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Ikpoba Okha Local Govt Election Fallout: Tribunal Exposes Electoral Act Breaches By EDSIEC

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Ikpoba Okha Local Govt Election Fallout: Tribunal Exposes Electoral Act Breaches By EDSIEC....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a significant development following the Local Government Chairmanship Election Petition Tribunal’s recent verdict on the Ikpoba Okha election, the spotlight has shifted to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The tribunal’s decision, delivered on December 29, 2023, revealed glaring breaches of the Electoral Act by EDSIEC, raising critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process…CONTINUE READING.

 

The petition, filed by Mr. Eghaghe Mashido Osamudiame and the Labour Party, contested the victory of Dr. Osayande Eric Iyobo of the People’s Democratic Party in the chairmanship election conducted on September 2, 2023. The petitioners alleged various infractions, including EDSIEC’s failure to comply with mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The tribunal identified three key issues for determination, the first being the applicable law regulating elections in Edo State’s Local Government Councils. It concurred with the petitioners’ argument that the Electoral Act 2022, not the EDSIEC law, governed the conduct of the elections in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council.

The second issue centered on whether EDSIEC complied with relevant laws, guidelines, and manuals during the disputed election. The tribunal referred to Section 150 of the Electoral Act, emphasizing that EDSIEC was mandated to use the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation. However, the tribunal found no evidence of BVAS usage during the election. Furthermore, it noted the absence of a voter register, despite orders to produce it.

The tribunal’s scathing critique didn’t stop there. It deplored the irregularities and urged EDSIEC to rectify its shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of conducting credible elections. The chairman of the tribunal expressed disappointment, stating, “At the close of the 23rd year into the 21st century in our dear State… the 1st Respondent [EDSIEC] cannot produce before the court, the voters register it used or purportedly to have been used.”

As the third issue addressed the alleged invalidity of the election due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the tribunal concluded that the petitioners failed to establish corrupt practices or provide evidence of complaints to security agents. Consequently, the petition was dismissed based on the petitioners’ inability to meet the burden of proof.

The tribunal’s verdict has now opened a new chapter in the discourse on electoral transparency and the role of electoral bodies like EDSIEC. It underscores the need for adherence to the rule of law, the Electoral Act, and the fundamental principles that underpin free and fair elections. The fallout from the Ikpoba Okha election serves as a stern reminder that electoral bodies must be accountable for upholding the sanctity of the democratic process.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Benin City.

Source iReporteronline.

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HEARTBREAK IN AROCHUKWU! Tears Flow Freely As Alexx Ekubo’s Body Arrives For Final Farewell!.

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On Thursday, mourners including family, friends, and colleagues assembled in Arochukwu, Abia State, to welcome the remains of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo as funeral proceedings began. The actor’s body arrived in a convoy, stopping briefly at the Eze Arochukwu palace before being transported to his family home.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Passing and Schedule: Alexx Ekubo passed away on May 11 at 40 years old, with his burial scheduled for June 18 in Arochukwu.

  • Community and Industry Presence: Local residents, along with Nollywood stars and other sympathizers, held a procession through the village to honor the actor. Many mourners wore T-shirts featuring Ekubo’s image or carried his photographs.

  • Notable Attendees: Among those paying their respects were celebrities such as Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, Yomi Casual, and his close friend, IK Ogbonna.

  • Cause and Family: The actor reportedly died following a private struggle with kidney cancer and is survived by his wife, parents, and siblings.

  • Funeral Rites: Following the burial service and interment, a reception will be held at the Mary Slessor School in Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu.

  • Service of Songs: Earlier, numerous Nigerian entertainment industry figures attended a service of songs for the late actor on June 10, 2026.

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PEACE IN OUR TIME? From ‘Bombing’ To ‘Billion-Dollar Investment’—The Shocking Details Of The New U.S.-Iran Accord!.

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The United States and Iran have entered into a historic memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward ending months of regional conflict. The agreement, which took immediate effect, sets the stage for a 60-day negotiation period to finalize a binding peace accord, with a formal ceremony to initiate these technical discussions scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Economic Support: The United States and regional partners have committed to a $300 billion reconstruction and economic development package for Iran to aid in rebuilding infrastructure and reviving the economy.

  • Nuclear Program: Iran has reaffirmed that it will not develop or procure nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the two nations agreed to resolve the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile through a mechanism involving International Atomic Energy Agency-supervised down-blending, while the U.S. pledged to halt new sanctions or military deployments in the region pending a final deal.

  • End to Hostilities: The parties, along with their allies, have committed to an immediate, permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, while pledging to respect regional sovereignty and territorial integrity.

  • Lifting Sanctions and Blockades: The U.S. has agreed to remove its blockade on Iranian ports, with a full exit planned within 30 days of the agreement. Additionally, the U.S. will terminate sanctions, unfreeze restricted assets, and issue Treasury waivers to allow for the export of Iranian crude oil and related services, such as banking and transportation.

  • Strait of Hormuz: Iran has committed to reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, with full traffic expected to be restored within 30 days.

The memorandum was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and finalized with the signatures of Iranian leadership, with mediation support provided by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The final peace settlement is expected to receive endorsement through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution to ensure international legal compliance.

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JUSTICE AT LAST! 5-Year Legal War Over Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s Multi-Billion Naira Estate Finally Ends!.

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A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has concluded a nearly five-year legal dispute regarding the estate and marital status of the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, founder of First Foundation Hospital. In her ruling, Justice Oluwayoyin Odusanya declared Adenike Oluwayemisi Ajayi the sole lawful widow of the deceased.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Legal Status of Marriage: The court affirmed that Mrs. Ajayi’s monogamous marriage to Dr. Ajayi remained valid until his death in 2020, ruling that a prolonged separation does not constitute a legal dissolution of marriage.

  • Rejection of Helen Prest’s Claims: The court dismissed claims by former beauty queen Helen Prest, who asserted she was also a spouse through a Kalabari customary marriage.

  • Lack of Evidence: Justice Odusanya described Prest’s customary marriage claim as an “afterthought,” noting her inconsistent past descriptions of her relationship with the deceased and the total lack of documentary or photographic evidence.

  • Invalidity of Second Union: Furthermore, the court found that even if a ceremony had occurred, any such union would have been invalid because Prest was still legally married to her previous husband at the time she claimed to have married Dr. Ajayi.

  • Resolution of Estate: The judgment grants Mrs. Ajayi and her children all requested reliefs, including her entitlement to one-third of the personal estate and exclusive rights to apply for letters of administration.

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