The chamber of Rivers State House of Assembly has been set ablaze.

The development comes amid rumour of the plan to impeach Governor Similanayi Fubara.

Sources said the arsonist gained entry into the chamber on Sunday night and set it ablaze.

Our reporter further learnt that the quick intervention of the men of fire service stopped the fire from spreading to the entire Assembly complex. Footage from the scene

Efforts made to speak with the Rivers State Police Command Public Relation Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko was fruitless at the time of filing this report

Security was beefed up at the complex while firefighters battled to contain the inferno.

The National Industrial Court in Owerri has issued an extended interim injunction restraining organized Labour from embarking on any kind of strike in Imo state.

Both the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress were further ordered not to embark on OCCUPY IMO, as planned, until the next adjourned date.

The court warned against the disobedience of its order, saying that it would attract consequences.

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Justice N C S Ogbuanya gave the order after hearing the submissions of the Attorney General of Imo State, Barr C O C Akaolisa, who prayed the court to grant an extended interim order against the defendants given their fresh threat to embark on strike through occupy Imo.

The defendants are the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Secretary-General, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the Trade Union Congress and its secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.

In the suit No NICN/ OW/41/2023, in which the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government are claimants/applicants, they prayed that since there is a subsisting order restraining the defendants from going on strike, the order should be extended.

Their argument was hinged on an affidavit by which the first defendant(NLC) by a letter dated 16th October, 2023 is currently mobilising its members from the South East and South South for a strike to occupy Imo from November 01,2023.

After hearing from both counsels in the suit, the court granted the order of extended interim injunction restraining the defendants from embarking on any strike in whatever guise.

” The Order of INTERIM INJUNCTION earlier granted against the defendants is hereby extended till the next adjourned date,” the court declared.

” Parties are hereby directed to be mindful of consequences of disobedience of extant court ordering the pending suit “, it further ordered.

The Court adjourned the matter to November, 03,2023 for either hearing or report of settlement.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is mourning the death of its National Women Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe.

The party’s National Working Committee and indeed the PDP family said it is utterly devastated by her death which it said had robbed not only the party but the entire nation of one of its best and brightest.

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National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja, on Sunday noted; “Our hearts bleed! Our Party and Nation have lost one of our best and brightest. Prof. Effah-Attoe’s death is a huge blow not only to her family but also to the PDP, the academic community, the people of Cross River State, and indeed the Nation.

“Prof. Effah-Attoe was very brilliant, towering and magnificent in all spheres, but yet lived an exceptionally humble, pleasant, sociable, gracious, compassionate, and loving life.

“She touched lives in many positive ways and made pivotal contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.

“She was a dedicated teacher, politician, author and fearless mobilizer who always stood for the truth; fought for justice, equity, and fairness and gave her energy, passion, and resources in the pursuit of the rights of women in Nigeria.

“Over the years, as Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Information and Culture in Cross River State, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, member of Governing Board of several Cross River State and Federal Government Agencies and Programmes; a University Professor and one of the most decorated scholars in Nigeria, she distinguished herself as an amazon with extraordinary intellectual capacity for leadership and national service.

“As the National Woman Leader of our great Party, she brought in an uncommon intellectual aptitude into Party administration especially in mobilizing women for greater participation in politics and governance.

“The PDP will always remember her tireless contributions alongside other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in line with the mission to rescue, rebuild, and redirect our nation from misrule.”

The party further said, “Prof Effah-Attoe’s death has left a huge vacuum in our Party but we take solace in the fact that she lived a devout Christian life, triumphed in her chosen path, and left indelible marks in the service of the Nation and humanity.

“The PDP commiserates with her immediate family, the people of Ikun in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, the Academic Community, the Cross River State Chapter of the PDP, and the people of Cross River State.

“Our Party prays to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss; and to the faithful departed, an eternal rest in His bosom.”

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been charged with forgery.

Mr Ododo is facing a criminal trial for alleged forgery of some of the documents he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) A copy of the suit obtained by Daily Gazette 

Ododo is accused of falsifying his credentials and declaration of age, according to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters.

He is also accused of forging his putative father’s signature on the declaration of age document, whose dates show Saturday and Sunday, considered work-free days for judicial workers in Nigeria.

Ododo could face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty. It could also ruin his campaign. It is also expected to exacerbate divides within the APC in the state since the complainants are in the same party as the candidate, making the party’s victory in the governorship race more challenging.

The APC leadership has yet to respond to the allegations levelled against Ododo.

A document dated October 27, 2023, shows that the suit was filed before the Chief Magistrate Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in accordance with section 89 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 which demanded a direct summons to be issued against Ododo.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd complainants are Abdul Ibrahim, Israel Tochukwu and Husseini Odaudu respectively while Ododo is the defendant.

The particulars of complaint are as follows: “That the 1st complainant is a business man and a member of the All Progressives Congress who resides in Lokoja.

“That the 2nd Complainant is a business man and a member of the All Progressives Congress who resides in Lokoja.

“That the 3rd Complainant is a business man, Farmer and a member of the All Progressives Congress who resides in Lokoja.

“That the Defendant is a governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the upcoming Kogi State governorship election slated for 11 November, 2023.

“That the Complainants state that the Defendant submitted Fake/Forged declaration of age contained in his Form EC9 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters in Abuja in aid of qualifying him to contest the next governorship election of Kogi State 2023.

“The Complainants’ state that the said declaration of age was deposed to by one Usman Ododo, on the 2/8/2003 which was on a Saturday when no judicial workers works or Court operates.

“The Complainants state that the said declaration of age was signed by the Defendant Usman Ahmed Ododo, himself instead of the declarant Usman Ododo.

“The Complainants state that the signature of the declarant appended on the said declaration of age is the same signature appended on the form EC9 Usman Ahmed Ododo, and resignation letter of Usman Ahmed Ododowithdrawing from the services of Kogi Auditor General for local government.

“The Complainants state that the Defendant also submitted a fake/forged BSc Certificate in Accounting (Forensic) allegedly obtained in 2014 from the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.

“That as at 2014 when the Defendant claimed to have graduated from the school, Accounting as a course was yet to be Accredited by the National Universities Commission

“That the Accreditation of Accounting in the school was done in 2017, three years after the Defendant claimed to have graduated.

“That no University in Nigeria can graduate any student without the National Universities Commission’s approval.”

Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Ebonyi State Governor, has emphasised the importance of maintaining professional integrity within the judiciary at all times during a dinner held at the banquet hall of the old government house in Abakaliki.

The dinner was organised to honour members of the state judiciary, marking the commencement of their 2023–2024 legal year.

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Nwifuru urged members of the judiciary to engage in self-evaluation to gauge their performance in their roles. He stated that self-assessment is essential in any professional pursuit.

The Governor expressed his impartiality towards the praise and commendations he receives from various individuals in the state, including his appointees and supporters.

He assessed his five-month tenure as Governor and acknowledged that there’s more to be done for the state’s progress.

He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering greater democratic dividends to the people of Ebonyi State, emphasising that his government is devoted to serving the state.

He specifically advised the judiciary not to allow anyone to compromise their professional standards, emphasising the importance of maintaining integrity while carrying out their duties.

“As we approach the completion of five months in office by October 29th, there’s still much more to be accomplished.

I am determined to ensure that Ebonyi State receives further dividends of democracy. I urge self-reflection, for it’s crucial in assessing our actions.

The duty of people in office is often to praise; thus, it’s vital to observe and evaluate our deeds to align them with society’s needs,” Governor Nwifuru stated.

The Governor acknowledged the invaluable service and sacrifices made by the judiciary for both the state and the nation, expressing gratitude for their commitment.

“I commend our esteemed judiciary; their service is pivotal. I’ve tested the grounds and know the demanding nature of your roles,” he added.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered full enforcement of the Gunshot Victims Act 2017.

According to a statement issued by Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP told all medical practitioners in Nigeria to provide prompt and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshot and accident, irrespective of the presence or absence of a police report.

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“The IGP’s decision comes as a response to the relentless outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims. The IGP underscores the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing.

“The Inspector-General calls on all medical institutions and professionals to adhere to these directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasizing the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society.

“The Nigeria Police will collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health for the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act,” he stated.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, on Thursday, affirmed the election of Hon. George Olawande Adegeye, representing Amuwo-Odofin federal constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.

The appellate court threw out the petitions filed by his opponents in the February 25 National Assembly elections, challenging his victory.

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The candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) had challenged the verdict of the Election Petitions Tribunal, which earlier upheld the election of Olawande.

The thrust of their appeals was premised on the nomination of Adegeye by the Labour Party as well as his membership of the party prior to the February 25 election.

However, the Court of Appeal panel composed of Justices M.L. Shuaib, J.E Ekanem and P.A Bassi, in their unanimous decision held that the appellants lacked the right and indeed the requisite power to determine membership of a political party or chose who the party presents as its candidate for an election.

Counsel to the lawmaker, Muyiwa Ogunkolade, Esq had earlier raised an objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to entertain and determine the petition filed before it by one of the petitioners, Olanrewaju Sanusi and his party, the APC.

The grounds of his objection were that, the issue of nomination and sponsorship of Hon. Adegeye by the Labour Party was an internal affair of the party and outsiders referred to as meddlesome interlopers like the Appellants do not have the locus standi to challenge it.

The contention of Ogunkolade was that the issue raised in the various petitions related to pre-election matters, which the Election Tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to entertain.

While dismissing the appeals, the Justices agreed with the counsel to Hon. Adegeye and Labour Party that the lower Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to have entertained the matter and, therefore, struck out the case.

Reacting to the judgement, Ogunkolade Esq stated that the well-delivered judgment had laid to rest the dead issue of pre-election matters peddled by the appellants.

He commended the courage shown by the Justices to stand for the truth in the face of alleged intimidation and attempt to induce the court.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has distanced himself from the call by unknown Civil Society Organisation for the arrest of President of Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen, over recent Appeal Court judgments, stressing that neither he nor any authorized representative has issued statements regarding the recent Appeal Court’s judgments.

In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor described the press statement credited to faceless Civil Society Organisation as baseless and a mere fabrication targeted at tarnishing his image.

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Calling on the Department of Security Service (DSS) and other security agencies to diligently investigate and apprehend the authors of this malicious article, Mutfwang alleged that the statement is consistent with the antics of mischief makers meant to create confusion and enmity between his administration and the citizens of his state.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been drawn to a baseless statement purported to have been issued by an unidentified group, suspected to be aligned with the opposition in the state, masquerading as a Civil Society Organisation.

“This group recklessly called for the arrest of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. Their claims hinge on the judgment of the Appeal Court that nullified two PDP National Assembly’s seats from Plateau.

“Governor Mutfwang unequivocally states that neither he nor any authorized representative has issued statements regarding the recent Appeal Court judgment. The PDP has not engaged any Civil Society Organization to comment on this matter.

“The spurious allegations against Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, accusing the Governor of supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration and former Governor Nyesome Wike, are not only mere fabrications but also an attempt to tarnish the Governor’s image and consistent with the antics of mischief makers who had issued fake press statements to create confusion and enmity between the Mutfwang’s administration and the citizens of Plateau State in the first two months of his administration.”

The governor said that as a renowned lawyer with over three decades of practice, that he knows too well the workings of the courts, upholds the industry of their lordships, will never contemplate or support the subversion of justice or malign the integrity, character and honour of the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who is also a daughter of Plateau State.

He added that as a staunch believer in the rule of law, he affirms his commitment to upholding the dignity of constituted authorities responsible for the dispensation of justice and leadership in the country and elsewhere.

“Hence, Governor Mutfwang calls upon all respected authorities and the public to dismiss this misleading article, meticulously crafted by mischief-makers aiming to besmirch the governor and the Plateau PDP,” the statement added.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has fixed October 30 to deliver judgment on the appeal filed by Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the APC 2023 senatorial candidate for Benue South, challenging the declaration of Senator Abba Moro of the PDP as the winner of the election held in Benue South.

This was according to the official information transmitted to the legal counsel of the parties involved in the case, by the three-man panel of the Court of Appeal comprising Justices A. O. Otisi; O. Obaseki and A. M. Lamido.

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The court earlier heard Onjeh’s appeal on Monday, October 16, following which all the briefs or arguments were adopted and the matter was reserved for judgment.

Comrade Onjeh is asking the Court of Appeal to declare him the true winner of the Benue South 2023 Senatorial Election on the ground that the first respondent, Sen. Moro, was not qualified to contest the election, having presented a forged birth certificate to INEC.

He is equally challenging the outcome of the election on the grounds of noncompliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (As Amended), amongst other irregularities; and asking the court to declare all the votes allotted to Sen. Moro in the election wasted votes, and to consequently declare him – the first runner up – the true winner of the election.

Onjeh argues that if the court cancels all the unlawful votes allotted to Sen. Moro at the last Benue South senatorial election occasioned by noncompliance and irregularities; and re-tabulates the results of the election, it will reveal that it was actually he, and not Sen. Moro, that polled the highest number of valid votes in the election.

The Appeal Court sitting in Lagos state on Friday dismissed the appeal case filed by Hon. Olumide Ojerinde (Omo-Oloore) of the Accord Party for lack of merit and upheld the election victory of Hon. Prince Olaide Lateef Mohammed who was elected the representative of the Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The outcome of the Appeal Court has, thus, reaffirmed the 2023 general election when the electorate voted for Mohammed.

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Ojerinde had approached the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in an attempt to nullify the election results.

However, the tribunal dismissed the case for lack of merit and substantial evidence to prove his claim of victory and imposed a fine of N2.5 million as a testament to the misappropriation of the court’s valuable time.

Unperturbed by the tribunal’s judgment, Ojerinde sought redress at the Appeal Court. The Appeal Court, after diligent consideration, dismissed the case once more, citing a lack of substantial evidence and merit to substantiate his claims of victory in the 2023 legislative election.

The decision of the Court of Appeal marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle between Mohammed and Ojerinde. It is essential to note that appeals from the National Assembly or State House of Assembly Election Tribunals are final, as enshrined in Section 246(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and judicially reaffirmed in the case of Ogboru v President Court of Appeal & Anor(2005) LPELR-7473(CA).

Speaking on the outcome of the Appeal, Mohammed expressed his profound satisfaction, describing the judgment as a resounding victory for democracy.

While he reiterated his faith in Nigeria’s judiciary system, Mohammed called upon progressive leaders and supporters within the constituency to rally around him, in a collective effort to advance significant development for the Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency.

The verdict by the Appeal Court has affirmed the will of the people and solidified Mohammed’s commitment to serving the constituency diligently and delivering on the promises made during the election campaign.