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2023: PDP asks court to disqualify Obi, Tinubu over change of running mates

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THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked an Abuja Federal High Court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify the candidates of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu from the 2023 presidential election for replacing their running mates.

PDP, in the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, argued that Obi and Tinubu are not eligible to participate in the election unless they do so with their previous running mates — Doyin Okupe and Kabiru Masari, respectively.

Defendants in the suit include INEC, LP, APC, Obi, Tinubu, Okupe and Masari.

Obi and Tinubu had nominated Okupe and Masari as placeholders to beat the INEC’s June 17 deadline, but following the one month grace period for substitution given by the electoral body, last week, the two presidential candidates nominated Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and Kashim Shettima as substantial running mates, respectively.

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However, the PDP asked the court to determine if, by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s timetable, Tinubu and Obi are bound by the nomination of Masari and Okupe, respectively, as their running mates.

The party also asked the court to determine if by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC can validly accept any change or substitution of the Masari and Okupe as running mates of the APC and the LP.

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The PDP is also seeking five reliefs, including a declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s timetable, both Tinubu and Obi must be bound by their submission.

The PDP equally the court to order that Tinubu and Obi’s should be disqualified from the election the moment they substituted the names of their running mates.

The opposition party is also asking the court to make a declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s election timetable, Tinubu and Obi cannot validly contest the 2023 presidential election without Masari and Obi as their respective running mates.

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According to the PDP, the term ‘placeholder’ is unknown to Nigerian law.

“The Electoral Act makes no provisions whatsoever for placeholder or temporary running mates. The acts of the APC, Tinubu, Labour Party and Obi in nominating and forwarding the names of Masari and Okupe defendants as running mates for the 2023 presidential elections is valid and subsisting,” the party argued.

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Crime

LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers, sentences them to 8 months imprisonment

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers

LAGESC convicted 12 commercial sex workers in Lagos, sentencing them to eight months in prison for prostitution and breach of peace offences.

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) secured the conviction of 12 commercial sex workers during a dislodgement operation at Obalende.

They were sentenced to eight months imprisonment for offences related to prostitution and breach of peace. LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), emphasised that the operation aligns with the Lagos State government’s THEMES agenda to ensure a habitable environment.

 

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Also read: Cleaner bags life jail for sexually assaulting baby in church

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, successfully convicted 12 commercial sex workers on Wednesday following a large-scale enforcement operation in Obalende.

The convicted individuals were sentenced to eight months in prison for charges related to prostitution and breach of peace, in accordance with Sections 142(1)(a)(b) and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

During the operation, led by LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the offenders were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adefioye at the Special Offences Court in Oshodi.

Out of the 19 individuals charged, 12 were convicted and sentenced, while the remaining seven pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until December 18 for further hearings.

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Major Cole highlighted that the operation was necessary due to the deteriorating situation in Obalende, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, which aims to keep Lagos habitable for business and free from criminal activities.

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He reiterated that LAGESC would continue its efforts to rid Lagos of unlawful elements, despite challenges and attacks on its officers.

Cole also issued warnings to street traders and hawkers to refrain from displaying goods in prohibited areas such as road verges, lay-bys, and pedestrian walkways, stressing that defaulters will face daily arrests and prosecution.

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UK plans to reuse old graves amid burial space shortage

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UK plans to reuse old graves

The UK is considering reusing old graves to address the shortage of burial space, with proposals under public consultation until January 2025.

 

The UK is considering reusing old graves and reopening closed burial grounds to address the shortage of burial space, especially in cities.

Proposals from the Law Commission suggest reusing graves last used at least 75 years ago, but this would only happen after public consultations and government approval. The public consultation on these plans runs until January 2025.

 

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Also read: “There may be no election in 2023” Charlyboy insists from United Kingdom

 

In response to a growing shortage of burial space, particularly in urban areas, the UK is exploring plans to reuse old graves and reopen closed burial grounds.

The proposals put forward by the Law Commission could see Victorian-era graveyards, once deemed “full,” being repurposed to accommodate future burials.

The Law Commission, an independent body that reviews laws in England and Wales, highlighted the pressing need to address the dwindling availability of burial plots in cities.

Their proposals suggest that any burial ground could potentially be reused, provided that the last burial took place at least 75 years ago and after extensive public consultations.

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Professor Nick Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family, and Trust Law, stressed the importance of handling the matter sensitively.

He pointed out that reforming burial and cremation laws could secure burial space for future generations, but public support is crucial.

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The proposals would require government approval and public consultations to ensure transparency, especially when dealing with objections from family members.

Currently, public cemeteries can only be repurposed if an Act of Parliament is granted, but these new measures could open up more options for addressing the shortage.

Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Justice, expressed the government’s support for these efforts, saying that they eagerly await the Law Commission’s recommendations for modern, consistent regulations.

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Crime

Yobe State police investigation launched after homicide incident

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Yobe State police investigation

Yobe State police investigation launched into homicide involving Inspector Mohammed Bulama, who allegedly stabbed a man during a dispute.

 

The Yobe State police investigation has begun into the homicide involving Inspector Mohammed Bulama, who allegedly stabbed a man during a dispute.

The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into a homicide incident involving Inspector Mohammed Bulama, attached to the Police Mobile Force, 41 Division, Damaturu, the state capital.

 

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Also read: Ogun police investigate alleged murder of 16-year-old in Sagamu

 

According to a press release from the Police Public Relations Officer of the Yobe Police Command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the incident occurred on September 29, 2024, at approximately 18:20 hours.

Inspector Bulama, 38, was involved in a heated argument with Abdulmalik Dauda (aka Baksha), 39, of Pompomari Ward, Damaturu, over an unresolved transaction in the Zango Area.

The dispute escalated into a physical altercation, during which Bulama allegedly stabbed Dauda in the chest, resulting in head injuries during the confrontation.

Following the incident, Bulama sought refuge at the ‘C’ Divisional Police Headquarters and was promptly arrested.

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The state Criminal Investigation Department has commenced an investigation, and Bulama is currently in custody pending internal disciplinary action and prosecution.

CP Ahmed condemned Bulama’s actions and expressed condolences to Dauda’s family, assuring the public of a thorough and swift investigation to ensure justice is served.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any misconduct from its personnel. We will ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator is held accountable,” Ahmed stated.

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