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NJC Overrules Benue Assembly Over Sack Of Chief Judge

By
Ayodele Oni
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Chief Judge of Benue State Justice Maurice Ikpambese

By Ayodele Oni

The body which is responsible for appointing, discipline and sack of Judicial officers, the National Judicial Council (NJC), has ruled that the Chief Judge of Benue State Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains in office until found guilty of allegations against her.

The NJC voided Benue State House of Assembly on its purported resolution which recommended the removal of the Chief Judge of the State from office.

The Council, while faulting the recommendations for being unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional, drew the attention of the Benue State lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge until complaint against her are investigated and legal steps taken on the complaint.

The statement signed by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe read in part:  “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed

a Resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office.

“Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial

Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”

The NJC admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Chief Judge, but said that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its  procedures and principles of fair hearing.

NJC maintained that until the complaint is investigated and the Chief Judge found wanting, she remains in office as the Chief Judge.

“You Will Pay A Price In 2027” El-Rufai Warns Those Behind Detention Of His Ex-Chief Of Staff

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Bashir Saidu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, has assured  that dire consequences await those behind what he called the unjust incarceration of his political ally and erstwhile Chief of Staff Bashir Saidu, on or before 2027 Polls.

The Source reports that Saidu, who served El-Rufai, as Chief of staff, during his tenure as Kaduna State Governor  has been in  custody for close to two months, while facing charges bordering on alleged money laundering and diversion of State funds.

But late on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Saidu was released from custody after perfecting his bail conditions.

Announcing the release of his former Chief of Staff on his official site, El-Rufai insisted that the entire exercise was politically motivated.

According to him, “Saidu’s case is purely that of abduction and unjustified incarceration.

“Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years – a Barewa College classmate, former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and of Finance, and former Chief of staff.

“His detention was politically motivated.That is the main reason behind his persecution and the payback to those behind it will be known on, or before the 2027 elections, In sha Allah.” El-Rufai wrote.

The former Kaduna Governor further noted that Saidu’s traducers are scared stiff of his popularity and high level of  acceptance in the politics of Kaduna North and Central zones.

He also accused security operatives and some individuals within the judiciary of conniving to incarcerate his former Chief of Staff unjustly.

El-Rufai, however, expressed a strong hope that those who orchestrated the persecution will be paid back in their own coins come 2027

Edo Lawmakers Sack Aides

By
Ayodele Oni
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Blessing Agbebaku - Edo State Spaker
Blessing Agbebaku, resigned as Edo State Speaker.

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Edo House of Assembly have relieved all political appointees attached to them of their appointment with immediate effect.

The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku announced their sack during plenary in Benin on Wednesday.

According to the Speaker, the decision was taken collectively by the 24 members of the House, adding that the political appointees sacked would be paid their February salary.

He listed the appointees to include special advisers(SAs) , senior special Advisers(SSAs) among others.

The Speaker said the appointees were appointed by the members upon assumption of the Eight Assembly in June 2023.

“I think, it is two years now, and, I think the House has graciously agreed that those sets of appointees SAs and SSAs should be relieved of their appointments today, February 19.

“We will meet consequently to know the next line of action to take on that. They will receive this month’s (February) salary.”

Lawyer Says Take Over Of Osun LGs Amounts To Coup Plot, As APC Asserts Control Of 14 Councils

By
Ayodele Oni
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Pelumi Olajengbesi

By Ayodele Oni

Abuja based lawyer and rights activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi has warned the federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that any attempt to forcefully take over the government of Osun will amount to coup plot which may lead to unimaginable chaos and anarchy.

The lawyer warned the actors in the political crisis emanating on the running of local governments in osun to thread softly and toe the part of justice and peace

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Olajengbesi faulted the forceful take over of the local governments in Osun by some groups linked to the APC in the state

According to him, the forceful take over was a like a coup adding that, even if the actors have judgement in their favour, it was completely wrong to take laws into their hands under the guise of enforcing Court of Appeal judgement.

The lawyer insisted that there are procedures for judgement execution in the country, adding that the way and manner the actors in the Osun local government crisis acted was in breach of laws and usurpation of functions of those empowered to enforce court judgement.

By the unfolding local government crisis, Olajengbesi said democracy is facing another great challenge in the sense that disregard for laws has become the order of the day on the part of APC members

“You cannot your own execute judgement, deliberate attempt to commit coup is what is unfolding in Osun state government.

“Judgement of the Court of Appeal is being deliberately mis- interpreted to suit their actions.”

Meanwhile, report indicates that the  All Progressives Congress (APC) has assumed control of at least 14 local government secretariats in Osun as palpable tension continues to engulf the south-west state.There are 30 LGAs in the state.

Some of the LG secretariats where APC chairpersons and councillors returned to work on Wednesday are Ila, Ede South, Ede North, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade, and Obokun.

On Monday, violence broke out at some LG secretariats in Osun after a clash between supporters of the APC and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Police confirmed that six persons were killed during the clash, including Remi Abbas, a former chairman of Irewole LGA.

LG Autonomy: AGF Fagbemi Threatens Govs With Treason

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lateef Fagbemi - AGF
Prince Lateef Fagbemi, AGF

By Ayodele Oni

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has  warned governors that refuse to grant autonomy to local governments in their states, are liable for treason charges and serious consequences.

This is even as the governors are covered by immunity clause.

Fagbemi spoke during the opening of a national discourse titled “Strengthening Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: A Dialogue on the Impact and Implementation of the Supreme Court Judgement,” organized by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He was represented by Tijani Gazali (SAN), the Director of Civil Appeals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He emphasized that the actions of the 36 state governors prompted the President Bola Tinubu administration to approach the Supreme Court for a constitutional interpretation, which resulted in the federal government being granted all its requested reliefs.

“Despite the Supreme Court ruling that banned the unlawful removal of democratically elected local government chairmen by state governors, it is unfortunate that a few states are still violating this ruling.

“Let me make it clear: this act is tantamount to treason and should be treated accordingly.”

Fagbemi also acknowledged that while Section 308 of the Constitution grants immunity to state governors, their actions would still lead to “unpleasant consequences.”

He reaffirmed that the Supreme Court’s decision had reinforced the importance of local governments in a democracy, as outlined in Section 1(2) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

He also mentioned that the federal government had formed a 10-member committee, including representatives from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to create implementation guidelines.

In his opening remarks, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN) referred to the ongoing violence in Osun State related to local government autonomy, questioning why state governments were fighting for control over local governments.

He stressed the importance of ensuring democracy at the local government level, warning that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences.

“If we fail to get it right at the local government level, we may be setting the stage for calamity.”

LAHA Debunks Alleged Defection Of 27 Lagos Assembly Members to Labour Party

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State House of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda,  rumours that 27 Lawmakers defected to the Labour Party, LP, has been debunked by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode,

Chairman,  House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security of Lagos State House of Assembly.

He stated that the Lawmakers wish

to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP).

He said the publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

Hon. Ogundipe stressed that the report is not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serve no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.

He further stressed that recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters.

These actions, he said,  were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as Ammended.

Speaking further, he said the events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party.

“We emphasize without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.

“We were elected under the Leadership of the Ruling Party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State.

“The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilization who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.

“To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.

“We furthermore reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.

“We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public”, the statement reads.

Benue Legislators Suspend 13 Over Chief Judge’s Removal

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Benus State House of Assembly

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Benue State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, February 19,2025 slammed a three-month suspension order on 13 members who have dissociated themselves from the purported suspension of the State’s Chief Judge.

The Source reports that the legislators had on Tuesday, February 18,2025 voted to suspend the Chief Judge , Justice Maurice  Ikpambase, citing alleged abuse of power and office as major reasons.

But 13 out of the 32 House  members, on same Tuesday publicly  distanced themselves from the exercise which they described as unconstitutional, illegal ,null and void.

At a media briefing ,the dissenting members insisted that the suspension exercise did not meet constitutional requirements, and also grossly violated the fundamental principles of separation of powers.

“Out of a House of 32, members ,13 voted against the suspension ,while one member( Hon Peter Uche ,representing Guma I State Constituency was absent ,and the Speaker ,Hon Aondona Dajoh abstained from voting.

“So ,the exercise did not meet the required two thirds majority. Our position is that the purported suspension is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void”, the group of 13 stated.

Consequently they urged members of the public and the good people of Benue State to disregard the purported suspension order.

This  was even as they reaffirmed their readiness and commitment towards upholding the rule of law and due process.

However ,at an emergency plenary on Wednesday, the House described the group of 13 action as utterly dishonourable, and capable of casting a huge shadow on the integrity of the Legislative body.

According to the Speaker, Rt Hon Dajoh, some of the members of the dissenting group, actually voted for the removal of the embattled Chief Judge.

He, therefore, questioned the real motives behind their recent posture.

“Some of the members after voting for the removal of the State Chief Judge, Maurice Ikpambase ,went back to address a press conference, denying voting in favour of the motion to remove the Chief Judge”, the Speaker lamented.

Speaking earlier, the House Majority Leader, Hon Saater Tiseer ,informed that the  Lawmakers had earlier received a formal letter of complaint against the Chief Judge from the state’s Attorney General ,and Commissioner for Justice ,on allegations bordering on abuse of office, bribery ,corruption, and other issues .

” After exhaustive deliberations ,the House went into a division where 23 members of 31, present voted in support of the recommendation to remove the Chief Judge”, the Majority Leader stated .

According to Hon Tiseer, the 13 members, by recanting, after willingly voting to suspend the Chief Judge ,have contravened Order IX ,Rule 58(6) of the House Standing Rules .

He described the action of the 13 members as not only dishonourable, but a needles afterthought, as well as a deceptive posture capable of causing acrimony in the House.

The members of the group of 13 suspended include Hon.Douglas Akya, Jonathan Agbidye , Pastor Onah Blessed Emmanuel, Hon,Anyor Mato, and Elias Audu.

Others include Hon Manger Manger ,Solomon Gyila,Samuel Agada ,Abraham Jabi ,Ezra Nyiyongo ,Williams Ortyom and Hon Beckie Orpin.

Anambra Legislators Demand Immediate Re-arrest Of Escaped  Killers Of Hon Azuka

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Justice Azuka

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra state House of Assembly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, strongly, condemned the announcement, by the Police of the purported escape from custody of two suspects in the gruesome murder of its  Member, Hon Justice Azuka.

Hon Azuka, a Labour Party Lawmaker, was abducted by some gun men on December 24, 2024, while heading home for the Christmas and New year festivities.

However, after several weeks his decomposing remains were recovered about three weeks ago at the Second Niger Bridge, Onitsha by Security Operatives who, also, announced the apprehension of all the masterminds of his abduction and subsequent killing.

The late legislator, who represented Onitisha North Constituency I ,at the Anambra state House of Assembly was buried, on February,15, 2025.

But in a very shocking and disappointing development, the Police on Tuesday February ,18, 2025 ,informed that two of the detained suspected assailants of the deceased law maker have escaped.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, the state Police Commissioner CP, Ikioye  Orutugu, vowed to  deploy all available material and human resources to track down, and re-arrest the escaped key suspects.

He also assured of meting out appropriate disciplinary actions against any officers implicated in the escape of the suspects.

“Preliminary information reveals that following a confession from the criminal gang, two suspects were assisting the Police investigation officers in an operation to arrest the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their criminal activities .

“During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered.

“Unfortunately, the two suspects fled the scene. Meanwhile, the CP   assured that the Command is actively pursuing all criminal elements in the state ,and that efforts are underway to ensure the suspects are re-arrest ed and justice served”, the Police stated.

The Anambra State House of Assembly in a statement issued  on Wednesday, by the Speaker,Rt Hon Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze  however ,expressed disgust over the purported escape of the key suspects.

The State Lawmakers noted that the development has served to cast  a shadow on the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the police have been handling the investigation.

The is even as they insisted that nothing short of re-arresting the escaped suspects will assuage the legislative body.

Following, the full text of the reaction by Anambra State House of Assembly. It was issued by the Speaker of the House.

“The attention of the Anambra State House of Assembly has been drawn to a press release by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announcing that two of the arrested suspects in the murder of late Hon. Justice Azuka of Onitsha One State Constituency escaped during an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used in their criminal activities.

“The State House of Assembly deeply regrets this unfortunate development which casts a shadow over the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the Police have been handling the investigation. The position of the State Legislature is clear: the fleeing suspects must be tracked and apprehended at all costs.

“I, therefore, call on the State Commissioner of Police to redouble his efforts and take all necessary measures to ensure that the escaped suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. The State Police should immediately declare them wanted and publish their full names, addresses, and photographs to enlist public support in tracking them down.

“Hon. Justice will not die in vain”, the Anambra state House of Assembly’s statement reads

ACF Thrilled By Development Commissions In The North

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mamman Mike Osuman - ACF Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed the hope that establishing Development Commissions in the three geo-political zones of the Northern region will further boost socio economic development of the areas.

ACF commended the Federal Government for the move, and expressed hope that appointments into the Commissions will not be politicised.

Chairman of the Forum, Mamman Mike Osuman, gave the commendation when members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe.

According to him, the establishment of the North East, North West, and North Central Development commissions would reduce poverty, inequality, enhance infrastructure and social amenities in the regions, as well as improving living standards for people in the areas.

Mr Osuman added that the commissions are similar to the New Nigeria Development Company, which was created in 1949, and boosted North’s commercial and industrial development.

While highlighting the potential for economic growth, he cautioned against politicising appointments within the commissions.

“Politicising the commissions could undermine their purpose. As such, appointments should be based on merit to preserve the integrity of these development initiatives.”

Mr Osuman also urged unity among northern governments and citizens to address regional challenges.

Earlier, the Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, stated that the delegation was in Gombe to brief the governor on the ACF’s activities and plans to revitalise its core mandate.

Responding, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the commitment of the 19 northern governors to tackle the regional challenges, pointing out that the North is rich in resources to drive its development.

He stressed the urgent need for collective action to tackle the challenges facing Northern Nigeria, particularly insecurity and underdevelopment.

BREAKING: Controversial Musician, Portable Finally Surrenders To Police

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable
Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, popular as Portable, has finally surrendered himself to the Police.

The Musician surrendered himself  at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, after he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command and the Ogun State Government. It is not known why he chose to surrender in Lagos instead of Ogun State where his alleged offences were committed.

Portable had allegedly invited about nine thugs to beat up officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development who had gone to his Odogwu Bar in Ota, Ogun State to carry out an inspection.

Some of the thugs were arrested by the Police but Portable absconded and failed to honour Police invitation leading to him being declared wanted.

Confirming that Portable has surrendered to the Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development on Wednesday afternoon.

Portable just turned himself in at the SCID Yaba. We have contacted Ogun State Police Command to come pick him up,” Hundeyin stated.

He stressed that the Ogun State Police Command had been reached on this development.

It would be recalled that Portable had, via a video said he is a mad man, undergoing treatment at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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