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A’Court Affirms Amaewhule As Speaker, Voids Rivers 2024 Budget

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, on Thursday, affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the recognised Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the appeal filed by the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for lacking in merit.
The appellate court firmly upheld the January 22 judgment of the Federal High Court, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which nullified the 2024 N800 million Rivers State budget of renewed hope on the grounds that it was not presented before members of the State Assembly as required by law. The court admonished Governor Fubara for not adhering to the rule of law in his actions.
The court held that Governor Fubara’s decision to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 members of the Assembly constituted a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The appellate court also determined that the withdrawal of the counter-affidavit Fubara initially filed to challenge a suit instituted by the Amaewhule-led lawmakers to be recognised as valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly indicated his agreement with the claims filed against him.
Justice Joseph Oyewole, while delivering the lead judgement held that Fubara, having withdrawn all processes filed to counter the case before the trial court, cannot claim to be dissatisfied with the judgment delivered.
Justice Oyewole said by his coming to the appellate court, he was being inconsistent, approbating and reprobating, blowing hot and cold at the same time.
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He said such conduct had no basis in law as parties must be consistent in their approach to court matters.
The court held that his withdrawal from the Federal High Court case was a self-inflicted mistake that cannot be redeemed.
The court declared that his appeal has no utilitarian value as it cannot confer any advantage on him having lost his legal rights at the trial Court by accepting all the claims filed against him with his withdrawal from the suit.
Justice Oyewole said “that the person with the right to appeal is the person aggrieved by the decision that is the person to whom a decision has been pronounced against.
“Now the position of the appellant is further made obtainable by his position and trend the record of appeal shows on pages 1209 and 1210 that learned counsel for the appellant Mr Imafidon, withdrew all the processes filed by the appellant to contest the action and thereby conceded reaction.
“It is the law that a party must be consistent in the presentation of his case and cannot approbate and reprobate by chasing his disposition Willy Lilly in the course of litigation exercise.
“A party cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time, the appellant cannot seek for one thing at the lower Court and be seeking for another incongruent and parallel thing in this Court. Can the law permit him to blow hot and cold at the same time?
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“The challenges faced by the appellant in this appeal are self-inflicted and try as one may, it is impossible to see the utilitarian value to be achieved by filing this appeal after withdrawing all processes contesting the action at the lower Court and thereby conceding the action. It seems to be purely academic for a party to concede to an action at the lower Court and then turn around to challenge the same action without any indication of fraud in the presentation of the earlier concession.”
The court ordered Fubara to re-present the budget of the State to the House under the recognised Speaker (Amawhuele) as contained in Justice Omotosho’s judgement.
The court also stopped him from withholding the House of Assembly fund and removing the Clerk and Deputy Clerk from the House.
Justice Oyewole proceeded to dismiss his appeal, saying, “In a constitutional democracy the foundation of every act must be located in the Constitution. Autocracy is out of place in the constitutional democracy. I therefore resolve this issue against the appellant and in favour of the 1st and 2nd respondent.
“In totality, therefore, this appeal is bereft of merit and it is accordingly dismissed. The judgement of the lower Court is hereby affirmed. N500,000 cost is awarded in favour of each of the 1st to 12th respondents respectively and against the appellant.”
Justice Okon Abang, in agreement with Justice Oyewole’s decision, held that the appellant cannot appeal the decision of the trial Court since he did not counter it and it translates to mean that he has accepted it to be true and the Court of law can act on it.
He further admonished the governor for frustrating Amaewhule from carrying out his duties adding that he is using his executive powers to act in might which is not acceptable in a democratic setting.
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He said, “The appellant the governor of Rivers State treated the Court order with disdain, levity and subject to the discharge of his function in an unprecedented manner. I agree with the 1st and 2nd respondent counsel that these are acts of executive lawlessness.
“The rule of might has no place in a democratic setting. Having sworn to uphold the provisions of the constitution, the appellant was and is expected to in his relationship with the 1st and 2nd respondents, apply the rule of law, not the rule of might in matters affecting the discharge of his function as the governor of Rivers State.
“The appellant’s show of force and might is heavily demonstrated in the 1st and 2nd respondents’ unchallenged deposition of paragraphs 1 to 10 of the affidavit in support of the motion on notice filed by the first and second respondents.
“Any gathering purporting to be Rivers State House of Assembly, led by any other person other than the 2nd respondent, sits in violations of the order delivered by the trial Court dated December 7, 2023 and that person acts in vain.”
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in his judgement upheld by the appellate Court, held that the N800 billion budget presented by Fubara to the four lawmakers was invalid as it was not properly presented before the Rivers State House of Assembly as required by the law.
News
Oba of Benin Renews Bond With Ancestral Relations, Nigerians During Emorhọ Feast

The palace of the Oba of Benin was agog with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ fest, declared by Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin as part of activities to mark the ancient Emorhọ, otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival’.
Oba of Benin, who reenacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond that exist between him and his ancestral relations from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event, which attracted dignitaries, including Benin people, indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.
Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various communities in Benin, market women group, palace chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo
A special prayer offered on behalf of the palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paved the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, welcomed guests and highlighted the essence of the gathering.
Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.
He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that, “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home”.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’
“We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.
On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.
Expressing her appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the ‘Edo markets leader’, Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele, noted that members of the group have been waiting anxiously for the opportunity to partake in the yearly festival, while praying God that the blessings of the festival to transform lives.
Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.
Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gift and other items in acknowledgement their duties in Benin.
News
Okpebholo Poised To Surpassing People’s Expectations — Edo Deputy Gov

Edo deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is poised to surpass the expectations of the people of the state in terms of campaign promises fulfilment.
Idahosa said that the administration had hit the grand running right from the day of inauguration by identifying and prioritising the key areas of the SHINE agenda for implementation.
A statement by Mr Friday Aghedo, Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, said Idahosa spoke when he received the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
The award ceremony held at the deputy governor’s office during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the IAWPA led by the President, Amb. Per Stafsen, the South-South Coordinator/Edo state Director, Amb. Amos Areloegbe, and other zonal representatives.
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“We pray, by the grace of God, Edo State will surpass the expectations of the people when we are through with our tenure,” he declared.
Idahosa described the recognition as a source of pride, not just for him, but for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“Governor Okpebholo is a man of peace, and his government stands firmly for peace. This award is a validation of his unwavering commitment to building a safe and harmonious Edo State,” he said.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that peace and security remain central pillars of the government’s five-point SHINE agenda, noting that collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations has been vital in sustaining stability across the state.
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“Peace is extremely important in any society. Where there is peace, there is security; where insecurity prevails, peace cannot exist.
“This recognition today strengthens our resolve to continue being ambassadors of peace,” Idahosa stated.
On his part, Amb. Amos Areloegbe noted that IAWPA, a United Nations–certified body aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deliberately chose Edo State to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.
According to him, “Edo State remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation, hence our choice to celebrate here.”
The investiture was hailed by observers as not only an honour to Idahosa but also as an acknowledgment of Edo’s growing reputation as a bastion of peace under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
News
Ogoni Women Protest Resumption Of Oil Production, Demand Accountability In $1Bn Cleanup Funds

Ogoni women drawn from all works of life have come out to protest against the resumption of oil production in the area without proper negotiation.
The women expressed anger over the non-transparent nature of the entire oil resumption exercise, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate them into giving up on their demands as expressed in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR).
The women further demanded that the Nigerian government account for $300million Ogoni infrastructure development fund which is alleged to have been diverted by some key government personalities in alliance with some Ogoni leaders.
They further demanded accountability for the $1Billion Ogoni cleanup funds which they said is a failed project.
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The women, who marched on the streets of Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, accused the government of neglecting the core demands of the Ogoni people including the demand for the creation of a Bori State and compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of devastating oil spills in the lands.
“We lost everything, crops, drinking water sources, food and farming lands and we now live with strange illnesses which ultimately will lead to our death. No one is interested in all that. The only thing the government is interested in is our oil resources. We reject the insensitivity of the government and we want to be heard”; one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told Ogoninews.
Another speaker, Mrs Helen Huoma said the plot to resume oil production in Ogoni is deceptive.
“The oil industry people are always lying. They will tell us something and do another. When we ask our MOSOP leaders, they tell us they know nothing about what the government and the oil industry are doing. It’s all a bunch of confusion and deceit. We will resist this move because we paid heavily to give Ogoni a name and the pride it has today”
A woman identified as Janet from Gokana Local Government Area alleged that the Nigerian government has never been interested in the welfare of the Ogoni people.
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She alleged that the government had only been interested in the oil and after that, they appeased political leaders with contracts to suppress local residents.
“All they do is deceive the Ogoni people and we continue to suffer in the midst of abundant natural resources. If they can divert $300million, then how can we trust them? Before we start, let them account for the $300 million and the cleanup program which, at least, should have solved some basic problems.”
The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to engage the NNPC Limited and work out modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. This directive followed a meeting with some Ogoni leaders in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa.
The president had also recently granted pardon to the Ogoni nine including Ken Saro-Wiwa and to four Ogoni leaders who were murdered on May 21, 1995. The Abacha regime had blamed Ken Saro-Wiwa for the murders and executed him along with 8 others on November 10, 1995 despite global outcry acknowledging their innocence.
Following the executions, a United Nations fact finding team visited Nigeria. The team acknowledged that the entire trial process was flawed and noted that Nigeria did not even follow the minimal prescription of its own laws in the conduct of the trial.
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