The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Aliyu and Nasko, (first and second defendants respectively) on three-count amended charge of breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N2billion, which was struck out on June 19, 2020.

Following the abrupt termination of the case, prosecution counsel, Faruk Abdalla, on October, 13, 2020 filed a motion to set aside the June 19, 2020 ruling as well as an order for the relisting of the charge.

Abdalla supported the application with 21-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by Samuel Chime, stating that, “We rely on all the paragraphs; we also file a written address in support, we adopt the written address as our oral submission and we pray the court to grant our prayers in the motion papers.”

Mamman Mike Osman, SAN, counsel to Nasko, who was represented by Iloh Bekeme Asuelemeh, while speaking on behalf of the defence team prayed the court to set aside the application, noting that the defence had filed a 33 paragraph counter-affidavit, deposed to by John Kyrian Etuk, and documented as exhibit QJ1-QJ6, which he said had been adopted as the written address of the defence.

Justice Aliyu slated October 27, 2020 for ruling on the matter.

While ruling in favour of the prosecution today, the judge reinstated the bail granted to the defendants and adjourned the matter till November 23 and 24, 2020, for trial.

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The aspirant in a statement issued in Calabar by his media consultant, Phrank Shaibu said that his withdrawal was hinged on the grounds that the delegates’ congress list was fraught with irregularities.

“The party has confirmed our initial suspicion and fears that they were desperately committed to excluding Prince Goddy Jedy Agba from all democratic processes leading up the fulfillment of his gubernatorial ambition.”

“From the initial proclamation that he was not a member of the party to the cancellation of the November 1st ad hoc delegate congress, his purported suspension from the party and now, the mutilation of the delegates list, it is doubtful that the playing field for the intended Cross River State PDP Governorship primaries would be sufficiently balanced, rather it is likely to lean in favour of the outgoing state Governor’s purported choice of candidate.

“Anyone, that understands Nigerian politics a little should know how important it is for an incumbent State Governor to see that his successor covers his tracks.

“However, this should not be a crucial role for the PDP’s appointed panel in redefining how a democratic process of electing the next governor of a State in a civilized society should be.

“Otherwise, if allowed, it will amount to deprivation and oppression of the electorate. In turn, this may bring about chaos and active or passive rebellion by many people.

“Even when one does not feel a sense of worry for the PDP if it loses Cross River State to another Party in the governorship and general elections, it is time our political leaders learnt how to take decisions that would build our democracy than destroy it.

“Democracy is about more than holding elections. A real and true democracy should reflect the will of the people.” Shaibu stated.

In Minna, Niger State capital, a front line aspirant, Senator Nuhu Aliyu withdrew from race barely three hours to the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary.

He told journalists that his decision was borne out of lack of level playing ground for all the aspirants, accusing the state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and the party of imposing a candidate on the party.

“Despite repeated denials even when some elders led by former Governor A.A Kure met with him (Gov. Aliyu), the governor is still going ahead to impose a candidate on us. It has never happened before. I have my fears for our party and our state.”

The retired deputy inspector general of police also faulted the inability of the party to give direction on who governs the state, saying it is not showing interest on the calibre and competence of who emerges as the party’s standard bearer.

He debunked claimed that he was forced to withdraw from the race, saying, “it is not true that I was boxed to submission. I used my judgment and withdrawn based on my conviction that the step taken was right.”

In Ogun State, a faction of the party led by Kashamu Buruji proceeded with the election despite the decision of the party’s National Working Committee’s decision to cancel it.

Only three of the aspirants were present at the primary largely boycotted by many party bigwigs as well as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In Lagos, the primary got to a riotous beginning when alleged political thugs swooped on delegated and had to be dispersed by gun-wielding security personnel’

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The Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in a condolence message in Minna said the region and indeed the nation has lost one of its foremost and forthright monarchs.

He said the late Emir was a fountain of experience, who exuded wisdom and was a father to all regardless of ethno-religious affiliations.

The message signed by Aliyu Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije reads, “The North and Nigeria will miss his contribution especially now that the country needs people of his calibre to chart a better future especially in the area of security.”

The Forum condoled with the governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the loss, urging him to embrace the Emirs death as the will of Allah.

The statement reads, “The passing away of the Emir of Kano is indeed sad for the entire Northern states and Nigeria. We will remember him for his humility, truthfulness on issues, determination to serve the country and above all his religious chastity.

“For us in the Northern states, the Emir of Kano was an encyclopedia, reflecting every module needed to chart a better roadmap for the North based on his wealth of experience.

“We must work towards fulfilling his wish of seeing a united Northern Nigeria. We must emulate his dream of a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria by placing the collective interest of the Northern states and Nigeria above individual interests.”

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The governor said the late Hajiya Mahmoud died at the Minna General Hospital almost half an hour after she was rushed out of his office on Monday.

Governor Aliyu stated this while recounting the incident that led to the death of the woman during the inauguration of the board of Niger State Geographic Information Service (NIGIS).

He admitted that the deceased was on appointment to see him, saying he had useful discussion with her on issues bordering on activities of some government agencies before she started gasping and became uncomfortable.

“The woman came into my office panting, initially I thought it was because of the staircase she climbed but she told me that she was sick and has a heart problem.

“She came to complain on some issues in the state and as she was speaking, she started coughing and at a point she requested that her bag which contains her drugs, but left in the waiting room be brought for her.

“When I saw that she was not getting better, I sent for an ambulance which came and took her to the hospital. Contrary to reports which said I left the office immediately, I want to state here that I was in the office till late in the evening, waiting to hear report about her health,” Aliyu explained.

The governor said he would look into the issues which the deceased had complained about and launch an investigation to get to the root of the matter.

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