NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE: REINTRODUCTION OF OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM MY PRIORITY – TINUBU
NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE: REINTRODUCTION OF OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM MY PRIORITY – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu has said the reintroduction of the old national anthem has always been his priority. Tinubu disclosed this during his meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, at the State House in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. He said the National Assembly made the law reverting to the old national anthem and he does not have a choice but to obey the legislation. According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated He said: “Let me allude to something that happened yesterday. The change of national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’. “Some people say, okay, say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority. I agree with the National Assembly. If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter. “But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that. “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters. “It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it.“When I came begging for votes, I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPED NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPED NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY Since the military returned to the barracks in 1999, Nigeria has held seven elections every four years. Of these periods, three were done without the direct impact of social media: 1999, 2003, and 2007. But 2011 marked a turnaround. Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who won the election that year, declared his presidential bid on social media and even published a book on his Facebook conversations with Nigerians. He also went further by appointing an aide on social media, a step that every other government, both at the federal and state levels, has maintained till date. Perhaps realizing the power of social media, which influenced the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011, the opposition used it to launch a major campaign that ended the 16-year rule of the PDP. The opposition built on the momentum from the #OccupyNigeria protest to unseat the PDP. Interestingly, mobilisation for #OccupyNigeria started on Twitter, now X. While millions of Nigerians saw the protest through the lens of calling the government to order over a harsh and hostile policy, a former governor of Ekiti State and APC chieftain, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, confessed that the intent of the protest was political. In his speech at the 60th birthday of Professor Udenta Udenta, a founding father of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, Fayemi noted: “We all said subsidy must be removed. But we in ACN at the time, in 2012 (when the #OccupyNigeria protest held), know the truth… it is all politics.” And this worked effectively for the then opposition mega party-turn ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as it was able to build on this and launch a never-before-seen onslaught, primarily on social media, that ended the PDP’s 16-year rule. However, there’s no election where the impact of social media has been felt like that of 2023. #Obidient Movement as Third Force The movement, which came into force a few months before the election, sent a loud statement. Since 1999, Nigeria’s presidential election has been a two-horse race, but the #Obidient Movement changed the dynamics. According to statistics from the country’s electoral umpire, about 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 30, and those in this category were the most active during the elections. In the demography released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the youth population topped the age distribution chart. And while results from the polls suggested that a huge number of them did not go to polling stations, they, however, used their mobile devices to shape the election from the comfort of their homes, offices, schools, and worship centres. One interesting thing about the Labour Party campaign was how the youths used their social media power to effect a change in the campaign structure. The presidential candidate had unveiled his campaign council, which included Major General John Enenche, the younger brother of one of his major backers, Pastor Paul Enenche. At the time of EndSARS, the General was a spokesman for Defence Headquarters. In his role as spokesman, he had described the pictures the protesters released as evidence that soldiers shot at them as fake. In anger, the youths rejected Enenche’s inclusion on the campaign council. After trying to pacify them without any luck, Obi pandered to their wish by dropping the general. EndSARS Movement Another campaign powered by social media was #EndSARS in 2020. Nigerian youths used the protest to demand the end of the police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), for its brutality. It was a social campaign that began by using X to assemble youths in major cities to stand up and speak against police brutality and other forms of impunity by security forces and those in government. Apart from sacking SARS, the #EndSARS…
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONSIDERS BILL TO RETURN NIGERIA TO REGIONAL GOVT
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONSIDERS BILL TO RETURN NIGERIA TO REGIONAL GOVT A bill proposing a return to regional government in Nigeria is before the National Assembly and is expected to passed into law before October 1, 2024. Part of the draft bill circulating on social media, seen by SaharaReporters is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Although the identities of the sponsors of the bill were yet to be ascertained, the Bill when passed would be cited as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024. The sponsors of the Bill explained that the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not “autochthonous” as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people. According to the advocates, the constitution amendment would be subject to a “yes or no” vote in a referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Part of the draft Bill read: “PART I – Preliminaries: WHEREAS Nigeria, its Peoples and Government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then Military Government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of “We the people.” “WHEREAS the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People. “WHEREAS the Peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a Constitution based on Federal/Regional System of Government. “WHEREAS the Federal and Regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the States that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as Provinces, Divisions and Districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance. “Whereas the 1999 Constitution as amended is a schedule of a military decree now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly for which the National Assembly have the powers to amend and/or abrogate as expedient. “Whereas the National Assembly where so necessary and expedient can invoke the doctrine of necessity to resolve any point of law for the good governance of the country Nigeria.” On PART 11 – Substitution Clause, the drafters proposed that the National Assembly shall invoke its inherent powers to expunge the schedule attached to decree 24 of 1999 often referred to as 1999 Constitution as amended from the decree, which “is now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly to which the National Assembly have the powers to so do and replace same with a new governance model for Nigeria effective not later than October 1, 2024.” “This amendment is subject to a yes or no vote in a Referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it proposed. On governance structure under PART III – Stipulations for Federal Administration, the sponsors proposed that: “(1) Nigeria shall be a Federation comprising of Regional Territories and a Federal Capital Territory and shall be a Republic to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “(2) The territorial jurisdiction of Nigeria shall comprise the territory of the Regional members of the Federation and its boundaries shall be as determined by international agreements “3.2 Basis of the Federation: “(1) Every Ethnic Nationality and People in Nigeria has an unconditional right to self-determination within here delineated territories. “(2) The sovereignty, powers and authority to formulate the articles of association towards any reform of the Central Federal Government of Nigeria, at any other…
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- May 31, 2024
- 35 views
STORMY DANIELS, WOMAN WHO BROUGHT TRUMP DOWN
STORMY DANIELS, WOMAN WHO BROUGHT TRUMP DOWN The legal saga involving former President Donald Trump and his dealings with porn star, Stormy Daniels, reached a dramatic conclusion Thursday as Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. This conviction, stemming from a $130,000 payment made to Daniels to conceal their alleged extramarital affair just days before the 2016 presidential election, marks a significant moment in U.S. legal and political history. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, opening the door to potential jail time for the former president. The Core of the Controversy The case centered on the payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, intended to prevent Daniels from publicizing her affair with Trump during the critical final stages of his presidential campaign. The payment was not only a personal matter but was deemed a campaign finance violation, as it was an expense aimed at influencing the election outcome and was not reported as such. The Stormy Daniel Legal and Political Ramifications Trump’s conviction carries both immediate and long-term consequences. Legally, the former president faces the unprecedented prospect of imprisonment, pending his sentencing. This outcome also casts a serious doubt on Trump’s integrity and transparency, potentially impacting his influence and the loyalty of his supporters. The political implications are vast, not only for Trump but for the Republican Party as it navigates the repercussions of his actions. The Role of Stormy Daniels Stormy Daniels, once underestimated by many as a peripheral figure unlikely to impact Trump’s career significantly, has proven to be a central figure in one of the most consequential legal battles involving a former U.S. president. Her determination to pursue legal action and her cooperation with prosecutors have highlighted the potential for individuals to hold even the most powerful figures accountable. Broader Implications This case underscores a growing demand for accountability among public figures, a sentiment echoed by movements such as #MeToo. It illustrates the increasing unwillingness of the public and judicial system to overlook or dismiss potentially illegal actions by leaders, driven by societal calls for greater transparency and ethical conduct. Future Political Landscape The ramifications of this verdict reach far beyond Trump himself, affecting the political landscape significantly. As the Republican Party reassesses its strategy and alignment, Trump’s conviction may prompt a reevaluation of how deeply the party ties itself to one individual’s fortunes. The GOP must consider whether continuing to support Trump could harm their appeal to broader voter bases in upcoming elections. Public and International Perception Internationally, this conviction may alter how global leaders interact with the United States. The perception of American democracy and its leaders’ accountability is crucial in diplomatic relations. Trump’s legal troubles and potential imprisonment could serve as a deterrent to other nations, affecting international policies and alliances. Conclusion The conviction of Donald Trump is not just a personal defeat for the former president; it is a landmark moment that may redefine the standards of accountability for political figures in the United States. As the date of his sentencing approaches, all eyes will be on the impact this verdict will have on his future political viability and on the broader political landscape.Stormy Daniels’ role in this historic outcome underscores the significant impact that determined individuals can have in challenging established power structures.
KANO EMIRATE TUSSLE: SANUSI LEADS FRIDAY PRAYERS AS GOV YUSUF APOLOGISES TO NSA, RIBADU OVER FALSE ACCUSATION
KANO EMIRATE TUSSLE: SANUSI LEADS FRIDAY PRAYERS AS GOV YUSUF APOLOGISES TO NSA, RIBADU, OVER FALSE ACCUSATION The Kano State Police Command has revealed that the 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido will lead the Friday prayers at the Central Mosque. This is coming amid reports that Alhaji Aminu Bayero, the 15th Emir would lead the prayers. The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Friday, that Bayero will observe his Friday prayers in the mosque within the Nasarawa Palace, where he currently resides. The commissioner said the police and other state security agencies will provide robust security at the Emir’s Palace, where Emir Muhammad Sanusi II is expected to lead the Jummah prayers. ”The police urge the general public to disregard the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation. ”The police will continue to provide necessary security to ensure that will enable residents to observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully without threats to their lives and property,” he said. He urged the people to volunteer credible information on the movement of dubious characters for prompt security action in the state. In another development, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has tendered an apology to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, after he was accused of meddling in the Kano emirship crisis. The governor apologised to Ribadu during a meeting with the NSA which was held behind closed doors in his office in Abuja on Thursday, sources told Daily Trust. Governor Yusuf had dethroned Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and reinstated Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II following the enactment of the Kano State Emirates Council Law 2024. The governor ordered Bayero’s arrest after his return to Kano and occupation of the Nassarawa palace, citing concerns about escalating tension in the state. This led to the deployment of troops to the palace, giving the impression that he had the federal government’s backing. Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, deputy governor of the state, had accused Ribadu of giving Ado Bayero support to return to Kano after his dethronement. Ribadu had denied the allegation and threatened to sue Gwarzo, to whom he gave an ultimatum to apologise. The deputy governor had since tendered an apology to Ribadu, attributing the allegation to flawed intelligence. Although Governor Yusuf described his meeting yesterday with Ribadu as a “fruitful engagement”, sources privy to what was discussed said the governor apologised verbally to Ribadu over what transpired last week. “The governor and the NSA spoke heart-to-heart in Hausa. He appealed verbally to the NSA over the comment made by his deputy last week. “The governor felt that apologising to him in the media was not enough, hence the reason for the personal visit to Abuja,” one of the sources told Daily Trust. Also, the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement yesterday, confirmed that Governor Yusuf retracted the allegation and offered an apology to the NSA. He said the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, discussed the situation in the state since the abrogation of five new emirates and the reinstatement of Sanusi as emir. “Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an officer and anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincere apology,” the statement said. The meeting coincided with Sanusi’s sixth day at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and members of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council, a council of the Islamic sect, have affirmed their loyalty to him. It was observed yesterday that many Kano residents were going about their normal activities. Although security agents…
LABOUR PARTY APPOINTS HEADS OF ‘OBIDIENT’ DIRECTORATE
LABOUR PARTY APPOINTS HEADS OF ‘OBIDIENT’ DIRECTORATE The Labour Party has appointed eight ‘Obidient’ members to control the affairs of the Directorate. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh on Thursday. According to the statement, the move is part of the repositioning efforts of the party towards integrating millions of youths particularly, the ‘Obidient’ family into the Labour Party. The members appointed to head the ‘Obidient’ Directorate are Marcel Ngogbehei (Director), A.J.U Elumelu, Mariam Ismaila, Chukwuemeka Gerald Okafor, Angel Innocent, Tony Ashekomeh Jnr, Emeka Ezechi, Josiah Omenuwoma. The statement reads in part, “The inauguration of the Directorate will be held on Thursday, June 6, at the NEC Hall, National Secretariat, Utako, Abuja by 10am prompt.“That Directorate will have the following terms of reference: to Coordinate the registration of all members of the OBIDIENT community and integrate them fully into the structure of the party; ease Diaspora participation in the affairs of the party: receive complaints and deal with same and where they are unable to deal with same, refer such complaints to the leadership of the party; coordinate collection of dues and donations to the party and to ensure that all OBIDIENTS are financial members of the party”.
WHY PETER OBI’S 2027 AMBITION SCARES SOYINKA, BY SIMON NJOKU
WHY PETER OBI’S 2027 AMBITION SCARES SOYINKA, BY SIMON NJOKU Is Nnamdi Kanu, APC ‘s trump card for 2027? In his widely publicized recent interview, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka stated that the Federal Government made a mistake keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention since 2021. Soyinka, as the arrowhead of the APC propaganda machinery, going by the opening paragraph of this piece, seems to have given us a hint of what the APC/Presidency may likely do to reverse their ugly political predicament ahead of the 2027 Presidential Polls. In other words, the release of Nnamdi Kanu may rank high in their plans. What Prof had done, to every discerning political observer, was to put the issue of Kanu’s release on the front burner of national discourse, as a way of justifying a Presidential Pardon or court acquittal of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader. There is a precedent to this political course of action. Going down memory lane, we remember that in the build up to the 1983 General Elections, the ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN was desperate to shore up its sagging popularity among the voter population. Like the present APC government, its unpopular policies and high level of corruption in the system had alienated it from the populace. Political warhorses like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Owelle of Onitsha, Rt Hon. Nnamdi Azikiwe strongly held sway in the SouthWest and South East respectively. But NPN was so anxious to take the South East, Imo or Anambra State, particularly Anambra State. They hatched a plot on how to take Anambra State, Zik’s home state. They got Professor Chuba Okadigbo and others to make contacts with the exiled Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Ivory Coast, West Africa. They negotiated with Ojukwu albeit secretly. Later, President Shehu Shagari announced an unconditional Presidential Pardon for the Biafran warlord. The Igbo nation was agog with celebration the day Ojukwu returned to Nigeria and Igbo land from exile. It was the kind of celebration that has never been seen again in Igbo land till today. For the Igbo, it was on that day that the Nigerian Civil War, the Nigeria-Biafra War, officially ended. However, Ojukwu, against all advice, joined the NPN. People described his decision as part of the agreement for the Presidential Pardon. The NPN used the influence and popularity of Ikemba Nnewi to neutralize Zik’s influence and rigged the election massively in Igbo land in both the Presidential and governorship elections. While they took Anambra, surprisingly, Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi, on whose back they rode to victory, lost his Senatorial bid. Yes, keeping a word of promise to his ear and breaking it to his hope (Shakespeare, Macbeth). Neither did they remember him in their appointments. NPN and Shagari used and dumped Ikemba. Countrymen, here we are again. The cloud is once more gathering. What are the APC/Tinubu, Senator Ifeanyi Uba and others up to? APC, like NPN desperately wants to win in a state in the South East, Obi’s stronghold. They may decide to use Nnamdi Kanu to achieve this, just as the NPN used Ikemba Nnewi to accomplish their objective. But Kanu is very much alive with history and cannot be easily hoodwinked by their antics. Yet, this could be a major APC trump card for winning the 2027 Presidential election. They may want to create a bandwagon effect even as we ask, “where will their votes come from?” Moreover, APC, as in 2023, may still use the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to accomplish its objectives. Contrary to expectations, INEC could resort to inflating electoral figures like total voter registration during the voter registration/ review of voter register exercise. Normally, going by facts on ground, total number of registered…
- Foreign Affairs
- May 31, 2024
- 28 views
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS Former US President, Donald Trump, has been found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a criminal hush-money scheme to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. The verdict came after a jury deliberated for less than twelve hours in the unprecedented first criminal trial against a US president. It marks a perilous political moment for Trump, the presumptive nominee for the Republican nomination, whose poll numbers have remained unchanged throughout the trial but could tank at any moment. Trump was convicted by a jury of 12 New Yorkers of felony falsification of business records, which makes it a crime for a person to make or cause false entries in records with the intent to commit a second crime. He will be sentenced on 11 July at 10am ET. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt,” Trump said at the courthouse after the verdict was read. “This was a rigged trial, a disgrace.” In Trump’s case, the Manhattan district attorney’s office alleged Trump falsely recorded the reimbursements he made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who paid the adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about her affair with Trump, as “legal expenses”. The prosecution alleged the falsifications were made to conceal Trump’s violation of New York state election law, which makes it a crime to promote the election of any person to office through unlawful means. Prosecutors argued in part that those unlawful means were the $130,000 payment to Daniels, which was in effect an illegal campaign contribution, because it was done solely for the benefit of his 2016 campaign and exceeded the $2,700 individual contribution cap. The Manhattan district attorney’s office called 20 witnesses who, over the course of four weeks, gave evidence of how Trump plotted with the tabloid mogul David Pecker and Cohen to bury accounts of affairs with Daniels and the Playboy model Karen McDougal. The witnesses – some friendly to Trump, others openly hostile – said Trump’s worry over the Daniels story intensified after the October 2016 release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump was caught on a hot mic bragging about sexual assault. The recording featured Trump boasting about being able to grab women “by the pussy” without their consent because he was famous. Trial witnesses testified the Trump campaign worried that his efforts to dismiss the tape as “locker room talk” would fail if more boorish behavior came to light. When the Daniels story threatened to become widely known weeks before the 2016 election, Cohen moved into action and paid Daniels $130,000 to buy the exclusive rights to her story – in order to suppress its publication. After the 2016 election, prosecutors argued, Cohen worked out an illicit repayment plan in which he would be paid $420,000, an inflated sum that “grossed up” for tax reasons the $130,000 and other items Cohen billed. The trial saw prosecutors elicit testimony from Cohen, Daniels and a parade of Trump’s confidants and employees, as they sought to establish that Trump concealed the alleged payoff scheme in an effort to ensure he would not lose support from female voters. Cohen proved to be perhaps the most legally consequential witness for the prosecution, as he recounted how he used a home equity loan to raise the $130,000 he then wired to Daniels’ lawyer through a shell company. Cohen did so in the belief that Trump would reimburse him, he testified. In January 2017, Cohen said, he discussed with Trump and the former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg about being repaid for the $130,000, an overdue bonus and other expenses he incurred doing work that benefited the…
LGA AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT GIVES GOVERNORS SEVEN DAYS TO FILE DEFENCE
LGA AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT GIVES GOVERNORS SEVEN DAYS TO FILE DEFENCE The Supreme Court, on Thursday, ordered the 36 state governors of the federation seven days to file their respective defence in the suit seeking full autonomy for the 774 Local Governments in the country filed against them by the Federal Government. The apex court ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who filed the suit on behalf of the federal government to reply to the Defendants’ processes within two daysupon receipt. A seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court, led by Justice Garba Lawal issued the order while ruling on an application filed by the AGF, seeking abridgment of time in the filing and exchange of processes in the matter. Fagbemi, while arguing the application requested the court to order the defendants to file their defense within five days in view of the urgency of the matter. The chairman, body of Attorneys General of the states of the federation, Ben Odoh, who is also the Attorney General of Ebony did not object to the request for abridgment of time but however, requested that they be given 15 days as against the five days proposed by the AGF. Justice Lawal, in his ruling, said the decision of the court was predicated on the national importance, urgency of the suit, and the nonobjection from the Attorneys General of the 36 states of the federation. The Supreme Court held that filing of all processes and exchanging of same must be completed within the time and subsequently fixed June 13, 2024, for hearing of the suit. At Thursday’s proceedings, the Attorneys General of Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto states were absent in court and not represented by any lawyer despite being served with hearing notice. Justice Lawal ordered that the eight states that were not in attendance at Thursday’s proceedings must be served with fresh hearing notice against the next adjourned date of June 13, 2024, for hearing of the matter. The AGF, on behalf of the federal government, instituted the court action against the governors primarily seeking full autonomy for local governments as third tiers of government in the country. In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF is praying to the Apex Court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders. The Chief Law Officer of the Federation, in the originating summons he personally signed, is also praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors. He also wants the Apex Court to make an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the Constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system. The FG further applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states. The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General inthe suit predicted on 27 grounds, among which are that, “The Constitution of Nigeria recognizes federal, states and local governments as three tiers of government and that the three recognized tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution. “That, by the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of…
RIVERS HIGH COURT DECLARES 25 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT, APPEAL COURT TAKES DECISION MONDAY
RIVERS HIGH COURT DECLARES 25 ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT, APPEAL COURT TAKES DECISION MONDAY A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared the seats of the 25 lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant pending the determination of a suit before it. The court, however, ordered the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and bared the 24 lawmakers, who are all Anti-Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of the state, from posing as lawmakers in the state. Hon. Justice Charles Wali gave the order in Suit No PHC/1512/CS/2024, brought by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker, Rivers State House Of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Hon. Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, on the crises rocking the legislative arm of the state. Defendants in the cases are Hon.martin Chike Amaewhule, Hon. Dumle Maol Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon.christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon.Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima. Others are: Hon.queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon.loolo Isaiah Opuende, Hon.abbey Peter, Hon. Igwe-obey Aforji, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka, Hon.chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus Hon. Gerald Oforji, and Wami Solomon. The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honourable Chief Judge Of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, are the second set of defendants in the suit. Wali in the Interlocutory Order, ordered that the lawmakers, who are Pro-Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, from parading as lawmakers to the determination of the substantive case. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt had adjourned to Monday the 3rd of June to rule on the applications brought before it by Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule & 24 Ors Vs Victor Oko Jumbo & 5 Ors. against the decision of a Rivers State High Court stopping them from parading as members of the State Assembly. This follows a suit filed by the pro-Fubara faction of the Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the respondents had filed a counter, the court directed the plaintiff to respond between Thursday and noon Friday and show proof of service to the respondents through any means even though via WhatsApp and also directed the respondents to respond if any, by Monday morning before the resumed hearing. Counsel to the plaintiff had told the court to consolidate all the applications before it, following Wednesday’s interlocutory injunction issued by a Rivers High Court judge despite the pendency of the appeal before a superior court. The three-man panel of justices adjourned to the 3rd of June to hear and rule on all applications. ahead of the resumed hearing and ruling on the application.. Recall that the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice C.N. Wali, had issued an ex parte order restraining Amaewhule and the 24 others from parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly and holding any sessions. Amaewhule and the 24 pro-Wike lawmakers appealed against the ex parte order, requesting the Appeal Court to vacate it and dismiss the suit During the resumed hearing on Thursday, the respondents, Oko-Jumbo and others, filed a counter-application. The court then directed the plaintiff to respond by 12 noon, Friday, May 31, 2024, and to show proof of service to the respondents through any means, including WhatsApp. Counsel for the plaintiffs requested the court to consolidate all the applications before it, following the interlocutory injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court despite the pending appeal.