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“You Lied, Recovered Loot Not Mine” –  Diezani Alison-Madueke To FG

By
The Source
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Diezani Alison-Madueke

By Gideon Njoku

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Petroleum Resources Minister, has distanced herself from the $52.8 million loot returned to Nigeria from the United States of America.

On January 10, 2025, the Nigerian Government had announced that the loot, recovered from the sale of Galactica is linked to the former Minister.

The recovery of the loot quickly dubbed Diezani Alison-Madueke loot was announced by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, during a formal signing ceremony for its return in Abuja.

But in a statement, the former Petroleum Resources Minister under the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan, strongly denied she has anything to do with the loot. On the contrary she said in the statement issued on her behalf by the Chambers of her Attorney,   Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Diezani who, since she left office lives in London, disclosed that the returned funds belong to Kola Aluko, a Nigerian entrepreneur who deals in oil. Any connection to Diezani, the statement said, is unfounded and malicious and cruel.

Titled “There is no such thing as Diezani Loot.”, the

statement from Ozekhome Chambers reads:

“My Chambers makes this intervention in the public domain as Solicitors to Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM) ,the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, HMPR.

“As her Solicitors, we are fully versed in, and conversant with her present ordeal and the entire facts surrounding her matters both here in Nigeria and abroad. So, we write from the vantage position of one that is aware of the cocktail of lies that have been spurned around her cases in the last ten years.

“Many of the narratives are outrightly false; some others sheer outlandish speculations; and most, simply bizzare stories cooked up by her traducers to extract a Shylock’s pound of flesh from her for reasons she does not know and cannot even fathom.

“This intervention, therefore, seeks to correct this skewed narrative and set the records straight for purposes of history. Many Nigerians often talk about wanting ‘technocrats’ to be involved in governance. They desire that people with character and integrity should join politics.

“We agree with them. However and regrettably too, now and again and many a time, the same people not only allow, but actually join the bandwagon to mob-lynch those who chose to serve the nation.

“And we often do this insidiously, covertly and overtly, even when there is no concrete or even any iota of proof that such public officers ever abused their offices or stole from public coffers.

“It is therefore surprising and of great concern to us, to see the level of sustained vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen who has not yet been tried and found guilty of any offence known to law by any court of law whether in Nigeria or abroad. The person at the receiving end is Citizen Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM)

“We note with concern the recent deliberate attempt to link her with what has been described as a civil forfeiture of a yacht Galactica, the sale of which was said to have yielded $52.8m to the US government; which sum has since been repatriated to Nigeria.

‘This is a clear example of the mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady through a bouquet of consistent, persistent and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods and misinformation.

“The purveyors of this line of misinformation term it ‘name-and-shame’. To sell the storyline, the architects ensured they attached Diezani’s name to a recovered yacht which is not in any way linked to her.

“They now falsely termed it “Diezani loot”. Nothing of the sort ever happened. She was never been involved in the purchase, use and sale of the said yacht.

“The yacht Galactica, from information readily available in the public domain and in open sources, was purchased by Mr Kola Aluko who had used the vessel until he agreed to its forfeiture to the United States of America.

“The yacht Galactica was neither owned nor ever used by our client. DAM has, in fact, never set her eyes on the yacht. Kola Aluko is an experienced businessman who had been in business well before DAM came into office as HMPR.

“The only tenuous basis for deliberately linking DAM to the said yacht is the false narrative that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) which were entered into between Kola Aluko & Jide Omokore’s Atlantic Energy companies and NNPC, were allegedly corruptly awarded to the said companies by DAM.

DAM was not the GMD of the NNPC and so, did not and could not have awarded the said contracts.

“We plead, as her lawyers, with all and sundry that she be accorded fair hearing and that the process of these UK court proceedings be allowed to take their natural course to avoid prejudice to her in the ongoing subjudice UK proceedings against her.

”Those purveyors and peddlers who habitually spin these outrightly false, unfounded, defamatory, unintelligent and indefensible narratives to denigrate and humiliate her should please find better use of their time and leave DAM alone.

“Let the law take its natural course without interference. We humbly pray.”

Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, had disclosed that $50 million of the funds would be  channelled through the World Bank for rural electrification projects, while the balance of $2.8 million would go to the International Institute of Justice to support anti-corruption initiatives.

Diezani has been in the storm since she left office at the end of President Jonathan’s Government in 2015.

‘We are Heading to the Supreme Court’ – LP National Caretaker Committee

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The Source
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Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

The Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party is going to seek further clarification from the Supreme Court on the leadership dispute in the party.

Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman, the Chairman of the Committee set up by the leadership of the party confirmed this fact at the weekend to clear the ambiguities in the ruling of the Appeal Court.

The November 13, 2024, and January 17, 2025 rulings of the Court of Appeal have brought up issues that only the Supreme Court can clarify, and the Caretaker Committee has instructed their lawyer accordingly.

The Caretaker Committee has, therefore, instructed their supporters across the country to be patient.

Recall that on 4th September 2024 critical stakeholders of the party comprising

its 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the Sole Governor elected on the party platform in Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti and other elected and critical stakeholders across the country met in Umuahia, the Abia state capital and constituted the body to plan an all-inclusive National Convention for the party before the Barr Julius Abure led team went to the court.

The National Caretaker Committee Chairman, SEN. NENADI USMAN, and the National Caretaker Committee Secretary, SEN. DARLINGTON NWOKOCHA had on Saturday issued  a statement to the effect that Court of Appeal’s judgement of Friday, January 17, did not reaffirm Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the LP contrary to the claims of Abure and his dissolved Executive Council.

NDLEA Nabs India-Bound Female Student, Set To Ingest 76 Wraps Of Cocaine

By
Akinwale Kasali
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NDLEA Nabs India-Bound Female Student

By Akinwale Kasali

Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a 26-year-old Nursing Student of Noida International University in Uttar Pradesh, India, has been arrested by Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano, as she attempted to smuggle 76 Wraps of cocaine by ingesting them before boarding her return flight to India.

In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the Flight was scheduled to fly to Delhi, India, on Qatar Airways flight 14.32 on Friday, January 17, 2025, while Esther was arrested at 11:30 PM on Thursday, January 16, at the Royal Park Hotel in Sabon Gari, Kano.

It was disclosed by the NDLEA that Esther was waiting to receive the cocaine consignment for ingestion before her departure.

The breakthrough came when NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi State intercepted 31-year-old Cosmas Okorie in a commuter bus traveling from Lagos to Kano.

It was revealed that Okorie had 76 Cocaine Pallets weighing 1.34 kilograms hidden inside an audio speaker, destined for delivery to Esther.

Following his arrest, a swift operation led to Esther’s capture in Kano the same day.

In her statement, Esther admitted that she was recruited by a drug cartel in India which sponsored her trip to Nigeria under the guise of holidaying during Christmas and New Year.

To maintain secrecy from her parents, she avoided her home state, Imo, and, instead, stayed at a hotel in Enugu before traveling to Abuja and then Kano. She was promised over $5,000 if she successfully delivered the drugs to India.

Other NDLEA operations along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja highway resulted in the arrest of four suspects—Abdullahi Umar, Tijjani Samaila, Lucky Obotte, and Abubakar Haruna—transporting over 38,000 tramadol pills concealed in audio speakers and clothing.

In Lagos, a special operations unit raided the Ojodu-Berger residence of 59-year-old Nwokedi Emeka Jonas, seizing 10 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 4.9kg and assorted retail packaging materials labeled with street names like “Dead Man” and “Gelato Cake.”

Additional raids in the State led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of significant quantities of skunk, tramadol, and other illicit substances, along with delivery vehicles.

In Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested several suspects, including Usama Adamu and Isah Ibrahim, from whom 7.6kg of skunk, 78 tubes of rubber solution, and 356 bottles of the psychoactive substance “suck and die” were recovered. Another operation along Zaria Road led to the seizure of 49.8kg of skunk from 29-year-old Usman Isa.

NDLEA operations in Kwara, Taraba, Abuja, and other regions resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs, including tramadol, cannabis, methamphetamine, and codeine syrup, and the arrest of numerous suspects.

The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs across the country, conducting lectures in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. Advocacy visits included a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

Commending the efforts of NDLEA personnel nationwide, the agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), encouraged them to remain steadfast in their fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Group Slams Emir Of Kano For Undermining Tinubu’s Economic Policies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Emir Sanusi Lamido and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

A Northern Group, Northern Patriotic Coalition for Democracy, NPCD, have lambasted the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi II, over his recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies.

The Group described the Emir’s statements as reckless, misinformed, and driven by personal interests.

The NPCD accused the former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, of lacking the moral authority to advise the government on economic matters, given his own chequered past as Managing Director of First Bank and Governor of the Apex Bank.

The Group went down memory lane, and said that during Sanusi’s tenure at First Bank, he oversaw a series of questionable loan approvals that contributed to the banking crisis which ultimately led to the establishment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to salvage the financial sector.

Furthermore, the Group criticised Sanusi’s policies as CBN Governor, and described them as inconsistent and often controversial.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Mohammed Yahaya, NPCD Convener, argued that his actions failed to translate into meaningful reforms, and instead, reinforced the status quo, exacerbating the country’s economic woes.

It also expressed its full support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates. These reforms, they noted, have received widespread endorsement from global economic experts and institutions like the World Bank and IMF.

The NPCD said Sanusi’s recent comments are unhelpful, divisive, and reflective of his partisan loyalty rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s economic well-being. They questioned whether Sanusi’s posture was motivated by a desire to settle personal scores or further his own political interests.

“Let us recognize that President Tinubu has taken bold steps to correct decades of economic mismanagement. The removal of the fuel subsidy, while initially challenging, was a necessary move to free up resources for critical infrastructure and social investments which has further helped mitigate its impact on the vulnerable populations,” the statement said.

“The unification of the exchange rate has also been widely praised by global financial institutions, including the World Bank and IMF, as a step toward long-term economic stability.

“Secondly, it is worth noting that these reforms have received widespread support from global economic experts. The World Bank has projected positive growth for Nigeria’s economy in the coming years, affirming that we are on a path to recovery.

“Evidently, the Tinubu administration is steering Nigeria in the right direction, despite the temporary pains of adjustment. It is no news that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated its openness to dialogue with stakeholders with meaningful contributions across various sectors.

“This government has prioritized transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.  Additionally, efforts are underway to communicate these policies effectively in local languages, ensuring that all Nigerians understand the benefits of these reforms.

“Rather than acknowledging these efforts or contributing positive ideas to enhance their effectiveness, Sanusi opted for a cynical and self-serving narrative. In contrast, what has Sanusi offered? Criticisms that are devoid of actionable solutions and reflect a parrot-like analysis of Nigeria’s economic situation.

“He speaks of problems but offers no roadmap for resolution. This pattern of empty rhetoric is unhelpful and unbecoming of someone who claims to be a patriot. We believe that such inconsistency raises serious questions about the integrity of his arguments.

“Does Sanusi have a personal grudge against the policies, or is his criticism motivated by anything else? His recent comments give a clear picture of being more about settling personal scores and furthering partisan goals than they are about the actual content of economic reforms.”

The group, therefore, urged Sanusi to abandon his cynical criticisms and engage constructively with the government to address the challenges facing Nigeria.

They emphasised the importance of cooperation, diligence, and a common dedication to the advancement of the country, rather than petty politics and personal agenda.

Sanusi has since said his statement was taken out of context, and has accused the Federal Government of deliberately sensitizing what he said.

Finally, Soludo Removes Igwe Achebe As Chair, Anambra Council of Traditional Rulers

By
The Source
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Igwe Achebe and Charles Soludo

By Charles Igbo

It had been long expected, according to sources who insist that the relationship between Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and the revered and urbane Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe is untidy.

For several years, Igwe Achebe had been the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers. Not a few people believe that the Onitsha Stool is the most respected and revered Traditional Stool in Igboland, aside from the all-round high profile of its current occupant, including in the corporate world. At one time, Achebe was a very senior staff of Shell, and in the recent past, the Chairman of a solid bank. Not a few, also, believe that for all that and more, the position of the Chair of the State’s Traditional Rulers’ Council is not rotatary; that whoever occupies the Stool of the Obi of Onitsha remains the Permanent Chair.

But all that changed on Saturday when Soludo announced a change of baton.

At the launch of a security initiative, Operation Udo Ga-chi, in the State besieged by insecurity, Soludo named the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, as the

new Chair of the Council.

In January 2024 when the Governor had issues with some Traditional Rulers for daring to confer chieftaincy  titles on the late Senator Uba who, before his sudden passing, was set to challenge Soludo in 2025 for the Governorship seat, the Governor  had noted that that the constitution of the Traditional Rulers Council was improper, and contravened the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendedment) Law, 2020. He  had noted that, as constituted, the Council can neither make any valid decisions, nor function legally, given the provisions of the Law.

The law was then amended and provided that the Chairmanship of the Council be rotated among the three Senatorial Zones.

It thus began with Igwe Iweka, Anambra Central, a celebrated author. Igwe Achebe was from Anambra North and had taken that slot.

The Governor did not say for how long Igwe Iweka will remain the Chair of the Council.

Ondo State Police Command Busts Child Trafficking Syndicate, Recovers 32 Suspected Stolen Kids, Arrests Three Suspects

By
Ayodele Oni
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Child Trafficking Syndicate

By Ayodele Oni

32 kids suspected to have been stolen at different locations in the country have been recovered by the Ondo State Police Command.

The command also arrested two women and a man suspected to be ring leaders of child trafficking

Briefing journalists in Akure at the weekend, the Commissioner of Police,

Willfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, revealed that the syndicate’s activities were botched following a report of a missing child in Akure.

According to him: “The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a syndicate whose specialty is in child stealing and trafficking.  A case of a missing child was reported at Okuta Elerin-Nla Division in Akure.

“A complainant reported that a man, Samuel Adejobi (real name: Lukman Isiaka, m age , 42 years), and a woman, Ewatomi (real name: Abosede Olanipekun), came to her shop pretending to be siblings to eat, while playing with the complainant’s child, Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for the baby.

“Meanwhile, Lukman distracted the complainant by engaging her in a personal conversation and requested she followed her to Olukayode plaza in the market to get a mobile phone.

“On getting to the market area, he abandoned her and left, on getting back to the shop, the complainant discovered that her child was missing with no trace of Abosede the supposed sister of the man she followed to the market, thus a report was made at the Division.

“Through intelligence-led policing, the suspects were traced to Ottah Village in Edo State, where they were arrested.

“During interrogation, the suspects admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to one Sabira Izuorah ‘f’ age 62 years) in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) per child.

“Subsequently, Sabina was arrested in Ihiala and the following babies were found in her custody:

  1. Baby Favour (female, 3 weeks old)
  2. Baby Chidera (female, 2 weeks old)
  3. Baby Chinyere (female, 2 months and 5 days old)
  4. Baby Uzoma (male, 1 week old)

“Also, on the 14th of January 2025, ten children sold by Mrs. Izuorah were rescued from various locations, and the following were identified by their parents:

  1. Dauda Alarape (male, 3½ years)
  2. Babalola David (male, 4 years)
  3. Asaolu Pamilerin (7 years)
  4. Ayomide Abass (male, 2 years, stolen from Orita-Obele, Akure)
  5. Komolafe Oluwasekemi (female, 4 years, stolen from Igado, Ilesha)
  6. Adedeji Olalekan (male, 6½ years)
  7. Ahmed Abdulrasaq (male, 5½ years, stolen from Ibodi Town, Osun State)
  8. Mary Wuraola (female, 2 years, stolen from Ilesha, Osun State)
  9. Mubarak Akinwunmi (male, 6 years, stolen from Osogbo, Osun State)
  10. Unknown child (name/parents yet to be identified, stolen from Osun State).

“Some children are currently on the missing list while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them. The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.”

The commissioner further announced the arrest a man that specializes in stealing of vehicles from where they were parked.

“In 2024, a case of car theft (removed from a park) at Oke Aro, Akure was reported to the Police, the vehicle was flagged down at the Licensing office. Two weeks ago, the vehicle was presented for registration at the Licensing office and the Police was alerted.

“The man who came to register the car claimed he purchased the vehicle in Lagos at the rate of Four Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira (4,300,000.00 from a car Dealer by name Temidayo Folajimi ‘M’ age 43 years who led the police to one Rotimi akinsanoye ’m’ age 38years.

“During interrogation, Rotimi confessed that he is the mastermind behind most vehicles stolen (removal from Parks) and confessed to have moved a total of seven vehicles out of the state.

“The vehicles he claimed he removed from where parked includes: Two (2) Toyota Camry Popularly known as tiny light, one Honda CRV car, two (2) Toyota Corolla 2003 and 2005 model, 2 Toyota Corolla.

“He claimed five (5) out of the stolen cars were butchered and sold as spare parts by his cohort Waheed Adekanbi (aka Elubo) in Lagos.

“Two of the vehicles have been recovered while others have been destroyed. Waheed Adekanbi ‘m’ age 51years is in custody, helping the police with necessary information needed to confirm the veracity of the claim that the remaining vehicles have been destroyed and sold as spare parts.”

NIS Alerts On New Anti Religion Sect With Base In Kaduna

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria Immigration Service

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has alerted the general public on the emergence of a new sect, Achad Life Mission International, which does not believe in any for of religion.

NIS stated that the new sect is neither linked to Islam nor Christianity. Instead, it preaches the restoration of African Tradition.

In a memo dated January 14, 2025, and signed by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Comptroller General, Dr Adedotun Aridegbe, a Controller of Immigration Service (CIS), the Service urged all its Directorates, Zones, Training Institutions, Commands, and Border Formations to take note of the New Sect.

According to NIS, the Sect has its Headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos. It added that the sect might be involved in human trafficking and child separation.

The memo reads: “I am directed to inform you that the intelligence gathered by the Service reveals the emergence of a new Sect called ACHAD Life Mission International.

“The intelligence reports that the sect has its Headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos, Plateau State. It further notes that the sect neither believes in Islam nor Christianity, but preaches the restoration of the African tradition and support to humanity.

“The intelligence further reveals that the sect has been canvassing for members both within and outside Nigeria, and is possibly involved in human trafficking and child separation.

“In light of the above, you are requested to stay vigilant, and report immediately any sign of the sect, and where possible, arrest and revert accordingly.”

Nigeria, in the past many years, has been grappling with a couple of these sects, including Boko Haram.

“Abure Lied, Appeal Court Did Not Reaffirm Him LP National Chairman” – Party Caretaker Leadership

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Esther Nenadi Usman and Julius Abure

By Adesina Soyooye

The National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, LP, has put a lie to the claims and news story which made the rounds on Friday that the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed embattled Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman.

On Friday, media space was awash with the ruling which, purportedly, was favourable to Abure and his Executive in a case to sort out the leadership crisis rocking the Party.

Recall that in the heat of the crisis, its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Election, Peter Obi, and its only State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, had, at a meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, hosted by Otti, set up a Caretaker Committee, headed by Senator Esther  Nenadi Usman to stabilise the Party and organize a credible convention which will usher in a new National Executive.

The action, effectively, sacked the crisis-prone Abure Executive which had been accused of sundry  misdemeanors including alleged corruption. But Abure and co. had proceded to a Federal High Court in Abuja presided by the Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite where they got positive judgement on 8th October, 2024. That  prompted an appeal by the Senator Usman-led Caretaker Committee.

On Friday, January,17,2025, the media space was awash with the news of a Court  of Appeal ruling in favour of Abure and his status as National Chairman of the Party.

However, on Saturday, the Leadership of the Caretaker Committee in a statement signed by Senator Usman as Chairman, and Senator Darlington Nwaokocha as Secretary, put a lie to the Abure-victory claim.

Contrary to that, the statement said, the ruling by the Court of Appeal “unreservedly, allowed its appeal against the earlier judgement by a Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

Following, the full text of the statement which confirms that the Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Usman is still in charge of the Labour Party, LP.

JUDGMENT IN APPEAL NO: CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024; SEN. NENADI ESTHER USMAN & ANOR v. LABOUR PARTY & ANOR

As the duly recognized National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Secretary of the Labour Party, we, on behalf of ourselves and other members of the National Caretaker Committee, deem it necessary to issue this Press Release to clarify and set the records straight.

Firstly, today, 17th January 2025, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Abuja Division, in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024; SEN. NENADI ESTHER USMAN & ANOR v. LABOUR PARTY & ANOR, unreservedly allowed our appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, delivered on 8th October 2024 by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite.

In its judgment delivered today, the Court of Appeal upheld the following:

  1. Lack of Jurisdiction: The Court of Appeal affirmed that Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, filed before the Federal High Court by Barr. Julius Abure, was a leadership dispute, over which the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction.
  1. Error by the Federal High Court: The Federal High Court erred and acted without jurisdiction by entertaining the leadership dispute brought before it by Barr. Julius Abure.
  1. Violation of Fair Hearing: The Federal High Court violated our right to fair hearing by failing to consider our Counter-Affidavit filed in opposition to the suit before it.

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal struck out the suit filed before the Federal High Court for lack of jurisdiction.

It is important to address the erroneous and unsolicited finding by the Court of Appeal that, in a judgment it delivered on 13th November 2024 in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024; LABOUR PARTY v. OLUSOLA EBISENI & ORS, Julius Abure was “admitted as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.” This finding is completely inconsistent with the substantive judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal.

For clarity, the judgment delivered on 13th November 2024 in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 pertains to the nomination of a Governorship Candidate for the Ondo State Governorship Election. It has no connection whatsoever to the leadership dispute, which was the crux of the instant suit.

Furthermore, we reiterate the established legal principle in Nigeria that courts lack jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including leadership and management issues. Therefore, we commend the Court of Appeal for upholding the position that the leadership dispute in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024 is non-justiciable and outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Finally, we wish to remind the public that on 4th September 2024, the Labour Party constituted a National Caretaker Committee, appointing the undersigned, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, as the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the National Caretaker Committee Secretary. Both have been diligently and effectively carrying out their duties to the admiration of stakeholders and the entire membership of the party.

Signed:

SEN. NENADI ESTHER USMAN

National Caretaker Committee Chairman

SEN. DARLINGTON NWOKOCHA

National Caretaker Committee Secretary

“Take Your Vehicles Off Akwa Ibom Roads, If You Don’t Have Third-Party Insurance”, Police Warn

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

All vehicles found without valid third party insurance within Akwa Ibom state roads, after February 1,2025, will be intercepted, the State Police Command has said.

This is even as it warned of dire consequences for law enforcement officers who through unprofessional conducts try to sabotage compliance with the policy.

The Command, therefore , appealed to motorists to ensure compliance on or before the dateline.

The Source reports that ,the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, had recently revealed that the Service will soon begin the  enforcement of the third party insurance policy on vehicle owners  across the country.

In a statement at the weekend issued by its spokesperson, Timfon John DSP, the State Police Command, also, warned that vehicles impounded ,will only be released after the presentation of valid insurance documents.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that in compliance with section 68 of the insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle ( Third Party Insurance ) Act ,enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance will officially commence across the state on 1st of February, 2025.

“This directive emphasized by the Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun highlights the legal requirement for all vehicle owners to possess valid third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.

“This exercise is designed to protect road users, ensure accountability and promote compliance with tragic laws.

“All vehicles found without valid third-party insurance will be seized and taken to the nearest police formation .

“Such vehicles will only be released upon the presentation of valid insurance documents.

“The Command also issues a strict warning to officers participating in the enforcement to avoid any form of unprofessional conducts,particularly  extortion, which will attract severe disciplinary action”, the Police statement partly reads.

Niger: Tanker Explosion Claims 50 Lives, Distraught Gov Bago Orders Rescue Operation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tanker Explosion along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja

By Ayodele Oni

Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Niger state where no fewer than 50 persons  lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion on Saturday along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area.

Several others sustained various degrees of injury in the incident.

The victims were engulfed by the explosion while trying to scoop fuel after a petrol tanker spilled its contents when it fell along the highway.

The Federal Road Safety Commander in Niger State, Kumar Tsukwam, has confirmed the disaster.

Speaking in Mina, the Niger State capital on Saturday, Tsukwarm said a loaded petrol tanker fell at the scene of the incident, with people scooping the spilled fuel, unaware of the impending danger.

Tsukwam said those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames, just as those who went to rescue them were also affected.

According to him, “More than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.”

He, however, assured that personnel of the corps and other sister agencies were on the ground for the rescue mission.

Similarly, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said the explosion occurred at about 9 am on Saturday.

He said the incident happened when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit crashed, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.

Baba-Arah stated that in the process, the PMS came into contact with a generator used to effect the transfer, triggering an explosion that claimed over 50 lives.

He added that many other persons were injured, while properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

Baba-Arah said NSEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and volunteers, are currently carrying out search, rescue, and recovery operations.

He said, “Those injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment while efforts are being made to recover the corpses of the deceased.”

He urged residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to mitigate the effects of the disaster.

Reacting, Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed shock over the accident, describing it as a heartbreaking and unfortunate.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said, “this is a national tragedy, worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.

He sympathised with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.

He cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the security agents to ensure security in the area.

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