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You Can’t Withhold My Certificate of Return, Okorocha Tells INEC
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said the Independent National Electoral Commission lacks the power to withhold his certificate of return.
Okorocha was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the February 23 Imo West senatorial election.
In his petition to INEC on Tuesday, Okorocha said he was not happy that the body decided to withhold his certificate of return after he was announced as the winner of the election.
But INEC claimed the declaration was made under duress.
The petition titled, ‘Need to Avert Abuse of Office and Political Corruption by my Political Opponents with the Active Collaboration of INEC’s Leadership in Clear Violation of the Law,’ was addressed to the Chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
The governor said going by the laws governing elections in the country, INEC had no right not to issue him a certificate of return.
He added that if there were issues with an election after the announcement of a winner, the Election Petitions Tribunal would resolve them.
Okorocha said, “Section 285(1) of the 1999 Constitution states that ‘There shall be established for the Federation one or more election tribunals to be known as the National Assembly Elections Tribunal which shall, to the exclusion of any court or tribunal, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions as to whether (a) any person has been validly elected as a member of the National Assembly.’
“Section 133 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that ‘No election and return at an election under this Act shall be questioned in a manner other than by a petition complaining of an undue election or an undue return presented to the competent tribunal or court in accordance with the provisions of the constitution or of this Act, and in which the person elected or returned is joined as a party.’
“Where then did INEC derive the power to withhold a certificate of return after a winner in an election had been announced?”
INEC Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said since Okorocha had gone to court over the issue, he should allow it to make a pronouncement on his certificate of return.
He said, “The case is in court. He is the one that took us to court. He should, therefore, wait for the court to determine the case.”
The Punch
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried in the garden of his residence in Daura, Katsina state.
The body of the late president was interred after funeral prayers were held at a helipad near his country home on Tuesday.
Buhari was buried in a spot where he usually sat in his compound’s garden when he was alive.
Military pallbearers wheeled Buhari’s body, draped in the colours of the Nigerian flag, to the graveside in a trolley. Gunshots were fired as a mark of respect for the former president and commander-in-chief.
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, was present at the graveside alongside President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, among others.
Earlier, Tinubu received Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina.
The late president passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a hospital in London, United Kingdom (UK), following a prolonged illness.
TheCable
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the holiday is furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement said the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Tinubu.
The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.
The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
At a press briefing, the Katsina governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.
He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2pm on the same day.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has condoled with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the immediate family of the departed former President of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari on the death of the ex-maximum and democratic leader.
In his letter of condolence made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Minister acknowledged Buhari as a true leader and dedicated servant of the nation.
Details below:
Letter of Condolence to the Family of Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari
I, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nigeria, especially the Buhari family, on the passing of our esteemed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who departed us today.
The Ministry of Police Affairs and the entire Police Ecosystem share in this moment of grief and sorrow with the family, the people of Nigeria, and the nation at large. In honoring a statesman of such stature, we acknowledge the profound contributions he made to our country and the lasting impact of his leadership.
The loss of a true leader and dedicated servant to our nation deeply saddens us all. His legacy will endure through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to serve Nigeria. Notably, his foresight in prioritizing national security led to the re-establishment of the Ministry of Police Affairs as a dedicated entity to address the needs of the Police Ecosystem. He also approved vital funding for fuel supplies for police operational vehicles across the country, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing our security infrastructure.
This is indeed a profound loss for Nigeria. Buhari’s commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the security sector will always be remembered and cherished.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a distinguished statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership continue to inspire generations to come.
During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all Nigerians. His remarkable contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.
May his soul rest in peace.
