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Anwana Peter Essien, a prophet, was convicted on Wednesday by Justice Okon Okon of the Akwa Ibom State High Court to 21 years in prison for raping his 10-year-old stepdaughter.

The accused is a prophet at the Restoration Bible Church in Itiam Street, Uyo, and a native of Afaha Ise in the state’s Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. It is believed that the crime was committed on August 9, 2019, while the victim’s mother was visiting her and her younger sister at their stepfather’s home in Itiam Street, Uyo, for a holiday.

The 37-year-old prophet testified in court that demons forced him into the conduct, admitting that he had forcibly taken off his stepdaughter’s clothes and had inappropriate carnal knowledge of her.

Wednesday, Justice Okon handed down his ruling, concluding that the confession was “direct, definite, and unmistakable” and that the randy stepfather had sex with his stepdaughter.

The victim and the doctor who examined her were among the prosecution witnesses, and their testimony was bolstered by the confessional statement the accused person voluntarily made, the court ruled. The court stated that “the parameters established for the proof of rape, have all been satisfied by the evidence of the prosecution witnesses.”

Essien was found guilty as accused by the court and sentenced accordingly.

The sentence of 21 years in jail, according to Justice Okon, began when the offender was taken into custody at the Custodial Center in Uyo.

The Supreme Court has heard arguments from the states of Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Sokoto against the federal government’s handling of the conduct, tabulation, and announcement of the February 25, 2023, presidential and National Assembly elections.

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared the victor of the presidential election held on February 25 and the president-elect based on that election. The States seek the Supreme Court to revoke that declaration.

“A declaration that the entire results of the Presidential Election conducted on the 25th of February, 2023 announced by the Chairman of INEC at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, in flagrant violation of the provisions of Sections 25; 47(2); 60 (1), (2), (4) & (5); 62; 64(4)(a) & (b); 70; 

“And 148 of the Electoral Act, 2022, governing the 2023 nationwide general elections, particularly paragraphs 38 of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and paragraphs 2.8.4; 2.9.0; and 2.9.1 of the INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023, for the conduct of the Presidential Election, were invalid, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.

“A declaration that the fundamentally flawed electoral process through the non-uploading of the results of each of the 176,974 Polling Units nationwide, in respect of the presidential election and National Assembly Elections held on Saturday, 25th February 2023 was not in accordance with the provisions of Sections 25; 47(2); 60 (1), (2), (4) & (5); 62; 64(4)(a) & (b); 70; and 148;

“of the Electoral Act, 2022, governing the 2023 nationwide general elections, particularly paragraphs 38 of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and paragraphs 2.8.4; 2.9.0; and 2.9.1 of the INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023, for the conduct of the presidential election.

In addition, they are seeking “A declaration that the failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission to electronically transmit or transfer Polling Unit Results in Form EC8A using BVAS by uploading Scanned Copy of the said Unit Result to the Independent National Electoral Commission Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after the counting and announcement of the Polling Units results on 25th of February, 2023 in collusion, violates the provision of Sections 25; 47(2); 60 (1), (2), (4) & (5); 62; 64(4)(a) & (b); 70; and 148 of the Electoral Act, 2022, governing the 2023 nationwide general elections, particularly paragraphs 38 of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and paragraphs 2.8.4; 2.9.0; and 2.9.1 of the INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023, for the conduct of the presidential election.”

They are also seeking an order from the apex court “directing a holistic review of all results so far announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through INEC which were carried out other than through the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials.

“And for such further Orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

The plaintiffs have filed an application with the highest court asking for an order directing a deviation from the rules of the apex court to expedite the substantive matter hearing in the interest of justice.

Additionally, plaintiffs submitted a second application asking for a ruling extending the deadline for parties to submit and serve answers in support of and in opposition to the lawsuit. The hearing has not been given a specific date.

The plaintiffs in the originating summons headed: SC/CV/354/2023, are specifically asking for an order of the apex court, “directing a holistic review of all results so far announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which were carried out other than through the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials.

The plaintiffs in the originating summons marked: SC/CV/354/2023, are specifically asking for an order of the apex court, “directing a holistic review of all results so far announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which were carried out other than through the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials.

The Attorney General of the Federation is the only respondent in the lawsuit brought by the attorneys general of Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Sokoto States. It was brought in accordance with Sections 2, 25, 1, 2, and 3 of the Electoral Act of 2022, Sections 60 and 66 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

They predicated their case on the grounds that, “The collation of the national election results from the 36 States of the Federation, and that of the Federal Capital Territory, for the said 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections have not been carried out in compliance with the mandatory provisions of relevant sections of the Electoral Act, 2022; the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022, made pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023.”

There have been numerous reports of fatalities after an explosion at a crude oil tapping station in a Rivers State community.

Early on Friday morning, the incident took place at Rumuekpe Village in the state’s Emohua Local Government District.

According to reports, the explosion happened when one of the buses, which were carrying crude oil that had been “packed in bags” for transportation to a refinery facility, started its engine.

The explosion was said to have been started by a spark from the car’s battery head.

On Wednesday, the Katsina State Police Command announced that it had thwarted an attack on Yasore village in the Batsari LGA of the state by neutralizing two terrorists and recovering two AK-47 rifles with 97 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

The command received a distress call at around 07:30am reporting that terrorists in their numbers had attacked Yasore village, Batsari LGA of Katsina state, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, according to SP Gambo Isah, the command’s spokesperson who paraded the terrorists’ remains at the command’s headquarters.

As a result, the DPO Batsari Division dispatched a squad of police and vigilantes to the scene, engaged the thugs in a bloody gunfight, and put an end to the plot.

Upon inspecting the area, several other things, including an AK-47 with five (5) magazines, two ITEL GSM phones, a collection of criminal charms, and a black bag, were also found, according to SP Gambo.

He said that it was reasonable to assume that many of the terrorists had been killed, wounded by gunfire, or had fled the area.

“Search parties are combing the nearest bushes with a view of arresting them and/or recovering their dead bodies.  The Command is appealing to members of the communities around the area to report to the nearest police station any person found or seen with a suspected injury,” Gambo said.

The Katsina state Command’s chief of police in charge of elections, CP Kolo Yusuf, applauded the police and the vigilante for their extraordinary bravery, gallantry, and professionalism in dealing with the hoodlums.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, promised on Thursday to contest Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate’s, victory in last Saturday’s presidential election.

Atiku called the poll that resulted in Tinubu being elected president-elect a “rape of democracy” while speaking at a press conference that was taking place in Abuja.

“This battle to right the wrongs of Saturday is not about me. It is a continuation of my battles to deepen democracy and for a better life for our people. It is about the future of Nigerian youths.

“I know that Nigerians, especially the youth, are traumatized by the developments, but I want to urge them to conduct themselves peacefully. Like I have done over the years, I assure you that I will commit the rest of my life in ensuring that true democracy, which affirms the supremacy of your votes and your will, will take firm footing and guarantee a stable, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria. This is more so as Nigeria represents the hope of Africa and the Black World,” he said.

According to Atiku, the 2023 presidential race offered Nigeria a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reset the nation but was reportedly cut short by the Independent National Election Commission’s behavior.

“The 2023 presidential election presented our nation and its people with the greatest opportunity for a reset. We had everything going for us: a legal framework in the 2022 Electoral Act and the BVAS technology. The enthusiasm of Nigerians to turn out and in large numbers was an added bonus.

“However, the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians who braced all the challenges to go and cast their votes on Saturday, 25th of February, 2023, were shattered by the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which failed to live up to expectations. The weekend election was neither free nor fair.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that it is the worst conducted elections since the return to democratic rule. The manipulation and fraud that attended this election was unprecedented in the history of our nation.

“I can still not understand why the electoral umpire was in such a hurry to conclude collation and announcement of the result, given the number of complaints of irregularities of bypassing of the BVAS, failure of uploading to the IREV, and unprecedented cancellations and disenfranchisement of millions of voters in breach of the Electoral Act and the commission’s own guidelines. It was indeed a rape of democracy.

“Having consulted with leaders of our party and Nigerians from different walks of life, I have come to the conclusion that the processes and outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly election of last Saturday was grossly flawed in every material particular, and as such must be challenged.”

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, broke his silence on the election’s results on Thursday, stating that fraud tainted the process.

Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was selected as the next president through a process that was “planned for decided results,” according to the former governor of Anambra State, who spoke at a global press conference in Abuja.

He claimed to have won the presidential election, nonetheless, and promised to use all legal means at his disposal to regain his “mandate”.

The full address is shown below:

“Again, my dear people,

Let me correct an impression because I’m seeing some people saying in the media that I released one news or the other. I have never, directly or indirectly, spoken or released any message since after voting on the 25th. My last comment to the media was immediately after voting on the 25th, and I’ve never done so until now. So, whatever you see in the media please disregard. It’s not coming from me directly or indirectly.

“This is my first time of speaking to the media, and I thank all of you for your understanding. For me, it is a very simple thing to speak to Nigerians who on the 25th of February trooped out en masses as committed citizens to participate in what all of us have called an existential election, for a supposedly free, fair, credible presidential and national assembly election. We give thanks to God.

“This is my first time of speaking to the media, and I thank all of you for your understanding. For me, it is a very simple thing to speak to Nigerians who on the 25th of February trooped out en masses as committed citizens to participate in what all of us have called an existential election, for a supposedly free, fair, credible presidential and national assembly election. We give thanks to God.

“For me, the number one thing is gratitude. Gratitude to God Almighty that continues to protect and bless our dear country Nigeria. Number two is gratitude. Gratitude to Nigerians that participated in the election, answering the call as true citizens in our dear country. Number three is gratitude to those of you Nigerians, especially the youth, that believed and worked tirelessly for a new Nigeria, I thank them for their hard work. Gratitude to the Obidients, Youths, those who believe that a new Nigeria is possible, and I say to them that a new Nigeria is possible, and we will work for that new Nigeria.

“The resilience, the hard work, for a new Nigeria should not wane. Datti and I remain committed to that new Nigeria. I know how they will be feeling now because of the way the elections have come and gone. The commitment of Nigerians, even in the face of unwarranted attacks, is a testimony that a new Nigeria is indeed possible –and there are so many other Nigerians.

“The election that we just witnessed has been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear violation of the electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised. This election did not meet the minimum standard expected of a free, transparent, credible fair election. It will go down as one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria.

“The good and hardworking people of Nigeria have again been robbed by our supposed leaders whom they trusted. However, very humbly, I must appeal to all Nigerians to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and conduct themselves in the most responsible manner. Please be assured that Datti and I, and indeed all of us, this is not the end but the beginning of the journey for the birth of a new Nigeria. Datti Baba-Ahmed and I remain undaunted and committed to the project of a new Nigeria that will be built on honesty, transparency, fairness, justice, equity.

“All the above starts with a process. The process through which people come into office is far more fundamental, more important than what they do thereafter. It is my belief that if you must answer “His Excellency”, the process through which you arrive to office must be excellent.

“We must now require that we do the right things. It has to generate the confidence and moral authority to lead. As you know, the destruction of a society begins and gradually progresses when we act rascally, with the deliberate manipulation of the rule of law and the suppression of the will of the people. During my campaign we have been saying that we will govern by the rule of law because we know what not doing that will bring about.

“I assure the good people of Nigeria that we will explore all legal and peaceful options to recall our mandate.

“We won the election, and we will prove it to Nigerians.

“Please, do not despair. We have elections coming up on the 11th. I enjoin you to go out. Campaign. Come out and vote in that election. We still have so many massive support out there that we need for our subnational and state assemblies. Please, come out and be part of that election. I assure you that I am totally committed to a better future in this country, and nothing will stop that. Datti’s commitment, my commitment, is total.

“Be rest assured that your support will not be in vain and you will not find us wanting. We must build a better Nigeria where Nigerian youth will be happy, glad to call their own country.

“Thank you and may God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Blessing Adeniran, the mother of the 12-year-old Chrisland pupil, Whitney, who died during the school’s inter-house sports, has disclosed that an autopsy carried out on her daughter showed that she died of electrocution.

She made it known in an Instagram live video on Wednesday.

In the video, she said, “I want to thank everyone for your support, your calls and messages have helped us go through this very difficult period.

“The autopsy result is out and Desola was electrocuted. My daughter died of electrocution. I have been subjected to trauma for the past two weeks. Tomorrow will make it three weeks since my baby died.

“The school made me think I was crazy They started pushing the narrative of she was sick; she was sickly. They sent letters and publications out.

“People insulted me and my family. My child was electrocuted to death. I told the school I don’t want trouble. All I want is answers. They came to my house and knelt down.

“I begged, I pleaded, I said ‘Mrs Amao please, I don’t know how an autopsy is being done, but I have browsed it and the image is scary. Please my daughter is already dead, don’t make me put her through that, they will butcher her. I beg you in the name of God, you are a mother, help me investigate and find out what happened.’

“She said she doesn’t know. They refused to investigate.

“My daughter was butchered for autopsy. She was opened up. They took part of her kidney, liver, stomach contents, blood, brain, and bone marrow. Omodesola was butchered just because Chrisland kept protecting their reputation.”

It had been reported earlier that Whitney’s father, Dr. Michael Adeniran, had also claimed that his daughter died of electrocution prior to the autopsy.

Meanwhile, the school management in a statement had said that the deceased slumped in “public view and not under any hidden circumstances,” adding that she was rushed to the nearest medical facility for first aid.

At least 32 people were killed and another 85 injured after a collision between two trains caused a derailment near the Greek city of Larissa late Tuesday night, authorities said.

A fire services spokesman confirmed that multiple carriages skipped the tracks just before midnight after the trains — one for freight and the other carrying 350 passengers –- collided about halfway along the route between Athens and Thessaloniki.

“Thirty-two people have been found dead,” spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis told reporters, adding that efforts to rescue people still trapped were ongoing.

“Of the 85 people injured, 53 people remain in hospital.”

An explanation for why the two trains collided has not yet been furnished.

Greek media are calling the crash the “worst train accident that Greece has ever known”.

The passenger train had been travelling from the capital Athens to the second city Thessaloniki in the north, while the freight train was heading in the opposite direction.

About 150 firefighters and 40 ambulances were mobilised for the response, according to Greek emergency services. Cranes and mechanical personnel were also deployed to try to remove debris and right overturned vehicles.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life. It’s tragic. Five hours later, we are finding bodies,” said an exhausted rescuer emerging from the wreckage where he and his team were working.

One train carriage was completely crushed, making the rescuers’ work particularly difficult, while smoke and flames emerged from other cars.

“The majority of passengers have been taken to safety,” spokesman Vathrakogiannis said.

“The operation to free trapped people is underway and is taking place in difficult conditions, due to the seriousness of the collision between the two trains.”

According to the public television station ERT, one of the train cars caught fire after the collision, and several people were trapped inside.

The mayor of the nearby town of Tempi, Yorgos Manolis, told ERT many students had been on board the train, returning to Thessaloniki after a long holiday weekend.

Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has said he is happy that Bola Tinubu is elected president in his lifetime.

In a statement issued by his media office, Babangida said Tinubu would usher in a new dawn for the country.

He said the president-elect has the qualities to take the country “to the next level.”

“It is a thing of joy that this is happening in my lifetime. I can confidently say that Tinubu is a good man for the job.

“I have no doubt that Tinubu would perform as the President of Nigeria. For some of us who have been there before, I know that there is still more work to be done and I believe that Tinubu has what it takes to take Nigeria to the next level.

“We have much potential as a nation. What we need is a good direction so that we can continue to be seen as the giant of Africa. Indeed our best is yet to come but we can get to where we ought to be with determination and commitment.

“This is a bright moment for Nigeria. We have to take our destiny into our hands and make things work for us as a nation. We cannot continue to do things the same way and I believe that God will make things work for this country again because a new dawn has come for Nigeria,” Babangida said.

“THE ERA OF RENEWED HOPE“By The President-Electof the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
March 1, 2023

My fellow Nigerians,

I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and an affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.

Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.

You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace, and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.

We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.
Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.

I thank all who supported my campaign. From President Buhari who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman, to my Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

To the progressive governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude.

To the entire campaign organization, I thank you sincerely.

I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.

I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria and through His sublime purpose I find myself the victor of this election. May He grant me the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the greatness He alone has destined for it.

Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians.I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.

To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.You have my utmost respect.

Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.

During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.

Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results.It is your right to seek legal recourse.What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence.

Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.

I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.

Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, and your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy, and a safe nation that protects you and your future.I am aware that for many of you Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves.

Remodeling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.

My running mate, Vice President-elect Shettima, and I understand the challenges ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent and innate goodness of you, the Nigerian people.

We pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds, that put us on the path of irreversible progress.

Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first.Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow and for years to come.

Today, you have given me the greatest honor you can bestow on one man.In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief.

Peace, unity, and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build.

When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being a Nigerian.
I thank you all.

God bless you all.God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.