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President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), candidate to produce and tender his educational certificates, indicating the schools attended by him, with dates. The challenge was one of the planks of Buhari’s response to Abubakar’s petition at the Presidential Election Tribunal. Buhari and Atiku In the filing by a team of lawyers led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Buhari debunked Atiku’s and PDP’s claim that he was not qualified to run for President. The President said he was far more qualified than Atiku and on the contrary, it was Atiku that was not qualified to run for the office. Buhari said he did not, “at any time, provide any false information in Form CF00] submitted to the lst respondent, either in 2014 or 2018. “The affidavit of compliance to the 2019 Form CF001 was correct in every material particular. “In filling Form CF001 in 2014 and 2019, respondent was not oblivious of the constitutional qualifications stipulated in Section 131

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Wednesday, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja, closed his defence in his ongoing trial on the charges bordering on assets declaration breaches, after calling his driver of 20 years as his first witness. Lead counsel to Onnoghen, Chief Chris Uche(SAN), told the court that after taking a deep consideration, the defence closes its case. “Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Practice Direction of the CCT, we will be applying to file our final written addresses.’’ Uche asked the court gove the counsel in the matter 14 days within which to file in their written addresses. He also applied to be obliged with the proceedings before the tribunal. The prosecution led by Aliyu Umar, SAN, also prayed the court to be accord counsel enough time in order to file their own written address. “Because time for filing of written address is not expressively provided for in the Practice Direction, that makes it a matter of discretion of

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike is gradually coasting to widely anticipated second term victory as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, resumed results collation on the Rivers state governorship and state assemblies elections it suspended earlier. An electoral official looks at documents at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on March 10, 2019. – Nigeria’s election authorities announced the suspension of activities in volatile opposition-held Rivers State on March 10 citing violence and threats to its staff, as tensions rise in the wake of closely-watched regional elections. Counting is continuing across the country after the March 9 elections for governors in 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, all state assemblies and administrative councils in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Results are expected in the coming days. (Photo AFP) At the end of yesterday’s proceedings on the collation of the results, Wike of

Manchester United are reportedly keen on a summer move for £40m-rated Leicester star Youri Tielemans to replace Ander Herrera. The Belgium international is on loan with the Foxes from Monaco until the end of the season and has been in fine form so far in 2019, scoring once and adding four assists. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers wants to sign Tielemans on a permanent deal, however he faces competition from two Premier League rivals according to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. They claim that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has added the former Anderlecht star – who is valued at £40million – to a ‘long list’ of summer targets. It was claimed on Tuesday that Solskjaer will be without Ander Herrera next season, with the midfielder ready to accept an offer from PSG after being left ‘unimpressed’ by United’s offer of a new deal. Meanwhile, Spurs are also reportedly interested in Tielemans meaning Monaco could conduct a bidding war between the interested side. Leicester are believed to be in dis

Chelsea will welcome Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, as they continue to fight for a place in the top four of the Premier League. The Blues come into the game seated sixth on the league table, a point behind Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, who occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively and three below Arsenal who sit third. Should other results go their way, Maurizio Sarri’s men can go into the weekend occupying the fourth spot with a win. However, Chelsea’s recent performances in the English top-flight are a slight cause of concern. The West London outfit escaped with a lucky 2-1 win over Cardiff City this past weekend and were without a win in their previous two league matches (D1 L1). A victory is a must on Wednesday, if they want to not lose important ground in the top four race. Brighton & Hove Albion, on the other hand, come into the game in the 15th position in the Premier League standings, after their 1-0

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged the newly elected National Assembly lawmakers to conduct their affairs in a manner that commands respect from other arms of government. He made this comment during an opening dinner for senators-elect and members-elect of the 9th assembly on Sunday. The event organised by the National Assembly management held at Nicon Hilton Hotel, Abuja. In his remarks, Mr Saraki said the legislature is the bedrock of democracy and its independence in a democratic government is non-negotiable. “In its constitutional role, the National Assembly carries out oversight, makes laws and ensures constituency representation. In carrying out constitutional functions, lawmakers must always recognise that the independence of the legislature is non-negotiable,” Mr Saraki said.

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Monday for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the inauguration of Senegalese President, Macky Sall, following his re-election for a second term. Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, who confirmed this development in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the president’s trip followed an invitation from his host. According to the statement, President Buhari, who is ECOWAS Chairman, will be Special Guest of Honour at the ceremonies, to be attended by other African leaders at the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday. It stated that the Nigerian leader would be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai and Tanko Al-Makura of Bauchi, Kaduna and Nasarawa states respectively. Others on the presidential entourage are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai, and other top government off