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Edo guber: Tribunal commences pre-hearing, adjourns sitting to Dec 18

Idahosa Moses
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The legal battle over the conduct of the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced on Monday, as the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) held its inaugural sitting in Benin amidst tight security.

The pre-hearing session, held in a packed courtroom in Benin, attracted thousands of supporters from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who gathered outside the court premises to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the September 21, 2024, election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Other parties contesting the election results include the Accord Party (AC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In his brief inaugural address, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, called for cooperation from the counsels representing all parties before the court. He urged them to focus on the substantive issues to ensure seamless proceedings during the hearing of the petitions.

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Kenneth Mozia (SAN), speaking on behalf of the petitioners, pledged to approach the proceedings with utmost professionalism. He assured the tribunal that his clients’ cases would be presented in line with standard legal practices.

“We will do our best to present our cases in the best possible way, with cooperation from the Tribunal. We also urge supporters of the respondents to behave themselves so that we can maintain the calm atmosphere we are currently witnessing,” Mozia said.

On his part, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing the respondents, promised maximum cooperation throughout the hearing process.

The Benin Chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemudia Osifo, while pledging support from the association, expressed concerns about the size of the courtroom, noting that it was too small to accommodate the large number of attendees. Justice Kpochi acknowledged the concern and assured that it had been noted.

While Ighodalo, accompanied by the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, was present in court, Governor Okpebholo was absent. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented by its State Legal Adviser, Stephen Okoror, along with other party chieftains, including the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye.

The court adjourned the session until Wednesday, December 18, for the continuation of the pre-hearing, during which Justice Kpochi stated that all parties were expected to complete preliminary actions and agree on a hearing schedule for the main proceedings.

While the tribunal was in session, suspected supporters of the parties clashed outside the court premises. Some individuals, believed to be party supporters, wore white fez caps and T-shirts with provocative inscriptions, which allegedly led to a confrontation with other supporters opposed to the messages. The situation caused chaos, with supporters seen running in different directions within the court premises.

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Next Article Minister of agriculture and food security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), has contributed majorly the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in its 60 years of establishment. Senator Kyari made this known at the opening ceremony of the 60th anniversary of the institution, which held on Monday, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Speaking at the event, Kyari, who was represented by the Zonal Director of the ministry, Olayinka Akeredolu, suggested that the institute harness technological transformation in its researches, in order to boost industrialisation. According to her, “It is noteworthy that 60 years of existence is no mean achievement in the life of an institution, especially one whose contribution to numerous tree crops like cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee and tea is evidently felt across the length and breadth of our country and beyond. Since its inception in 1964, CRIN has been a major player in contributing to the GDP of our nation. “As the institute takes stock of 60 years of scientific research and looks to an even brighter future, it is our desire that the institute will harness the transformative power of technology to improve on research outcome delivery to the industries who rely on your great institutes research outcome for sectoral growth and development.” Highlight of the event is award presentation, book launch, exhibition and cultural display, among many others. In his welcome address, the Director/CEO, CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, who highlighted the achievements of the institute in the production of cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee, and tea, in the past six decades, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading agricultural innovation, leveraging science and technology, and improving the livelihoods of farmers nationwide and readiness to embark on research into black plum. He said: “At CRIN, our research has transcended traditional crop development, venturing into innovative value addition. Our Institute has added value to cocoa and created new products for local consumption and export. We have processed cocoa beans into various products such as chocolate, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, cocoa wine, choco-bread, cocoa custard, soy-chocolate, chocolate spread, chocolate yoghurt, amongst others. Also, we have converted cocoa by-products into valuable products. We have successfully produced poultry feed from cocoa pod husk with 20% maize replacement. These innovations have provided additional income streams for farmers, supported small and medium enterprises, and contributed to the nation's economic diversifications. “The forward-looking, stylistically innovative works and aggressive developmental fund drive of the Institute has yielded a huge chunk of dividend as the Institute partners with stakeholders to win grants and awards, with a keenly contested $22million award as an example.” He, therefore, pledged that “CRIN will continue to lead the charge in agricultural innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of farmers nationwide. I am confident that the legacy we have built over the past 60 years will serve as a strong foundation for even greater achievements in the decades to come.” The guest lecturer, Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Adebooye, who was represented by the Director, Centre for Predegree Studies, Professor Onyegbula Nwoke, presented a paper titled, ‘Tree crops research for development: Key to Nigeria's economic diversification and sustainability’. In his lecture, Professor Adebooye, explored how tree crops research can drive economic diversification, reduce dependency on oil, and promote food security, positioning it as a panacea to Nigeria's economic challenges and a step forward in the quest for sustainable development. According to him, “Cocoa, cashew and kolanut are important tree crops that can bring huge economic benefits to the country. However, the country has witnessed a steady decline in the yield of these crops and in the quantity produced annually. “In a nation with a large population and increasing rates of food insecurity, leveraging tree crops could provide a more resilient economic foundation, supporting both urban and rural communities. This strategy aligns with the government's agenda to diversify the economy and reduce poverty. By advancing cultivation techniques, improving crop varieties, managing pests, and addressing the effects of climate change, tree crops research serves as a cornerstone of agricultural innovation and sustainability.” Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Simeon Oyeleye, charged the leadership of CRIN with the task of establishing a robust relationship with the chairmen of the local governments the institute is represented in order to facilitate cooperation with farmers. Present at the event are Directors-General of research institutes, past directors of CRIN, representatives of partners and sustainability companies, academics, government representatives and traditional rulers. CRIN has contributed majorly to national GDP in 60 years — Agric Minister

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