• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 2, 2025
• 23 views

Court: Jonathan Can Run For Presidential Election

Court: Jonathan Can Run For Presidential Election

•In response to Keyamo, Jonathan’s office releases a 2022 Court Judgement affirming Ex -President’s right to run again, but says he is still consulting

Alex Enumah in Abuja

As the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting the 2027 presidential election continues to heat up political discussions, a previously unpublished judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, affirmed that Jonathan was well qualified to contest presidential election.
Two members of the APC in Bayelsa had gone to court in 2022 to determine Jonathan’s position, given the high stakes northern lobby to mobilise Jonathan to replace late President Muhammadu Buhari before the now President Tinubu eventually clinched the APC ticket.

Aides to the former President said he is still consulting on whether to throw his hat in the ring for 2027. Sources close to the former President told THISDAY last night, that he has been approached by three political parties – each wanting him to contest the presidency on their platforms. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP and the recently formed coalition, the African Democratic Congress, ADC – all jostling for the former President who many see as one of the most viable candidates that can give the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a good run for his money.

This calculation is based on the fact that Jonathan can only legally seek one more term and could assuage the feelings of northern voters who accuse President Tinubu of marginalisation.

A claim that the presidency has vigorously denied.

The judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashem of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, on May 27, 2022 but obtained by THISDAY yesterday, put to rest the contentious constitutional amendment of Section 137(1)(b) and 3, as it affects Jonathan.

Various analysts led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Learned Silk, Festus Keyamo, had claimed that the PDP may put its presidential chances in 2027 at “risk” should they field Jonathan going by the provisions of the above section from the amended Constitution in 2018. However, Keyamo did not disclose or was unaware of the judgement of Justice Dashem.

The judgment, which has not been appealed or set aside remains subsisting. And it is now out of time for any appeal after 3 years since it was delivered
In the 2022 suit with number: FHC/YNG/CS/86/2022, the two APC members sued Jonathan, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over rumour that the APC had planned to field the former president as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Their grouse was that Jonathan’s participation would ruin the chances of the APC having taking oath of office twice as president.

The sole issue raised for determination was “Whether, in view of the provisions of | Section 137(1)(b) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered) and the fact that Jonathan had earlier been sworn-in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2010 and 2011 respectively, whether he is qualified to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 General Elections to be organized by the 3rd Defendant.”
The plaintiffs, Andy Solomon and Idibiye Abraham, through their lawyer, Seigha Egbuwabe, further urged that if the answer to (1) above was in the negative, then the court should determine “Whether the no 2” Defendant was entitled to field the 1st Defendant as its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections”.
The court was also to determine, “Whether the 3rd Defendant is entitled to disqualify the 1st Defendant from contesting and/or from being presented as the 2nd Defendant Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections.”

Dashem, after taking arguments from plaintiffs’ lawyer and Jonathan, who was represented by Eric Omare, held that Jonathan was eminently qualified to contest in 2023.

Before arriving at the conclusion, Dashem observed that Jonathan was elected first as president in 2011.

“The office into which the ‘election’ stated in Section 137(1)(b) of the Constitution applies to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not into the Office of the Vice President. I have perused the entirety of the Plaintiffs supporting affidavit and Written Address and I am unable to find where the Plaintiffs referred this Court contested apart from the elections conducted in year 2011.

“I, therefore, find the Plaintiffs’ contention that the 1st Defendant has been elected to the Office of President on Two (2) previous occasions spurious, baseless and unsubstantiated.

“And I so hold.”

He clarified that although elections into the offices of President and Vice President were conducted simultaneously and upon a joint ticket submitted by a political party, such as the 2nd Defendant, to the 3rd Defendant, the positions of President and Vice President were two different offices.

According to the judge, election of a person, such as the 1st Defendant, into the Office of the Vice President is not the same as his election into the Office of the President and vice-versa.

The judge stated, “A person who is elected into the Office of Vice President cannot by virtue of such election simpliciter, occupy the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I so hold.

“As I have noted above, the Plaintiff did not file a Reply Affidavit to dispute the facts contained in paragraphs 4(i) — (y) of the 1st Defendant’s Counter Affidavit. The legal implication of this failure is that the contentions of the 1st Defendant are deemed to be true.

“In the final analysis, I find that, the evidence before this Court points to the conclusion that the 1st Defendant has only been elected into the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on one (1) previous occasion, which said occasion was in the General Elections conducted in year 2011. And I so hold.
On the provisions of Section 137(3) of the Constitution, Dashem stated that Jonathan was sworn in as president in 2010, to complete the tenure of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and again in 2011, after he won the 2011 presidential election.

He agreed with Jonathan’s submissions that the said provisions, which sought to bar persons who completed another’s tenure from contesting twice, did not apply to him because the law was passed in 2018, when he already had the right to contest and contested in the 2015, general elections.
Dashem said, “As I have held above, the provisions of sub-Section (3) of Section 137 of the Constitution was not part of our Constitution prior to June 7, 2018, when same took effect. It, therefore, follows that the provisions of sub-section (3) was not the position of our law at all material times before June 7, 2018. It also follows that, prior to June 7, 2018, no restriction was placed on the number of times a person who was sworn-in to complete the term of office of a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be re-elected into that Office.

“The 1st Defendant has argued that, since he acquired his right to contest and, if successful, be sworn-in as President after he lost his re-election bid, in 2025, to the current President – President Muhammadu Buhari – it would be unethical to the spirit and intendment of the legislature to take away the right he acquired in year 2015 on the basis of a law that came into effect in 2018.

“Now, the position of the law on retroactive or retrospective application of laws is quite settled. Retroactive laws are which relate or cover matters or acts which occurred before its commencement date.”

The judge added, “Despite my best efforts, I fail to see where the legislature expressed their intention, by express and unequivocal words, that the provisions of subsection (3) of Section 137 of the Constitution should be accorded retrospective application.

“In the absence of such express words, I am constrained to hold that the provisions of Section 137(3) do not enjoy retrospective application. The application and enforceability of the said subsection can only be construed to apply with effect from June 7, 2018. And I so hold.

“In my opinion, the position being propounded by the 1st Defendant is not only tenable but accords with the position of the law. It is the duty of the Plaintiffs to point or direct this Court to where the legislature stated that the provisions of Section 137(3) of the Constitution apply to events and/or rights which have been acquired and/or have been vested in parties prior to June 7, 2018.

“The law is that, he who asserts must prove. See: Section 131(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011. It therefore, behoved the Plaintiffs to provide this Court with facts to support their case. In the absence of such proof, I find that the Plaintiffs have not discharged the burden of proof placed on them by law.

“I, therefore, find merit in the argument of the 1st Defendant that the introduction of sub-section (3) of Section 137 of the Constitution does not affect his right to contest for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 General Elections and be sworn-in as such, should he be victorious at the polls.

“As I have noted above, before, in year 2015 when the 1st Defendant lost his re-election bid into the Office of the President, the restriction imposed by subsection (3) to Section 137 was not in existence. This is why the 1st Defendant despite having been sworn-in as President on May 6, 2010 and May 29, 2011, was able to contest for the Office of the President in the 2015 General Elections.

“Had the 1st Defendant been victorious at the 2015 polls, he would have been sworn-in for a third time without any legal impediment. Therefore, the 1st Defendant acquired his right to contest for the Office of the President immediately his term as President ended on May 29, 2015. Clearly, it is incontrovertible that the Ist Defendant’s right to contest and be sworn-in as President accrued to and was vested in him on May 29, 2015. And I so hold.

“In the final analysis, I answer Question 1 formulated by the Plaintiffs in their Originating Summons in the affirmative.

“I declare that, the provisions of Section 137(3) of the Constitution acquired the force of law with effect from June 7, 2018 and same does not have retrospective application.

“I also declare that, the 1st Defendant is not disqualified by the provisions of Section 137(1)(b) and (3) of the Constitution from contesting for election into the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 General Elections.

“Having answered Question 1 in the affirmative, the necessity to answer Questions 2 and 3 have been obviated. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I answer Question 2 in the affirmative also whilst I answer Question 3 in the negative.

“In the final analysis, I answer questions 1 and 2 posed in the Originating Summons in favour of the 1st Defendant and question 3 in the negative and therefore against the 3rd Defendant.

“Consequently, I enter Judgement for the I Defendant and all the reliefs sought by the Plaintiffs in their Originating Summons dated May 16, 2022 (but filed on May 17, 2022) fail and are all hereby dismissed.”

The post Court: Jonathan Can Run For Presidential Election appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

•In response to Keyamo, Jonathan’s office releases a 2022 Court Judgement affirming Ex -President’s right to run again, but says he is still consulting Alex Enumah in Abuja As the
The post Court: Jonathan Can Run For Presidential Election appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 2, 2025
• 22 views

Nigeria Hails Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa on Terrorism-related Crimes

Nigeria Hails Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa on Terrorism-related Crimes

•Says it’s major victory in fight against terror
•Chief of Defence Staff, Fagbemi applaud ruling
•Learn from Finland, NBA, RULAAC tell judges, prosecutors
•Lawyers task govt on security, welfare of citizen

Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos

The Nigerian government yesterday welcomed the conviction of Biafran irredentist, Simon Ekpa, in Finland for terrorism-related crimes, describing the verdict as a bold step towards justice and a victory against violence.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a post on his verified X handle, @HMMohammed, described the sentencing of Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment as a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.

Idris, in the post, stated, “We welcome the news of Simon Ekpa’s conviction by a Finland court for terrorism-related crimes, and his sentencing to six years in prison.

“A major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”

Similarly, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, applauded the judgement delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, described the conviction as “good news”.

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a civil society organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), urged the government to emulate the good example set by the Finnish District Court in convicting and sentencing perpetrators of terrorism.

In its judgement delivered yesterday, the three-member panel of judges ruled that Ekpa incited terrorism, participated in the activities of a terrorist organisation, and exploited his “significant social media following” to spread violent propaganda and destabilise Nigeria’s south-east region between August 2021 and November 2024.

According to Finnish newspaper, Yle, the court held that Ekpa was not merely a commentator but an influential member of a militant separatist movement intent on carving out an independent Biafra state from Nigeria.

The judges found that he issued direct calls to violence on social media platforms, especially X, and encouraged attacks on Nigerian security operatives.
Beyond online incitement, the court further determined that Ekpa facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups in Nigeria “through his network of contacts in the region”.

Prosecutors also presented evidence of aggravated tax fraud and breaches of the Attorneys Act, which the court upheld.

Ekpa, who moved to Finland in 2007 as an athlete, had previously been a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and once served on Lahti’s public transport board.

He rose to prominence after the extradition of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, when he was appointed lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra.

However, he was later dismissed by IPOB over disagreements regarding operational rules, prompting him to establish a splinter secessionist movement.
From Finland, Ekpa routinely issued “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s South-east and urged violent resistance against authorities.
His directives were frequently disowned by IPOB, which repeatedly sought to distance itself from his activities.

Finnish authorities, working closely with Nigerian security agencies, launched an extensive investigation into Ekpa’s activities.
During police interviews, he denied all charges, including allegations of ordering weapons for separatist groups.

His defence lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, argued that much of the evidence relied on reports from Nigeria, raising questions about their reliability.
Nevertheless, state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala insisted the case was built on “a great deal of evidence” showing Ekpa’s active online role in supporting terrorism.
While acknowledging difficulties in verifying events that occurred in Africa, prosecutors argued that his coordinated propaganda from Finland constituted terrorism under Finnish law.

Ekpa was arrested in Finland in November 2024.

By March 2025, the Nigerian federal government officially designated him a “terrorism financier.”

The conviction cemented his fall from political activism in Finland to being branded an international security threat.
The verdict represents one of the most high-profile cases in Finland linking local residents to terrorism abroad.
Fagbemi said the conviction was “good news”.

He said the development was a confirmation that Ekpa had influenced and committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people, especially in the South-east.
The AGF stressed, in a statement he personally signed, “We commend the Finnish authorities for supporting Nigeria in the fight against insecurity and see this as a signal of future collaboration.

“Appropriate further actions would be taken upon receipt and under-studying a copy of the judgment of the court.”

Musa equally applauded the judgement delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.

He described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism, stating that the conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.

In a statement celebrating the judgement, signed by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS said, “This judgement sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”

Musa extended deep appreciation to Nigerian intelligence agencies and diplomats for their unwavering collaboration and painstaking efforts in providing actionable evidence that led to Ekpa’s conviction.

He stated that the success reflected the power of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing transnational threats.
Musa reaffirmed the armed forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

He called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements.
NBA called on Nigerian judges and prosecutors to take a cue from Finland, following the speedy trial and conviction of Ekpa.

Reacting to the conviction, President of NBA, Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, who said he was yet to get the full details of the Finland court judgement, stated that he was very impressed with the short time it took to conclude investigation and trial. Osigwe stated this while presenting the communique from NBA’s Annual General Conference (AGC), which held in Enugu, recently.

“I look at the time it took to do the trial, and the sort of evidence relied on by the court in order for them to arrive at a decision. That should be a lesson for us,” he said.

The NBA president stated that trials took a longer time in Nigeria because “most judges still write longhand” instead of embracing technology. He added that investigators and prosecutors should endeavour to get enough evidence, build up a good case, before going to court.

Osigwe also called on security agencies to rise up to their responsibilities in checking abuse of social media, adding, “Persons who have access to social media should be careful how they utilise them to promote hate or terrorism.”

He said, “We should look at those who are using it to provide ethnic hatred, to promote terrorism, and get hold of such, and try them,” rather than filing cyber-bullying charge against citizens in political matters.

Similarly, RULAAC urged the government to emulate the good example set by the Finnish District Court in convicting and sentencing perpetrators of terrorism.
Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement yesterday, said the sentencing of Ekpa was both a welcome development and a sobering reminder of the Nigerian government’s chronic failure to confront insecurity and hold perpetrators of violence accountable at home.

According to Nwanguma, “Ekpa, who styled himself as the ‘Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile,’ exploited the pains and frustrations in Nigeria’s South-east to incite violence, mobilise armed groups, and promote bloodshed through social media.

“The Finnish court found that his activities crossed the line from political agitation to terrorism — organising armed groups, facilitating weapons acquisition, and urging his followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.”

He stressed that the fact that justice was delivered not in Nigeria but in faraway Finland was deeply telling.

The executive director added, “A foreign government investigated, prosecuted, and convicted a man for sponsoring terrorism that has killed and maimed Nigerians, while our own authorities looked away.

“This is not only an indictment of Simon Ekpa but also of a Nigerian state that continues to play politics with terrorism, corruption, and insecurity.
“We have seen this pattern before. The UK tried and sentenced James Ibori, a former Nigerian governor, for corruption — even as the EFCC and Nigerian courts prevaricated and allowed him to escape justice at home.

“Now, Finland has done what Nigeria failed to do with Ekpa: hold him accountable for his role in the violence that has devastated communities in the South-east.”
Nwanguma, however, regretted that those who orchestrated violence locally — whether in the guise of “unknown gunmen,” political thugs, or militias — were hardly ever investigated, let alone prosecuted.

He lamented that ordinary citizens, journalists, and peaceful protesters, rather than actual criminals, bore the brunt of police and military crackdowns in Nigeria.
Nwanguma said the Nigerian government could not continue to outsource justice to foreign jurisdictions.

He stated, “It must demonstrate the political will to investigate, prosecute, and punish terrorism and corruption at home — no matter who is involved. Selective justice and impunity only fuel the cycle of violence and erode public trust in institutions.”

He explained that Ekpa’s conviction should serve both as vindication for his countless victims in the South-east and as a wake-up call to the Nigerian authorities, as justice delayed was not only justice denied, it was justice outsourced.

Meanwhile, NBA faulted the invitation of awardees of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Department of State Services.

According to the body, sending a confidential report in respect of each of the awardees would have been enough instead of the grilling of the nominees.
“It does not require DSS inviting them,” said Osigwe. He added, “Unfortunately, our members went there without informing us.”

NBA Life Bencher and former General Secretary, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, had condemned the clearance of awardees by DSS, stating that it undermines the independence of the legal profession.

However, the Supreme Court, in its response, had pointed out that the screening was in line with Paragraph 23 (2) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Guidelines, the body conferring the SAN rank on the lawyers.

But NBA said the job of DSS should not go beyond sending confidential report on a nominee, because most of the information had already been volunteered by the lawyers themselves, including report from judges before whom the lawyers appeared.

“Court records are there, heads of courts also write confidential report,” Osigwe added.

Furthermore, NBA dismissed cries in some quarters over the role played by some new wigs during the conference.

Some lawyers had raised eyebrows over the roles played by former Kogi Senator, Dino Melaye, former aviation minister and former Chairman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, and rights activists, Mr. Deji Adeyanju.

Osigwe, who was flanked by NBA General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, spokesperson Bridget Edokwe, and other executives, stated that the decision was part of the body’s campaign to ensure an inclusive bar. He insisted NBA will not shy away from allowing young lawyers to speak at its conferences.
Osigwe pointed out that while Melaye spoke from the standpoint of his legislative oversight functions at the National Assembly, Chidoka, as a former minister and head of FRSC, was well qualified to speak at the conference.

Reacting to the issue of seniority at the bar, Osigwe said, “I’m not the most senior SAN.”

He stated that wisdom did not lie with age, stressing that people who have anything to offer would always be given the opportunity to do so. He added that young lawyers constituted majority of attendees at the conference.

Speaking on the outcome of the recent AGC, Osigwe stated that the conference, among others, observed as follows, “There is a growing divide between the affluent and the underprivileged in Nigerian society.

“Many Nigerian laws are outdated and do not reflect contemporary societal realities.

“The poor are often denied legal recourse due to financial constraints and other systemic barriers.

“There is a need for the legal professions to guide society in the direction of legal reform, social justice, and the rule of law.”

Part of the resolutions/recommendations made at the conference was the call on NBA to lead the charge in modernising the legal system to enhance the delivery of justice and alignment with international best practices.

The body, while charging both the federal government and state governments to ensure implementation of the minimum wage, assured that it would lead by example by ensuring law firms payed their staff above the minimum wage.

The post Nigeria Hails Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa on Terrorism-related Crimes appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

•Says it’s major victory in fight against terror•Chief of Defence Staff, Fagbemi applaud ruling•Learn from Finland, NBA, RULAAC tell judges, prosecutors•Lawyers task govt on security, welfare of citizen Deji Elumoye,
The post Nigeria Hails Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa on Terrorism-related Crimes appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 2, 2025
• 23 views

Tinubu: No Nigerian is Second-class Citizen, Reiterates Every Region Being Carried Along in His Government

Tinubu: No Nigerian is Second-class Citizen, Reiterates Every Region Being Carried Along in His Government

•Says he’s on oath to serve all Nigerians, not a particular section

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared that in his over two-year-old administration, no Nigerian was being regarded as second-class citizen, while no region was left behind in developmental efforts.
Tinubu, in a verified post on his handle, @officialABAT, stressed that he was on oath to serve all Nigerians and not a particular section of the country.
He listed several projects, including bridges, roads, rail, health centres, as well as power, agriculture, and oil and gas schemes spread across the six geo-political zones being executed by his government.
Tinubu, in the post, stated, “Dear Nigerians, I took an oath to serve all Nigerians, not a section. That oath guides every bridge, road, rail, power, and health project we deliver.
“From the Lagos–Calabar Highway in the South to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in the North; from Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail in the East to Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway in the Centre, and the Trans-Saharan highway connecting African countries, these are not local trophies. They are our national assets.
“Health centres are being rehabilitated nationwide, light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos & Ogun have been given the green light, 250,000 jobs are being created, power is returning to Kaduna through the revived 255MW power plant, bridges in Onitsha & Bonny reconnect our people, oil exploration is expanding in Bauchi & Gombe, and the AKK pipeline has crossed the Niger.
“Every farmer who needs a road, every trader who needs power, every child who needs a school, every patient who needs care… this is who we are building for.
“This is the equity of Renewed Hope. No Nigerian is second-class; no region is left behind. Together we will rise as one nation, one people, and one destiny. Bet on Nigeria.”

The post Tinubu: No Nigerian is Second-class Citizen, Reiterates Every Region Being Carried Along in His Government appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

•Says he’s on oath to serve all Nigerians, not a particular section Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared that in his over two-year-old administration, no Nigerian was
The post Tinubu: No Nigerian is Second-class Citizen, Reiterates Every Region Being Carried Along in His Government appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.