Today's Headlines: Democracy and the People Have Won – Buhari; PEPT: Shettima Extends Olive Branch to Atiku, Obi
Democracy and the People Have Won- Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his joy at the ruling of the Presidential Elections Petition Court, confirming the victory of the All Progressives Congress and its candidates, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the February 25 election.
The former President stated that the PEPC had “made history” by rejecting intimidation and prejudice to uphold justice according to the law, respecting the choices made by a majority of citizens.
“If anyone has won today, it is democracy and the people. With the Supreme Court’s verdict, the election period is over, and it’s time to move past the heat and dust,” said the former President.
He also called for support for the new APC administration led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfill the promises made to the people.
Additionally, the former President expressed his gratitude to all citizens for maintaining peace during this period and prayed for continued progress and development under the APC government.
He sent warm congratulations to the President, Vice President, and the All Progressives Congress on their victory in court, expressing his best wishes for them in fulfilling the people’s aspirations.
PEPT: Shettima Extends Olive Branch to Atiku, Obi
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, reached out to the Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party, Peter Obi, urging them to join efforts with the Tinubu administration in the pursuit of a new Nigeria.
Shettima expressed this sentiment shortly after the five Justices on the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal unanimously upheld President Bola Tinubu as the victor of the February 25 presidential election.
Justice Haruna Tsammani, who led the five-person panel, declared, “This petition accordingly lacks merit. I affirm the return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The parties are to bear their cost.”
Following this, the four other Justices took turns to dismiss the petitions presented by the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, challenging Tinubu’s election as President, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission on March 1, 2023.
During the 12-hour session, the Court dismissed three consolidated petitions on various grounds, citing a lack of merit among them.
Shettima also encouraged the opposition candidates to set aside their differences and collaborate in the pursuit of the common goal of nation-building.
Tinubu Welcomes PEPT Verdict, Urges Obi, Atiku to Uphold Nat’l Unity
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, expressed his renewed dedication to achieving a unified, peaceful, and prosperous nation following the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal’s judgment in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commended the tribunal’s diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani. He emphasized his commitment to the rule of law and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, showcasing the maturation of Nigeria’s legal system and its democratic governance.
Miyetti Allah Protests Profiling As Criminals, Kidnappers
Members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association (MACBAN) in the South East and South South zones have voiced their concerns about being wrongly profiled as criminals and kidnappers in the southern regions of Nigeria. They refuted suspicions that they were present in the South for territorial expansion by Fulani groups.
These members explained that they had relocated from their native areas to engage in cattle breeding and were not involved in criminal activities, contrary to what some landlords in the South believed. They acknowledged that, like any group, there might be some bad individuals among them but assured that they were actively addressing this issue.
This stance was presented during a significant meeting of MACBAN’s joint executive council for the South East and South-South geopolitical zones in Enugu. The meeting included national executive members, zone chairmen, Fulani traditional rulers, and state chairmen from both zones.
Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, MACBAN’s national vice director, stated that the meeting aimed to address ongoing reports of friction and insecurity affecting their members in various localities across the South East and South-South regions.
Atiku, Obi Plan Appeal as Election Tribunal Dashes Bid to Sack Tinubu
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, have rejected Wednesday’s judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s election.
Kehinde Edun, the Legal Adviser to the Labour Party, has vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court. Atiku’s Lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, confirmed that he received instructions from his client to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which began sitting at 9:40 am at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, ruled that the petitions filed by Atiku, Obi, and their parties had no merit and unanimously upheld Tinubu’s electoral victory in the February 25 presidential election.
The judgment was delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, with assistance from other panel members, including Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo, and Abba Mohammed.
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