By Augustine Akanigha

In it’s maiden plenary after inauguration of the 8th Assembly, the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), on Tuesday, 27th June, 2023, unanimously approved the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s request of forty billion naira (N40,000,000,000.00) Credit facility offers by Zenith Bank PLC to the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta State Chapter to defray substantial part of outstanding retirement benefits to Local Governments Pensioners.

The approval was sequel to a letter from the state Governor address to the Lawmakers, and red on the floor of the house by the presiding Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi Dennis.

According to the letter, the Governor informed the House that his administration was collaborating with the State Chapter of the ALGON to reduce the backlog of accumulated pension owed retired Primary School teachers and Local Government employees, which was anticipated to help alleviate the plight of senior citizens of the State who served and retired at the Local Government level.

According to Governor Oborevwori’s request letter “Zenith Bank Plc has availed the 25 Local Government Councils in the State the said facility in a prorated manner, in tune with their respective indebtedness to pensioners, for which offer letters have been served to all the LGAs by the Bank.”

Reasons given to the State Lawmakers by Governor Oborevwori for the facility include Special Reason conditions precedent as well as Global Standard Instruction (GSD) Mandate/Set-off Agreement, that a were expected to be met by the Obligor (the respective Local Governments) and relevant stakeholders, including an approval by the DTHA.

The motion for the approval was moved by the Majority Leader of the House and Member, Representing Aniocha North State Constituency, Hon. (Engr.) Emeka Nwaobi which was seconded by Hon. Perkins Umukoro, Member, Representing Sapele State Constituency.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Lagos urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity.

Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, the President stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.

While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, the President said:

”I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.

”But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.

”No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the warfront.”

The President also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops in the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.

The Eid prayer, which started at 9 a.m. was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah.

The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.

“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.”

The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.

By Jonathan Afesuku

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has attributed the success story of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at the polls and successes recorded as a government to the handiwork of God.

According to Sir Onyeme, God’s work can be seen with the way the activities of the state government is being piloted.

He stated this on Tuesday at his office, Government House, Asaba, when the leadership of Christian Community Partners, CCP, paid him a courtesy call.

The deputy governor, disclosed that the administration of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is solely dependent on God and urged spiritual leaders and all Deltans to continuously pray for the success of the administration.

He observed that with prayers and all Deltans doing what is expected of them in supporting government and its activities, the administration will not be distracted in delivering without hitches, the M.O.R.E. Agenda.

“I want to thank you, our spiritual leaders, because, we are aware that you supported us in several ways for us to emerge victorious in the elections and you keep on supporting us in your prayers and in all you do for us all to enjoy the benefits of good governance; we are aware that God is sustaining this administration.

“Don’t relent in your support for us as a government, continue to intercede for us before our God Almighty, for His protection and we shall always have reasons to thank God and be proud that we are Deltans,” Sir Onyeme said.

The President of the group, Bishop Greatman Nmalagu, revealed that God ordained the victory of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori and Sir Onyeme at the polls, assuring that they will continue to pray for the administration to succeed.

“We are doing what we have to do as Christians because we believe in the Divine mandate of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborovwori and Sir Monday Onyeme,” he stated.

During the visit, there were sessions of prayers and praise singing to God for His goodness to Deltans by ensuring the victory of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori and Sir Onyeme at the polls.

Highlight of the visit which was witnessed by the Secretary, PDP, Delta State, Engr Dan Ossai and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Christopher Osakwe, was the presentation of the Holy Bible, Daily Reading Devotional pamphlet, among other religious materials to the Deputy Governor.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has said that quality education should be at the reach of every Deltan.

Onyeme made the statement on Tuesday at his office, Government House, Asaba, when he played host to members of the National Open University of Nigeria Alumni Association, NOUNAA, Delta State Chapter.

According to him, it was because of the need for education to be at the reach of every Nigerian that the NOUN was established.

He said, “our desire as a government is that every local government area in our state should have one study centre of NOUN, that was the concept for establishing the Open University.

“For every local government area to have a study centre, there are roles that the host communities should play before the institution is established in their domain.

”Our dream is for the study centres to be in every local government area in our state, but as a government, it is not possible for us to go ahead to create study centers for communities.”

He thanked members of NOUNAA for identifying with him, assuring that as an individual who worked in the university in its formative stages for more than nine years, he will continue to identify with the ideals of NOUN and urged members of NOUNAA to always bring out their best to support the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to succeed in Delta State.

The deputy governor noted that the success of the administration will translate to success of all Deltans.

Chairman of NOUNAA, Delta State chapter, Mr. Collins Abuah, expressed joy that Sir Onyeme emerged as the Deputy Governor of Delta State and congratulated him for his successful assumption of office, stating that “Sir Onyeme is a father-figure in the National Open University of Nigeria.”

The Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State chapter, Engr. Dan Ossai, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Christopher Osakwe, among others, were in attendance during the visit.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, immediate past Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) Chief Patrick Ukah and other top political stalwarts on Sunday, 25th June, 2023, gathered at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, to join Hon. Chukwudi Dafe Thanksgiving Service to celebrate his inauguration as Member, representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the State House of Assembly (DTHA)

While disclosing that he was Knighted several years ago at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections in the State in the 2023 general elections has placed a burden of performance on the Party.

Sir Onyeme said the PDP in the State has no excuse for non-performance now that Deltans have demonstrated their confidence in the party by overwhelmingly voting for the party in the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly Elections.

He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori/Monday Onyeme’s mandate and the State lawmakers are accountable to Deltans for all the successes and the inadequacies of the next four years, saying “We have a burden to perform because we are the one in charge.”

“We have majority of the seats in the State House of Assembly. So, for that we also have to be humble in success and ensure that we deliver the goods to Deltans. Our prayer is that those who have been given the mandate of the people will not disappoint but will be accountable to the people and serve the people with all their heart and commitment”, he added.

Pouring encomium on the immediate past Governor of Delta State for the good things he good things he did, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe revealed that be became Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa adopted son when his (Chukwudi Dafe) father died many years ago.

He thanked the Church for the prayers offered him and the State Deputy Governor during their campaign period and urged them to continue to pray for the Government.

In his sermon titled Transformational Leadership and Goals, the Chief Host of the Officiating Ministers, Rt. Rec’d Godfrey Ekpenisi noted that Thanksgiving gives one the opportunity to dance before God and to appreciate Him. Adding that the Lord commands Thanksgiving and it’s good if it’s freewill.

He urged politicians to possessed the ability to give that giving attract love, saying “you can never be rich until you learn to give to those in need”.

Ekpenisi encouraged politicians not to disregard the people but maintain loyalty and a good relationship with those who in anyway helped them to political positions. That they should not undermine or abandoned those who held the ladder for them to climb.

While asserting that serving others leads one to lead others that service is the pathway to greatness, Rev’d Ekpenisi said “Don’t be creating or gathering crowd but be creating leaders because followers and crowd will leave you but the leaders you created will remain.”

He charged politicians not to relent in continuous prayers. That prayer is the key to life.

According to the Officiating Minister, “Prayer is the key to life. There are battles to fight everywhere. Do not be spiritual orphan. Be going to Church.”

Top political dignitaries at the Thanksgiving Service includes the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwowo, Members representing Okpe, Aniocha North and Ika North East Local Government Areas in the State House of Assembly, Engrs. James Augoye and Emeka Nwaobi and Marilyn Okowa.

Others were Rt. Hon. Ochor C. Ochor, the immediate past Commissioner For Information in the State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Hillary Ibegbulem amongst others.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will ensure prompt payment of salaries, imprest, and other emoluments of public servants, Sir Monday Onyeme has said.

Onyeme who is the Deputy Governor of Delta State, gave the assurance when he played host to Members of Delta State Forum of Local Government Secretaries paid him a visit on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Asaba.

While noting that most of the delays in the payment of emoluments could be traced to late release of allocations from Federal Government, the Deputy Governor emphasized that salaries, imprest and emoluments of public servants will be paid as at when due.

“As a financial expert, I want to assure you that your statutory allocation, imprest, emoluments and anything that is due you will not be delayed under the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led Government.

“Your dues will be given to you as at when due,” he said.

The Deputy Governor added that the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration is committed to the training and retraining of workers at all levels including the Secretaries of Local Government Areas in the State.

He said, “We love to train public officers because we have been trained and retrained and that’s why we are where we are today.

“With training, workers are equipped to serve the people better.”

He noted that the government belongs to all Deltans, so, it is a collective responsibility to work for the success of the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration.

The Deputy Governor, thanked members of the forum and all Deltans for the victory recorded by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state in the last gubernatorial election.

Chairman of the forum, Mr. Augustine Okom, Secretary of Ndokwa West Local Government Area and Mr. Samuel Meyiwa Khali, Secretary of Warri North Local Government Area, had appealed for regular payment of imprest; approval of seminar and special training for Secretaries to Local Government Councils.

They congratulated the Deputy Governor for his successful assumption of office, noting that their visit was also to tap from his wealth of experience.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe was among those who witnessed the courtesy visit.

By Ndubuisi Biosah

Witchcraft may not be known to law, but the average African can’t deny the fact that witches and wizards do exist. Those who studied Religion in the university will attest to the fact that witchcraft is part of the study of African Traditional Religion ATR. What is however shrouded in mystery about the whole concept of witchcraft is their Modus Operandi. Do they really fly at night?, are there good ones and bad ones?, is poverty a function of witchcraft?, does looking ugly at old age translate to being a witch?, in definition, can someone who does not wish people well, pass for a witch?, can the rich and affluent exhibit witchcraft?. These are some of the questions begging for answers whenever this topic comes to mind.

On the 25th day of February 2023, Nigerians trooped in their numbers to their polling units in what looked like a replica of the aborted June 12 1993 General Elections. This Tsunami was motivated by the fact that ex-president, General Mohammadu Buhari, took Nigeria from Out Patients’ Ward to Intensive Care Unit. At that point, Nigeria needed a messiah of some sort if we must escape being transferred to the morgue, and a certain Mr. Peter Obi was the obvious choice of majority of Nigerians. His candidacy gave birth to what became known as the OBIdient Movement, and the rest is history today, pending when our judiciary will let us know if we still have one in the true sense of the word.

That presidential election held same day with National Assembly elections and the Labour Party, under which Peter Obi ran, had most of it’s candidates for National Assembly positions sweep their constituencies in what looked like a Peter Obi goodwill, but later exposed the fact that people were not just tired with Buhari’s leadership, but indeed people were fed up with the entire system. One of such people whom the will of the people which translates to the will of God blessed is Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie, Member presently representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie needs no introduction for those are have been in politics for at least the last two decades.If every other thing is false, the sacrosanct truth is that PDP’s Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu lost the HOR seat to LP’s Rt.Hon.Ogbueshi Ngozi Okolie with uncountable votes, in the full glare of voters, onlookers, observers, Party agents and leaders , underaged children and even to the sitting president, who himself lost Lagos to LP in his own presidential election!. So what is Ndudi Elumelu fighting for if witchcraft is not involved?. Can his actions and inactions vis-a-vis trying to compromise the Judiciary and INEC to truncate the wish of the people not pass for witchcraft?. Just maybe!.

Rt.Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has been to the National Assembly for 12 good years and has contributed his own quota to Aniocha/Oshimili. Why not allow another person contribute?. Running to the Election Tribunal to unseat one whom the people chose just to return to Abuja to play Jagaban politics is not in the best interest of Ndi Aniocha/Oshimili. No matter the cases you sight and the evidences you present before the Jury, it won’t change the fact that you lost in totality…as in woefully, courtesy of the people’s resolve for something new and different. What are even Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s petitions at the tribunal?, let’s do an x-ray.

First, that in May 2022, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie served as Barrister Fred Majemite’s agent in the PDP governorship primaries ,hence he was still a PDP member then. It baffles me when I see persons who ought to know, especially lawyers, argue out of point just to cash out from their clients instead of educating those they refer to as ‘lay men’. Which law in Nigeria states that agents to candidates in a Political Party’s primaries must be card-carrying members?. In Political Parties primaries, all aspirants are Party members and the shenanigans within every Party prior and during primary elections calls for aspirants to present trusted persons of their choices as agents. I have never seen a Political Party primary where an aspirant’s agent is asked to present his Party card for accreditation. In 2019, one of my bosses, Hon. Izuka Okolo was an aspirant for the Oshimili South House of Assembly seat. As a Public Servant , who does not have any Political Party’s membership card,I was one of his two agents based on trust. Infact, with the benefit of hindsight, I witnessed the many atrocities of his Party members who are the so-called card-carrying members on the said day and reported same to him. These are coming from people whom he trusted ,but to them in politics, it’s normal!. So this point is dead on arrival, unless ofcourse the arms of the law will be twisted but we are carefully watching.

Second, that Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie’s resignation as an appointee in the Okowa-led administration in September was belated. Well, like I said earlier, all these are just day light witchcraft coming from a brother.Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu prides himself as an Asaba inlaw each time he comes for campaigns, because his wife is from Asaba. So I ask, is this how to come after someone who gave you a wife?. You went for something, one you have enjoyed for 12 years but you did not get it. Your inlaw got it, is this the best way to celebrate him?. I guess not. Talking about the crux of the matter, as a ‘lay man’ in law, I know that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that anyone in employment who wants to be elected into a public office must resign his employment at least, 30 days (one month) to the elections. Pls, what crime has someone who resigned in September 2022 for an election that held in February 2023 commit?.Even the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled countless times that political appointees are not Public Servants, hence Ex-governor Theodore Orji of Abia State won the governorship election of his state from prison as a sitting Chief of Staff to the governor. On this ill-fated matter, I leave us to be the judge!.

Meanwhile, the Defense Council of the Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie Campaign Organization can tell you that Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu was not validly nominated as the candidate of the PDP for that election. There are legal proofs to that effect and ordinarily, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie never wanted to join Ndudi Elumelu in washing the Aniocha/ Oshimili dirty linen outside, but because he has come this far, the tribunal has called for his defense on it, let him respond and stop chasing shadows. Throughout the trial, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu did not show any proof that he is a member of the PDP or that he was validly nominated as the candidate of the Party.

Lastly, we have been watching INEC’s role during these proceedings. The only animal that is proverbially known to go back and forth in critical times is the Ram. Humans are superior animals and don’t talk with both sides of the mouth. We have seen lately that the INEC that declared an unprecedented result and issued a valid Certificate Of Return is trying to play games. We know that everyone has a price but some prices just turns out to be bones.INEC, be warned, the wish of the people is priceless. I hope the judiciary is listening…they should!.

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, join hands with Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie in building the Aniocha/ Oshimili of our dreams with your contacts , one that strangers won’t be able to identify boundaries like they presently do. Do no use the contacts for internal war. Tow the lines of Ide Tony Nwaka , PhD, a model to budding writers like me and Ada Ahaba, Isioma Ndah, a voice for the voiceless, to sheath your sword and see oganihu Aniocha/Oshimili as a bigger project , much bigger than personal ambition ,maka odinma Anioma.

May God bless us!.

The Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District, in the National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has said that the 10th Senate was poised to bring the best input into governance in the country, as he appreciates God on his election victory.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo stated this while speaking with newsmen during his election victory/inauguration thanksgiving held at Christ Chosen Deliverance Church, headquarters Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

He said that as a professional accountant, and somebody who has been in business and public service, it was expected that his wealth of experience would be brought to bear in championing development programmes and policies that will have direct bearing on his Senatorial district, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Accordingto him, “We are bringing the best of input into Governance. Which simply means that we are focusing on development, which is trying to put projects in the budget that will impact positively in the lives of the people.

“We are going to make laws that will affect the lives of the people. Then we can see how we can create employment for our teaming youths and also provide employment for those who are not in an employable state. So in all ramifications, we are bringing professionalism into governance.

“And I think for anybody who wants to make significant strides in Nigeria, Delta State will benefit immensely from the combined services of the caliber of people that Delta State have taken to the red Chamber. They will benefit immensely from myself and from my brother from Delta Central Senatorial District. We are both core professionals, we are catalyst for change and we are ready to do that. I also believe that, the Nigeria you see today is not the Nigeria to the expectations of many Nigerians and we will change the narratives.”

While offering thanksgiving to God during the service, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas said; “I am dedicating this victory to God for safe keeping and also dedicating myself to God for Him to use me mightily to fulfil His scripture that says; When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice.

“I believe without having any doubts in our mind that this victory wouldn’t have been possible without God on our side. We went through many battles. But at the end, God gave us victory.

“I want to first, appreciate our men of God who are here present to graced this occasion and for your prayers since when this race began till now. I also sincerely from the depth of my heart thank our Royal Fathers across Delta South Senatorial District for being in this auditorium. I know what it takes for our Royal Fathers to leave their various Palaces to be here. I am most grateful and its an honour for me, my family to have you all here today.

“I also thank my party Leaders and my father Comr O.S Macaulay, Isoko Development Union, led by the President General, Prof. Chris Akpotu, and eminent personalities here present, the good people of Delta South Senatorial District. I say, a big thank to you to them.”

He prayed and vow to God Almighty to use him to represent the good people of Delta South Senatorial District effectively.

On his part, the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Chief Ede Dafinone, said; “Today present an opportunity for my Dear brother and colleague, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and his team to come together as a unit. They fought a hard long battle and this really is a celebration to say God we thank you for preserving our lives all over the period of the campaigns. So it’s a day of celebration.

“We started with a thanksgiving at the Church and this session of it is to thank the team that was in the campaign for a whole year which is not a short campaign at all.”

He added that; “I am thankful that my brother from this Senatorial District is a very well distinguished gentleman and professional chartered accountant. So as a fellow professional we will bring added value to the 10th Senate.

“We will bring a professional approach. But significantly our people sent us to bring development back home for them. Development that touches them generally and specifically. So the trust of our jobs will be not just to tar roads or develop the health sectors but also individuals. To let the empowerment touch individuals generally.”

Earlier on in his homily, the founder/ General Overseer of Christ Chosen Deliverance Church, Amb Apostle (Dr.) M.T.O Oki, harps on the need to return to God with thanksgiving.

In the message tagged: “How Can I Forget So Soon”, with scripture references from 2 Samuel 6:14-16, Psalms 67:5-6, and Psalms 20:1, he said, “Our distinguished Senator remember the goodness of God upon his life hence he has returned to give thanks to God for His election victory and inauguration.”

He commended the entire Isoko nation, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities for ensuring that, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas emerged the Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District, urging them to pray and support him in order for him to attract meaningful development to Delta South Senatorial District.

The thanksgiving service and reception was attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life including Royal Fathers and top Chieftains of the All Progressive Congress in Delta State.

The University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, and the University of Lagos are the Federal Universities that pegged their minimum benchmark for admissions at 200 cumulative scores obtainable during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation  Examinations, The PUNCH reports.

Our correspondent gathered that prior to the 2023 policy meeting held by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, all institutions were advised to propose the cut-off marks for the conduct of their admissions.

In the list sighted by our correspondent in Abuja, seven institutions indicated their minimum admissions benchmark scores to be 200 and above out of which four were federal universities.

News View reports that Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities present at the 2023 policy meeting, however, unanimously agreed on 140 as the minimum benchmark for the admissions of the 2023/2024 academic session.

However, universities are at liberty to decide individual cut-off marks but no university will be allowed to admit any candidate who scored below the 140 benchmark, JAMB registrar, Prof.Ishaq Oloyede said.

For the polytechnics, the minimum benchmark score of 100 was adopted for admissions while Colleges of Education adopted the benchmark of 100 for admissions.

Culled from the PUNCH Newspaper

A star witness of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Mike Enahoro-Eba, on Friday evening at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), faulted the judgement of the United States of America’s court in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460, 000 dollars for alleged drug offences.

The witness, who is a lawyer of 17 years, admitted that the judgement copy was not registered in Nigeria as required by law when delivered to make it effective in the country.

He admitted that there was no evidence in the judgement that Tinubu appeared before the court for his plea to be taken, face trial, and be convicted as required by criminal trial procedure.

Enahoro-Eba, who is an Abuja-based activist, faulted the judgement while answering questions from Tinubu’s lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, during cross-examination.

“As a lawyer, I am aware that there are differences between criminal forfeiture and civil forfeiture,” he said.

He, however, insisted that President Tinubu, on his own, admitted forfeiting the money in a civil matter.

The witness whose cross-examination almost drew the anger of the court said that he was not aware of a letter of February 4, 2003, written to the Inspector General of Police by the US Consulate in Nigeria.

Answering another question from Olanipekun, the witness denied knowledge of any warrant of arrest issued against Tinubu by the American government.

He admitted instituting direct criminal charges of forgery against Tinubu at a Magistrate Court in Abuja but said the case was thrown out by the court due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Besides faulting the judgement, the witness under cross-examination said he was not aware of a public notice of June 27, 2022, by the Registrar of Chicago University to the effect that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated with honours.

Also during cross-examination by lead counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, the witness admitted to knowing Chicago University as a public institution established in 1863.

He said that there was no certificate in the hand of any police officer relating to the judgement on forfeiture of $460, 000 by Tinubu, and there was no fingerprint or photograph of anybody on the judgement copy.

Immediately after the cross-examination, lead counsel to Atiku and PDP, Chief Chris Uche, announced the close of prosecution of the petition, having exhausted the number of days allotted to them by the Court.

The presiding justice of the court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, has fixed July 3 for Tinubu, APC, and INEC to open their respective defence in the petition