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Supreme Court Dismisses Gbagi’s (SDP’s) Appeal Against Oborevwori

Published

1 year ago

October 13, 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal brought before it by Chief Kenneth Gbagi against Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for being a waste of time, mere academic exercise, and lacking any utilitarian value.

In the appeal, Gbagi, a governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed the appeal against the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal refusing to admit fresh evidence not pleaded or frontloaded during trial.

Gbagi who claimed to have discovered new evidence to prove his petition, had made an application for the reopening of his case on the date fixed for the adoption of final written addresses by the Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba.

The Tribunal dismissed the aforesaid application for being incompetent, belated, and strange as the document he was trying to introduce was not pleaded in his petition.

The Tribunal proceeded to conclude the hearing of the Petition and found that Gbagi’s claim of being the winner of the election was totally unfounded. The Tribunal also dismissed Gbagi’s claim that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was not qualified to contest the election.

Not satisfied with the Tribunal’s ruling, Gbagi filed an appeal against the Tribunal’s refusal of his belated application to reopen his case.

The Court of Appeal, in dismissing the appeal, held that the Tribunal rightly refused to reopen his case.

Still not satisfied, Gbagi proceeded to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the issue of reopening his case.

PDP’s Counsel, Ekeme Ohwovoriole, SAN, and Ayo Asala, SAN for Governor Oborevwori, had argued that the Appeal lacked merit because the tribunal had been dissolved.

In a unanimous judgment of the apex court delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro, the apex court held that the appeal was a complete waste of time, had become spent, academic, and lacked usefulness

The Apex Court held that 180 days for hearing the Petition had expired, and there is no Tribunal existing to even hear the appeal since the Tribunal had since been dissolved.

Gbagi’s lead counsel, Adeniyi Akintola, SAN had no option but to withdraw the appeal after realizing (based on the chastisement/hint of the justices) that his Appeal was an academic exercise, lacked merit more, so the fact that the Tribunal had concluded its assignment.

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New Year: NYCN tells youths to be more involved in governance

Published

1 month ago

January 1, 2025

The Gleamer

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, unity, selflessness and prioritizing the collective good over personal interests for the development of the nation.

In a statement he signed and made available to the media in Abuja, Wednesday morning, NYCN President and Secretary Board of Trustees, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said the New Year represents a fresh start for the nation, presenting both challenges and opportunities that require a collective effort from all Nigerians.

The statement read: “As we enter 2025, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, extends warm greetings to all Nigerians. The NYCN recognizes that this New Year represents a fresh start for the nation, presenting both challenges and opportunities that require a collective effort from all Nigerians.

“As the representative body for Nigerian youth, the NYCN believes that the youth are at the heart of the country’s future and has a crucial role to play in shaping its destiny. Therefore, we seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the nation’s progress, unity and active participation in governance.

“The NYCN emphasizes that patriotism is central to our aspirations for 2025. This is a time for reflection on our shared responsibility to Nigeria and to renew our commitment to the nation’s prosperity. Patriotism, in this sense, goes beyond mere loyalty to the country; it embodies a deep dedication to the well-being of the nation and its people. Patriotism calls for unity, selflessness, and prioritizing the collective good over personal interests. This year, the NYCN urges the youth to embrace these values, as they are essential for building a stronger, more united nation.

“This sense of patriotism is not just about support for the nation in general but extends to supporting the government at all levels, regardless of political affiliation. Whether at the federal, state, or local levels, the government plays a vital role in shaping policies that affect the lives of millions of Nigerians.

“The NYCN believes it is crucial for the youth to stand in solidarity with these efforts, not just by offering support, but by contributing their ideas, perspectives, and solutions. Constructive engagement with the government is critical for ensuring that policies are effective and responsive to the needs of the people.

“Active participation in governance is essential. The NYCN stresses the importance of youth taking an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future. Young people must move beyond passive observation and take responsibility for the country’s direction.

“This means seizing opportunities to get involved in leadership roles, participating in policy discussions, and supporting initiatives that promote good governance. It is time for youth to take ownership of their future, contributing innovation, responsibility, and vision to build a better nation.

“The NYCN further urges Nigerian youth to be more involved in political processes. Governance is not just about holding positions of power; it involves engaging in public discussions and influencing the policies and laws that shape society.

“The youth should be actively engaged in policy advocacy to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Whether through voting, volunteering, or holding elected office, young people must play an active and visible role in the political life of the country.”

He added: “In addition to increased political involvement, the government must play its part in creating an environment conducive to youth development. The NYCN advocates for greater investment in programs that promote skill development, create job opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship.

“The government is urged to prioritize initiatives that provide practical training and equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. Expanding educational programs, offering job training opportunities, and establishing platforms to showcase youth innovation are critical to empowering young Nigerians for the future.

“The NYCN hereby declares 2025 as the Year of the Youth, a time for young Nigerians to step up, take responsibility, and take action. The challenges facing the country require the collective effort of all citizens, and the youth must be at the forefront of this movement. 2025 should be a year of opportunity, transformation, and active participation.

“Let this be the year when young Nigerians come together to contribute to their communities, strive for excellence in their respective fields, and take leadership positions in all sectors of society.

“In closing, the NYCN expresses its sincere gratitude to the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders who continue to support youth empowerment and development.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with these partners to ensure that 2025 is a year of progress and success for the nation. The time has come for Nigeria’s youth to rise, embrace their power, and play an essential role in the growth and development of the country.”

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