The G60, a group of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, has raised alarm over the use of dynamite by protesters in Rivers State, warning that such actions could undermine democracy if not promptly addressed.

The lawmakers expressed regret that despite police calls to suspend the protest over the local government tenure elongation crisis, some individuals defied the order.

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This defiance resulted in the death of one person due to a dynamite explosion in front of Hotel Presidential on Aba Road.

In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the G60 described the use of explosives by protesters as an invitation to anarchy.

They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the financing behind the explosives used in the protest and to determine if additional explosives have been planted elsewhere in Rivers State.

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The G60 also called on the police to allow council workers to resume work and to focus their efforts on apprehending those carrying explosives.

“We condemn in strong terms the idea of protesters moving about with explosives, particularly supporters of a serving minister. The fact that one or two people have already died due to these devices is extremely concerning,” the statement read.

The lawmakers criticized security agencies for prioritizing the sealing of local government headquarters over addressing the more pressing issue of explosives entering the state.

“This situation is reminiscent of how Boko Haram and other security crises began in Nigeria. We cannot allow political protests to escalate into such violence. The question remains, was this explosion intended for Governor Fubara, the Government House, or the people of Rivers State? The presence of explosives is deeply troubling,” they stated.

The G60 accused certain individuals of attempting to destabilize the state and harm innocent citizens, while the police focus on actions with no legal basis.

They called on President Tinubu to ensure a thorough investigation into who financed the use of explosives and to identify any additional threats.

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“If the government fails to act, it will be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State,” they warned.

The lawmakers also suggested that local government chairmen involved in attempts to illegally seal local government offices should be arrested, along with those advocating for a state of emergency.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has commenced preparations for local government elections in the state.

This development was confirmed through a public notice signed by RSIEC Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

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The announcement follows the expiration of the tenure for elected chairmen and councillors in Rivers State’s 23 local government areas on Monday, June 17th, which has sparked a political crisis.

Justice Enebeli’s notice invites all political parties and stakeholders to a crucial meeting scheduled for next month. This meeting will take place at the RSIEC Headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, at 10:00 AM.

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The purpose of the meeting is to unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the state.

The RSIEC has extended invitations to leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, the media, professional organizations, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, and the electorate.

The public notice stated: “The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, DSSRS, (Rtd) hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Religious Organizations, The Media, Professional Organizations, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community-Based Groups and the Electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 1st July, 2024 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 10:00 AM prompt.

“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the State. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 9:45 AM, please.”

This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring the smooth conduct of local government elections and addressing the recent political uncertainties in the state.

A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking the removal of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the applicant, Mr. Victor Opatola, lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the case.

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The case, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Opatola, contested President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Olukoyede, arguing that Olukoyede did not meet the statutory years of service required for the position.

The suit, marked HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023, listed the President, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and Olukoyede as respondents.

The respondents, represented by Olumide Fusika, SAN, argued that the suit lacked merit.

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Olukoyede defended his qualifications, noting his prior role as the EFCC’s secretary, a grade level 17 position, which exceeds the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade level 14 position.

He asserted that his experience made him fully qualified for the EFCC chairmanship and requested the court to dismiss the suit.

Opatola’s suit sought judicial clarification on whether, under Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede’s appointment was valid despite allegedly not meeting the Act’s conditions.

He questioned whether the appointee must be of a rank equivalent to or higher than Assistant Commissioner of Police and whether 15 years of experience in any field outside government security or law enforcement was sufficient.

After reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favor of the respondents, dismissing the suit.

The court concluded that Opatola lacked the legal right to challenge Olukoyede’s appointment, thereby affirming Olukoyede’s position as EFCC Chairman.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has appointed Kalu Ukoha Kalu as the new Chief Press Secretary, following a decision made during an Executive Council meeting on Wednesday evening.

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The appointment, effective immediately, was confirmed by Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, after the dismissal of Kazie Uko.

In addition to this appointment, Governor Otti has demonstrated his commitment to education in the state.

He has approved the payment of school fees for Abia students studying in India, who were left unsupported by the previous administration. Additionally, the governor has authorized the payment of school fees for 271 Abia students enrolled in Nigerian Law Schools nationwide.

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Commissioner Kanu highlighted Governor Otti’s dedication to education, noting that the governor has also successfully secured accreditation for 19 programmes at Abia State University Uturu (ABSU).

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has relieved his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, of his duties.

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, shortly after an Executive Council meeting with the Governor, Wednesday evening.

According to Kanu, Kalu Ukoha Kalu will take over as the new Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective immediately.