Connect with us

News

Jubilation In Kaduna As Tribunal Upholds Ekene Adam Winner Of Reps Election

Published

on

…. 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.

Continue Reading

News

EU, Abia Govt Launch N4.8bn Solar Lifeline for Primary Healthcare

Published

on

Tricia Michaels

The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Abia State Government, has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP)—a N4.84 billion initiative designed to provide 24/7 solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 17 local government areas of the state.

The project, officially launched on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House, Umuahia, is aimed at transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a stable electricity supply for essential services such as diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

Speaking at the event, Governor Alex C. Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and boosting economic activities across the state.

“This initiative will not only transform the healthcare system in the state but also bring life and hope to our communities,” Emetu said.
“It is also expected to support economic growth in surrounding areas and improve the overall living conditions of our people.”

He extended appreciation to the EU for selecting Abia as one of the few states to benefit from this phase of the project.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Abia State, I express our gratitude to the EU leadership in Brussels for bringing this excellent initiative to our state. We also thank NTU International, the implementing partner, for their commitment to the project’s long-term success.”

Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager of NISHP, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, explained that the project is designed to enhance healthcare outcomes by leveraging solar energy to power PHCs.

“This EU-supported project is specifically targeted at improving healthcare service delivery in rural areas by providing reliable electricity to power diagnostic tools, preserve vaccines, and store essential medicines,” Ogiehor said.

He revealed that Abia State is contributing 30% counterpart funding to the project, showing strong local commitment.

Beyond healthcare, the project is also expected to benefit more than 50 small businesses operating in or around the health centres, helping to stimulate local economic development.

A 10-member Steering Committee, chaired by the Abia State Commissioner for Power, has been inaugurated to oversee the project’s implementation and ensure its timely delivery.

The NISHP is part of the broader EU commitment to renewable energy, health sector revitalization, and economic development in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)