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Tribunal judgements: PDP, NNPP lawmakers dominate certificate forgery scandal

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Allegations of certificate forgery have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s political scene since 1999. The trend continued in the recent 2023 general elections, with some members of the National Assembly being sacked by tribunals over certificate forgery.One of the most notable cases was that of Idris Dankawu of the NNPP, who was sacked from the House of Representatives for forging his West African School Certificate, WAEC. Dankawu’s opponent, Munir Babba Danagudi of the APC, had filed a petition alleging that Dankawu presented a fraudulent secondary school certificate to gain admission into Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Kaduna.The tribunal ruled in favor of Danagudi, finding that Dankawu had indeed forged his WAEC certificate. The tribunal also instructed INEC to set aside the Certificate of Return previously awarded to Dankawu and instead, declared Danagudi as the winner of the Kumbotso Federal Constituency poll.Another notable case was that of Muktar Umar Yerima, also of the NNPP. Yerima’s election was declared invalid due to the alleged forgery of his primary school certificate. The petitioner in the case, Hafizu Kawu of the APC, had challenged Yerima’s eligibility and presented evidence proving the forgery allegations.The tribunal found in favor of Kawu, ruling that Yerima had indeed forged his primary school certificate. The tribunal also held that the NNPP had no candidate in the election and that all the votes that were cast for Yerima were wasted votes.The tribunal directed INEC to retract the certificate of return that had previously been issued to Yerima, effectively stripping him of his elected position.In addition to Dankawu and Yerima, several other members of the National Assembly were sacked by tribunals over certificate forgery. These include:

  • Aminu Ahmadu Chindo (PDP, Katsina State)Ismail Dalha (PDP, Katsina State)

The cases of Dankawu, Yerima, and the other affected lawmakers are a reminder of the need for vigilance and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process. It is also important to note that these cases are still ongoing, and the affected lawmakers have the right to appeal the tribunal rulings.

The spokespersons for the NNPP and CRRAN have both condemned the cases of certificate forgery, and called for the appropriate authorities to take action against those found guilty. It remains to be seen whether the perpetrators of these crimes will be held accountable, but the cases serve as a reminder that certificate forgery is a serious offense that should not be tolerated.

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Why I may not hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in 2027.

The former Vice President, currently in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, indicated he would back Obi if the Labour Party nominates him for the next election.

According to The Sun, Atiku made this statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

It was recently reported by DAILY POST that Obi and Atiku had a closed-door meeting, sparking rumors about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the efforts of opposition parties to align in order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

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Atiku added that if the new party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and chooses Peter Obi, he would not hesitate to support him.

“I have said repeatedly, and even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku explained.

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I once struggled with pornography – Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac

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Isaac Oyedepo, son of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has admitted to having struggled with pornography at one point in his life.

Isaac revealed that he became involved with pornography during a trip to a European country.

Speaking on the podcast “Confession Box,” Isaac shared that he overcame this challenge with God’s help.

He explained: “My confessions are positive and meant to help others. I struggled with pornography before.

“I remember how it began; we traveled to a country, and I was alone in my room. I turned on the TV, and that’s how it started.

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“But God helped me overcome it quickly. Many people still struggle with it, and I think if someone who had previously struggled with it had approached me and showed me how to break free, I would have overcome it sooner.

“Some topics are often avoided, but today, many pastors and church members still struggle with this issue.

“You might be anointed and performing signs and wonders, but that doesn’t mean you are living right.

“There’s an old saying that if it works, it means you’re standing right, but I found out that’s not always true. There were times I realized I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me.

“For the sake of someone genuine in the congregation, God can bypass you to reach that person; this is my confession.”

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Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

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Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

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The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

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