Home Blog Page 161

Mary Habila’s Death: Minister Umahi Tells His Story By Himself

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Dave Umahi - Works Minister
Engr. Dave Umahi

By Adesina Soyooye

 

“If we have a hand in the killing (death of MaryHabila), it will follow our families and us. But if we don’t have a hand in it and you are jumping into it, be careful. Life is spiritual. Her last conversation was with her boyfriend minutes before she died”

 

For the first time, the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, has, by himself, not by any aide, disclosed her relationship with Mary Habila and the circumstances which may have led to her sudden death.

 

And, what a revelation the Minister made.

 

Recall that Umahi has been roasted, almost, since the death of Ms. Habila in his Ubulu, Ebonyi State country home on June 27, 2026, after her arrival on June 26. Not a few people, including the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  and a number of Associations have asked that Umahi steps down from office, pending the outcome of investigations into her death.

 

But telling his story on Thursday, Umahi disclosed that Mary Habila was not a physiotherapist, but a Nurse who was seconded to the Ministry of Works from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State,since the past three years. He revealed that she had had health issues which she had been managing, and which bills  he had been picking because  he took her as his daughter and so did all his family members.

 

Her last treatment and bill at the Turkish hospital Abuja, as recently as April, Umahi disclosed, was N2.2 million (Two Million, two hundred thousand Naira).

 

The Minister also disclosed that Mary had a boyfriend, and that her boyfriend was the last person she spoke to on the day she died.

 

He said before they left Lagos for Abuja, Mary had complained to her boyfriend that she was bleeding from the nose. Her boyfriend advised her to tell the Minister so that he could send her to the hospital, but she did not because she did not want  to worry him.

 

Minutes before her death, Umahi said Mary was on the phone with her boyfriend and, again, complained that she was bleeding from the nose, but wanted to take her bath and lie down. Her boyfriend, said the Minister, asked her to stop talking so as not to aggravate the nose-bleeding, but she did not stop which made her boyfriend drop the phone. Minutes later when he called back to check on her, Mary did not take the call and he assumed he had gone to take her shower without knowing that death had come calling.

 

The Minister said that all these can be confirmed from her boyfriend and adked that call service providers pull her log and cross check her calls and last conversation with her boyfriend.

 

Umahi said he was not in the same house with Mary, and emphasized that she and others were in the staff quarters.

 

Mourning Mary, Umahi said he was devastated by her death not just because she was a very good, hardworking staff, but because she was like his daughter. He reminded those circulating fake news that life is spiritual and warned them to be careful of the type of stories they tell about the dead.

Mary Habila
Mary Habila

As for himself and how his name has been dragged in, Umahi said the Courts will take care of it.

 

Umahi: “My lawyers have spoken on my behalf. But one piece of information I want to correct is that the lady in question was like a daughter to me. She had stayed with me for three years. She was a staff of the Federal Medical University. She was a Nurse and not a Physiotherapist. And her family and my family are like one family.

 

“She has been receiving treatment at a Turkish hospital before her death. Her medical bills were paid by me.

 

“She has her medical records in Turkish Hospital, being paid by us. The last one was on the 5th of April. I paid N2.2 million.

 

“She spoke to her boyfriend at the hour of her death and complained  that she was bleeding from the nose. The boyfriend said ‘No, you have to report it.’ She said it had stopped. The boyfriend then said: ‘Listen, I will not continue  this conversation since you are bleeding. It will increase the bleeding’.

 

“She told the boyfriend, ‘Don’t cut the call.’ The boyfriend cut the call. Three minutes later, the boyfriend called again. She was not responding.”

 

The Minister said Mary had earlier told the boyfriend that she wanted   to take her bath.

 

“Even in the morning, she told her boyfriend she was going to bath because she had locked her door. When they discovered something was wrong, they broke down the door and discovered her dead. The tap was still running.

 

“What baffles me in this country is that everything becomes an opportunity. There is a guest house where she and other medical personnel stayed and that is very far from where I stay. Does it mean that because somebody dies in the Ministry of Works, the Minister must be accountable for that?

 

“People should be careful  when they want to use the unfortunate death of a young girl to play politics. If we have a hand in the killing (death), it will follow our families and us. But if we don’t have a hand in it and you are jumping into it, be careful. Life is spiritual.

 

“It is very painful to me that the girl passed on. It is very difficult to replace her. She was one of my best workers.

 

“We have been begging the parents to allow an autopsy. They said it is against their culture. But we insisted through our Lawyer for an autopsy. I have directed that the corpse cannot be removed until an autopsy.

 

“We have reported to the Inspector General of Police to transfer the case to Abuja. Let them beg the family to do an autopsy. I am, also, begging the family to meet with the Inspector General so that we can convince them.

 

“The boyfriend, also, told us that when we were in Lagos, she called him and told him she was bleeding from the nose. He advised her to report to me so I could send her back to the hospital. But she didn’t want to stress me. He then told her to find a hospital around and seek treatment.

 

“I have asked the Police to go to the call logs. They should go to the call log of the boy and the call log of the girl. They will hear the last conversation the girl had with her boyfriend at the hour of her death.

 

“I suspect no foul play because the other lady who stayed with her was still sleeping in her own room. Her room was still locked, and the door had to be broken before they discovered the body. The tap was still running because I think she was going to take her bath.

 

“When they took her  to the mortuary, that was where the Police took the picture. They did not dress her up in the mortuary before taking the picture and sending out damaging information.

 

“I will take legal action against media organisations spreading false information and cyber-bullying the deceased.

 

“I have directed my Lawyers to get across to those involved in cyber-  bullying in this matter. We are going to test the law on that.”

 

Umahi gave these details at a press conference in Abuja where he gave an update on President Bola Tinubu’s newly approved projects.

This Picture Is Mirabel Agada, Not Mary Habila  –  Agada’s Family

By
The Source
-
0
Mirabel Agada
Mirabel Agada

The Agada Family has reacted to the photograph of the family’s late daughter, Mirabel Agada, which has been passed off in several publications as Mary Habila, the Nurse who unfortunately died in Uburu, Ebonyi State country home of the Minister for Works, David Umahi.

 

In a short statement signed by Godswill  Unekwu-Ojo Agada, the family decried the mix-up, pleaded for a discontinuation, and made a simple request: “If you come across any other page using Mirabel’s photograph for this story, please, tag them in the comments or report the post so they can correct it.”

 

The full text of the statement reads:

 

“Several blogs have used the photograph of my late sister, Mirabel Agada, to report the passing of Mary Habila.

Mary Habila
Mary Habila

“This is incorrect.

 

“Mirabel Agada is not Mary Habila, and our family did not authorize the use of her photograph. Seeing her image wrongly associated with another person’s passing has been deeply painful for us.

 

“I’ve tagged some of the pages involved below. We respectfully ask that they remove Mirabel Agada’s photograph immediately, correct the error, and refrain from using her image in connection with this story.

 

“If you come across any other page using Mirabel’s photograph for this story, please tag them in the comments or report the post so they can correct it.

 

“Thank you to everyone standing with our family as we work to protect Mirabel’s memory. 🤍

 

“Godswill Unekwu-Ojo Agada, For the Family”

Rotimi Amaechi Loses Mother

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Rotimi Amaechi's mother

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has lost his mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi.  Amaechi is, also, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

In a statement,  Amaechi’s Media Office said his mother died on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

 

Said the statement: “Late Mrs. Mary Amaechi was a cherished matriarch who held her family together in love, peace and unity. She was a community women leader and Christian leader, whose belief and faith in God was firm and resolute. She was loved and highly respected in her community, and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for those around her and beyond.

 

“Rt Hon. Amaechi and the entire family are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of condolences and love already being shown them during this difficult time.”

 

Funeral arrangements, according to the statement, will be made public in due course. It

appreciated the continued thoughts and prayers from friends, supporters, and well-wishers.

 

The late matriarch, whose son, Rotimi, was a two-term Governor of Rivers State, as well as a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and two-term Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, died at the age of 89 years.

NGF Recommits To Renewed Hope Agenda, Lauds World Bank

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Nigeria Governors Forum - NGF

By Ayodele Oni

 

The 36 State Governors say they have noted with satisfaction contributions of the World Bank to the Renewed Hope Agenda of  Nigeria’s Government.

 

The Governors reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the Federal Government, the World Bank and other development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the NG-CARES Additional Financing, SOLID and HOPE programmes.

 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave the assurance on Thursday, at the presidential launch of the programmes, where he was represented by Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

 

AbdulRazaq pointed out that the initiatives would strengthen governance, improve service delivery, protect vulnerable households, develop human capital and enhance the resilience of states in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

Speaking on behalf of the governors, he congratulated President Tinubu on the launch, describing the programmes as a major step towards translating economic reforms into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

 

“This occasion marks another key step towards turning the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible benefits for Nigerians,” he said.

 

He added that the programmes were built on the conviction that economic reforms must create better opportunities, strengthen institutions, improve public services and promote greater prosperity for citizens.

 

“Central to this ambitious project is the belief that economic reforms should deliver better opportunities, stronger institutions, improved public services, and greater prosperity for all Nigerians,” he stated.

 

The NGF said the NG-CARES Additional Financing, SOLID and HOPE programmes provided practical expression to that vision through strategic investments targeted at strengthening governance structures, supporting vulnerable groups, building human capital and improving the ability of states to withstand challenges.

 

“Today’s programmes give practical expression to that vision through investments that strengthen governance, protect vulnerable households, build human capital and improve resilience across our country,” he added.

 

He commended the World Bank for its continued partnership with Nigeria, noting that the collaboration had extended beyond the Federal Government and contributed to strengthening public financial management in states, expanding social protection programmes, supporting agricultural productivity and building institutional systems for measuring and sustaining results.

 

The Governor said: “We are especially encouraged that the World Bank continues to partner with Nigeria in a way that recognises how our federation actually works.

 

“Over the years, that partnership has extended beyond the centre, strengthening public financial management in our States, expanding social protection, supporting agricultural productivity, and helping to build the institutional systems that enable results to be measured and trusted.”

 

He described the NG-CARES initiative as evidence of what could be achieved when the Federal Government, states and development partners worked together with a shared commitment to accountability.

 

The NGF chairman stressed that the programmes were not merely about launching projects but about creating sustainable institutions for effective governance, improved service delivery and long-term development.

 

He added that strengthening institutional foundations remained critical to sustaining inclusive growth, improving service delivery and enhancing the resilience of states.

 

“We are strengthening the institutional foundations required to sustain inclusive growth, improve service delivery and enhance the resilience of our States.

 

” These are objectives that align closely with the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development ambitions.”

 

He assured that governors remain committed to strengthening governance, improving accountability and delivering measurable results for Nigerians.

 

The NGF reaffirmed that the 36 states would continue working with the Federal Government, the World Bank and other development partners to ensure the programmes achieved their intended objectives.

 

“The thirty-six States remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Federal Government, the World Bank and all development partners to ensure that these programmes achieve their intended impact.

 

“I want to express our appreciation to the World Bank for its enduring confidence in Nigeria and for its continued investment in strengthening both national and subnational institutions.

 

“We equally commend the Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for sustaining a reform agenda that places collaboration, institutional strengthening, and citizen welfare at the centre of national development,” he stated.

Atiku Alleges Presidency’s Interference In NBA Electoral Process

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of meddling in the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, national election.

 

Abubakar’s accusation is coming amidst alleged arrest of the Managing Director MD of the service provider for Saturday’s NBA election by the Department of State Service, DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos.

 

The Source reports that the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, had, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, cleared the path for the NBA to go ahead with its proposed election of new national officers following its nullification of an earlier ruling by an Oyo State High Court halting the said poll.

 

The trial Court had, while delivering judgment on a motion filed by the Egbe Omofin group, also disbanded the NBA electoral committee – ECNBA.

 

The group which had, in its motion ex-parte, sought an order of the Court to impose a consensus NBA  Presidential Candidate during the election, is alleged to be enjoying the backing of the Presidency.

 

The Attorney -General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who had, last week, also sought to controversially abort Saturday’s election, as well as the disbandment of the Electoral Committee in an  apparent support of the Egbe Omofin Group,is alleged to be projecting the Presidency’s preferred candidate for the NBA National Presidency’s job.

 

However, the actions of both the AGF and the Egbe Omofin group have so far been rebuffed by the national leadership of the NBA, supported by an overwhelming majority of regional and state executives of the Lawyers’ umbrella body..

 

Prof Chidi Anslem Odinkaku ,a senior lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, in a post shared on his official site on Thursday, alleged that the DSS, acting the script of the Federal Government, arrested the Chief Executive Officer CEO of the service provider for the NBA election as a part of the wider plot to frustrate the exercise.

 

He, however, expressed serious concern that the DSS which had earlier signified its readiness to observe the said election on Saturday could turn round to be used to truncate it.

 

In a statement from his media office on Thursday, the former Vice President noted that the ongoing moves to truncate the NBA electoral process is an eloquent testimony to the fact that there is no segment of the country’s institutions the Tinubu administration cannot compromise.

 

Particularly, the ADC Presidential Candidate expressed regret that the  president has brought his “state-sponsored toxic politics of coronation to equally bear on the NBA election.

 

He described as shameful and disgraceful that after failing to frustrate the NBA election  using some groups and individuals, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Presidency has now resorted to deploying security agents to arrest service providers.

 

According to Atiku, the same strategy of imposition in the NBA, without allowing  free, fair, and credible elections, is what the Tinubu administration is working tirelessly to achieve in the 2027 general elections.

 

“This desperation shows how the Tinubu-led APC Government plans to use Government agencies to rig the 2027 general elections.

 

“This, to say the least, is a dangerous precedent that is capable of widening our fault lines which this administration’s politics has turned into craters.

 

“We wish to state that NBA election remains the sole responsibility of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association ECNBA ,appointed by the NBA NEC .

 

“This has been the practice under the NBA Constitution ,2015 (as amended). By seeking to enthrone its preferred candidate by arm-twisting the NBA to disqualify two prospective candidates, the Tinubu Presidency was simply adopting its play book to have the candidates of the opposition parties disqualified through the instrumentality of the Courts and electoral umpire” Abubakar stated .

 

“This desperation shows how Tinubu-led Government plans to use Government agencies to rig the 2027 general elections”, Abubakar stated

Death At Umahi’s Country Home: “We Are Suspecting No Foul Play, Give Us Our Daughter’s Remains For Burial” – Nurse Habila’s Father”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Mary Habila
Mary Habila

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

“We shall no longer cooperate with the Police for any investigation, and will answer to no Court over our daughter’s death”

 

The family of Physiotherapist, Mary Habila, who died at the country home of  the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has formally withdrawn their cooperation for the purpose of  investigations into  her death.

 

Her father, in an affidavit  sworn to in Court, said the family is not interested in having an autopsy conducted on his daughter.

 

The Source reports that the Ebonyi State police authorities on Thursday informed that they have commenced a formal inquest into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Habila on June 27 ,2026.

 

However ,the Police stated that the family of the deceased has expressed their opposition to the conduct of an autopsy , which it said is a crucial part of the investigation .

 

Umahi on his part ,had in a letter dated July 15,2026 , and addressed to the police through his legal team insisted on the conduct of an autopsy before the release of Habila’s corpse for burial.

 

According to Umahi, the autopsy has become absolutely necessary in the face of growing public insinuations suggesting foul play in the incident.

 

However in an  affidavit sworn to by  Habila’s father,  Tanko Habila Wisdom, at an Ebonyi State High Court of Justice ,the family while distancing themselves from any planned autopsy, urged the police to release the remains of their daughter for burial.

 

While acknowledging an earlier demand for an autopsy by Umahi ,the  family informed that they will not consent to such a process, and insisted that the organs of the deceased remain intact for burial.

 

Similarly ,the family emphasized that they will no longer be cooperating with the  police or any other authorities concerning any further investigations, as they are not suspecting any foul play in the death of their daughter.

 

Particularly, the family in the affidavit , while requesting for the release of the corpse, indicated that they will not be honouring any further invitations from the police or the Courts in relation to the incident.

 

The family had, on Tuesday, announced Friday July 17 ,2026 ,as the burial date before the police insistence on autopsy.

Businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, Forfeits N4.6b Jewelries, N4.3b Exotic Cars, $50,000, N30m to FG

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Aisha Achimugu

By Ayodele Oni 

 

For failure to disclose ownership of assets worth over four billion naira,  a Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has granted a final forfeiture order of properties linked to a business woman, Ms Aisha Achimugu to the federal government.

 

The properties include jewelries worth N4,645,170, 294.9 billion (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Five Million, One Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira, Nine Kobo) eleven exotic cars worth N4.293,000, 000 (Four Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Million Naira), $50, 000( Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) and N30, 000,000 (Thirty Million Naira) cash.

 

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the order on Thursday, in a judgment on the application for final forfeiture of the properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

 

The assets were found by the EFCC as proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

 Investigations by the Commission followed its receipt of financial intelligence showing huge inflows and outflows from over 136 ( One hundred and Thirty six) bank accounts linked to Aisha Achimogu which ran into billions of naira and millions of dollars. 

 

The investigation carried out showed that the huge funds that passed through the companies operated by her were not disclosed as revenue of the companies in their financial statements filed at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

 

In the course of investigation, the Commission executed searches at the residence of Achimugu where the assets forfeited were recovered. 

 

While being interrogated, she was given Assets Declaration Form which she filled but did not disclose the recovered assets as her properties. 

 

The finding by the EFCC showed that the huge funds received into accounts linked to her were not from her legitimate business activities and that the recovered assets were not from lawful sources.

 

Following the outcome of the investigation, the EFCC through its legal team, led by Ekele Iheanacho SAN, filed an application for an interim order forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act.

 

The matter came up before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie and on April, 23, 2026, the court granted the application and directed the EFCC to publish the said order in national dailies for any person in possession or interested in the assets to show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture order should not be granted.

 

EFCC complied with the order of the court and published the order. EFCC further filed a motion for final forfeiture of the properties. 

 

Achimugu through her legal team filed affidavits to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited as well as a motion to set aside the interim order.

 

 This was further opposed by the EFCC through a counter affidavit. The court took arguments from parties represented by the counsel and adjourned to July 16, 2026 for judgment.

 

On Thursday, the court delivered judgment and granted a final order forfeiting the assets to the federal government of Nigeria. 

 

The court found that Achimugu did not dislodge the evidence led by the EFCC and also failed to discharge the burden of showing that the assets were from lawful origins.

Edo Govt Reunites Three “Lost” Children With Parents

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Edo Govt Reunites Three Lost Children

By Ayodele Oni

 

The three siblings ate the pot of food prepared by their mother. Fearing what her reaction would be on her return, they escaped from the house, and got lost – Investigation.

 

The Edo State Government has reunited three children who were found roaming the streets around Iyaro in Igusi Community, Benin City, with their parents.

 

This followed prompt intervention by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

 

The children had become the subject of a viral social media video alleging that they had been abandoned by a woman along the roadside.

 

However, investigations by the Ministry revealed that the claim was false.

 

Speaking on the incident, the Coordinator of Amadin Orphanage, Mrs. Lucy Bello, explained that the three children were found on Sunday, July 12, by the Chairman of Igusi Community, Mr. Osabuohien Aisien, who promptly rescued them and took them to the orphanage for temporary care and protection.

 

According to Mrs. Bello, preliminary interrogation revealed that the children had eaten the pot of food prepared by their mother and fearing they would be punished, they ran away from home and eventually lost their way.

 

She further disclosed that their mother, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade, had returned from her business premises to discover that the children were missing.

 

She immediately began a frantic search and later came across the viral video circulating online.

 

Acting on information provided by concerned members of the public, she traced the children to Amadin Orphanage.

 

In line with established child protection procedures, the Chairman of Igusi Community and the Coordinator of Amadin Orphanage reported the matter to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where further investigations were conducted to establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

After due verification and confirmation of the children’s identities and the facts of the case, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, formally reunited the children with their parents during a brief ceremony at the Ministry.

 

Speaking during the ceremony, Abdallah commended the Chairman of Igusi Community, the management of Amadin Orphanage, and members of the public who acted responsibly by ensuring the children’s safety instead of leaving them vulnerable.

 

She reiterated that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, places the priority on the protection, welfare and development of every child in Edo State, stressing that no child in distress would ever be neglected by the government.

 

The Commissioner urged parents and guardians to pay attention to their children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication and providing proper guidance to prevent similar incidents.

 

She also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that false narratives can cause unnecessary panic, stigmatize innocent families, and hinder ongoing investigations.

 

Abdallah encouraged residents to promptly report cases involving missing, abandoned or vulnerable children to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development or other appropriate authorities to ensure swift intervention.

 

Expressing gratitude to the Edo State Government for the timely intervention, Mrs. Evelyn Ochade appreciated the Ministry for its professionalism, compassion and commitment throughout the process.

 

She thanked Eugenia Abdallah and the Ministry’s officials for ensuring that her children were safely reunited with the family.

Uzodimma Meets Tinubu, Discusses National Development, Invites President to Commission Imo Legacy Projects

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma and President Bola Tinubu

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Tuesday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the duo held extensive discussions on issues of national development, security, economic growth and ongoing infrastructure development in Imo State.

 

Speaking to Journalists after the meeting, Governor Uzodimma said the discussions focused on matters of national importance, including efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security, improve the economy and accelerate development across the country.

 

The Governor congratulated President Tinubu on the successful release of the schoolchildren who were recently abducted in Oyo State, describing the development as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and strengthening national security.

 

He also commended the President for the recent increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, noting that the improved output would enhance national revenue, support economic stability and provide more resources for critical development projects.

 

Governor Uzodimma reiterated his support for the ongoing conversation on the establishment of state police, saying the initiative would complement existing security structures and enable state governments to respond more effectively to local security challenges.

 

On Imo State, the Governor briefed President Tinubu on the progress of key infrastructure and developmental projects being executed by his administration, stressing that the investments are already improving the quality of life of residents and expanding economic opportunities across the state.

 

According to him, the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government by promoting inclusive growth, improving connectivity and creating an enabling environment for investment.

 

Governor Uzodimma also extended an invitation to President Tinubu to visit Imo State to commission a number of completed legacy projects, expressing confidence that the President’s visit would further strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and the state in advancing sustainable development.

 

The meeting underscored the continued partnership between the Federal Government and the Imo State Government in pursuing policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians and driving national progress.

2027 Polls: Court Of Appeal Validates INEC’s Guidelines

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Prof Joash Amupitan - INEC Chairman
Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has described a lower Court’s judgement which invalidated the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) on the conduct of the 2027 general election, as miscarriage of Justice, and so,  and set it aside.

 

In a unanimous judgment on Thursday, the Court set aside the judgment of May 20 of the Federal High Court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, which nullified parts of the INEC’s electoral guidelines.

 

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, the Court of Appeal held that the Youth Party (YP) which instituted the case against INEC lacked legal power, (locus standi) to do what it did.

 

Justice Banjoko said that the party did not explain how the guidelines affected it and it’s members in the conduct of its primary election for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 poll.

 

The Court also held that the YP failed to establish how the Guidelines affected the submission of its nominated candidates to INEC.

 

The three Justices unanimously agreed that Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, who on May 20 nullified the guidelines on the ground that it violated some provisions of the Electoral Act, did so in gross errors and led to miscarriage of justice.

 

INEC which filed an application against the high court decision had argued that the lower court erred in law when it failed to pronounce on the jurisdictional issue of the suit being hypothetic and academic, and a denial of fair hearing to the appellant.

 

INEC through its lead Counsel Dr Alex Izinyom had asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court which nullified part of the election guidelines put in place by the agency for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

1...160161162...3,156Page 161 of 3,156