Connect with us

News

S’Court To Hear Wike, Fubara loyalists’ Appeals February 10

Published

on

The Supreme Court has scheduled February 10, 2025, to hear two separate suits filed by the All Progressives Congress, challenging the validity of the local government elections conducted in Rivers State in 2024.

The apex court also scheduled the same date to hear five other cases bordering on the political crisis in Rivers State.

Advertisement

The crisis in the state erupted in October 2023 when a faction loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

READ ALSO:Rivers Crisis: Why I Won’t Settle Rift With Fubara – Wike

In response, Fubara stormed the Assembly complex and sealed it off.

Advertisement

Subsequently, the lawmakers declared their defection to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, while Fubara dismissed their legitimacy and began engaging with a three-member Assembly instead.

The legitimacy of the three-member assembly, especially in the passage of the 2024 budget, and screening of commissioner-nominees, among others, became a legal issue heard at the Rivers State High Court, Federal High Court, up to the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court consolidated four appeals: Rivers State House of Assembly and others vs. Rivers State Government and nine others; Rivers State House of Assembly and others vs Rivers State Governor and nine others; Rivers State House of Assembly and others vs. RSIEC and nine others and Rivers State House of Assembly and others vs Accountant General of Rivers State and nine others, for easy hearing and judgment.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Certificate of Occupancy Debt In FCT Hits N300bn, Says Wike

The date was determined by a five-member panel of Justices of the Supreme Court, after addressing all preliminary issues raised by the parties involved in the legal disputes.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission fixed October 5, 2024, to conduct the local government election in the state.

Advertisement

Not satisfied with the arrangement by the electoral body and for violating the bills passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly, extending the tenure of the LG chairmen in the state, the state APC took the RSIEC to court.

The faction of the APC loyal to Wike, thereafter, withdrew from the election, while the faction loyal to the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, participated.

The state chapter of the PDP loyal to Wike also refrained from participating in the exercise.

Advertisement

However, Fubara insisted the election would be held, while most of his loyalists defected to the Action People’s Party in the state to contest the election.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024, filed by the APC, issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for the conduct of the local government election.

Justice Lifu also barred the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Security Services from participating in or providing security for any local government election in Rivers State.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Justice Lifu barred RSIEC and the Rivers State Attorney General from using or accepting the voter register from INEC for the elections.

The court’s decision was based on Justice Lifu’s finding that RSIEC did not follow the conditions precedent required for conducting such elections.

However, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, overturned the lower court’s decision, ruling that it lacked jurisdiction to issue the orders in favour of the APC.

Advertisement

The election was held and swept by the APP, winning 22 chairmanship seats out of the 23 in the state.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s judgment, the APC filed an appeal at the Supreme Court in two separate cases, marked SC/CV/1106/2024 and SC/CV/1107/2024.

The APC, represented by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and Ogwu Onoja (SAN), urged the apex court to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision and reinstate the judgment of the Federal High Court.

Advertisement

Chris Uche (SAN) led the legal team for the respondents.

After hearing motions for the two appeals, the panel of Justices, led by Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, directed the parties to file and exchange their respective briefs of argument before the February 10 hearing date.

The five-member panel also consolidated four appeals for easier determination.

Advertisement

This was granted upon the request of the appellant’s counsel, Daudu (SAN), who represented the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In addition, the court fixed February 10, 2025, for the hearing of SC/CV/1071A/2024, following the withdrawal of a cross-appeal filed on November 18, 2024, by the Rivers State House of Assembly against the National Assembly and 16 others.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments

News

PHOTOS: Peace Restored In Delta Community As Council Boss, Takeme, Wades In

Published

on

Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis.

On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.

Advertisement

Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA.

Dr. Julius Takeme, Chairman, Burutu LG during the meeting on Monday, 30 June, 2025

Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.

READ ALSO: Clark’s Burial: Preparation In Top Gear As Burutu LG Boss Inspects Venue

“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention.

Advertisement

A cross section of community people during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.

“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.

The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

A cross section of community women during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

READ ALSO: Delta: Burutu LG Boss, Takeme, Inaugurates Peace, Advocacy Committee

During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.

Advertisement

In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.

Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.

Spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment to The PUNCH on Monday night, saying the new rate took effect on June 30.

Advertisement

PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June,” Chiejina said.

 

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price

Advertisement

Recall that the Dangote refinery hiked the price of petrol to N880 as tension escalated during the 12-day crisis between Israel and Iran, raising the price of crude oil to almost $80 per barrel.

The PUNCH earlier reported that marketers anticipated that there would be a new price regime from Monday.

Dangote’s partners like MRS, Heyden and AP are expected to adjust their pump prices soon.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Ondo Confirms Petitions Seeking Coroner’s Inquest Into Akeredolu’s Death

Published

on

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, on Monday confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Ajulo declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.

Advertisement

It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.

“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.

READ ALSO:

Advertisement

According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.

Ajulo disclosed, “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.

“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”

Advertisement

He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.

READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful,” he declared.

Advertisement

Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.

The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.

Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state,” he said.

Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. “Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”

Advertisement

Until his death, Akeredolu was a two-term Governor of Ondo State and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Reports from the state government stated that he died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending