Connect with us

Politics

Supreme Court Dismisses Gov Fubara’s Suit Seeking To Remove 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers In Rivers

Published

on

The Supreme Court has dismissed the suit filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara over the re-presentation of the 2024 budget before the 27 members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike.

The Apex Court on Monday dismissed the suit in a ruling delivered by Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji following the dramatic withdrawal of the appeal by Fubara through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN.

Governor Fubara, in the notice for withdrawal of the case, simply informed a 3-man panel of Justices of the Court that events had overtaken his suit.

The request for the withdrawal of the contentious suit was not opposed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, who were represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN.

Following no objections from the parties, the Apex Court dismissed the case and awarded N4M against Fubara to be paid to the House of Assembly and Amaewhule.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the dismissal of the suit, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Njemanze said that the coast had been finally cleared for the 27 lawmakers to take over the House of Assembly fully.

The senior advocate explained that all steps taken by Fubara in the absence of the 27 lawmakers, including the presentation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to only three lawmakers, among others, have become a nullity.

The Court of Appeal had, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, dismissed Fubara’s appeal on the same matter.

Similarly, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho on January 22, 2024, nullified the passage of Rivers State’s N800 billion 2024 budget by four members of the House of Assembly.

The court had described the bill’s passage by the four lawmakers, led by Hon. Ehie Edison, as an aberration and illegality.

It consequently ordered Governor Fubara to re-present the budget to the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly.

The suit filed by the 27 members of the Assembly loyal to the former governor of the state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, received the blessings of the lower court.

Listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 are the National Assembly, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Others include Governor Fubara, Hon. Edison, the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Justice Omotosho, while ruling on an ex-parte motion by the 27 legislators, issued an interim order restraining Fubara and his agents from obstructing the pro-Wike legislators from carrying out their constitutional duties.

He also restrained the governor from removing/redeploying the Clerk of the Assembly and withholding funds meant for the Assembly, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

But, while the order subsisted, Governor Fubara presented the budget passed by the four lawmakers loyal to him. The governor also prevented the pro-Wike legislators from sitting by demolishing part of the Assembly complex and withholding funds for legislative functions.

Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the four lawmakers’ passage of the budget and other actions taken while the November 30, 2023 order subsisted amounted to a nullity.

He said the governor acted like a tyrant in the manner in which the Assembly complex was partially demolished and funds for legislative activities were withheld.

The judge issued an order restraining Fubara from frustrating the Assembly, led by Hon. Amaewhule, from sitting or interfering in its activities.

He also described as unlawful Governor Fubara’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk out of the Assembly, stating that the action amounted to an affront on the separation of powers.

The judge ordered the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and unhindered.

Apart from asking Fubara to promptly release all monies standing to the credit of the Assembly, he also ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately deploy his operatives to the Assembly complex.

The judge had also barred the National Assembly from taking over the Assembly or accepting or treating any request by Governor Fubara on any matter affecting the legislature.

Politics

ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent

Published

on

By

Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.

The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.

Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.

“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.

Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.

“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.

He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”

Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.

He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”

Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”

However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.

She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”

Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.

“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.

“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.

She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.

“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”

Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.

“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.

 

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term

Published

on

By

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.

He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.

He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.

According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”

He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.

“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.

He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.

“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.

The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.

He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.

Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party

Published

on

By

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.

 

In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.

 

“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.

 

“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”

 

The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

Continue Reading

Trending