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Appeal Court Orders Kogi To Pay Ex-Deputy Governor N1bn Salary Arrears

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Kogi State Government has finally lost its legal battle seeking to stop payment of one billion naira in salaries and entitlements to its unlawfully impeached former Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba.

 

The request of the government against the payment of the sum was dismissed by a panel of three-man Justices of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, comprising Hamma Barka, Okon Abang, and Oyejoju Oyewumi.

 

In the lead of the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Okon Abang, the Court of Appeal held that Kogi State was not entitled in law to take the case further to the Supreme Court for further adjudication, being a civil matter from the National Industrial Court.

 

Justice Abang held that the Court of Appeal was the final bus stop where such cases must terminate and decisions implemented by parties involved.

 

He described as frivolous, baseless, irritating, and unwarranted the request of the Kogi State Government to move the case to the Apex Court when the law was clear and unambiguous on limitations placed before the state.

 

Justice Abang took a swipe at a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Adebayo Adedeji, for bringing such baseless request before the Court of Appeal, adding that a lawyer of his caliber and status ought to know better and advise his client appropriately.

 

He imposed a fine of N3m on the senior lawyer to be paid to the former Deputy Governor.

 

Justice Abang said, “I expected the learned senior counsel to the applicants, notwithstanding the juicy nature of the brief, to have taken advantage of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007 and advised them accordingly. Compliance with the Constitution should not be seen as cowardice but as maturity and restraint.”

 

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the state’s Attorney-General had, through the senior lawyer, asked the Court of Appeal to stop execution of its earlier judgment granted in favour of Achuba for him to be paid over one billion naira as deserved salaries and other entitlements.

 

The request was predicated on the need for the state government to proceed further with the case to the Supreme Court before any payment should be made.

 

However, Justice Abang saw no merit in the request, adding, “The decision of this court is final. When the law says the decision of this court is final, there is nothing the applicants can do. It is as clear as daylight.”

 

The former Deputy Governor, who was impeached in 2019, had instituted a case at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), where he demanded an order of the court to compel the Kogi State Government to pay him his deserved salaries, travel allowances, and entitlements.

 

His request was granted by the Industrial Court on November 4, 2020, having found merit in it.

 

Apparently not satisfied with the Industrial Court decision, the state government took the matter to the Court of Appeal, but on April 29, 2024, the appellate court upheld the judgment of the lower court by affirming Achuba’s right to salaries and allowances in 2017 and 2018, at the exclusion of security votes.

 

However, instead of paying the judgment debt, the Kogi State Government, in a dramatic turn, moved to the Court of Appeal asking it to stop the enforcement of the judgment against it and also sought permission to be allowed to take the case further to the Supreme Court.

 

Justice Abang, while dismissing the request for being baseless and unmeritorious, warned against “executive lawlessness,” adding that under Section 243(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Court of Appeal is the final court for appeals from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in civil matters, as in the case of the former Deputy Governor.

 

 

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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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Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert

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Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.

 

According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

 

In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.

 

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.

 

“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:

 

“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.

 

“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574

Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.

 

JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.

 

A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.

 

“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.

 

 

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