JUST IN: Tribunal hears PDP, Atiku’s application for inspection of election materials

A three-man panel of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal
in Abuja is currently hearing the ex-parte motion filed by the
Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar, seeking an order granting them access to inspect
the electoral materials used for the February 23 poll.

The three-man panel, sitting on Wednesday, is led by Justice
Abdul Aboki, while Justices Peter Ige and Emmanuel Agim are
members.

The petitioners’ legal team is led by Mr. Livy Ozoukwu (SAN),
but Chief Chris Uche (SAN), is making submission on behalf of the
team.

As expected in an ex parte hearing, the respondents – President
Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent
National Electoral Commission – are absent and not represented by
their lawyers.

Uche said during the Wednesday’s hearing the ex parte motion
contained six prayers, one of which is seeking the tribunal’s leave
to bring the motion before the pre-hearing session.

He added, “Prayers 2 to 6 are in summary seeking orders of this
honourable court to allow the inspection and production of election
documents used by the Independent Electoral Commission for the
conduct of the presidential election to enable the applicants to
institute and maintain an election petition.”

2019 Elections: Army Honours Fallen Soldiers, as Buratai
Meets GOCs
… to Punish Erring Personnel- Buratai

The Nigerian Army has promised to pay the full monetary
entitlements and also accord a national “heroes’ burial” to some of
its personnel who were killed during the Presidential and National
Assembly (NASS) elections. It also promised to punish erring
soldiers who comprised and engaged in professional misconducts.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai gave the
assurance at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.

He made the pledge at an intelligence meeting with Principal
Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding (GOC), Directors and
Heads of various units in the Army.

Buratai disclosed that the professional conduct, and discipline
exhibited by the officers and troops of the Army was the reason why
widespread violence and acts of hooliganism were non-existent
during the first round of elections, held penultimate Saturday.

“It is a statement of fact that the Nigerian Army contributed
greatly to the successes recorded during the Presidential and NASS
elections. Our officers and men deployed to flash points were very
professional in ensuring that peace and orderliness were not
breached by political thugs, sponsored by desperate politicians.
They assisted and tremendously ensured voters exercise their
franchise without intimidation and in an atmosphere of anxiety,” he
added.

The Chief of Army Staff, however added that though some of their
gallant men were killed during violent clashes by thugs, the morale
of the Army remains high and cannot be dampened.

“Unfortunately, some level of violence was still recorded
leading to disruption of polls, burning of ballot boxes in some
areas as well as loss of lives, including the death of an officer
and 3 soldiers. The Nigerian Army to a larger extent ensured that
the large scale electoral malpractices and acts of thuggery aimed
at disenfranchising voters as witnessed in previous elections were
curbed despite the campaign of calumny orchestrated by some
politicians against us.”

He assured that the Army’s leadership has already given a
marching directive to the effect that the entitlements of the
fallen soldiers are quickly paid to their next of kins, saying
that, “they will also be accorded a befitting funeral reminiscent
of national heroes.”

Buratai also stated that the Army will review their security
plans with a view to correcting the lapses that were recorded
during the maiden rounds of polls.

His words: “Recent security analyses by our intelligence experts
shows that some politicians with invested interests are planing to
exploits the religious cards, farmers/herders and spreading of hate
speeches on social media, among others, to incite mayhem and foment
anarchy. However, the Army will not allow them execute their
satanic plots. We will enforce necessary intelligence guidelines in
collaboration with the Police and other security agencies to ensure
that the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State House of Assemblies
elections are also peaceful, credible and transparent.”

On the alleged misconducts of some soldiers, Buratai said:
“There have been reports of alleged compromises by some personnel
during the elections. We have received complaints from some
stakeholders, major political parties, Governors of Bayelsa, Oyo
and Ogun States of allegation of misconduct as well as
unprofessional conduct by some of our personnel. Unfortunately some
other states have gone to the press with unsubstantiated allegation
without resort to the NA leadership. Nonetheless, all these
complaints are noted and will be addressed appropriately.

“A high powered committee had been convened and instituted to
investigate all cases of alleged misconduct by troops arising from
the 2019 General Elections. This is aimed at ensuring that all
cases are thoroughly looked into for the purpose of dispensation of
justice and to uphold Nigerian Army’s credibility, professionalism
and apolitical stand.”

He said that the Army’s Security Situation Room will soon be
activated to prevent acts of violence prior, during and after the
polls.

Buratai, who said that the Army remain apolitical and
professional, pointed out that a high-powered Committee has been
constituted to look into the alleged cases of professional
misconduct and indiscipline by some soldiers during the February 23
elections.

The Chief Army Staff then directed the GOCs to enforce the
no-movement restriction and carry out thorough search on vehicles
on the day of the Governorship and State Legislators’
elections.

“The GOCs must ensure that their troops are on ground to quell
outbreaks of electoral violence. But more importantly, they must
eschew taking commands and laws which are inimical to national
security, from politicians,” he said.

By PRNigeria