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An investigative video on BBC Africa Eye, indicting Dr Igbeneghu in sex for grade scandal went viral. In case you missed it: A BBC documentary, BBC Africa Eye has revealed a senior lecturer, Dr Boniface Igbeneghu, and former sub-dean in the Faculty of Art, University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG) made sensual advances towards an ‘assumed 17-year-old girl’ seeking admission in the prestigious university.
The lecturer, Dr Boniface Igbeneghu was reported in the video documentary to be the head pastor of a local Foursquare Gospel Church. The BBC journalist questioned current and past students of UNILAG for a period of nine months on the state of sexual abuse by lecturers in the school.
Boniface was picked as a prime subject following numbers of accusations levied by the students interviewed by the investigative journalists. BBC Africa Eye sent an undercover journalist to approach the lecturer claiming she is in need of admission.
The undercover journalist presented herself as being a 17-year-old secondary school graduate. 17-year-old is below the legal age of consent both in Lagos State and in the country. This means having a sexual relationship with a person of such age is classified as “child abuse” or better “child sexual abuse”.
Boniface Igbeneghu invited her to his office for a number of tutorials. As a safety measure, the decoy has a panic button with her that alerts her colleagues in case of any danger. “So sit down, how old are you?”
The lecturer was seen asking when the girl when she visited him in his office. When she replied 17-years-old, he said; “17? And you look very big like this? Don’t you know you are a beautiful girl? Do you know that? You are not beautiful, you’re very beautiful. “Do you know I am a Pastor? Do you know, and I’m in my fifties.
What will shock you is that, even at my age now, “If I want a girl of your age, a 17-year-old, all I need is to sweet tongue [talk] her and put some money in her hand and I will get her.”
In the second meeting with the student, Dr Boniface assured her he would help concerning the admission. But towards the end of the meeting, he asked about her sex life.
Watch full video here
The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has dissociated itself from the act of Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu, a UNILAG senior lecturer, Faculty of Arts, who is also the head pastor of the church branch in Lagos.
The church in a statement on Monday, October 7, asked the pastor to step down from all ministerial assignments.
The statement reads:
“The attention of the leadership of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media platforms titled ‘Sex for grades: Undercover in West Africa Universities – BBC News’ wherein a lecturer in the University of Lagos named Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu also described as a pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church was allegedly involved in sexual misconduct with some female students of the University.“The general public is hereby informed that as a holiness and Bible-believing Church, we do not condone such heinous and unscriptural act among our ministers. We totally dissociate ourselves from the purported conduct of Dr. Igbeneghu and promise to take appropriate measures as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded.“Meanwhile, the pastor in question has been asked to step down from all ministerial assignments.”
The University of Lagos Management today suspended Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu of the Department of European Languages and Integrated Studies, Faculty of Arts who was caught in a sting operation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled “Sex for Grades”. The trending video chronicled cases of sexual harassment of female students by some lecturers in some West African Universities including University of Lagos.
Management at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019 suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the University academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a Panel constituted by the University to investigate the matter.
In addition to this, the University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club “Cold Room” mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called “Cold Room” is a Functions Room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.).
The University assures members of the public that any other lecturer mentioned in the full version of the operation which is to be aired later today, will also be suspended to ensure a proper investigation is carried out.
The University is embarrassed and dissociates itself totally from this act(s) and any inappropriate behaviour of staff with female students and vice versa. The University has a well-articulated “Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual and Romantic Relationships”.
A copy of the University Sexual Harassment Policy was distributed to all members of staff and can also be obtained on the University website: https://unilag.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/SEXUAL-HARRASMENT-UNILAG-COMMUNICATION-UNITS.pdf
Various Committees over time have been set up to investigate reports received and those found guilty/culpable were sanctioned. To ensure our students are aware of the various opportunities for reporting any form of sexual harassment or misconduct towards them, the University organises an orientation programme for all new entrants sensitising them of the University’s zero-tolerance policy and acquainting them with the mechanisms for reporting.
The University Counselling Centre, Medical Centre and Division of Students’ Affairs amongst other organs have been well positioned to address complaints by students. These organs have cut off the bureaucracy limiting the effectiveness of the Policy, by the direct reporting system of these Centres to the Vice-Chancellor. The University encourages students who have evidence to come forward. They are assured of their anonymity and safety.
As a reputable Institution and one of the foremost Universities in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, we are highly embarrassed by these allegations and we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this menace is checked in our institution.
The University of Lagos is committed to providing conducive and safe learning environment where future leaders are trained to take responsibilities for their action.
Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede
Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit)
The so-called 'cold room' is a functions room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.)
he University of Lagos has shut the ‘cold room’ lecturers were accused of using to sexually assault female students.
The Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit) of the university, Taiwo Oloyede, announced in a statement yesterday.
“Management at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019, suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the university academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a panel constituted by the university to investigate the matter.
“In addition to this, the university management has ordered the shut down of the Staff Club 'cold room' mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called 'cold room' is a functions room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.),” the statement said.
The ‘cold room’ was mentioned by a lecturer of the school, Boniface Igbeneghu, in a documentary filmed discretely by the BBC.
In the documentary, Igbeneghu described the room as a place lecturers meet to “touch students’ breasts” at the staff club of the university.
According to him, “nothing good comes free” and the ‘cold room’ experience is the price some female students have to pay to have good grades.
Meanwhile, just hours after the release of the documentary, the school’s Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin, announced the suspension of Igbeneghu over allegations of sexual assault disclosed in the documentary.
He also noted that the university council would investigate the matter.
In the same vein, Igbeneghu has been suspended by the Foursquare Gospel Church where he is a part-time pastor.
Jubilation as Ugwuanyi inaugurates 8.8km Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, abandoned over 36 years ago
…Reiterates commitment to rural development
There was jubilation in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inaugurated the 8.8km reconstructed portion of Ikem-Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, which was abandoned over 36 years ago.
The 8.8km road, which was reconstructed for the people of the agrarian community of Eha Amufu in Isi-Uzo L.G.A, is a gateway to the North through Obollo-Afor connecting Ebonyi State through Nkalagu and provides access to the Nigercem Factory at Nkalagu that used to be the mainstay of the economy and tourist attraction to the Eastern Nigeria.
The road is also one of the hitherto abandoned critical infrastructure and legacy projects in the rural areas, executed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in line with its rural development policy.
Inaugurating the road, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “this project is part of our deliberate efforts to provide critical infrastructure to the rural communities to improve the quality of life, ease evacuation of agricultural produce and facilitate market linkages, improve earnings amongst rural population, stimulate local commerce and ultimately reduce poverty while curtailing rural-urban migration”.
The governor, who maintained that “integrated rural development and inclusive governance are the major planks of our administration”, disclosed that “we have vigorously pursued these objectives through numerous strategic rural infrastructural interventions”.
Describing the road as one of the oldest Federal Roads in the country, built before the Nigerian Civil War, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, his colleagues, and the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, among others, revealed that it was last rehabilitated in 1981 by the administration of Senator Jim Nwobodo as Governor of old Anambra State.
Appreciating the jubilant mood of the people of the area who came out en masse to witness the event, the governor said: “We are encouraged by the happy faces of the people from communities in Eha Amufu and environs that we see here today. I congratulate you, the true heroes of democracy for you deserve this and even more”.
According to him, “your prayers and sincere support have been our major sources of strength and inspiration. We are in government to alleviate the sufferings of our people and we remain irrevocably committed to this mission”.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo L.G.A, Dr. Benjamin Edeoga, on behalf of the people of the council, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for remembering Eha Amufu community and its environs after over three decades of neglect, pointing out that “this road had been a death trap for the past 30 years and nobody had touched it until you came and rescued us”.
His words: “Your Excellency, our people are very happy because you have wiped away our tears. You have been addressing our plights. You are the David of our time. We have not seen it so good like this. It is when you came on board that this road that had been abandoned was asphalted. Thank you, Your Excellency, God will continue to strengthen you and bless you”.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, who is an indigene of the council, the Commissioner-nominee from the council, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the traditional rulers, and others, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the indelible footprints he has left in their area through the provision of legacy projects such as roads and inter-state bridges and appointments of their sons and daughters into sensitive government positions.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!
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The recent spate of the killings in Igboland, the latest being in my own constituency of Enugu East Senatorial District where Rev. Fr. Paul Offu and pregnant Regina Mba were gruesomely murdered by hoodlums alleged to be Fulani herdsmen is barbarous and horrendous. I condemn in totality the odious and dastardly acts and extend my heartfelt commiseration to the families of the victims.
I have taken note of the actions of the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and these actions are highly commendable – actions such as convening of emergency security meetings; consultations with traditional rulers, president generals of autonomous communities and other relevant groups and stakeholders; repeated personal visits to the affected areas including the victims; clearing of forests and bushes that serve as criminal hideouts; reorganization and equipping of neighbourhood watch groups; recruitment of 1,700 forest guards in line with the resolution of the South-East Governors Forum; and the directive for council chairmen to mount vigilante security checkpoints; amongst others. If given time, these actions will completely stem these atrocities.
I also have full confidence in the government and people of Enugu State and all relevant groups within the Enugu system that this too shall pass. I urge those who have ideas to lend their voice towards finding a lasting solution to the menace.
We must come together to sustain the existing peace and good governance in our beloved Enugu State.
Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Representing Enugu East Senatorial District
By Louis Amoke
On August 27, 2019, Enugu State will mark 28 years of its creation. The epoch-making event no doubt calls for celebration in appreciation of the manifestation of God’s goodness in the State.
Enugu has come a long way as the capital city of Nigeria’s Eastern Region; defunct State of Biafra; East Central State; old Anambra State; old Enugu State, when Abakaliki (now Ebonyi State) was part of it and the present Enugu State. Politically and socio-culturally, Enugu remains home to all Igbos. It continues to play a key role in the socio-political cum economic life of Ndigbo and Nigeria.
Created as an urban settlement in 1909, following the discovery of coal, Enugu was made the administrative headquarters during the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria, in 1914. It retained the status in 1929, when the Province of Southern Nigeria was created and has continued to forge a common force for peace, unity and progress.
Enugu remains emblematic of Ndigbo and beyond, having produced a handful of legends and iconic national leaders who contributed immensely to the development of the state and the Nigerian Project. These greats include Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Professor Eyo Ita, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Ukpabi Asika, Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and Chief C.C Onoh, a host of others.
In their respective roles as Premiers, Administrators and Governors of Eastern Region, East Central State and Old Anambra State, they were tenacious indeed in their vision and diligent development of the present Enugu State.
The struggle for the creation of Enugu State came into limelight following the sustained agitation against social injustice meted to a people (Wawa) who were “honest, patient, intelligent and hardworking”. It was a misconception of these honesty, truthfulness and dignified attitude of the people of Wawa-speaking area (Enugu and Abakaliki) as a complex issue by the people now known as Anambra State and Imo State.
The creation of Enugu State, 28 years ago, therefore birthed unbridled excitement and sense of accomplishment for those who painstakingly, doggedly and tirelessly lent their voices and struggled for the emancipation of the Wawa people of Igboland.
These retinue of great minds, who are indeed the founding fathers of Enugu State, include; Chief C.C Onoh, Igwe Charles Abangwu, Igwe J.U Nwodo, Chief Enechi Onyia, SAN, Justice M.U Obayi, Chief C.U Oputa, Chief Dan Ogbobe, Senator Isaiah Ani, Hon. Petrus Agballah, Mr T.C Chigbo, Chief J.C.P Nwagu, Chief D.O. Nnamani, Igwe Edward Nnaji, Chief C.N Nnaji, Dr. A. Nnamani, Chief E.A Ede, Chief P.C. Ndu, Chief V. Agana, Igwe Justice Eze Ozobu, Chief C.O.B Eche, Igwe Udemgaba Maduka, Igwe Agom Eze, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, Dr. Nduka Eya, Chief Dan Agbo, Justice Achi Kanu,, Igwe Christopher Ezea, Igwe J.A.C Ngwu and Alhaji Abdulaziz Udeh.
Others include, Chief B.C Okwu, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Nnaemeka Agu, Igwe E.A. Chime, Chief E.A. Nnaji, Chief E.C Nnaedozie, Chief F.A Oji, Chief G.U Ochi, Chief N.N Onugu, Chief S.C Ogbodo, Chief M.A Obeagu, Mazi O.J Edeoga, Chief D.C. Ugwu, Chief R.O. Ukuta, Chief M. Ekwueme, V.A Nwalieji, Chief P.U Obodeze, Chief A.C Nweke, Mr B.C Onuora, L.O Nnaji, J.U Adonu, Patrick Ugwuanyi, Chief B.O.M. Edeoga, Professor Godwin Odenigwe, Professor Lawrence Ocho, Ambassador Justina Eze and all other heroes and heroines of Enugu State origin.
They had courage, made sacrifices and were resolute in their struggle to achieve the desired end and posterity will forever remember them in highest esteem for they indeed occupy a special place in the lexicon of Enugu State. Also to be remembered in a special way, are the courage and sacrifices of the likes of Late Chief Onyeama N’ Eke and members of the Enugu Aborigines Improvement Union who sowed the seed for the struggle against the oppression and subjugation of the Wawa people of Igboland as far back as the 1920’s.
During the Silver Jubilee of Enugu State, three years ago, the present Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had dutifully recognized the contributions of the above listed leaders including those now in the present Ebonyi and Anambra states who also offered invaluable assistance towards the struggle for the creation of the state.
Kudos must also go to those who had presided over the affairs of the State since its creation. They include, Col Herbert Obi Eze, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Navy Captain Temi Ejoor, Colonel Mike Torey, Col. Sule Ahman, Navy Captain Adewunmi Agbaje, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, and Barr. Sullivan I. Chime.
Today, Enugu State, under the dynamic leadership of Gov. Ugwuanyi, has kept faith with the dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.
The state continues to occupy its pride of place as home to all, a model of peace and good governance and one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria, to live and do business.
Enugu State, under Gov. Ugwuanyi, has also gone beyond the horizon of parochialism, to promote the principles of love, unity and peace among the political, religious and traditional institutions, which the former Secretary-General and now President-General of Enugu State Development Association (ESDA), Chief Enechi Onyia, identified as one of the cardinal dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State.
Chief Onyia, who attributed the developmental strides in the Coal City State to the peace and good governance initiatives of Gov. Ugwuanyi, said that, “There is very significant peace in Enugu State,” stressing that “without peace there is no progress”.
It is on record that Gov. Ugwuanyi, through his administration’s peace and grassroots development initiatives, has ensured that more infrastructural developments are concentrated in the rural areas than in the urban centres, to give the rural dwellers a sense of belonging and open up their areas for socio-economic expansion. His administration has continued with some uncompleted projects of past administrations such as the Enugu International Conference Centre and the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre.
Just recently, the peace-loving governor broke a record when he finally settled an age-long inter-communal dispute between Oruku and Umuode communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area, which had lasted for over 25 years, despite interventions by past administrations.
During their thank-you visit to the governor, the jubilant people of both communities, through the traditional ruler of Umuode Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Moses Idenyi, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a wonderful and honest man” and “God’s gift to mankind”, who brought light over darkness in our communities, stressing that, “words of thanksgiving cannot be enough for you”.
According to him, “my people were enemies before, but today, we are here clapping hands, thanking God because you (Ugwuanyi) made it possible”.
Indeed, the governor’s uncommon leadership style has ushered in the wind of peace and a revolutionary infrastructural rebirth in the local communities of Enugu State, reinvigorating the passionate vision of the state’s founding fathers to give every Wawa man a sense of belonging, irrespective of class or social status.
Through the rural development initiatives, such as the “One Community One Project” programme and a great deal of passion for the wellbeing of the masses, Gov. Ugwuanyi has remembered the long-neglected communities in the state in line with his firm commitment to the founding fathers’ aspirations.
It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi in his first term inaugural address, on May 29, 2015, recommitted himself to the aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State to “take up the gauntlet of the struggle for the emancipation of the Wawa man from where our heroes past stopped”.
The governor proclaimed that God Almighty has anointed him for a mission - “to bring good news, message of continued hope, peace and development to our people; to bind up the broken-hearted; to proclaim liberty to every Wawa man caught in the prison of poverty and under-development”, promising: “And these, I owe you and my God to fulfill”.
He also vowed, in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State, to “deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living, educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment” while driving with full force, investment promotion, agricultural sector renewal, provision of critical infrastructure, human capital development and skill acquisition.
Gov. Ugwuanyi equally pledged, among other things, to pursue employment generation, enhanced social services and good governance, rural development, security and justice.
Four years down the line, the people’s governor, in spite of the daunting and severe economic challenges that confronted the nation when he assumed office, has entrusted Enugu State to the hands of God and placed it on a pedestal of peace, good governance, innovation, inclusive leadership and participatory democracy.
His humble disposition, honesty, simplicity, candour, good works and uncommon leadership style of inclusive governance and open-door policy delivered the message of hope and rekindled the confidence of the people in participatory democracy. He has bound up the broken-hearted with a wind of peace that has united everybody in the state, especially the political leaders irrespective of class, religion, socio-economic and political background. This cherished ambiance of peace and unity has remained the pillar of his administration’s success story and one of the major reasons for this 28th anniversary celebration.
The governor’s commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, due process and prudent management of the state’s lean resources, has ensured delivery of democracy dividends to the doorsteps of the people.
While workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly with or without the receipt of the statutory allocations from the federation account - even at the time 27 states could not pay, including the 13th month salary as Christmas bonus, over 400 kilometres of roads spread across the state have been covered with signature projects such as the remodeled ancient, historic and undulating Milliken Hill road and the Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway.
Scholarships were granted to 680 indigent students of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Ezeagu Local Government Area and the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, for four years of academic studies in all engineering programmes of the institutions. The Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme, launched to assist traders in the state to grow their various businesses through monthly raffle draw has so far benefited 3,600 traders who emerged winners of N50,000 each.
While assessing the governor’s achievements in line with the state’s founding fathers’ dreams, Chief Onyia said that “the governor has gone to the extent of trying to meet the needs of the generality of the people”, pointing out that “he went to the market place and started helping them because he wants to increase the economy - that is philosophic too”.
On security, while Enugu remains one of the safest states in the country, the state government has continued with its measures to strengthen the security architecture of the state. Consequently, the state has commenced the overhauling of Vigilante/Neighborhood Watch groups and recruitment of 1,700 Forest Guards in the 17 local government areas for maximum effectiveness; presentation of an Anti-Kidnapping Bill to the State Assembly as an Executive Bill; payment of 5,200 Vigilante/Neighborhood Watch personnel comprising 20 persons per ward as well as intensive clearing of bushes, which serve as hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal elements, among other interventions.
The state’s traditional rulers, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and other churches, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others, have expressed satisfaction with the governor’s untiring efforts and the recent measures so far taken by his administration to enhance security as well as nip in the bud all criminal elements in the state.
Determined to fully actualize the dreams of the founding fathers of Enugu State, Gov. Ugwuanyi, on assumption of office for a second term, has taken an apt and innovative step by constituting 12 Sectoral ad-hoc committees to review programmes, policies and activities of his administration in the last four years and make recommendations that would assist his government to reposition the state’s public service for optimized service delivery and advancement of good governance in the state.
As the committees have submitted their weighty recommendations on how to optimize service delivery and advance good governance in the state, the stage is now set for the constitution of the implementation team, which has commenced with the submission of the first batch of Commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for consideration and possible confirmation, for the people of Enugu State to continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
Happy 28th Anniversary, Ndi Enugu, the true heroes of democracy. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.
Amoke writes from Enugu
By Segun Showunmi.
The road any leader chooses to walk in his pursuit of redress, with respect to what could be a clear unsatisfactory handling of issues he is involved in, especially as it concerns the desire to democratically serve the country within the best of his capabilities, must reflect the inner character of the fellow.
Looking back at his conduct before, during and after the disputed 2019 presidential elections, one cannot but attest to the fine and statesmanly character of the Waziri Adamawa, former Vice President of Nigeria, and flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 presidential election, HE Atiku Abubakar.
Most men would have betrayed inappropriate emotions and candor unworthy of the high office they desire, particularly with the poor handling of political affairs by the opposition. One only needs to research the books and comments, even from Buhari, against the ruling government, when he claimed he was rigged out, to appreciate Atiku's civil conduct and patriotism. This has shown that it is indeed possible for dignified conduct to be exhibited by African leaders. It speaks volume of why we must, in Nigeria, now reflect on our leadership recruiting models.
The case is now before the authorities known as the presidential election tribunal panel, made up of 5 justices of the court of appeal. I watched very closely the handling of the issues that got thrown up by the lawyers to both Atiku and Buhari and, somehow, I feel optimistic and reasonably happy that with the way the trial has been handled, one can say: so far, so commendable.
I get the angst of the citizens as it concerns a disturbing pattern of messed up tribunal cases. A lot of our citizens and watchers from across the world feel a sense of anxiety as to how the independence of the judiciary will be affirmed and how justice must be done. But I plead with us all to recognize that the principle of justice does not mean any of the parties can always have their way nor does it mean that once judgment does not favour one's position, then justice has not been done.
With profound respect, in my opinion, justice would have been done if the issues before the judges, having been considered on their merit, and against the arguments presented within the law, are reflected in the pronouncements and judgment. Judges must use every available opportunity to deepen the law and jurisprudence, especially in election cases. Our country has only been at it for 20 years, which means, at best, we have had five opportunities to bring the complex issues of leadership selection and legitimization process before a proper organ that is meant to adjudicate and interpret our laws.
For the benefit of the general public, what are the salient issues for determination here?
Issues for Determination
1. Whether the 2nd Respondent (Muhammadu Buhari) was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election. It is strange that the very knowledgeable and well certificated Wole Olanipekun can, with profound respect, interpret Section 131 of the Nigerian Constitution to mean that there is no requirement to present any form of evidence, by way of certificate, to be qualified to run for the office of President or any other office at that. It is like saying that there is indeed no minimum requirement. The view of the court on this will have far reaching consequences going forward.
2. Whether the 2nd Respondent (Muhammadu Buhari) submitted to the 1st Respondent (INEC) affidavits containing false information of a fundamental nature to boost his qualification for the said election. What will be the thinking behind telling lies and making false information of a fundamental nature, not just in the case of elections, but really in all cases, and under all circumstances? Affidavits are by their nature deposited under oath to enforce their justiciability. How this is decided will speak loudly into the future.
3. Whether from the pleadings and evidence, it was established that the 2nd Respondent (Muhammadu Buhari) was elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election. On this, the greater issue for me is how exactly we hope to improve the entire election process and what ought to be the role of a supposed independent umpire in the election process. We must be able to transparently win and lose elections, knowing well that the umpire has not taken sides nor done anything to jeopardise the right of the people to freely pick their leaders. What is democracy if not the right of the citizens to carry out this sacred civic responsibility?
4. Whether the Presidential election conducted by the 1st Respondent (INEC) on the 23rd February 2019 was invalid by reasons of corrupt practices. This speaks for itself and needs no further rehash; when INEC trains its personnel to carry out functions based on its training manuals and in line with the electoral acts and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is expected that they comply, not only with the letter but also with the principle of the intention. And this, really, is to cause to happen, a free, fair, credible, transparent and acceptable election. It will be telling how the court will weigh in on this.
5. Whether the presidential election conducted by the 1st Respondent (INEC) on the 23rd February 2019 was invalid by reasons of non compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended); the electoral guidelines 2019; and the manuals issued for the conduct of the elections.
These are the issues before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
It can never be the duty of everyone in a society to fully grasp all the issues easily at first so we must, of a necessity, ask those that are better educated and informed to carry out their oversight responsibilities to the state by ensuring that interest is sustained in the matter of the presidential election and the potential fallout from the opinion of the judges.
I wonder how we can, in all seriousness, allocate the same number of days for a councilor to prove his case, the same for a House of Representatives candidate, a governorship candidate, and also go on to allocate the same number of days to a presidential candidate, not minding the total number of polling units under contention, the number of local governments, the volume of documents and the number of agents and witnesses that may be required.
Indeed, the way the presidential election tribunal panel rules in this case will have a far reaching impact on election jurisprudence in our country Nigeria, going forward, and we have Atiku Abubakar to thank for going all the way to test the laws of our great country on election.
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