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S’Court decides Tinubu, Atiku, Obi presidential poll battle today

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The All Progressives Congress and the two opposition parties – the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party –have expressed confidence that they will secure victory as the Supreme Court delivers judgment on the February 25 presidential election today.

The PDP and the LP are challenging the declaration of President Bola Tinubu of the APC as the winner of the poll.

The Presidential Election Petitions Court had in September dismissed their petitions against Tinubu.

Displeased, the two major opposition parties and their candidates, Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP), approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn Tinubu’s victory.

The apex court, on Monday, heard the cases and on Wednesday announced that judgment would be delivered on Thursday (today).

The Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr Festus Akande, told The PUNCH on the telephone on Wednesday that, “Tomorrow, Thursday has been fixed for judgment on the appeals brought by Atiku and Peter Obi.”

Reacting to the announcement, each of the three parties expressed optimism that the verdict would go their way.

The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the apex court would affirm Tinubu’s victory, given the evidence before the court.

He said, “Certainly, we are still sure of victory. In fact, our optimism is even stronger now because all the facts presented that day was in our favour. We are very confident of the integrity of the justices of the Supreme Court and we have no doubt in our mind that there is nothing to give us any iota of doubt with regards to getting justice tomorrow (Thursday).”

But the National Legal Adviser of LP, Kehinde Edun, disagreed, saying their candidate, Obi, will emerge victorious.

Edun said, “We are expecting victory. We have presented our case before the court and even at the Court of Appeal, we have tabled fresh facts. Don’t mind all these talks that the law cannot accommodate fresh evidence. Which law says that?

“If something has happened and you want justice, if there is still time, we will put in everything we want to add. So, we are confident we will get victory for Nigerians and the Labour Party.”

On his part, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, urged the Supreme Court to see beyond narrow considerations in its judgment.

He said, “We are appealing to their conscience to see beyond the narrow considerations that have characterised the way the judiciary has acted in recent times. That is approbating and reprobating at the same time. It is important to know that there is a country that we are bequeathing to our children and grandchildren yet unborn.

“If we have decided to say the crop office comes with a fraudulent judgment that we have seen lately and give that kind of priority over the expectations that the country has on them, then it will be unfortunate.”

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BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

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UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

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The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

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BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below:

Video source: ChannelsTV

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