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Kenneth Okonkwo  Quits Labour Party, Says “Party Non Existent Now”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo

By Akinwale Kasali

Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood Actor cum politician has finally thrown in the towel by quitting the Labour Party, LP.

His resignation from the Labour Party will be effective from February 25, 2025.

Okonkwo announced his decision to quit the LP on Tuesday in a lengthy post on X.  He said that his decision to resign from the party was because the party is “non-existent as presently constituted.”

He wrote: “In the Constitution of Labour Party, the tenure of the ward, local government, and state party executives is three years (See Article 15(2)(3)(4) of the Labour Party Constitution). Having conducted no congresses at these levels within the constitutionally allowed tenure of the executives, their regimes have effectively expired.

“The former National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his former National Working Committee, having conducted no national convention known to law, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the courts having held that the issue of the leadership of a political party is the internal affair of a political party for which the courts do not have the jurisdiction to entertain, there’s no effective leadership of Labour Party at the national level.

“The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, which was duly and legally set up by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party, after the non-recognition of Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC, and was given six months to conduct congresses and the convention, was the only viable option towards salvaging the Labour Party.

“Unfortunately, Abure and his colleagues, with the collaboration of outside forces, expectedly, being political jobbers, launched unnecessary legal challenges against this Caretaker Committee that have inhibited it from functioning.”

Okonkwo, also a lawyer, said that if Abure was interested in the emergence of a southern candidate in Labour Party to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, he would cede the position of National Chairman to the north.

“Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership of the party. TO all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most and to pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people in all I will decide to do in my political future,” Okonkwo added.

“This resignation takes effect from the 25th of February, 2025, which marks the second anniversary of the Presidential Election of 2023, after which I will be at liberty to join other well- meaning, and like-minded Nigerians in charting a great future of good governance for this great country blessed by God.”

Ebonyi Attack: Igboayaka, OYC President Has Questions To Answer – Gov Nwifuru

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Francis Nwifuru and , Igboayaka O Igboayaka

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Tuesday strongly distanced himself from the arrest and detention of the President of Ohaneze Youth Council, OYC, Igboayaka O Igboayaka.

The OYC leader was  declared abducted by  gunmen in Owerri by his   fellow Youth Council Members shortly after their Convention on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

However, the Ebonyi State Police Command, on Monday, February 10, took responsibility for the whereabouts of the OYC President.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu SP, the Police Command, informed that Igboayaka was arrested on the strength of a petition filed against him in connection with some inflammatory and incendiary  statements regarding the dastardly invasion of Amegu Nkalaha community by gunmen.

The attack led to the death of 16 people. Several others were injured. Many houses were also razed .

According to the Police ,the youth leader is in custody, and will be arraigned, as soon as investigations are concluded.

Social media reports, however had tended to domicile the travails of Igboayaka at the door steps of the Ebonyi state Government.

Speculations are rife that his arrest and subsequent detention, were directed by the Ebonyi State Governor .

But in a statement issued by Monday Uzor; his Media Aide, on Tuesday,Governor Nwifuru described the attempt to link him with the arrest of the youth leader as diversionary and misleading.

This is even as he vowed to ensure that such heinous crime against the people does reoccur.

“In a period when Ebonyians are trying to be psychologically  detached, enemies of the State, masquerading as online merchants and social media contractors, have  again thrown caution to the wind by alleging Governor Nwifuru’s involvement in the arrest of Igboayaka, the factional helmsman of the Ohaneze Youth Council, all in an attempt to distract concentration and temporarily halt the supersonic transformation of the State by the Governor.

“What the social media assassins have failed to understand is that the same Igboayaka claimed responsibility for the attack by stating publicly that he knew when the attack was conceived and hatched, a reason he claimed to have, four days earlier

“Intelligence at our disposal does not, in any way, show that Igboayaka works with the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, NIA, or the Department of State Services, DSS, to be armed with such intelligence that threatens internal security .

“Rather, Igboayaka is a social deviant running a factional arm of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohaneze Ndigbo.

“Let me categorically state that Governor Nwifuru has no hand in the arrest or police action against Comrade Igboayaka.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru remains committed to upholding justice ,ensuring peace and protecting the rights of all Ebonyians, including those who express concerns about security matters .

“It is important to clarify that the role of the Governor is to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard lives and property, not to interfere in law enforcement procedures.

“Any arrest or investigation by the Nigerian police is purely within the jurisdiction of the security agencies, independent of any influence from Governor”, part of the statement reads

The Governor, while condemning in the strongest terms the unprovoked attack on the people of Amegu Nkalaha, however, reassured of his readiness towards collaborating with security agencies to prevent a repeat of such gruesome incident.

Meanwhile, the lead  Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra Leader,  IPOB, Aloy Ejimakor, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the OYC president.

In a statement posted on his official site Monday, Ejimakor questioned both the motives and the manner of Igboayaka’s arrest .

He accused Governor Nwifuru of masterminding the youth leader’s travails.

” I hereby demand the immediate release of Igboayaka Igboayaka, the President of Ohaneze Youth Wing who was, on 8th February, 2025, arrested under questionable circumstances in Owerri and taken to Ebonyi, reportedly on the orders of the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru . Ndigbo should intervene”, Ejimakor stated

Bayelsa Gov Diri Dismisses Alleged Relationship With Ex-BB Naija Star, Nengi Hampson

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has denied having an intimate affair with a former housemate on Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), Nengi Hampson.

A report had claimed that Nengi, 27, recently welcomed a child with 65-year-old Diri and had become his wife.

Reacting to the post, the governor’s spokesperson, Dr Kola Oredipe, described the claims as “baseless fabrications”.

Oredipe noted that Nengi had no personal relationship with Governor Diri.

He stated: “Regrettably, purveyors of fake news are not happy with the towering political profile of the governor.

“While we were inaugurating a brand new road in Yenagoa, social media e-rats were busy spreading falsehoods about the governor.”

Nengi, who hails from Bayelsa State, has also denied the rumours via a post on her X account.

Though Nengi confirmed the pregnancy, she failed to disclose the identity of her partner.

She wrote: “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits so let me be clear, I’m not pregnant for any Governor.

“I’ve chosen to speak coz this isn’t just an attack on me, it involves people I hold in the highest regard, and I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life to be turned into something ugly.

“While I continue to mind my own business and enjoy my pregnancy in PEACE, I wish y’all Love and a happy Valentine’s weekend.”

Nengi rose to fame after she featured on BBNaija season 5, which Laycon won.

In 2020, she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Development to Governor Diri.

Ondo Monarch Dispels Death Rumour

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan

By Ayodele Oni

Flamboyant Ilaje monarch in Ondo state, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, has debunked rumors of his death, stating that he is “hale and hearty.”

The oil magnate monarch, who spoke to journalists through a telephone conference call, expressed his disappointment at the false reports, which he described as “wicked rumors”

Oba Akinruntan revealed that he had received numerous phone calls from around the world, particularly from Ondo State, inquiring about his well-being.

He assured everyone that he is alive and well, and that he had simply traveled for a short vacation. The monarch is expected to return home soon.

Speaking to journalists in Akure this afternoon through his lawyer and Secretary General Afenifere, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in a telephone conference-call, the oil magnate-monarch dismissed the news of his death as a blessing for long life.

He said: “I am hale and hearty. I have received several phone calls all over the world, particularly from Ondo State of my death.

“I was advised by my lawyer on the need to speak to you people to dispel the wicked rumour. Of course I travelled for a short vacation and will be home soon.

“In Yoruba land such rumour is a blessing for long life. Olugbo is alive and well.”

News of the death of the monarch was reported on Tuesday  by some online media.

In a statement, Prince Akinfemiwa Akinruntan, the monarch’s son,  and GMD of OBAT GROUP, also clarified that his father is alive and in good health, enjoying a vacation.

He urged everyone to refrain from spreading false information and respect their family’s privacy during this time

“It’s worth noting that in Yoruba culture, rumors of someone’s death are often seen as a blessing for long life. Oba Akinruntan’s response to the rumors reflects this cultural perspective, as he stated that “Olugbo is alive and well”

As one of the richest kings in Africa, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan is a prominent figure in Nigeria  He is the founder of Obat Oil, one of Nigeria’s largest and most successful private companies.

DIG Moses Jitoboh Goes Home

By
The Source
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Moses Jitiboh - DIG Retired

By Gideon Njoku

Deputy Inspector General, DIG, of Police, Moses Jitoboh, will go home to mother-earth, on 8th March, 2025.

Jitoboh was former Aide de Camp, ADC, to President Goodluck Jonathan when Jonathan was the Governor of Bayelsa State, and later, Vice President of the Federal Republic. He was also the Chief Personal Body Guard to Jonathan from when he became President till he left office on May 29, 2015.

Thereafter, Jitoboh went back to core Police duties and rose the rank of a Deputy Inspector General of Police.

But on December 22, 2024, Jitoboh shocked his family, friends and colleagues by passing on after a brief illness.

A brilliant, well-read, disciplined, competent officer with capacity, Jitoboh was born on June 1, 1970 and joined the Nigerian Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on June 10, 1994.

Not a few people, given Jitoboh’s brilliance and competence, thought he would make the ultimate rank of the Inspector General of Police, but sadly, he, along with other members of the NPF Management Team, were retired just because a new IGP  was appointed to succeed the IGP who had served fully, with even some months added to his tenure.

Jitoboh was only 51 years when he was retired by the Police Service Commission. Pained like most people by what was seen as a waste and an injustice, he sued the  PSC at the National Industrial Court which ordered in November, 2024, his reinstatement as a DIG until 2029 when he would have turned 60 years. He was eagerly waiting for his reinstatement when he suddenly passed.

A release issued by his family, and signed by Macwen Jitoboh and Oyinton-efie Etonye, indicate that his funeral rites will begin on Tuesday 18th February, 2025, Service of Songs at NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja with Service of Songs and would end on March 9 with a Thanksgiving Service at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after the funeral service and interment on March 8, 2025.

Following is the funeral arrangements as announced by the family.

PAINFUL EXIT OF AN ICON

“With heavy hearts and total submission to the will of Almighty God, the families of Godday Jitoboh of Ogorika in Pinaboseigha Quarter of Trofani and HRH felix Lucky Kurubo  of Agienwariabubo compound,  Ekperiwari Town, both in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa state  regret to announce the death of DIG. MOSES AMBAKINA JITOBOH mni Rtd, who passed on to be with the Lord on the 27th of December 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 54.

“He  is survived by; An aged mother, a wife, children, brothers, sisters and  a lot of relations.

“Burial Arrangements;

Tuesday 18th February 2025.

  • Service of Songs at NAF Conference Centre Suite 231, Plot 307,

Ahmodu Bello way, Kado,

Abuja 900108,

Federal Capital Territory

  • Friday 7th March 2025;

12 noon- Lying in state at his residence, Pinaboseigha quarters, Trofani.

  • 7pm till dawn;

Traditional wake keep at Community Secondary School’s field, Trofani.

  • Music to be Supplied by

* JKing Best B Musical band.

  • Saturday 8th March 2025;

10am- Funeral Service to be Conducted by  Royal House of Grace International Church Yenagoa.

12pm- Internment

1pm- Reception

  • Sunday 9th March 2025;

10am- Thanksgiving Service at Royal House of Grace International Church Yenagoa Church Yenagoa.

  • Signed

Macwen Jitoboh,
Oyinton-efie Etonye
FOR THE FAMILY

“They Want To Arrest And Torture Me In NSA’s Office” – El-Rufai

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Adesina Soyooye

“For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of Pres IBB’s memoirs”

The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has made an astonishing disclosure.

El-Rufai who has been having a verbal running battle with President Bola Tinubu’s Aides over his criticisms of the Administration, in a post on his X platform,Tuesday morning, alleged that he has been informed that there of a plan to arrest him, throw him into a dungeon in the NSA’s office, and torture him. He, also, alleged they want intimidate him and force him into a self imposed exile. But he has an answer to that – a capital NEVER. Instead, he says he has decided to put on hold his academic pursuits and the learning of foreign languages, and stay in Nigeria more often than before.

El-Rufai disclosed that the plan to do him in was revealed to him by his ally – Imran Wakili – who he threw under the bus by revealing his identity. The implication, a number of people think, is that Wakili could be asked  to explain how and provide proof.

However, El-Rufai says he is not afraid of anybody or anything or even death. Like Julius Ceaser, he said death will come when it will come. “We depend on no one but Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst. He said he had been detained three times, but won’t give anybody the satisfaction of going on exile like he had once done.

To confirm his decision, he has put whoever on notice that he would be home soon to attend the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs scheduled for February 20, 2025.

El-Rufai disclosed all these in a letter he wrote to Wakili, his ally and “informant” which  he aptly titled: “DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY. WHAT WILL BE WILL BE”

Following is the full text of El-Rufai’s statement posted on his X platform Tuesday, February 11, 2025. It was addressed to Wakili.

‘DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY. WHAT WILL BE WILL BE’

“Dear Imran @IU_Wakilii,

“Your post below refers. I have been hearing these same rumors of arrest, detention and torture in some dungeon in the NSA’s office (where Emefiele was allegedly tortured to resign as CBN governor), since July 2024 when the so-called report of the Kaduna Assembly began circulating.

“They freaked out when we challenged the legality of the premeditated defamation, and went to every length to compromise the judicial process, and this is continuing at the Court of Appeal.

“They have sent such similar messages of intimidation and threats through many of my friends, family and political associates because they want me to go on self-imposed exile.

“I will not.

“I have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold and will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option.

“The arrest, detention and torture of perceived political enemies are nothing new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained thrice in the past for expressing my views of previous governments.

“There is always a morning after the arrest or detention or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it is when Allah destines it, and it is ultimate the date of every human.

“For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of Pres IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for 20th February.

“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst.

“Thanks @IU_Wakilii for your concern, but, remember that what will be, will always be.”

Instructively, El-Rufai and the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu were very close friends. They worked together, especially, during the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s PDP Government. At the time, Ribadu was the founding Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and El-Rufai, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

El-Rufai is, also, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, and  led a delegation of APC Governors in the North to former President Muhammadu Buhari to impress it on him that the APC must zone its Presidential ticket to the South. That was what gave birth to the Tinubu Presidency.

Things, however, went awry when the Senate rejected to clear El-Rufai’s nomination by Tinubu as a Cabinet Minister. It is said that he allegedly holds Tinubu and Ribadu responsible for his humiliation by the Senate.

Sharia Controversy: South west Muslims Are Suffering In Silence- JAMB Registrar 

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar
Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar
Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar, Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, JAMB, says muslims in the South west of the country have been suffering in silence because of absence to Sharia court.
According to him, the Muslims in the region have the rights to chose whether to have Sharia courts or not, because other religious organisations also have their own way of resolving issues.
The JAMB boss who is also the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, says “there’s nothing wrong” with muslims demand for the islamic jurisprudence in the region.
Prof Oloyede spoke amidst the controversy trailing the agitation, by some Muslim leader, for the establishment of Sharia courts in the region.
The issue has fueled some concerns amongst traditional and religious leaders in the country, as mitigations continue to douse the tension to stop it from leading to a major crisis, after some Islamic leaders in Oyo and Osun states insisted on the establishment of sharia panels in the six states of the zone.
Oloyede said the agitations for Sharia courts, by Muslims in the zone should not be discountenance, for peace to reign.
He explained that those opposed to Sharia in the zone are doing it in ignorance, saying Muslims have been under psychological torment because they were denied their rights of living under Sharia jurisprudence.
Oloyede said, “I believe that Nigeria is great and Nigeria will continue to be great but it requires a lot of rethinking. Recently, people are talking about Sharia Panels in South-West and I was just smiling; I was smiling that I had never seen that level of ignorance being displayed. Sharia Panel in Oyo State, somebody did a PhD thesis on it in 2007 which means it had been there before 2007.
“The person who wrote on that appraisal is a professor today in Ibadan. He is Prof Makinde, and the governor coincidentally is Makinde. I don’t know whether they are related.
“When you have such a situation (of religious tolerance) and you do not continue to monitor what you are doing, you will be living in the past. I’m a Muslim from the South-West. The Muslims from the South-West pay psychologically for the peace and harmony that we are talking about.
“The churches are licensed by the government to conduct marriages that are statutory and if you have any dispute within your marriage, you go to government-funded high courts for dispute resolution.
“If there is a dispute in my marriage, where do I go? I don’t have the opportunity because I married according to Islamic rites, I will have to go to customary court where the customary judge knows next to nothing about my faith, about the laws on the basis on which we got married. He would now use customary law to determine Islamic marriage and the Constitution of Nigeria allows it to say where the state of assembly allows it, there should be Sharia Courts of Appeal.
“There have been Sharia Court of Appeal in different parts of the country, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria. When we say there is harmony, it means somebody is suffering in silence but when the person speaks, they say: ‘Why are you making noise?’” he said.

“Compelling  Iwuanyanwu To Walk For Over 20 Minutes To Visit Kanu At DSS HQ Fatally Affected His Health”  – Son

By
The Source
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Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Son Jidechukwu

By Gideon Njoku

The first son of late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Jidechukwu, has given an inkling into what, perhaps, finally, led to his father’s passing.

Iwuanyanwu, politician, philanthropist, business mogul, entrepreneur, was the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide when he passed. He was aged 82 at the time.

While the cause of his death which seemed sudden to a number of people, except, perhaps, family, remained a subject of speculation, and at best, attributed to old age, his son, Jidechukwu has given an inkling into what may have finally contributed to it.

In a statement he released from Glass House, the Headquarters of his father’s business empire in Owerri, on Monday, January 10, Iwuanyanwu jnr. revealed that the ordeal his father was subjected to in a bid to see detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at his detention facility at the Headquarters of the Department of State Security, DSS, was a major contributing factor.

Jide revealed that the visit to Kanu at his DSS detention facility was his father’s last outing.

Briefly stating what transpired, Jidechukwu said inspite of his father’s age and fragile health, the late statesman was not allowed to be driven to the DSS Headquarters. He disclosed that Chief Iwuanyanwu was, therefore, compelled to walk for over 20 minutes to see the IPOB Leader.

Back home after that visit, Jidechukwu said his father complained of the toll on his heart. He, thereafter, collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital from where he never came back alive.

He also revealed that his father, while in the hospital, worried about the continued detention and prosecution of Kanu. He, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to honour the memory of his late father by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He insisted that Kanu’s problem would only be resolved politically.

Jidechukwu’s words in the release:

“My dad’s last outing was to the DSS facility to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He was made to walk for over 20 minutes as they didn’t let him drive in to see Kanu. Undettered, my father sojourned on to see Kanu, and had a father, son moment with Kanu. On returning home, my father complained of his heart and retired to his room to rest. The next morning he broke down, and was rushed to the hospital. He was at the hospital till his death. While at the hospital he was still fighting for Kanu’s release and the realization of South East Development Commission for the betterment of ‘Ala Igbo’. I’m sure if he were alive he would have been happy to see one of his wishes come true”.

He added that   Kanu’s release will not only bring peace to the security-challenged South-east Zone but also end the Monday sit-at-home which has destroyed the Regions economy.

Jidechukwu: “I use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to not let my father’s death be in vain, for his wish to be granted in releasing Mazi Kanu, which will also bring peace to our nation, and to Igboland”.

Chief Iwuanyanwu passed om July 26, 2024.

Kanu’s case was adjourned indefinitely on February 10, 2025, by the trial Judge, the House Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Kanu rejected continuation of his trial by Nyako, insisting that on his request, the Judge had refused herself from his case.

Rivers: “Urchins Are Celebrating Supreme Court Ruling, It Changes Nothing” – Rivers Govt

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

Oko-Jumbo Remains Speaker

The Rivers State Government has said that the dismissal of its case over the representation of the 2024 Budget has no effect whatsoever on the status of governance in the State.

The Government explained that the dismissal of the case by the  Supreme Court is a product of its withdrawal by the State Government.

It said that the State Government  withdrew the case as it concerns the 2024 Budget has become an exercise in futility, an academic exercise because the 2024 Budget has since been implemented and the fiscal year ended. Indeed, the Governor has already presented the 2025 Budget, as he did in 2024, before the three-member led Victor Oko-Jumbo House of Assembly and not the pro-Nyesom Wike Martin Amaewhule Assembly.

The Government also said that the judgment does not affect the status of the position of  Oko-Jumbo as the  Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, explained in Port Hacourt on Monday that the Supreme Court does not waste its time on inconsequential matters.

His words: “The 2024 Budget became spent on December on 31st   of 2024 fiscal year. The appeal is of no useful purpose. The only reasonable thing left to do is to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed.

“The Supreme Court is a very busy Court. It will be most unwise to belabor the Honourable Court with academic appeals without any practical or utilitarian value.

“That is the appeal that urchins are celebrating. There is no Supreme Court judgment against Governor Fubara. Ignore the outdated political propaganda by some desperate politicians.

“Supreme Court ruled on the appeal over the 2024 Budget voluntarily withdrawn by Governor Fubara because 2024 Budget cycle have ended and no need wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented. Rt. Hon. Jumbo is still authentic Speaker and nothing can change that.”

The Government’s stand is strongly supported by Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere Ikenga and the Coalition of opposition members which he leads in favour of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Addressing Journalists in Abuja after the Supreme Court judgement, he said: “Governor Fubara did not lose any case at the Supreme Court. He withdrew his appeal over the 2024 Budget because it has already expired and been fully implemented. The Supreme Court simply struck it out.

“The sacked, disgruntled Martin Amaewhule and the pro-Wike group are jubilating out of ignorance. The Supreme Court judgement was based on Governor Fubara’s voluntary withdrawal of the case since the 2024 Budget has already been fully spent and implemented.”

Senior Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, also laughed at those celebrating the purported loss of Fubara at the Court. He said: “When an Appeal is dismissed not on merit but on the basis of withdrawal by the appellant, the question of celebration doesn’t arise. What happened in this case is that the Governor of Rivers State instructed his lawyers to withdraw the appeal on the grounds that it has become an academic exercise. The Court did not determine who is a Speaker or who is not a Speaker. It didn’t come up.”

Kano Sanctions Judicial Officials Over Bribery, Corruption

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission on Monday, February 10, 2025, announced various disciplinary measures against some  erring officials.

At its 79th meeting, the Commission approved the immediate retirement of Hudu Idris , the Registrar of the Upper Shariah Court, Gwarzo Division over bribery and corruption.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Commission, Bala Jibo, said that before his compulsory retirement, Idris was demoted by one grade as an additional punishment.

In the same vein, a casual staff, at the Shariah Court, Abba Bala Gwarzo, also had his appointment terminated over his role in the bribery saga.

The Commission informed that the action against the officials was in tandem with the findings and recommendation of an investigative Committee .

“Both individuals admitted to corrupt practices amounting to N214 ,000 during an investigation .

The Commission, in line with its commitment to maintaining judicial integrity, adopted the JPCC’s recommendations and took these measures” the Commission stated .

According to the statement,  the  Commission at the meeting also voted to lift the earlier suspension order slammed on three officials over alleged forgery.

Bilya Abdullahi ,Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil andn Ismaila Garba ,were suspended over allegations of forging a Court reversal order .

After a Police investigation and a legal review by the Director of Public prosecution DPP ,it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them, the statement further noted .

However, the Commission while lifting the suspension order, issued a stern warning to one of the officials- Bilya Abdullahi.

The Commission expressed its unwavering commitment towards upholding and maintaining public trust in the Judicial system through its firm opposition to corruption and other unethical conducts .

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