In the latest developments surrounding the impeachment proceedings against Edo State’s deputy governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, the investigative panel chaired by Justice Stephen A. Omonuwa (rtd) has wrapped up its hearings.

The panel, convened by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa, was tasked with probing allegations of perjury and divulging government secrets leveled against Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.

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The panel’s decision to conclude its proceedings came after Shaibu’s continued absence, despite previous opportunities provided for him to defend himself against the accusations. Despite being represented by Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN) initially, Shaibu and his counsel failed to attend subsequent sessions, prompting the panel to move forward.

During the hearings, the Edo State House of Assembly, represented by counsel Ohiafi Joe, presented its case, asserting that the deputy governor had violated his oath of office and engaged in gross misconduct.

Despite repeated adjournments to allow Shaibu to present his defense, his absence persisted, leading the panel to make the final decision to adjourn indefinitely.

Justice Omonuwa’s ruling, “the panel will now retire to compile its report, which will be submitted to Chief Judge Justice Okungbowa for further action.”

This marks a significant development in the ongoing impeachment saga, leaving the fate of the deputy governor in the hands of the judicial process.

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to commence their defense on April 15th at the state’s governorship election tribunal in Abuja, countering the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, scheduled this date following the closure of the SDP’s case after presenting 25 witnesses out of an initial 400.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also present its defense with two witnesses.

The SDP and Ajaka contest Governor Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023 poll, listing INEC, Ododo, and APC as respondents.

However, during the recent proceedings, objections arose when Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, attempted to lead witness Edidiong Udoh, a Digital Forensic Expert, in evidence.

Lawyers representing INEC, Governor Ododo, and the APC raised concerns regarding the witness not being listed in the proof of evidence and the late submission of the witness’ analysis reports.

Despite Okutepa’s insistence that the witness was listed in the petition and the report was front-loaded, objections were raised.

Udoh, the digital forensic expert, requested to amend a statement on oath but faced opposition from the respondents’ lawyers.

They argued against such amendments, and the tribunal advised them to raise their objections in their final written addresses.

During cross-examination, Udoh disclosed that he led a team of seven experts in conducting the analysis, but objections were raised regarding the inclusion of their names and signatures in the report.

The witness clarified that as the team leader, he signed the report, which did not depend on SDP’s petition.

Discrepancies emerged regarding figures in the witness’ report conflicting with those in SDP’s petition. Despite this, Udoh maintained the independence of his report from the petition’s figures.

Additionally, questions were raised about Udoh’s familiarity with the term “dactylography,” which he associated with fingerprint analysis, despite it not being included in his curriculum vitae.

The tribunal admitted Udoh’s certificates as exhibits despite objections from the respondents’ lawyers, who questioned the authenticity of photocopies and the absence of original documents.

As the defense prepares to present its case, the tribunal continues to navigate through legal arguments and evidentiary challenges in the ongoing electoral dispute.

In a fresh development, the Kano State government has initiated legal proceedings against former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six others.

This move comes as the state government files a suit before a State high court.

The additional defendants named in the suit include Ganduje’s son, Umar Abdullahi Umar, as well as Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd., Safari Textiles Ltd., and Lesage General Enterprises.

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The prosecution counsel, Muhuyi Magaji Esq, and others have filed a copy of the suit, outlining eight charges against Ganduje and the seven others.

The charges pertain to allegations of dollar bribery, misappropriation of funds, and diversion of funds amounting to billions of naira.

The charges read;

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of January 10th 2016 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State corruptly asked for and received the sum of $ 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) being benefit for yourself from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government on your instruction and approval as part of your function as the Governor of Kano State thereby committed the offence of official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law N02 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometime between the period of February 2017 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State agreed to do or caused to be done an illegal act, to wit, dishonestly and/or corruptly to your own advantage collected a kick back of the sum of $ 213,000 (Two Hundred And Thirteen Thousand United State Dollars) being money generated from people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contact and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent) thereby committed the offence of official corruption contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of The Kano State Public Complaints and Anticorruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law N02 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period of September 2020 and march 2021 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Business man, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3 rd Defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy Six million Naira) through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd Defendant being monies earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face marks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Sometimes between the period of September 2020 and January 2022 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Business man, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, while entrusted with the sum of (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy Six million Naira) or dominion over the said sum, earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment dishonestly misappropriated and/or converted the said sum to your own use through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3 rd defendant, thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2.

“That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Sometimes between the period march of 2021 or there about, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspire with the 4th defendant (Umar Abdullahi Umar) being your biological son using defendant (Lamash Properties Ltd) a company owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPD/256B in the name of 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsory acquired by you being the Governor of Kano State from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) were it was sold and the proceed part of which the sum of (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. Domicile at Access Bank where dollar equivalent was given to the defendant to the detriment of the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991,” the charges reads.

The suit is also attached with a 15 prosecution witnesses list and their statements.

However, a date is yet to be fixed.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has taken decisive action by inaugurating two judicial commissions of inquiry. These commissions will delve into allegations of misappropriation of public funds, political violence, and cases of missing persons spanning from 2015 to 2023, during the tenure of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

During the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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He urged the panel members to diligently investigate and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the full consequences of the law.

The governor reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his inaugural promise of unraveling and prosecuting those responsible for any instances of political violence that occurred in the state.

“Political violence is a major setback to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and property as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power.”

“The disturbing cases of political killings especially in 2023 must not be swept under the carpet, this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences.

“The first commission under Justice Zuwaira Yusuf will look into cases of political violence and missing persons from 2015-2023.

“We expect them to unravel the criminal network involved and unmask the sponsors to face justice, find its causes and find out where violence is associated with 2015, 2019 and 2013.”

During the inauguration of the second commission of inquiry led by Justice Faruk Lawan, Governor Abba Yusuf outlined the commission’s mandate to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property and assets.

He urged Justice Lawan and his team to thoroughly probe instances of misappropriation, particularly those involving the previous administration, both within and outside the state.

Governor Yusuf clarified that the initiative is not politically motivated nor aimed at targeting specific individuals. Instead, it is a response to the demands of the people of Kano State for accountability and transparency in governance.

He emphasized the importance of the commission members maintaining their integrity and remaining true to their oath and the interests of the people of Kano. Justice and fairness, he stressed, must prevail throughout the inquiry process.

In a related development, Alhassan Doguwa, a prominent member of the House of Representatives, who was arrested during the last general election on charges of arson and murder, was subsequently released on bail.

Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, has assumed the role of acting Speaker of the Sixth Legislature of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

His appointment came during the inaugural session of the assembly held in Abuja on Thursday.

Initially nominated as the 1st Deputy Speaker by Rep Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante and seconded by Senator Ireti Kingibe, Barau’s elevation aligns with the rotational system established by Decision A/DEC. 6/06/06 of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

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The Speakership for this legislative term had been allocated to the Republic of Togo, but due to their absence during the inauguration, a Speaker Pro-tempore, Edwin Melvin Snowe JR, a Liberian, was chosen.

Snowe JR, presiding over the inaugural session, oversaw the election of four deputy speakers, including Honourable Adjaratou Traore Coulibaly from Cote D’Ivoire, Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin from Ghana, and Honourable Billay G Tunkara from Gambia.

As the 1st Deputy Speaker, Barau Jibrin will serve as the acting Speaker until the Togolese delegation is inaugurated.

The ceremony, graced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, also emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in bolstering ECOWAS’s resilience and effectiveness.

The Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament saw the inauguration of lawmakers from various member states, including Nigeria, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

The ECOWAS Parliament, established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS revised treaty of 1993, serves as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building to promote integration among the people of West Africa.

Comprising 115 seats, it plays a crucial role in advancing the region’s socio-economic and political agendas.

Firing back at his estranged benefactor, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has asserted his intention to continue unsettling Nyesom Wike’s camp.

Tensions have escalated in Rivers since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Addressing attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony of an automobile spare parts market in Port Harcourt, Fubara dismissed a purported list of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee members for the state circulating on social media as fake.

The list, which includes names of Wike’s loyalists, was branded as the work of attention-seeking individuals and instigators of discord.

“I know that a lot of you saw something flying in the social media, dailies. Let me brief you, we hard a meeting, and we agreed that, not just in Rivers State, but in all the States affected, that the Executive Councils (of PDP) should be extended for three months.”

“This extension is not meant to bring in new names. The extension also did not say that you are working without the authority of the Governor. So, for those lists that you saw and those ones altered, I can assure you that they are not going to stand.

“For record purposes, so that you will understand, we also agreed that there is going to be a NEC meeting on the 18th of this month (April) that should ratify that decision.

“So, what you are seeing is the handiwork of desperate people who like media publicity. In fact, empty drums make loudest noise. So, don’t bother about anything. Nothing is happening.”

Governor Fubara hinted at the unease gripping his adversaries in the wake of his recent warning, where he promised to deliver surprises to those who challenge him.

He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping them on edge, ensuring that they remain restless.

Emphasizing the significance of safeguarding Rivers State, Governor Fubara underscored his administration’s dedication to pursuing peace as the catalyst for progress.

“You can see how restless they have been since I made just one statement, yesterday. We will continue to make them restless.”

“They won’t know where we are coming from. We will also continue to hit them hard the way we hit them, yesterday. So, those of you who were worried when you saw those lists that were flying, go and rest, nothing is happening.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has confidently brushed off concerns over the competition posed by the 15 governorship aspirants contending for the All Progressives Congress ticket ahead of the April 20 primary election.

Aiyedatiwa expressed his assurance to journalists after formally submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

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Among the contenders vying for the party’s nomination are Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South district, APC stalwart Olusola Oke, former President of the Nigerian Medical Association Prof. Francis Faduyile, Dr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, and APC National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaac Kekemeke.

Additional candidates include Akinfolarin Samuel, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Okunjimi Odimayo, Adewale Akinterinwa, Olugbenga Edema, Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide, Morayo Lebi, Garvey Oladiran Iyanjan, and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.

Despite the formidable lineup, Aiyedatiwa affirmed his position as the frontrunner ahead of the impending primary election, emphasizing his lack of apprehension towards his fellow contenders.

He said, “I am aware we have 15 other aspirants jostling for this same office. They are also eminently qualified. Let me say here that I respect all of them. But we know ourselves. They have been around. We know who they are and what they can do. They are illustrious sons and daughters of the land. But I can tell you there is nothing to fear.

“I can tell you the people of Ondo State know what and who they want. As I said, the youth, women, traders, farmers, artisans, and Ondo workers are all calling for me to continue. Those are the people who will determine who will win the election. I have no fear because they are already speaking. In fact, they have spoken. So there is nothing to fear.

“In the last few years, I have acted in the capacity of deputy governor and acting governor in 2021 and 2023. Now, I am the governor. I am just about 100 days in the office today or tomorrow. I have just about three months in office.

“My desire to contest was in response to the yearning and aspiration of my people. The artisans, women, students, and traditional rulers want me to continue as governor of the state. They have observed and identified that within a short period of my assumption in office. They could see all I have done in the office in three months. Based on that, they demanded across all the local governments that I should continue as governor of the state. And I cannot do that without going through the process.”