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Rivers Congresses: Confusion In Court As SANs Battle To Represent PDP’s Acting Chairman, Others

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A mild drama played out at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, as three Senior Advocates announced representation for the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, in a suit challenging the conduct of congresses of the Rivers State chapter of the PDP.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had last month issued an order restraining the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies from stopping, truncating, frustrating or disrupting the wards, local governments and state congresses of the party slated for July 27, 2024.

He subsequently adjourned to August 15, for a hearing in the suit brought by six loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike.

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When the matter was called on Thursday, shortly after K. C. O. Njemanze, SAN, announced his appearance for the plaintiffs, two other SANs Chief Ferdinand Orbih and Kamaldeen Ajibade stood up at the same time to announce representation for the 1st to 4th defendants the PDP, Damagum, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature.

Intervening, the court ordered the senior SAN to take the first shot, and accordingly, Orbih announced his appearance, when he was done, Ajibade subsequently did the same for the same parties.

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But, the drama did not end there as another senior advocate, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, also stood up to announce representation for the same set of defendants in the matter.

Justice Lifu, not wanting the commotion to escalate, prompted the members of the inner bar to resolve the issue among themselves, following which Orbih applied for a short adjournment to enable them to do the needful.

Since the request for adjournment was not opposed by any counsel, the court subsequently fixed August 30, for a hearing.

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The justice of this case demands an adjournment and consequent upon the agreement of counsel, this matter is adjourned till August 30, for final report on the counsel representing the 1st to 4th respondents, sequel to a meeting to be so held”.

Justice Lifu directed that “if the meeting fails,0” then the senior lawyers should file a motion alongside an affidavit proving that they were actually engaged by the parties in the suit.”

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While stating that all pending motions would be heard at the next adjourned date, the judge invoked the powers of the court to extend his previous ex-parte order restraining PDP and security agencies from stopping the Rivers State congresses, pending the hearing and determination of the main suit.

Meanwhile, due to the stalling of the case, the court could not take the application of some persons seeking to be joined as defendants in the suit.

Their lawyer, Chief D. O. Okoro, SAN had at Thursday’s proceedings drawn the court’s attention to the motion for joinder.

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The applicants include; David Omereji, Prince Solomon Eke, Isoboye Tobin, Goody Pepple, Okijah Chigozirim, Ogoloma Amachree, Goodfriday Nweke, Alfred Letam, Wechie Raymond, Mrs Erebie Micheal and Ogenma Idalumimulu.

It will be recalled that Justice Sobere Hambo, had last month while ruling in an ex-parte application brought by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, David Omereji and 10 others restrained the party alongside three national executives from holding the planned congresses at any other location or date pending the determination of the motion on notice already filed.

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But, Justice Lifu in his ruling a week later, ordered the PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu and Bature to proceed with the conduct of the said congresses initially slated for July 27.

According to the ruling, the PDP and the three national officers must adhere strictly and honour the provisions of the guidelines, adjusted timetable and schedule of activities 2024, duly issued and published by the party, pending the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed along with the motion ex-parte.

Justice Lifu had also restrained the party and its officers from allowing any person who did not obtain a nomination form or ad-hoc form within the time stipulated in the guideline from running for any elective office of the PDP or ad-hoc or national delegates positions, pending the determination of the motion on notice already filed.

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In granting the request of the plaintiffs, the Judge had ordered them to enter into a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants if, by the end of the day, the court discovered that it was misled into granting the restraining orders.

The said amount for damages according to Justice Lifu would be assessed by the court.

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The six PDP members who filed the ex-parte application are; Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka, Dr Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris and ThankGod Owhorji.

The defendants in the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ ABJ/ CS/106/12014 are; PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature, INEC, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Director General, State Security Service (SSS) and DSS as 1st to 10th defendants respectively.

 

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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