News

IYC: Fresh Crisis Brews As Omare Prepares Contempt Suit Against Oweilaemi

Published

5 years ago

March 21, 2020

Editor

Fresh crisis seems to be brewing in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) following Eric Omare’s directive to his lawyers to file a contempt suit against Peretubo Oweilaemi for allegedly flouting the declarations contained in a judgement delivered by the Bayelsa State High Court.

Omare was recently declared the authentic President of the IYC by the State High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The court ended a prolonged leadership crisis in the judgement that stopped Peretubo Oweilanmi from parading himself as the president of the radical IYC.

Oweilaemi, however, in one of his statements said he had appealed the judgement.

Oweilanmi had in the statement said, “I am pleased to inform the general public especially the numerous Ijaw youths at home and in diaspora that we have successfully appealed against the said judgment in Appeal No: CA/PH/ /2020.

“Those who want to ferment trouble in the Council should be informed that the legal battle has been drawn. I appeal to Ijaw youths to maintain peace at all times, while we take this necessary step to correct the legal blunder. Like I said before, there is no cause for alarm”.

However, IYC Spokesman, Henry Iyalla, in a statement confirming that Omare was prepare a contempt, faulted the claims of Oweilanmi that he had successfully filed an appeal against one of the judgements delivered by Justice E.G. Umukoro.

He said by his utterances, Oweilaemi implied that one of the two Bayelsa State High court judgements aganist him had been set aside by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt.

NATION quoted Iyalla as saying, “The statement demonstrated a crass ignorance of law and legal procedures and it is amazing that it came from a lawyer. It calls to question the quality of legal education in Nigeria.

“In the first place, it is important to note that the court in the two different cases to wit: YHC/37/2017: Eric Omare & Ors v. Pereotubo Oweilaemi & Ors and SGA/04/2017 declared that the election that was done at Okrika where Oweilaemi and 10 others emerged as National Officers of the IYC was null and void. In law, when an action is said to be a nullity and of no effect, it means that it never existed abinitio.

“It therefore means that in all these three years Oweilaemi and co have just being wasting their time moving from one place to the other in the name of IYC. The court in the second judgement delivered on Tuesday March 17, 2020 also declared all their actions null and void.

“This point is also implied in the first judgement. The implication is that all Clan, Parliament, chapter and zonal structures set up by Oweilaemi and his Exco are null and void.

“Their participation in any activity of the IYC in their status including the ongoing electoral process would vitiate the process and the electoral committee headed by Bekewei Ajuwa, who is a Lawyer must take special note of this fact.

“Mr. Oweilaemi in the said publication claimed that he has appealed one of the judgements with a non-existing appeal number. For the records PHC/../2020 which Oweilaemi quoted is not an appeal number. It is the height of legal ignorance for Oweilaemi to quote the above as appeal number in his statement. And if i may ask, which judgement did Oweilaemi appeal against? Is it the one in Suit No. YHC/37/2017 or SHC/04/2017?

“Let Ijaw youths and the general public know that Oweilaemi has not even started the process of filing appeal against any of the judgements not to talk of filing an appeal. The appeal procedure involves filing a Notice of Appeal at the court that delivered the judgement.

“Then parties would be invited to compile records of appeal. After compilation of records, the records would be transmitted to the court of Appeal. It is at this point that an appeal number is given by the court of appeal which may take months. So if I may ask, which one has Oweilaemi done? I state without doubt that Oweilaemi’s appeal only exist in the figment of his own imagination”.

He, however, said even if Oweilanmi filed an appeal as he claimed, it would not change the fact that he was never a president of IYC, adding that a mere filing of an appeal would neither stay the judgement of the court nor reverse it.

He continued, “Therefore, it amounts to contempt of court for Oweilaemi to be signing documents and parading himself as President of IYC.

“This is the reason the President of IYC, Eric Omare, Esq has directed his Lawyers to file contempt charges against Oweilaemi and some of his Exco members who are still parading themselves as IYC Exco members. The IYC is not a lawless organization neither a banana republic, so Oweilaemi as a Lawyer must respect the rule of law.

“I wish to also advise Oweilaemi very strongly, first as a kinsman and secondly as a professional colleague that he is risking his professional bar certificate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria by his consistent disregard for the judiciary.

“In one of Oweilaemi’s statements, he referred to the first judgement as a ‘black market judgement’. Mr. Oweilaemi may soon go and explain to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) what that meant in a case that he was represented by a Lawyer from beginning to conclusion.

“I advise Ijaw youths to completely disregard Oweilaemi’s imaginary appeal. It doesn’t exist anywhere and even if he appeals, it doesn’t change the legal position that he doesn’t and never existed until the two judgements are set aside. It would take a minimum of four years for any of such appeal to be heard.

“However, I am confident that all the judgements would be upheld on appeal because Oweilaemi has no case. It was a clear and obvious case, that is the reason why in one of the cases, for complete two years, he couldn’t call a single witness.

“There is no appeal that can be heard and determined before the end of the tenure of the 7th Leadership of he IYC; hence Eric Omare is the Sheriff and Captain of the IYC ship. Swallow your pride, Mr. Oweilaemi and work with President Omare”.

(NATION)

(PHOTO: File)

Up Next

Group Gives Enugu Govt 21 days Ultimatum To Recognize Water Generator Inventor

Don't Miss

Criminal Justice Law: ‘No Security Agent Has Right To Torture You’ EDOCSO Tells Nigerians

Comments

News

Full List Of Schengen Countries Offering 5-yr Visa Programme

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

Nigerians with a strong travel history now have more incentive to explore European countries, thanks to the five-year multiple entry Schengen visa.

This long-term visa offers travelers the freedom to enter any of the 29 Schengen countries multiple times over five years: provided no stay exceeds 90 days within any 180-day window.

Designed primarily for frequent travelers, business professionals, and individuals with consistent international travel records, the visa eliminates the hassle of reapplying for short-term permits.

It reduces visa processing time, lowers application costs, and simplifies the documentation and interview requirements.

Approval for the five-year visa is still subject to the discretion of the issuing embassy or consulate.

However, applicants with a higher likelihood of success typically meet one or more of the following criteria:

Previously held a multiple entry Schengen visa valid for at least two years within the past three years

Travel to Schengen countries at least two to three times a year

Demonstrated compliance with visa regulations, including no overstays and proper documentation

To boost their chances, applicants are expected to submit a compelling cover letter stating the purpose and need for long-term travel, show proof of financial stability, and provide valid long-term Schengen travel insurance.

Eligible Countries under the Five-Year Schengen Visa
Holders of this visa can travel freely to the following 29 Schengen member states:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

News

Aburi Accord: Foreign Powers Fueled Nigeria’s Civil War, Elder Statesman Replies Gowon

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

Elder statesman and president of the Osisioma Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has highlighted the role of foreign powers, particularly Britain and certain corporate interests, in Nigeria’s civil war (1967–1970).

In a statement on Thursday, Obidigbo called on former Head of State, Retired General Yakubu Gowon, to use his remaining years to share the truth about the war and promote national healing.

The statement, issued by the Osisioma Foundation, responded to Gowon’s recent public comments about the failed Aburi Accord and the civil war, which Obidigbo described as inconsistent. He stressed the need for clarity on historical events to help promote national reconciliation.

Obidigbo noted that the collapse of the Aburi Accord, a key peace agreement, was influenced by external forces.

“Though Gowon may not have wanted the war, forces beyond him, particularly British and Fulani interests, compelled him to plunge the country into conflict,” he stated.

He also revealed that Britain and Shell Petroleum had made secret offers to Lt. Colonel Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then-leader of the Eastern Region, to secede from Nigeria.

“Britain assured Ojukwu that they would talk Nigeria out of any plan to fight Biafra if Ojukwu agreed to secede. They even promised to pay him the huge arrears of royalties from Shell in case of any eventuality,” Obidigbo disclosed.

He stressed the importance of historical accountability, saying, “At his age, Gowon should be telling Nigerians the truth and nothing but the truth about the war. Until he makes these facts known through public confession, his soul may not experience peace.”

Drawing parallels with contemporary global issues, Obidigbo stated, “It is ironic that the same British that caused total genocide and blockade against Biafra are now crying out that Israel is visiting genocide on Palestinians.”

He urged Gowon to document his experiences honestly, following the example of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, who recently released his autobiography.

“Instead of reopening old wounds, Gowon should use his remaining days to contribute to a truthful historical record that fosters national unity,” Obidigbo advised.

The elder statesman called for national reconciliation, urging leaders to prioritize peace and unity.

“Nigerians need to hear the truth about what transpired so that we can heal and move forward as a nation,” he said.

News

Poly Ibadan: Mixed Reactions Trail Renaming, Alumni Kick

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

Mixed reactions have trailed Thursday’s renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan, with the institution’s alumni largely calling for a review.

The respondents expressed their diverse views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, with members of the alumni frowning at the change of name.

Recall that Gov. Seyi Makinde announced the institution’s renaming after the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, during the deceased’s commendation service in Ibadan.

Mr Yomi Akande, an alumnus and the institute’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) leader, said many other alumni had been expressing dissatisfaction since the announcement.

“As an alumnus of The Polytechnic Ibadan, the name of the institution is a force to reckon with anywhere in the world.

“So, taking away that name is somehow because of the prestige that comes with it.

“The governor needed to have considered other factors before making such a pronouncement.

“The name of the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo is good, but what many people are against is the changing of the name, The Polytechnic Ibadan.

“It is not that the change of name will bring new development to the school,” he said.

Another alumnus, Mr Olaoluwa Olabode, said that the renaming would affect both past and current students negatively.

According to him, he doesn’t see the move bringing any improvement to the educational institution, alleging that it was done with a political undertone.

“What benefits would the change of name bring to the school?” Olabode queried.

In his opinion, another alumnus, Mr Sanmi Olatunde, said perhaps the government should have renamed a particular building in the school instead of the institution’s name.

“This is the only polytechnic we have in Ibadan; it is not right that the name of the institution is changed,” Olatunde said.

Calling for a review, an Ibadan indigene and alumnus, Mr Tayo Olaleye, described the institution as the pride of the ancient city of Ibadan that should not be tampered with.

According to him, it is not acceptable for the name to be changed at will.

Furthermore, Olaleye said the renaming would affect the students in easily securing favour and job opportunities with the alumni.

“This is a prestigious institution whose name has been resounding in many spheres for decades, at home and abroad, so we do not welcome the sudden renaming,” Olaleye said.

Meanwhile, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Oyo State Chapter, said the renaming would not affect the institution’s reputation.

According to him, the institution’s reputation will stand provided its management maintains its standard.

He also urged the students not to allow the matter to lead to any form of protest.

However, he noted that the decision could still be reversed with genuine arguments from alumni and other stakeholders of the institution.

“We believe that Gov. Seyi Makinde is a listening governor; with the right approach, I believe the decision can still be reversed,” he said.

However, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Moshood Olaleke, hailed Makinde for honouring Olunloyo with the gesture.

Olaleke said no honour would be too great for Olunloyo, whom he referred to as a great mathematician.

He described the three months Olunloyo spent as the executive governor of the old Oyo State before the military took over as remarkable.

According to him, Olunloyo had already put in place a solid structure for good governance before the coup that terminated his tenure.

He said that Makinde should be commended for recognising the positive contributions of the late technocrat to the state.

Recall that Olunloyo died on April 6, a few days before April 14, when he would have turned 90 years old.
(NAN)