News
Jubilation In Kaduna As Tribunal Upholds Ekene Adam Winner Of Reps Election
…. As Court awards 500,000 damage against the petitioner
…Ekene dedicates win to constituents
By: Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Supporters of the Labour Party, (LP) have stormed the streets in Kaduna state to celebrate the victory of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, following the judgement that upheld his election as the duly elected Member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, in the February 25th general election.
The Jubilation follows the dismissal of the suit filed by Hon. Yakubu Barde of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) demanding Ekene’s sack over an alleged certificate forgery.
The National Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna on Tuesday dismissed the petition brought by Barde on the ground that it lacks merit.
Justice F.A. Fiberesima while delivering judgment on the case on Tuesday, leading a three-man panel that heard the petition, dismissed the case and awarded N500,000 damages to Ekene for defamation of character by the petitioner.
According to her, forgery from the point of law is a criminal act, a very weighty allegation that must be proved beyond every reasonable doubt.
She noted that the tribunal was already in doubt because the petitioner could not prove the allegation on the ground that his claims lack merit and therefore discountenance.
The judge further stressed that despite the fact the petitioner tendered documents to support his claims, the respondent, Ekene Abubakar Adams also tendered his own document from the same schools and therefore the best way to have given the petitioner’s claim an edge was to present an eye witness.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after the event, Ekene said “I feel normal. I was never agitated because I know the court will do the right thing. The victory is for the people and that is why you see celebration ongoing everywhere.
“We have been up and doing and so we will continue to serve the people as we have promised. I, therefore, called on the aggrieved members to come and join hands with me so we can build our dear constituency together.”
Reacting to the judgement, Counsel to the respondent, Muhammed M. Sani said the judgement was highly educative, adding that justice has prevailed at last.
Business
Bilateral Boost: Nigeria, Italy Forge Path to Shared Prosperity
Maryam Aminu
Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described the country as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, as Nigeria and Italy take bold steps toward deepening economic and trade relations.
Speaking at the first Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025), themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities,” Abbas, represented by Hon. Afuope Afolabi, emphasized Nigeria’s large population, dynamic market, and resource-rich economy as key assets for global investors.
“Italian enterprises have found fertile ground in Nigeria, and we in turn have benefited from these investments,” Abbas said, calling for a reimagined approach to bilateral cooperation through targeted investments in agriculture, energy, oil and gas, agro-processing, and solid minerals.
The summit organized by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Italian Embassy served as a high-level platform for fostering investment-driven dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, echoed the sentiment, stating, “These are two nations with immense potential. This summit is not just about investment; it’s about aligning values and mutual economic ambition.”
Italian Deputy Ambassador Mr. Lacopo Foti described the gathering as a celebration of shared values, trust, and commitment to sustainable development. “Italy’s cultural heritage and technological expertise make it a natural partner for Nigeria,” he noted.
With 2024 trade volumes between the two countries reaching approximately €2.5 billion, stakeholders expressed optimism that NIIS 2025 would spark greater collaboration and unlock long-term opportunities to transform both economies and improve livelihoods.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Ltd, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu, said the summit aims to revitalize the bilateral business relationship between Nigeria and Italy.
“By fostering these strategic partnerships, the summit aims to not only solidify existing trade relations but also to discover new avenues for joint innovation and development.” He added
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