which began with her appointment to the High Court of Oyo State on 30 January 1997.
Adding her nine years at the Court of Appeal to her 17 years on the High Court bench, Ms Bolaji-Yusuf becomes the longest-serving judge among the five judges on the panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court, with 26 years of unbroken career as a judge to her credit.
Her entire legal career beginning with her call to the bar in 1984 is about 39 years old. In terms of the length of their legal profession, she comes behind both Messrs Tsammani and Adah.
She currently serves at the Asaba Division of the Court of Appeal where she ranks behind Mr Adah as the second most senior judge.
Not many cases have been credited to her in the media, but there is one that cast her in the mould of a courageous judge.
On 12 January 2006, as a judge of the High Court of Oyo State, Ms Bolaji-Yusuf issued an order that invalidated the steps taken by then-acting Chief Judge of the state, Afolabi Adeniran, which led to the illegal removal of the then governor, Rashidi Ladoja.
Although the Acting Chief Judge withdrew the case from her, her ruling was the first major blow to the entire impeachment process which the Supreme Court would also later nullify. The Supreme Court declared the process null and void and reinstated Mr Ladoja in its judgement delivered on 11 November 2006.
About a month before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, the judge was reported to have overseen a stormy court proceeding as a High Court judge in Ibadan in February 2014. During the hearing, most likely to be one of the last she conducted before her elevation, Ms Bolaji-Yusuf was reported to have successfully calmed the war of nerves between opposing lawyers in the criminal case. Before the proceedings of that day, she was to have affirmed the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.
She was also reported to have delivered the lead judgement of the three-member panel of the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal that affirmed the first term election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in June 2017.
Boloukuoromo Moses Ugo
Mr Ugo hails from Kolokuma/Qpokuma Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, South-south Nigeria.
At 57, he is the youngest among the judges on the panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court.
The graduate of the law faculty of the University of Calabar was appointed to the Court of Appeal bench on 24 March 2014, making this year his ninth on the court’s bench where he occupies the 44th position on the roll call.
Before his elevation to the Court of Appeal, he served as a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court for eight years, dating back to his appointment on 21 March 2014.
In total, Mr Ugo has put in a total of 17 years to his career on the bench, and a total of 33 years to his legal profession that started with his call to bar in 1990. He also attended the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School between 1989 and 1990.
Mr Ugo, who is currently serving at the Kano Division of the Court of Appeal, is hardly read about in the media. It will perhaps take digging deep into law reports to find out the important cases he has handled.
His participation in the Presidential Election Petition Court panel is a pivotal turn in his career, placing him on a national, if not global stage where the public can gain insights into the workings of his judicial mind for the first time.
Abba Bello Mohammed
Mr Mohammed hails from Kano State, North-west Nigeria, and is the third ABU, Zaria graduate on the Presidential Election Petition Court panel.
He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1984, marking the beginning of his legal career of about 39 years.
Like the other members of the panel, Mr Mohammed was called to bar after passing his bar examinations at the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School.
The 62-year-old has less than two years on the Court of Appeal bench as he was appointed on 28 June 2021, the last time judges were appointed to the Court of Appeal bench.
The little-known judge, who is currently on a posting to the Ibadan, Oyo State Division of the Court of Appeal, ranks lowest in terms of seniority on the court’s bench among the judges on the panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court. He occupies the 71st position on the list of judges of the Court of Appeal, ranking higher than only five others with whom he was elevated to the bench in 2021.
Before his elevation to the Court of Appeal, Mr Mohammed served on the bench of the FCT High Court, Abuja, from 2010, making about 10 to 11 years.
His participation in the Presidential Election Petition Court may become a defining milestone in his profile that has little to reference so far in the public space.
Not yet a significant case has been credited to him in media reports, perhaps many could be found to his name in legal reports.
[Premium Times]
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyey Ogunwus, has officially announced a wedding date with his second wife, Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda.
The palace has invited relatives and dignitaries to Olori Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda’s wedding thanksgiving service and celebration, set to take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
The occasion will be preceded by the Queen’s ceremonial arrival into Ile-Ife’s historic and venerated Ife Oodua Palace.
The occasion will be preceded by the Queen’s ceremonial arrival into Ile-Ife’s old Ife Oodua Palace on Thursday.
The wedding reception would occur months after the famed Yoruba king married his sixth wife, Princess Temitope Adesegun.
The event occurred at MRA Community Hall 15, Tokunbo Macaulay Street, Magodo Phase 2 Shangisha, Lagos State.
The king had divorced two spouses, Olori Zainab and Olori Naomi, at separate points in his life.
Meanwhile, the new Queen, Opeoluwa Elizabeth, will be welcomed at the event by the royal guards, palace chiefs, and royal servants who will formally accept her and represent the Yoruba monarch.
He married five women in September and October 2022, starting with Mariam Anako, an Ebira from Kogi State, on September 6, 2022.
Then, on September 7, 2022, he married Elizabeth Opeoluwa Akinmuda, an Ondo native.
On October 9, 2022, he married Tobi Phillips, a native of Okitipupa, Ondo State, as his third wife.
Ashley Afolashade Adegoke, an Ile-Ife Princess, became his fourth wife on October 14, 2022. Then, on October 20, 2022, he married Ronke Ademiluyi, another Ile-Ife Princess, as his fifth wife.