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Group Rejects Appeal Court Ruling, Urges Judiciary To Always Consider People’s Choice

Ahead of the Appeal Court’s reserved judgment on the victory of Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, a group under the aegis of Forum for Justice and Good Governance (FJGG) has cautioned the judiciary against upturning the victory of democratically elected candidates, saying such judgments amount to upturning people’s will.
According to the group, the situation where the electorate happily trooped out to vote candidates of their choice during the concluded 2023 general elections and the court later upturned such popular victory in favour of another candidate is not only undemocratic but also unacceptable.
“We believe strongly that democracy anywhere is about the majority of the people and it should reflect so in any electoral process” it stated.
The group, which issued the warning in a press statement signed by Comrade Daniel Gowong expressed worry over the recent verdict delivered by the Appeal Court in the National Assembly (NASS) election cases in Plateau State.
It said, “The idea of Election Petition Tribunal nullifying election, because the PDP candidates in Plateau State did not have a proper party structure and, therefore, could not file candidates for the elections, are pre-election matters that should not hold water at the Appeal Court”.
While describing what happened in the State as insensitive and may not reflect the will of the people, the group observed, “The Appeal Court entering pre-election matters at this point is not fair to the people and could deem as a miscarriage of justice ”
It further explained: ” We make bold to say, the decision to declare the former Governor and Minister of Labour, Mr Simon Lalong, winner of the Plateau South Senatorial election against the PDP candidate, Senator Napoleon Bali on grounds that PDP didn’t have structure and lacked the right to take part in the election is a case of travesty of justice.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party winner with 148,844 votes, while Lalong scored 91 674 to come second in the February 25 elections, so it was a case of people’s choice and should be left so.
” In a similar development, the Court of Appeal at Abuja, in separate judgments, sacked three PDP House of Reps members: Peter Gyendeng representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency; Musa Bagos representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency and a fifth-term lawmaker, Beni Lar, who represented Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency over issue of invalid nominations by the party.
“For us, these are clear cases of rape of our democracy, and any well-meaning Nigerian must reject it in all its ramification.
However, the group said the judiciary remains the last hope of the masses, thus said, “Now that Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal by the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress in Plateau state, Nentawe Goshwe challenging the victory of Caleb Mutfwang, we are calling on the judiciary as the last hope of the masses to Affirm Governor Mutfwang victory.
“INEC declared the PDP candidate, Governor Mutfwang as winner of the Guber election with 525,299 votes to defeat his APC rival Goshwe, who polled 481,370 votes in the March 18 governorship election in the state.
“Goshwe later challenged Mutfwang’s victory in the tribunal, claiming that the governor was not validly nominated and sponsored by his party with allegations that his election was not conducted in compliance with the electoral act and he did not win the majority of lawful votes cast during the election.
“We would be happy to join the people of Plateau State if the Appeal Court will dismiss the baseless allegations and Affirm Mutfwang’s victory which reflected the people’s will as declared by INEC .”
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Long Service Award: Julius Berger Assures Workers Of Brighter Years Ahead

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has assured its workers of brighter days and a progressively better future with it.
This was the central theme of the speeches by the Management, in which the company assured the workers of their sustainable jobs, careers and future with the engineering construction corporation.
At the well-attended, colourful, and exciting ceremony in Abuja where the head office of the company is located, the full complement of the executive management was present. The Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter led other members of the executive management committee including the executive director of Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, the Financial Director, Christian Hausemann; and the Executive Director, Corporate Development, Tobias Meletschus to the ceremony.
Giving his traditional speech at the ceremony in Abuja, Alhaji Bayi expressed gratitude to God and informed the workers that, “…taking stock of our activities, we can factually call the year 2023 a year of great achievements for Julius Berger.”
Speaking to the macro-economic challenges still manifest in the country’s business environment, the company, Bayi said, still has been able to make visible progress and has achieved appreciable growth in its operation and revenues. “For practical and good reasons of well-founded and living hope, Julius Berger’s faith in Nigeria’s developmental agenda remains robustly optimistic and positive,” said Alhaji Bayi, adding that “Like Nigeria, Julius Berger shall prevail. In that regard, as always, we place good reliance on the ever-productive catholic marriage between our hardworking Management and our committed and dependable workers.”
On the business status and projects portfolio of the company, Bayi said “…from the Federal Government to the State Governments and through to the Private sector, our energetic Executive Management ably led by Engr Lars Richter and strongly enabled by our comprehensively resourced, cross-sectorally experienced, and well-blended Board of Directors, continue to break new grounds in business acquisitions to increasingly enhance our projects portfolio. The Board of Directors and Executive Management remains very dynamic and alive to their responsibilities.”
Turning to the workers, Bayi said, “…as for you, the great workers of our progressive company, your continuing hard work, commitment, resilience, experience and cooperation, as well as the meticulous planning and continuous investments in both human capital and technology by the Company have all helped greatly in the laudable progress we have continued to achieve as a corporate entity.” He seized the moment to thank the Executive Management the Board of Directors and the company’s indefatigable workers for the wonderful achievements they cooperatively, and peacefully recorded during the 2023 business year.
The staff were given various awards marked out in ranges of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years; the 45 years service award being received by the happy Julius Berger veteran, Joe Ogungbe.
Significantly, the company’s executive director of administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building, who is retiring from service at the end of the year, also received an award for successful and honourable service of 40 years to Julius Berger Plc at the Abuja event.
Bayi thanked the spouses of every award recipient for their support, encouragement, and perseverance through the years and decades. “Without your co-operation, these recipients would not have had the peace and zeal to perform their successful duties for which they are now honoured. We are therefore grateful for all you have done to make this day possible,” said Bayi.
Speaking specifically on his retirement, Alhaji Bayi very graciously enjoined the workers to cooperate with and ensure that his successor in office succeeds, too. “As we say in Nigeria, Soja Go, Soja Come, Barrack Remains! No matter who goes and who comes, Julius Berger remains our great company. It is my pleasure therefore to inform you that Alhaji Abdulazeez Kaita shall be taking over my duties as your new Director of Administration in January 2024. I ask that you all very kindly extend to your new Director of Administration, Alhaji Kaita, the same good cooperation with which you and I worked during my time in office. You made me succeed; I ask that you kindly make Alhaji Abdulazeez Kaita succeed in his new role and assignment, also.”
At the Lagos event, the Regional Manager, Christl Thomas congratulated all the Awardees, especially the two staff who were awarded for 40 years of service to the company. He congratulated the awardees for the milestone achievement in service adding that, “…your hard work and dedication have helped to build this company to this great level.”
Apart from the Regional Management present at the ceremony, Projects Managers and Coordinators, as well as site supervisors graced the occasion that, in all the regional hubs of the company and Abuja, featured dancing and joyous celebrations among the Awardees amidst sumptuous dining and wining.
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Anambra Philanthropist, Otti, Gifts 10 Families New Homes In Umuchu

Chief Abraham Otti, has gifted 10 underprivileged families with brand new homes in Anambra State.
The extraordinary gesture has brought hope and joy to these families, who were previously struggling to find a safe and secure place to live.
The statement reads in part: “In the Heart of Umuchu, Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, Fondly Known as “Mighty Mighty,” Embarks on a Mission of Generosity.
“Today marks a historic occasion in Umuchu, as Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, affectionately called “Mighty Mighty,” spearheads a momentous act of compassion and philanthropy.
“The bustling town witnessed the generous gesture aimed at transforming the lives of ten families through the provision of new homes and essential provisions.
“As the sun ascended, bathing the town in golden rays, Honorable Chinedu Ezekwike, known as “Akwaeke,” gracefully represented Chief Otti during the heartfelt ceremony.
“In eager anticipation, the beneficiaries awaited life-changing gifts. Chief Otti, speaking through a phone call interview, humbly expressed gratitude for being a vessel for God’s will. Despite his lack of acquaintance with the recipients or their locations, his commitment to this act of kindness remained unwavering.
“The ceremony unfolded as an orchestra of generosity resonated through Umuchu. Chief Chinedu Benson Mmadubuko Ezeani Chinechendo na Adaziani, CEO of Chico Group Ltd, amplified Chief Otti’s benevolent efforts.
“Support poured in from Chief Okwudili Otti, famously known as Nwarupuoaku Umuchu, Dr. Engr Festus Onu, esteemed MD of Ferotex Group of Companies Ltd and known as Omenanwata 1 of Enugu Ezike, along with contributions from Barrister Chukwudi Obi from Ikeduduru in Imo State, Chief Ebere Akannonu (Akudinanwa Umuchu), Mr. Ebuka Chukwuonye (Okwute), and Dr. Amb Okpalajiaku Obiora (Chinyereugo na Nkpologwu), all generously supporting the cause.
“The presentation wasn’t merely about homes; it was a symphony of generosity. Each family received 15 carefully selected essentials, including electronic appliances, food supplies, and a substantial cash gift.”
Honourable Akwaeke, while handing over the properties and essentials to the families, urged them to perceive these gifts as blessings and to keep Chief Abraham Otti and his family in their prayers, wishing them guidance and protection.
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French Ambassador Identifies Women, Girls Major Victims Of Gender Violence, Cyber Harassment

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuella Blatmann has added a new twist to the challenges currently being faced by Nigerians, with an argument that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harassment against women and girls have become more fierce online.
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