Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a summons for the appearance of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on May 13, 2024.

The summons stems from allegations of contempt of court brought forth by former governor Yahaya Bello.

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Justice I. A. Jamil rendered the order based on an ex-parte motion filed by Bello’s legal representative, M.S. Yusuf, Esq. Bello’s counsel argued that EFCC operatives, in defiance of a court order, besieged Bello’s residence on April 17, 2024, with intentions to arrest him.

This action allegedly violated a court order restraining such actions until the determination of the Originating Motion.

Consequently, Bello sought an order to issue and serve Olukoyede with a Notice to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court.

After considering the submissions and exhibits, Justice Jamil granted Bello’s prayers, directing Olukoyede to appear before the court to address the contempt charge.

The court noted that the EFCC allegedly violated the restraining order issued on February 9, 2024, and deemed their actions as contemptuous.

Justice Jamil emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and summoned Olukoyede to defend his actions on May 13, 2024.

This legal saga underscores the significance of judicial oversight and adherence to court orders, highlighting the ongoing tension between law enforcement agencies and the legal system.

The matter remains pending until Olukoyede’s appearance before the court.

In a keenly contested primary election, Oluwatosin Ayeni has clinched the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) ticket for the upcoming November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

Chairing the 2024 NNPP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Ondo State, Alhaji Yusuf Galambi disclosed that 113 delegates were accredited for the exercise.

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Ayeni secured a resounding victory with 100 votes, while his closest rival, Prof. Ibrahim Ajaguuna, garnered 12 votes, with one void vote recorded.

Galambi affirmed the transparency and integrity of the primary election, attested by representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party aspirants, and all delegates present.

“I hereby declare Oluwatosin Israel Ayeni as the winner of the primary election, having obtained the highest number of valid votes cast. The process was conducted peacefully,” Galambi announced.

Ayeni expressed gratitude for the committee’s dedication in ensuring a free and fair electoral process, attributing the victory to the collective efforts of party members.

In his address, Ayeni urged party faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to securing victory for the NNPP in the November gubernatorial election.

He pledged inclusivity in his campaign, vowing to carry all stakeholders, including his fellow contestants, along in the journey towards electoral success.

With Ayeni’s emergence as the NNPP flag bearer, anticipation mounts as the party gears up for a spirited campaign ahead of the November polls.

Dr. Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi, a prominent unionist, has clinched the governorship ticket of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State, emerging unopposed during the party’s primary election held at its Secretariat in Akure over the weekend.

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Olorunfemi, a former General Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), secured the party’s nomination form and was returned unopposed, with two other aspirants failing to fulfill the necessary requirements.

Hon. Olusola Ayodele, Chairman of the Labour Party Primary Committee and the party’s deputy chairman in Oyo state, commended the simplicity of the process, attributing it to the thoroughness of the screening committee.

He announced Olorunfemi as the sole candidate, emphasizing his fulfillment of the party’s guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, Olorunfemi outlined his commitment to a welfarist agenda if elected governor of Ondo state.

He reiterated the Labour Party’s socialist orientation, pledging a governance approach focused on the people’s welfare.

“The Labour Party, as a socialist-oriented political entity, prioritizes governance that places people at the forefront,” Olorunfemi stated.

“We will work diligently on a four-point agenda encompassing health, education, employment creation, and extensive infrastructural development, leveraging local resources and direct labor systems for prudent fund utilization and equitable resource distribution.”

With his nomination secured, Olorunfemi looks forward to rallying support from across the state as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign, aiming to translate his vision for a people-centric government into tangible reality for the benefit of all Ondo residents.

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Rivers State Government from withholding financial allocations meant for the 42 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, comes as a response to a suit filed by LGA Chairmen and nine others, seeking relief from alleged interference in their operations.

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Justice Omotosho’s ruling also directs all parties involved to maintain the status quo until the court reaches a final determination on the matter.

Additionally, it prohibits the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and its Director from withdrawing security personnel assigned to the LG Chairmen pending the resolution of the case.

The court’s decision follows an ex-parte application presented by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr. Aliyu Hussein, emphasizing the need to ensure the LG Chairmen can fulfill their duties without hindrance.

The plaintiffs argue that they were duly elected under the Rivers State Local Government Law and have the right to autonomy in governing their respective areas.

The plaintiffs allege that the Rivers State Government, along with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Finance, sought to withhold revenue accruing to the LGAs and attempted to withdraw security services provided to them.

They claim this interference is aimed at frustrating the implementation of newly amended local government laws.

Dr. Chidi LLoyd, Chairman of Emohua Local Government and one of the plaintiffs, asserted in an affidavit that the LG Chairmen are constitutionally recognized and deserve autonomy in their operations.

They argue that any attempt to undermine their authority would disrupt governance and service delivery at the local level.

In response, Justice Omotosho ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from taking actions that could undermine the pending motion for interlocutory injunction. The court scheduled a hearing for May 2, 2024, to further address the matter and provide an opportunity for all parties to present their arguments.

The plaintiffs in the case represent various LGAs across Rivers State, highlighting the widespread concern among local government officials regarding alleged government interference and the need to uphold the rule of law at the grassroots level.

Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent figure in the South South and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has penned a compelling letter to the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum.

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In the letter, Clark advised Damagum to either step up his efforts or gracefully resign from his position to salvage the party from imminent collapse.

Clark’s letter, dated April 24, 2024, addresses the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which he describes as a farce, highlighting the undue influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, over the party’s affairs.

He criticized NEC members for their apparent timidity in confronting Wike’s dominance, emphasizing the need for truth-speaking and accountability within the party’s leadership.

Clark further accused Damagum of being complicit in anti-party activities, particularly in Rivers State, alleging that he is under the sway of Wike.

He underscores the concerning influence of Wike within the party, suggesting that key party positions, including Damagum’s, are filled with individuals loyal to the Rivers State governor.

Clark delves into the intricate dynamics of Rivers State politics, outlining Wike’s alleged manipulation of governance and party affairs to suit his interests.

He points out instances where Wike’s control over the party has led to internal conflicts and defections, ultimately weakening the PDP’s position in the state.

The letter concludes with a call to action for Damagum to reassess his role within the party and take decisive steps to address the internal strife, emphasizing the urgency of the situation to prevent further damage to the PDP’s integrity and unity.

Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Ajayi Agboola, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ticket for the forthcoming November governorship election in the state.

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Agboola emerged victorious at the party’s primary held on Wednesday, garnering a total of 264 votes.

His closest contender, former House of Representatives member Kolade Akinjo, trailed with 157 votes.

The fiercely contested primary saw the participation of seven aspirants, with a total of 621 delegates accredited to cast their votes.

Other notable results include Chief Sola Ebiseni securing 99 votes, Adeolu Akinwumi with 64 votes, Bamidele Akingboye obtaining 24 votes, while Mr. John Mafo and Mr. Bosun Arebuwa garnered nine and two votes respectively.

Ahead of the primary, the Chairman of the PDP primary election committee, and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pledged to oversee a transparent, equitable, and credible electoral process.

Agboola’s political journey has been marked by his tenure as deputy governor to the late Rotimi Akeredolu, which lasted until 2020. Following unsuccessful attempts to impeach him, Agboola defected to the PDP amidst the build-up to the 2020 governorship election.

Although he contested on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party after failing to secure the PDP’s nomination, Agboola now stands poised to confront the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was Akeredolu’s former deputy, in the November poll.

Aiyedatiwa had previously clinched the governorship candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a compelling electoral contest in Ondo State.

Ayodeji Akinnodi has been selected as the Action Democratic Party’s (ADP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo state governorship election slated for November 16.

Akinnodi’s emergence came through a consensus reached by the party’s leadership, who hailed him as a figure of exceptional competence and unimpeachable character poised to revolutionize the state’s trajectory.

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The ADP’s gubernatorial primary, held at Alagbaka, witnessed the unanimous endorsement of Akinnodi by elected party delegates, subsequently confirming him as the ADP’s gubernatorial flagbearer.

In the aftermath of his selection, Akinnodi outlined his vision to uphold and perpetuate the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, particularly in the domains of education, healthcare, security, and agriculture.

Central to his agenda is a commitment to prioritizing education through increased budget allocations, infrastructural enhancement, and sustained efforts to reduce the alarming rate of out-of-school children.

Akinnodi pledged to spearhead economic integration across southwestern states, thereby translating the visionary aspirations of Awolowo and other leaders into tangible realities.

Addressing pressing challenges such as insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment, Akinnodi stressed the imperative of decisive action and resource mobilization to rectify the prevailing socio-economic malaise.

Samuel Oladejo, the state Chairman of the ADP, lauded the transparent process that led to Akinnodi’s nomination, affirming the party’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and constitutional obligations.