News
Court Turns Down Amaechi’s Request For Thursday’s Hearing Of Contract Dispute Suit Against Him
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday refused the request by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for a suit against him to be heard on Thursday or Friday this week.
There is a suit against the minister on the award of contracts for Cargo tracking.
The court declined the request on the grounds that it can no longer lawfully sit as an Easter vacation court to adjudicate the matter.
Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed declined to grant Thursday or Friday this week for a compulsory hearing of the suit
on the reason that his mandate as Easter vacation Judge ends on April 25.
READ ALSO: Federal High Court Chief Judge Re-assigns Contract Dispute Suit Against Amaechi To Another Judge
The Judge in a ruling on an application for April 28 or 29 compulsory hearing of the suit said, doing so, would amount to a flagrant disrespect to the order of the Chief Judge of the Court mandating him to hear the case during Easter vacation.
A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi SAN had prayed Justice Mohammed to grant Thursday or Friday for a definite hearing of the suit.
Olujimi who is lead counsel to the 2nd defendant (BPP) in the suit predicated his request for Thursday on the ground that the country was losing huge revenue and that the delay in hearing is impacting negatively on the security of the country.
He accused the plaintiffs in the suit of unwillingness to have the case heard during Easter vacation through the action of the lead counsel in going for lesser Hajj.
The senior lawyer asked the Judge to compel the appearance of the plaintiff’s lawyer against Thursday through phone calls, text messages and e-mailed issuance of hearing notice.
At Monday’s proceedings, plaintiff counsel, AbduHakeem Mustapha SAN had in a letter dated April 19 and addressed to the Chief Judge indicated that he would not be available during Easter vacation for the hearing of the suit that had earlier been slated for May 9.
Justice Mohammed in the ruling said the plaintiff’s letter that he would not be available for the matter during Easter vacation had been made available to him by the Chief Judge.
“As I said earlier, the request was for this matter to be heard during Easter vacation and it can only be heard during the period in compliance with the order of the Chief Judge.
READ ALSO: 2023: Fresh Plot Against Zoning As APC Govs Scheme Against Tinubu, Osinbajo, Amaechi
“It is a fact that vacation ends today and this court will resume full work tomorrow. My mandate as Easter vacation Judge ends today.
“I am therefore unable to grant the request for Thursday or Friday hearing of this suit. To do so will amount to flagrant disrespect to the Chief Judge’s directive.
“I make an order returning this case file to court 6 where the substantive matter is pending”, the Judge held.
Justice Tsoho had in a letter dated April 7, 2022, written by his Special Assistant (SA), Ambrose Unaeze declined Amaechi’s request for a suit transfer which he made in March 31, 2022 letter through his lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
But, in a fresh letter dated April 14, 2022, Justice Tsoho acceeded on reasons of extreme urgency and agreed to transfer part of the case marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1587/2021 to Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed.
The suit is challenging Amaechi’s handling of the process for the award of the contract for operators of Nigeria’s International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) to a new judge.
A civil group, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) instituted the suit against Amaechi, alleging manipulation of the contract process in favour of two local and inexperienced firms – Medtech Scientific Limited and Rozi International Nigeria Limited.
The plaintiff prayed the court to void and set aside the disputed process of the contract award.
READ ALSO: 2023: Why I Want To Be President – Amaechi
Meanwhile, a hearing in the matter is expected to hold on May 9, 2022, before Justice Donatus Okorowo.
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News
What To Know About Rashidi Ladoja, The Next In To Become Olubadan
Published
1 hour agoon
July 7, 2025By
Editor
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday joined his ancestors, paving the way for the emergence of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the next in line to the throne.
Contents
Background and Education
Early Political Involvement
Banking Career
Governorship of Oyo State
Political Crisis and Impeachment
Court Victory and Return to Office
EFCC Arrest
Subsequent Governorship Contests
Retreat from Politics
Acceptance of Ceremonial Beaded Crown
Tribune Online reports that the monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending only a year as Olubadan. His death came just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
To become Olubadan, a candidate must belong to one of the two high-ranking traditional chieftaincy lines — the Balogun (military) and Otun (civil) lines.
The late Oba Olakulehin belonged to the Balogun line and had waited 38 years after becoming Jagun Balogun before ascending the throne.
With his passing, the line of succession now shifts to the Otun line, where High Chief Rashidi Ladoja currently holds the highest position as Otun Olubadan. However, Ladoja’s ascension to the throne of Olubadan is subject to the approval of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Is Dead
In this article, Nigerian Tribune compiled important things to know about the man expected to become the next Olubadan.
Background and Education
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan. He attended Ibadan Boys High School from 1958 to 1963 and Olivet Baptist High School between 1964 and 1965. He later studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, between 1966 and 1972.
Early Political Involvement
Ladoja was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, representing the United Nigeria Congress Party under the Abacha political transition.
Banking Career
In 2000, he rose to the position of director at Standard Trust Bank Limited before fully returning to politics.
Governorship of Oyo State
He was elected governor of Oyo State in April 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and assumed office on May 29, 2003. His emergence was backed by the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, a major PDP power broker in the state.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ladoja Withdraws Suit Against Olubadan-in-Council
Political Crisis and Impeachment
By August 2004, a power struggle between Ladoja and Adedibu over government appointments plunged the administration into crisis. This eventually led to Ladoja’s impeachment by Oyo State legislators on January 12, 2006. His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as governor.
Court Victory and Return to Office
On November 1, 2006, the Court of Appeal declared the impeachment null and void, pending Supreme Court confirmation. The apex court upheld the verdict on November 11, 2006, and Ladoja officially resumed office on December 12, 2006.
EFCC Arrest
On August 28, 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Ladoja over allegations of non-remittance of N1.9 billion from the sale of government shares during his administration. He was briefly remanded in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos on August 30, 2008, and granted bail of N100 million on September 5.
Subsequent Governorship Contests
He ran as the Accord Party candidate in the 2011 and 2015 Oyo State governorship elections but lost both times to Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Retreat from Politics
Ladoja later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and then the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2018 before stepping away from partisan politics to focus on traditional duties.
Acceptance of Ceremonial Beaded Crown
On August 12, 2024, the late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, presented the ceremonial beaded crown to High Chief Ladoja — a crown he had previously rejected during the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
(TRIBUNE)
News
Tension In Kano As Sanusi, Bayero Loyalists Clash Near Emir’s Palace
Published
2 hours agoon
July 7, 2025By
Editor
A paralysing fear reigns in the minds of residents in Kano as the power struggle between the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has led to attacks and counterattacks by their respective supporters, creating significant tension.
A statement from Emir Sanusi’s camp alleged that supporters of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero unleashed mayhem on the Kofar-Kudu palace of Emir Sanusi on Sunday.
However, an eyewitness, who identified himself as part of Emir Bayero’s entourage, disputed this claim, stating that the incident involved a confrontation between the supporters of both emirs.
According to a statement from the Kano Emirate Media Team, signed by Sadam Yakasai and released to the press on Monday, the alleged attack occurred while Emir Sanusi was away from the palace.
According to Yakasai “They broke the gate and attacked the guards, injuring some of them. They smashed the police vehicles in the palace.”
READ ALSO: Kano Emirate: Appeal Court Halts Sanusi’s Reinstatement, Awaits Supreme Court
He stated that Emir Aminu Ado Bayero deliberately passed through the Emir’s palace road instead of taking the proper route from Koki to Nassarawa, and his hoodlums decided to attack Gidan Rumfa.
“This is not the first time he has passed through the area. He had done that previously after he visited his Mandawari residence. He did that to intimidate the people of the area,” Yakasai alleged.
Yakasai insisted that the 15th emir, after his deposition by the Kano State government, had relocated and taken over the Nassarawa mini-palace, thereby trespassing without caution.
“This is the first time deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is taking his fight directly to Gidan Rumfa while remaining in his heavily secured domain in Nassarawa Palace, very close to the Kano State Government House,” Yakasai alleged.
READ ALSO: Sanusi Risks Contempt Of Court If He Parades Self As Emir – Kano Titleholder
Efforts made to get the comments of the spokesperson for the 15th Emir, Abubakar Kofar-Naisa, did not answer calls made to his phone.
However, an eyewitness to the incident, Muhammed Ibrahim refuted the alleged attack and insisted the incident was rather a clash between those he described as ‘unknown miscreants’ at Kofar-Kudu palace and supporters of Bayero.
He stated that the crisis started when ‘unknown miscreants’ brandishing dangerous weapons mounted a barricade to prevent the 15th emir from passing through Kofar-Kudu, citing his entourage.”
The eyewitness, who insisted he was not aware of any palace guard inflicted with injury, however, confirmed the forceful repel of an attempt by unknown miscreants to block the passage of Bayero.
READ ALSO: Kano Extends C Of O Recertification Deadline
The source stressed that the clash prompted the intervention of the police, who dispersed the hoodlums with tear gas.
“I was on the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Bayero, at the time the incident occurred. We were actually coming from Koki quarters on a condolence visit to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s family house. But while returning to Nassarawa palace through Kofar-Kudu, we saw some hoodlums blocking the road at the front of the palace.”
“They were with dangerous weapons. At that point, the supporters of Emir Bayero had to confront them to clear the way, and they did that successfully, and Emir Bayero made his way unhurt,”
At the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Tribune contacted Kano State police spokesperson SP Haruna Kiyawa, who stated that a press statement regarding the attack would be issued.
SP Kiyawa said, “Am right now, working on a statement in respect of the statement.”
News
Tension As FG Strips FAAN, NCAA, NAMA Of Revenue Collection Powers
Published
2 hours agoon
July 7, 2025By
Editor
Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) among the 63 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that will have their revenue collection powers transferred to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
This move will significantly impact the operations of these agencies, as they will forthwith rely on federal allocations for funding, rather than generating revenue independently.
Should the plan be effectively carried out, the bill could bring improved revenue transparency, enhanced accountability, and increased efficiency, as a single revenue collection agency could streamline processes and reduce duplication of efforts.
However, industry experts have raised concerns about the potential implications of this bill.
READ ALSO: JAMB Releases Results Of Mop-up Examination
Reacting, a retired top management staff who preferred anonymity said: “I think this will create very serious revenue challenges for NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA,” stressing that; “in my opinion, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development (FMA & AD) will need to get a couple of consultants to study the newly created NRS act and see how this will not impact these agencies negatively.”
But Rtd Group Capt. John Ojikutu, airport security expert, thinks differently; stating: “I don’t think so. First with FAAN, they have to do what the Commercialisation, Privatisation and Concession Act of 2000 says. Government will make more money than FAAN is reporting.”
He added that NAMA needs help, which can only come from the sharing of the 5 per cent ticket sales charge, cargo sales charge, and chartered flights charge, which are not rationally shared.
Capt Samuel Caulcrick, a financial analyst, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential innovation that NCAA could adopt to mitigate the challenges.
READ ALSO: INEC Announces Dates For Commencement Of Continuous Voter Registration In Osun
“The present system has put both statutory charges paid by aviation operators and cost recoveries meant for personnel into one bowl,” he explained.
He further stated that: “The idea of such being paid through the NCAA accounts was to mitigate corruption by limiting money exchanges between operators and NCAA personnel.”
He suggested that NCAA could exclude non-statutory expenditures from being paid to the NRS, ensuring that only statutory charges are affected.
The implications of this bill are far-reaching, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the affected agencies adapt to their new funding model.
While the bill’s intentions may be to improve revenue transparency and accountability, its implementation could have unintended consequences, such as delays in fund allocation, inadequate funding, and loss of autonomy, which could hinder the ability of these agencies to respond to emerging challenges and deliver services effectively.
- What To Know About Rashidi Ladoja, The Next In To Become Olubadan
- Tension In Kano As Sanusi, Bayero Loyalists Clash Near Emir’s Palace
- Tension As FG Strips FAAN, NCAA, NAMA Of Revenue Collection Powers
- Flash Flood Warning: Sokoto, Edo, Akwa Ibom, 17 Other States At Risk In July — NiMet
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- JUST IN: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Is Dead
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