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“You Are Undermining Nigeria’s Democratic Process” – PDP Chides Gov Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, on Thursday March ,6,v2025 expressed  grave concern over alleged plans by the Abia  State Government to reduce the tenure of democratically elected Local Council Officials in the State from four years to two years.

This is just as the party described such a move as not only ill-advised, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, but also a  serious assault on the rule of law and democracy.

The Source reports that, the news have been  making the rounds about some alleged clandestine plots  by Governor Alex Otti to reduce the tenure of recently elected council Chairmen and Councilors from four to two years through the State House of Assembly.

Although the State Lawmakers and the Executive Arm have all maintained a studied silence by the alarm being raised by opposition forces, there are strong indications that a bill pushing for the tenure reduction is already before the Principal Officers of the House of Assembly.

But in an open letter addressed to the Governor by its Chairman Comrade Abraham Amah  ,and made available to this Magazine, the PDP warned that  attempting to scale down the tenure of duly elected Council Officials, midway, inexorably tantamounts to undermining not only Local Government administration system, but also the credibility of governance at all levels.

The Local Government Officials were elected in November last year, in an election during which the Governor’s adopted Zenith Labour Labour, ZLP, swept all but two of the State’s 17 Local Government Areas.

However, the PDP expressed the fear that allowing the obviously illegal change of tenure to go unchallenged will lead to greater doom for the entire democratic process in the State and Nigeria.

Abraham Amah
Elder Abraham Amah, Abia PDP Chairman.

The PDP, therefore, called on the State Governor, to rather re-direct his energy and the resources available to his administration towards addressing the more pressing concerns of Abians, particularly in the area of unpaid pensions.

Following is the full text of the PDP Chairman’s open letter to the Governor:

“Your Excellency,

“On behalf of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, I write to express our deep concern over your administration’s ill-advised move to reduce the tenure of duly elected Local Government Chairmen from four years to two years through the Abia State House of Assembly.

“This attempt to alter the democratic process midstream is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a direct affront to the rule of law. It is, quite frankly, an abuse of power that seeks to erode the sanctity of our democratic institutions and disenfranchise the very people who voted these officials into office under a clear four-year mandate.

“Your Excellency, I must pose a direct question to you: How would you feel if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria initiated steps through the National Assembly to reduce the tenure of Governors from four years to two years? Would you not consider it an unjust and destabilizing move? Would you not resist such a proposal as an attack on democracy?

“Democracy thrives on predictability and respect for established rules. The Local Government elections were conducted based on a four-year tenure, and those elected were sworn in accordingly. The attempt to retroactively alter their tenure is not only a gross miscarriage of justice but also tantamount to rigging the system in favor of a predetermined outcome. No responsible democratic government should seek to change the rules in the middle of the game, as such actions make a mockery of governance and the electoral process.

“Your administration should be mindful that governance is a trust—one that requires fairness, transparency, and respect for constitutional order. By attempting to alter the legally established tenure of elected officials, you undermine not only the local government system but also the credibility of governance at all levels.

“Should your administration succeed in this unjust and illegal bid, it would set a dangerous precedent where elected officials at any level of government could be arbitrarily stripped of their tenures by those in power. This would expose the entire democratic process to political manipulations that threaten the stability of governance in Abia State and Nigeria at large.

“If your government proceeds with this plan, it would open the door for future leaders to alter gubernatorial tenure in Abia State, just as you are attempting to do at the local government level. This could mean a future administration might arbitrarily truncate your tenure before it is due to end, using the same legislative maneuvering you now seek to deploy against local government chairmen.

“Governance should not be conducted in a manner that breeds chaos, resentment, and instability. Rather than pushing for an unconstitutional action, we implore you to focus on issues that genuinely impact the lives of the people of Abia State.

“Instead of engaging in this desperate attempt to manipulate the democratic process, we strongly advise that you redirect your energy and the resources of your administration to addressing the more pressing concerns of Abians, particularly in the areas of unpaid pensions and financial transparency.

“Despite your numerous promises, the lingering crisis of unpaid pensions and outstanding salary arrears remains unresolved. Many of our senior citizens—who dedicated decades of their lives to public service—are left to suffer indignities and hardships due to the government’s failure to honor its obligations. These retirees deserve to live in dignity, not beg for survival after a lifetime of service. Your Excellency, we urge you to prioritize pensioners’ welfare and ensure that they receive their entitlements without further delay. No government that claims to be “pro-people” should allow those who built the state to be abandoned in their old age.

“Abians are also growing increasingly frustrated and disillusioned over your government’s lack of transparency concerning the billions of naira allegedly spent on projects that remain unverifiable. Since assuming office, your administration has reportedly spent over ₦100 billion on projects that the people of Abia cannot visibly identify or assess.

“The citizens are asking: Where exactly have these funds gone? Which projects have been completed and commissioned with these billions? Why is there no comprehensive financial accountability for these expenditures?

“Rather than attempting to divert attention through unconstitutional acts, we urge you to open your administration’s financial books for public scrutiny. Transparency breeds trust, and Abians deserve to know how their resources are being managed.

“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State categorically rejects any attempt to alter the tenure of duly elected Local Government Chairmen. We call on the Abia State House of Assembly to reject this undemocratic proposal and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. We also urge Governor Alex Otti to withdraw from this illegality immediately and focus on governing responsibly. Furthermore, we call on the general public, civil society organizations, and all democracy-loving Abians to resist any action that undermines the rule of law.

“Your Excellency, leadership is measured by one’s ability to govern fairly, transparently, and accountably—not by seeking to undermine democratic institutions for political convenience. History will judge this administration by the decisions it takes today. Will you be remembered as a leader who upheld democracy, or as one who manipulated the system for personal or political gain?

“We urge you to reconsider this unconstitutional move, focus on pressing issues that affect the daily lives of Abians, and uphold the principles of fairness and justice that democracy demands.

“We trust that wisdom, justice, and respect for the law will guide you in making the right decision.

Yours sincerely,

Elder Abraham Amah

Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State”

Obi Reflects on Life of  Fmr. Finance Minister, Chu Okongwu: “He Had Only Two  Houses Till Death”

By
The Source
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Dunu Chu Okongwu

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has paid glowing tributes to the late Dunu Chu Okongwu, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest minds and a model of integrity in public service.

Obi, who  just arrived in Abuja after engagements in London, honoured the memory of the renowned economist who served Nigeria in key ministerial positions, including Minister of National Planning, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Reflecting on Okongwu’s legacy, Obi praised his unwavering commitment to national development, noting that he was a man of integrity who remained devoted to the country’s progress. According to Obi, Okongwu exemplified modesty and self-discipline—qualities that are sorely lacking in today’s political leadership.

“Despite holding high-ranking positions in government, he lived a simple life and owned only two houses—one in Enugu and another in his home village. He was among the few public officials who resisted the temptations of self-enrichment and the looting of public funds,” Obi stated.

The former Finance Minister, Obi recalled, played a key role in advising General Babangida on the licensing of new banks, yet he neither allocated a license to himself nor sought a stake in any financial institution. Similarly, during his tenure as Petroleum Minister, he refrained from awarding oil blocks or import licenses to himself—a stark contrast to today’s political reality.

“If he had used his position to enrich himself instead of serving the nation, he would have been widely celebrated, and his funeral would have been an extravagant affair attended by dignitaries. Sadly, we live in a country that still glorifies corruption and rewards those who plunder public resources,” Obi lamented.

Peter Obi
Peter Obi: Chu Okongwu had only two  houses till death.

He urged Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from Okongwu’s legacy of integrity, selflessness, and dedication to nation-building.

“I have come to bid him farewell and to reflect on the values he stood for. I pray that God grants him eternal rest and comforts his family and all of us who mourn this great loss,” Obi concluded.

Akpabio Vs Natasha: CAN Sues For Peace, Calls On ‘Elders To Step In’

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday - CAN President

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resolve the ongoing sexual assault allegation amicably.

The umbrella body of Christians in the country made the appeal on Tuesday in Kaduna, calling on the Senate leadership to wade into the matter.

The group however rejected the call on Akpabio to resign from his position as being clamoured from some quarters over the scandal.

The magazine reports that the alleged sexual assault against Akpabio has generated more furore, on Tuesday, after the petition submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to prove her case against the Senate President was rejected by the Senate, who claimed she did not follow the rules with the submission.

Not a few Nigerians have expressed their anger over the lawmakers action, accusing them of trying to frustrate her efforts to prove her case, those not satisfied with what transpired at the Senate yesterday said an independent investigations should be set up to probe the issue.

CAN however called on respected leaders  to find a way to settle the dispute amicably in the interest of the feuding parties, adding that the allegation though very sensitive, must be handled with care, noting that any attempt to take sides on the issue “will only escalate tensions.”

“There is a need for elders to step in. Akpabio and Natasha have people they respect and highly regard. Members of the National Assembly must take responsibility in handling this matter,” CAN said.

Adding that “Any group calling for Akpabio’s resignation should desist, as no one has been proven guilty in this matter. Taking sides will only escalate tensions. Allegations of sexual harassment must be treated with seriousness, but also with fairness and sobriety.”

Reacting to the allegation, Akpabio said yesterday during Senate Plenary that he did not asked Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for sexual favour, adding that he had never sexually assaulted any woman because his mother trained him well to respect women.

Senate’s Sexual Harassment Scandal: Kogi Stakeholders Scold Natasha, Threaten To Recall Her

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan’s quest to get justice for an sexual harassment allegedly by Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears not to have the support of some people from her state, Kogi.

Following her allegation against Akpabio, the senaotr from Kogi has received strong support from not a few Nigerians, particularly women groups who are now calling for a thorough investigations to get to the bottom of the allegation.

On Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was dealt a big blow after the Senate rejected her petition, because according to the lawmakers, the submission did not follow the rules.

Recall that she had already instituted a N150 billion suit against Akpabio and one of his aides over a social media post, she claimed defamed her.

As she grapples with the set back, a group, Kogi Central Stakeholders has threatened to commence the process of recalling her from the Nigerian Senate, describing her allegation against Akpabio to be inappropriate, accusing her of failing to fully represent her people due to the distraction caused by allegation of sexual harassment.

AbdulRaheem Adeku, Convener of the Kogi  Stakeholders, said in a statement that  the senator must retrace her steps failure which they will commence a process of recalling her from the hallowed chamber, saying her decision to engage in a public brawl with the Senate President will not serve the interest of her people.

Part of the statement reads: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and our senator, Natasha Akpoti. We wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from these unfolding events, which have become a national concern.

“As a revered institution of government, it is essential to acknowledge that the National Assembly has established rules that must be adhered to in order to maintain order. Regrettably, we note that what should have been a simple compliance issue has devolved into a vitriolic exchange.

“It is alarming to witness the numerous allegations and counter-allegations circulating in both social and conventional media since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, subjecting the peaceful people of Kogi Central to unwarranted public scrutiny.

“We urge Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to recognise her position as an equal among her peers in the red chamber, to act as a distinguished member, and to concentrate on the mandate entrusted to her by her constituents. She must refrain from distracting others with events that yield no common good.

“This behaviour is not in line with our character; thus, we, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, may be compelled to initiate the recall process if the current public abuse of her privilege of representation continues.”

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has assured Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of her unflinching support on the ongoing battle against the Senate President.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti. You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone,” the outspoken Ezekwesili wrote on her verified X handle on Tuesday.

Police Zone 13 HQs In Trouble Over Land Matters● PSC Petitioned ●To Deal With Officers 

By
The Source
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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission has warned that it will no longer tolerate the prevailing notoriety in the conduct of Officers and Men of the Zone 13 Police Headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra state.

The Commission, in a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, Wednesday, March 5,  is disturbed that the Zone has continued to engage in Police misconduct even in the face of several warnings that Police Officers should stay away from civil matters such as land, marital and rent disputes.

The Commission is in receipt of a petition addressed to its Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, captioned “Complaints of Disregard  to Judicial  Process: Abuse of Power; Intimidation  and Harrasment against Inspector  James of Zone13, Nigeria Police Force, Ukpo Command by the Members  of Umu Ukwueze Family, Umudikwu, Ihe Nsukka from from Agbo & Agbo & Associates and signed by C.S Agbo Esq of Divine Chambers .

The Petitioner said one Mr. Jude Onah broke into a part of their family land and started erecting a perimeter fence using brick  layers and other labourers. He noted that all efforts  to get the said intruder to hands off the land proved abortive but surprisingly his clients and owners of the property were whisked away  to Zone 13 Ukpo without the knowledge of family members.

“When our clients saw the handwriting  on the wall, they instructed us to challenge their arrest in the first place as it became clear to them that the whole game  is meant to persecute  them”  “We then filed motion for the enforcement  of the fundamental rights of our clients….the said motion was promptly served on the respondents. The lawyer in the Petition said despite the service of the motion for fundamental  rights on Inspector James and subsequent arrest of Mr. Amaechi Ezeugwu, the said Inspector continued with threats on our clients for more arrests. ” We filed a motion for injunction to restrain the Police for further harassing  our clients pending the hearing and determination of the main motion.”

He said the most worrisome aspect “is that about three days ago the  same Inspector James started calling the lawyer  we sent to secure our clients bail asking him to ensure that our clients come to his office……threatening  to come down to Nsukka  and carryout massive arrest ”

The lawyer complained that during this period his clients had been extorted to the tune of N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.”

The Commission finds this development shameful and notes that all the Officers involved in this serious act of misconduct would face the Commission’s disciplinary action.

The Chairman of the Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, said he would not rest until he purges the South East of human rights abuses especially in the illegal handling of civil matters especially land disputes.

He warned that the Police should stay away from this and allow the courts to do their job.

Rivers House of Assembly Strips Fubara Of Commissioners, Demands Their Sack, New Nominees Within 48 hours

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara and Martin Chike Amaewhule

By Adesina Soyooye

“Dark cloud which could break into a huge storm is circling Rivers State”

The Rivers State House of Assembly, is going for the broke. Still basking in the euphoria of the Supreme Court judgement of February 28 which handed them the running of the House of Assembly, members, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, are bent on bringing Governor Siminalayi Fubara to his knees.

Since Monday when they officially reconvened, they have not given Fubara a breathing space. And they have not hidden where their possible final destination is – humiliate Fubara, strip him of all powers, and finally, perhaps, impeach him.

For instance, same Monday they resumed, they gave the Governor an ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Budget which he had presented to the five members loyal to him since January. The re-presentation of the Budget was one of the directives of the Supreme Court.

This immediate ultimatum was given to the Governor without any communication to him or with him. It expired on Wednesday and the Governor has so responded that “there is no letter before him from the House”.

They, also, same day, countered the Governor’s  order that the Administrative Heads of Local Governments take over from the elected Local Government Chairmen, whose election, in  October 2024, the Supreme Court annulled, pending a fresh election.

Next, they summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli, rtd, to appear before them within 48 hours to brief them on the October 2024 Local Government Election which the Supreme Court already annulled. If he fails to appear, they threatened, he will be slammed with a warrant of arrest.

Before that could sink in, the Lawmakers  who seem in love with “a-48 hour ultimatum”, demanded of the Governor the sack of his Commissioners and, to present before them, new set of nominees within 48 hours.

They, also, demanded the sack of other appointees not screened by the Lawmakers.

The letter sent to the Governor reads:

“At the 131st Legislative day of the Second Session of the Tenth (10th) Rivers State House of Assembly which held on Wednesday the 5th day of March 2025, the House amongst other matters once again deliberated on your numerous appointments of persons into positions that require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House Assembly and resolved as follows:

“That your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without first forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws.

“That your attention should specifically be drawn to your failure to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation but chose to parade one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as a member of the State Executive Council in this regard, thereby contravening Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

That we should remind you of another infraction of the Constitution in which you illegally swore in several other persons who are parading themselves as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May 2024, namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinedum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13th August 2024 are Illamu Arug; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anyan; Stanley Eke and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbelu; Evans Bipi; Otarinij Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024. Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn in on 8th July 2024, amounting to a total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are Commissioners.

“1: That another infraction of the law is the swearing in of Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanag; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Oyagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on Friday 30th of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.

“2: That the swearing-in of Goodlife Ben as Chairman; Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimemen; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation, contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, is another infraction.

“3: That these appointments by you that are highlighted and other appointments made but not mentioned here for want of space that are not in consonance with extant laws are not only infractions but are seriously threatening our nascent democracy, so should and shall be remedied.

“4: That the House requests you to submit a list of nominees for appointment as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council as well as a list of nominees for appointment to fill vacancies in all the offices mentioned above that those listed but require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly within 48 hours.

“We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful by complying with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws, in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State.

Kindly accept the assurances of our high regards.

“Sincerely,

(Signed)
Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS Speaker”

Not a few people think that dark clouds are circling in Rivers State and likely to break into a huge storm.

Uzodimma: “We’ll continue To Support Christians, Muslims on Holy Pilgrimage”

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma to Support Holy Pilgrimage

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sued for understanding and tolerance among people of diverse cultures and creed in order to ensure peaceful co-existence in the State and the Nation at large.

The Governor brought this to bear when he received the Chairman and Commissioners of National Hajj Commission in his office on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

He related that his administration places premium on promoting religious harmony in the State, pointing out that the tenet of every religion revolves around love for God and mankind and as such, “must be the guiding principles for Muslim and Christian faithful alike.”

The Governor pointed out that the visit of the National Hajj Commission was significant, as Muslims and Christians, especially Catholics all over the world, are observing their holy period.

“it is today you chose to visit the Governor of Imo State. It is a thing of joy because as a Governor, part of my interest is to encourage religious harmony where Christians and Muslims live as brothers and sisters, and  to put the interest of our country first irrespective of religious or political affiliations. It is a wonderful coincidence created by God. Today is Ash Wednesday, Christians (Catholics) all over the world resumed their fasting; Muslims all over the world are also fasting,” he observed.

He promised that both Christians and Muslims will break their fast in Government House to showcase and encourage religious harmony.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman National Hajj Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman said that they were in Imo State to brief the Governor on the preparation for the 2025 Amir Hajj.

He related that the Hajj Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has concluded preparations to receive over 700,000 participants for the 2025 Hajj in Mecca.

Prof. Usman commended Governor Uzodimma for the sustained peace among religious groups and tribes resident in Imo as well as the humongous infrastructural development in the State.

Subsequently,  Governor Uzodimma inaugurated Chairman and members of Imo State Muslim Hajj Board and the 2025 Amir Hajj and members, at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers Government House.

During the inauguration, he enjoined them to be honest in the discharge of their duties and hold the positions entrusted to them with the fear of God.

His words: “If you are a religious leader lead by example whether Christian or Muslim. Don’t be fraudulent in your activities. Ensure that the sponsored Hajj slots get to those deserving them, especially the less privilege.”

Uzodimma recalled that since his assumption of office in 2020 the uppermost in his agenda has been  to promote harmonious coexistence in Imo State where everybody will see himself/herself as brothers and sisters irrespective of religious, tribal or political affiliations.

He noted that despite the initial challenges, the State has been able to record huge success in enthroning peace and harmony among residents.

Responding on behalf of the Board/2025 Amir Hajj, the Chairman of the 2025 Hajj, HRH Alhaji Auwal Suleiman expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for the honour done them and for carrying the Muslim community along in the scheme of things of his administration.

He noted that the Governor, since inception of his administration, has sponsored Muslims to participate in Hajj exercises and in 2025 approved 200 slots to put smiles on the faces of faithful Muslims who could not afford the holy pilgrimage.

He assured that the Board members will ensure fairness in allocating the slots to those it is meant for.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State expanded executive Council, among others witnessed both events.

Court Orders Forfeiture Of N 1.37bn, Allegedly Diverted During El-Rufai’s Govt.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Mallam Nair El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.37 billion, allegedly, diverted from the Kaduna  State Treasury during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The said money has been traced to the account belonging to one Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited.

The funds are alleged to be part of the money earmarked for the construction of the, now, botched light rail project in Kaduna during the  government of El-Rufai.

The order which was issued on February 28, 2025, was sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the Independent  Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, ICPC,  seeking  forfeiture, after tracing the funds to the Company’s account.

Ruling on the application, the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice H. Buhari ,also directed the anti-graft Commission to publish in two national newspapers, calling on persons ” whether human, juristic or artificial having interest in the property to show cause in court why the afforesaid movable property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government”

Earlier, the ICPC  had contended in its application of February 14, 2025, for the money to be forfeited, noting that the light rail project which it was meant for was, afterall, never executed by  El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna state.

The ICPC further averred that the funds were discovered to have been diverted into the account of Indo Kaduna MRTS JV by some Kaduna State Government officials .

Interested persons are to appear on the next adjourned date of April 8, 2025, to show cause why the funds should not be finally forfeited.

Rivers Announces Date For Fresh Council Polls, As House Summons Chairman Over 2024 Exercise

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Sequel to the nullification of its earlier efforts by the Supreme Court, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC,  on Wednesday March 5, 2025, rolled out a time table for the conduct of fresh Local polls.

This is even as the now combative State House of Assembly issued a 48 hour dateline for the Commission’s Chairman to appear before it over issues relating to the annulled 2024 exercise.

The 27 Pro-Wike State Lawmakers, obviously, still savouring their Supreme Court recognition after nearly two years in the wilderness, at plenary on Wednesday, directed the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, rtd, to appear before them to offer some explanations regarding its  Council Elections in 2024.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewfule, warned that failure to honour the invitation would result in the issuance of a arrest warrant on the Commission’s Chairman.

In a move suggesting of its intentions to dig deeper into the trenches, the legislators also, requested Governor Siminalayi Fubara to, immediately, forward all the names of Commissioners who were appointed without being screened by them.

The Lawmakers had, on Monday, March 3, 2025, given the Governor two days to represent the 2025 budget estimate to the House.

Meanwhile, the electoral umpire has fixed Saturday, August 9, 2025 as the date for the conduct of another Local Council Polls in the State.

The Source reports that the earlier efforts on October. 5, 2024, was one of the casualties of last Friday’s Supreme Court verdict.

At a stakeholders meeting, the Chairman, Justice Enebeli, noted that the decision to hold fresh Council Election was in compliance with the pronouncements of the Apex Court of the land.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by session 5 of the RSIEC law, no 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the Commission hereby, provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns.

The Commission, therefore, announces that Local Government Council Election will hold on Saturday, August ,9, 2025, in all the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State”, the Electoral Commission stated.

The Supreme court had, halted the remission of the State’s and Local Council monthly statutory Federal Allocations.

The State’s allocation will be released after the representation of the 2025 appropriation bill to the enlarged House of Assembly led by Speaker Amaewfule ,while that of the Councils will start flowing again after the election of another set of council officials.

Fayemi Rubbishes Any Sexual Harassment Of Senator Natasha

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Kayode Fayemi and Natasha Akpoti

By Adesina Soyooye

An embarrassed and angry immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has denied that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused him of se3ually  harassing her.

Fayemi who reacted to a statement at  Senate Plenary Wednesday, March 5, 2025, made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi that Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Fayemi of such misconduct and that Fayemi would forward a petition to the Senate emphasized that at no time did Akpoti-Uduaghan make such an allegation against Fayemi nor has any other person connected Fayemi’s name to such demeaning conduct.

Fasuyi had at plenary Wednesday, while trying to rubbish the allegations of se3ual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated that Fayemi had, also, suffered same fate in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s hands, and that the former Governor would forward a petition to the Senate.

But in a strongly worded reaction signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajor, Head Fayemi Media Office said that Senator Fasuyi was, obviously, misrepresenting facts, and advised the Ekiti Senator “exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially, on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.”

Following the full text of the Fayemi statements entitled: Clarification Regarding Allegations Made By Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr Kayode Fayemi

“We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s plenary session in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State of sexual harassment.

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or anyone else, for that matter, ever accused Dr Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the distinguished Senator from Ekiti  inadvertently misrepresented the facts as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr Fayemi.

“Consequently, there is no basis for Senator Fasuyi’s further assertion that Dr. Fayemi would be submitting a petition to the Senate in this regard. We would like to believe that in his enthusiasm to defend the Senate President, Senator Fasuyi inadvertently conflated events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

“For the records, the only professional engagement Dr Fayemi ever had with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as the Honourable Minister for Mines and Steel Development when he oversaw matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. While they may have held differing views of the future of the Company at the time, their interactions remained strictly within the realm of policy discussions. At no point did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan make any allegations of misconduct against Dr Fayemi.

“We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.

“Dr Fayemi remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public office, and we reject any attempt to tarnish his name with baseless allegations.”

Sources say that in Akpabio’s defence, a couple of people earlier, allegedly, accused by Akpoti-Uduaghan of harassing her se3ually, are preparing to petition the Senate so as to make nonsense of her current allegation against Akpabio.

On Wednesday, Akpabio, for the first time, denied the allegation on the floor of the Senate, and stated that: “My mother, a single mom, brought me up properly.”

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