Nigeria VP sues election board to run in presidential election News
Nigeria VP sues election board to run in presidential election

[JURIST] Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar [official profile, JURIST news archive] filed a lawsuit Friday against the Nigerian electoral commission [official website] after it issued a ruling Thursday prohibiting him from running in the upcoming April presidential. The commission cited the Nigerian constitution [text], which bars presidential candidates indicted for crimes before a court or executive panel, for its decision. In February, a senate panel indicted Abubakar on corruption charges [JURIST report] stemming from the alleged diversion of $145 million dollars of public money to private interests, as well as allegations of receiving more than $4.6 million dollars in bribes. Only Nigeria's Supreme Court [official website] can overturn the electoral commission's decision, according to legal experts. Abubakar denies the allegations and insists they are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by current president and political rival Olusegun Obasabjo [official profile].

Abubakar is currently embroiled in a high-profile feud with Obasanjo. Last year, Obasanjo tried to amend the constitution to allow him to run for a third presidential term [JURIST report]. Abubakar opposed the move, indicating that he would be running for president himself. In October 2006, Abubakar was charged with corruption [JURIST report], a charge Abubakar says was retaliatory. In February, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [official website] included [JURIST report] Abubakar on a list of 135 Nigerian politicians considered too corrupt to hold office. AP has more. This Day has local coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.