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EndSARS: Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu Replies Lawyer On Freedom of Information Act

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Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Friday, replied a legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, on his Freedom of Information application.

 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor on Friday, replied a legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, on his Freedom of Information application, Jomog News Nigeria reports.

In a letter signed by a lawyer, Deyemi Bamgbose, for the Attorney General, the governor said that he cannot grant the request because the FOI Act is not binding on Lagos, this was contained in a letter signed by In a letter signed by Deyemi Bamgbose, for the Attorney General,

The governor had cited a ruling of the Edo Division of the Court of Appeal in EDOSACA V OSAKUE to back his decision.

Effiong asked for the Certified True Copy of the Instrument setting up the Lagos Panel of Inquiry.

The Lagos Panel of Enquiry is probing rights abuses perpetrated by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the Lekki shooting by Nigerian Army troops.

Effiong recalled in a statement that he also requested the CTC of the Instrument, Executive Order or Directive under which curfew was imposed on the State on 20th October.

He noted further that his FOI application contained a demand for CCTV records showing the attack on protesters at the Lekki toll gate.

The fiery lawyer said by virtue of Section 1 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Law of Lagos State, the panel can only be created by an Instrument, not by a press release or declaration in the media.

“Without this Instrument, the Panel is illegal. Only an Instrument can legalize their proceedings.
The inescapable implication is that except there is a legal Instrument as required by law, we are wasting our time with the ongoing inquiry. The members of the Panel, protesters and the public deserves clarification from the governor on this issue. This is a fundamental issue.

“It is also important for us to see the Instrument under which the curfew was declared. Given the conflicting accounts by the state government, the military and other interested parties, it is essential for the Instrument by which the curfew was imposed to be made public. The governor has refused to release the CCTV records to me.”

“In Alo V Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly & Anor (2018), the Ondo Division of the Court of Appeal held that the FOI Act is binding on States. The issue here is not the conflicting decisions of the Court of Appeal. The issue is the governor’s questionable commitment to a credible investigation by the Panel of Inquiry.”

If Sanwo-Olu is sincere, why has he refused to release the Instruments if they actually exist? Effiong quipped

He added that he will review the development and take the appropriate action.

“Those who lost their lives and those whose properties were destroyed deserve justice.

We will be dishonouring them if we do not unravel the truth. Governor Sanwo-Olu should release the Instruments”, Effiong implored.

 

 

 

 

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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