In a significant development at the National Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced their defection from their respective political parties, citing internal crises and the need for more stable platforms to serve their constituents.

Leading the wave of defections was Nicholas Mutu, the longest-serving member of the House and a key political figure from Delta State.

Mutu, who has represented Bomadi Federal Constituency since 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with five other colleagues from Delta.

The other defectors from PDP to APC include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).

In a parallel shift, two lawmakers from Enugu State; Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu), announced their departure from the Labour Party to join the PDP.

The formal letters of defection were read on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session.

According to the lawmakers, unresolved internal conflicts and factionalism in both the PDP and Labour Party informed their decision to seek new political alignments that would enable them to better discharge their legislative duties.

Dr. Chekwas Okorie, founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent disciplinary measures imposed by the National Judicial Council (NJC), describing them as “too little, too late.”

Last Wednesday, the NJC announced a one-year suspension without pay for three judges; Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja; and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, over misconduct.

The Council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, made the announcement in an official statement.

However, Okorie, speaking with newsmen, said the NJC’s action failed to address deeper issues plaguing Nigeria’s judiciary, particularly those originating from the Supreme Court.

He criticized the apex court’s judgment on the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling it a glaring example of judicial failure.

“The Supreme Court said that there was no evidence to show that people who decamped from their party, PDP to APC in Rivers publicly, filed an affidavit in court, which everybody saw on video, and they were proud of it.”

“When the implication dawned on them, they said they didn’t decamp anymore. And the Supreme Court said there was no evidence before it to prove that they decamped. What is the effect of that?” he asked.

Okorie noted that this controversial ruling has had a ripple effect, emboldening similar political maneuvers in other states.

“The effect of that bad judgment is what has just happened recently in Delta State because the Supreme Court can always say there is no evidence that they should surrender their seats,” he remarked.

He continued, “When there is even for an illiterate, who can barely read, and we can see it written in the Constitution that outside of the Governor, President, Vice President and Deputy Governor, every other elected person loses his seat mandatorily upon changing camp.”

Lamenting what he sees as judicial tolerance of unethical political behavior, Okorie pointed to the cases of notable figures like Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Pastor Umo Eno, suggesting they were emboldened to consider abandoning the parties that brought them into office.

“Even when Rochas (Okorocha) dumped APGA, all of them keep saying that the political party is simply a vehicle to move from one point to another. Who defined a political party like that? Where did they get that definition?” he queried.

Okorie argued that such legal interpretations are harming Nigeria’s democratic system.

“So, it is the legal system we are running and the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land, that has foisted this major setback to our efforts to have a proper and progressive democratic system,” he said.

He concluded by condemning what he described as the judicial endorsement of “procedural manipulation,” warning that it undermines public trust.

“Judicial endorsement of procedural manipulation exposes Nigerians as people who do not know who is good and who is bad. They know and they vote for the good ones, but they give them the bad ones. And you go to the court and mess it up.”

The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu state, Barr. Obiora Obeagu on Monday, received Hon. Gabriel Eze, the Member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, during a courtesy visit that underscored their shared commitment to the advancement of the local government and Enugu State at large.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE after the meeting, Chief Obeagu described the visit as an opportunity for mutual reflection and strategic dialogue, noting that discussions were centered on governance, security, and grassroots development.

“We had fruitful discussions centered on governance, security, and development, all geared towards the progress of Isi-Uzo and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.

“It was a moment of shared vision and strong commitment to our administration’s determination to partner with the Governor Peter Mbah administration for the development and growth of our dear Isi-Uzo LGA and Enugu State.”

Both leaders jointly commended the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, describing it as visionary and result-oriented, with transformative impact across the state.

“Together, we deeply and sincerely commended the visionary and result-driven leadership of our Executive Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. His massive projects, programmes and infrastructural strides across the 260 wards of Enugu State, including the 11 wards of Isi-Uzo LGA, speak volumes,” he stated.

The council boss further hailed the governor’s performance in less than two years in office, asserting that “Governor Mbah has set a governance standard that is truly second to none.”

He expressed optimism about Isi-Uzo’s future: “Isi-Uzo is moving forward, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey.”

Governor Mbah,

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has congratulated former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Professor Victor Nnam, on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), describing the honour as a moment of pride for the entire state.

The commendation was conveyed in a congratulatory letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, Esq, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

“On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, I convey the earnest felicitation and happy cheers of the government and good people of Enugu State to you on your elevation to the prestigious rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors,” the letter read.

Governor Mbah praised Prof. Victor Nnam’s dedication and professional accomplishments, noting that his recognition by the NIS marks the culmination of a distinguished career in service to the state and the country.

“Whilst congratulating you for reaching the apogee of your professional calling, please accept the assurances of His Excellency the Governor’s best wishes,” Udeh added.

The Governor’s message joins a growing list of tributes from leaders and professional bodies across Nigeria, celebrating Prof. Nnam’s investiture as a Fellow of one of the country’s foremost professional institutions.

Prof. Nnam, a renowned academic and former commissioner, is a professor of Geoinformatics and Surveying with decades of impactful service in land administration and spatial science.

The National Assembly has urged the Supreme Court to throw out a legal challenge brought by 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the alleged plan to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In its preliminary objection, the National Assembly argued that the suit was “procedurally flawed and lacked merit.”

It asked the court to dismiss the case on grounds that it lacked jurisdiction and requested that N1 billion be awarded against the plaintiffs as damages for filing what it called “a frivolous and speculative suit.”

The objection stressed that due process was not followed. “With the objection amongst others submitted, due process of instituting the action in the suit was not followed by the plaintiffs before taking this step against the second defendants,” the NASS noted.

It pointed out that the plaintiffs failed to serve the statutorily required three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly, as mandated under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

According to the legislation, “a person who has a cause of action against a Legislative House shall serve a three months’ notice to the office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and reliefs sought.”

The Assembly also argued that the governors failed to obtain resolutions from their respective State Houses of Assembly, which is a key requirement for approaching the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction, as provided for in the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.

Responding to alleged threats raised in the plaintiffs’ filing, which referenced a statement made by the Attorney-General during a press briefing, the National Assembly asserted that it had no involvement.

“Considering the affidavit in support and the threats alleged, which did not come from the second defendant, there is no cause of action against it,” the Assembly said.

“This is a suit relating to an alleged threatened declaration or proclamation of a state of emergency in the plaintiffs’ states by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice.”

“This is allegedly a result of the statement of the first defendant in a press briefing held March 19, 2025, wherein he is said to have stated that after Rivers State, ‘…it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow….’ None of the alleged threat or statement is alluded to the second defendant or any of its officers.”

The 11 PDP governors, representing Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, had filed the suit to question whether the President has the constitutional authority to dissolve a democratically elected state institution and appoint unelected officials under the guise of a state of emergency.

But the National Assembly argued further that the plaintiffs were improperly trying to use the court to interfere with how it exercises its constitutional duties, particularly in relation to the use of voice votes to approve states of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

Describing the suit as “speculative and an abuse of court process,” the Assembly added.

“The second defendant/applicant, having observed the several deficiencies in the suit of the plaintiffs which go contrary to the provisions of the laws and the jurisdiction of the court, raises an objection and submits that the 11 states (plaintiffs) approached the court wrongly and in abuse of court process.”

The objection, backed by six legal grounds, claimed the plaintiffs lacked both a cause of action and the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the suit.

Supporting the objection, Godswill Onyegbu, a legal officer in the National Assembly’s Directorate of Legal Services, deposed in an affidavit that the plaintiffs had not followed due process.

He argued: “The plaintiffs did not obtain the required resolutions from the Houses of Assembly in their respective states to authorise the suit under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.”

“There is no cause of action against the second defendant, as no threat emanated from the second defendant’s office.”

He further stated: “The plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to institute this suit as none of the plaintiffs had shown that it has suffered anything far and above any other persons or people of Rivers State.”

“There are no disputes involving questions of law or fact upon which the existence or extent of a legal right depends between the parties. The plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the second defendant to warrant equitable relief such as a perpetual injunction,” Onyegbu said.

Calling on the court to strike out the suit entirely, he added: “That the plaintiffs’ states’ houses of assembly did not pass any resolution by a simple majority of the members present and sitting at the time of the resolution authorising the plaintiffs to institute this action.”

“That the plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the second defendant to enjoy the equitable remedy of perpetual injunction. That it is in the best interest of justice for the court to dismiss or strike out this suit against the second defendant with a cost of N1 billion only, jointly and severally against the plaintiffs.”

The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), a prominent pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on governors of the South-East to urgently tap into the region’s vast agricultural and tourism potentials, which it says can drive economic development and create massive job opportunities.

This appeal was contained in a joint statement issued in Enugu on Monday by the group’s President, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, and Secretary-General, Mr. Tony Igbokwe.

The statement emphasized the need for state governments in the region to begin serious work and develop a comprehensive blueprint that would unlock the long-neglected agricultural and tourism assets of the South-East.

“The agriculture and tourism sectors can transform the region to Holland of Africa. Holland as a country harnessed its agricultural and tourism sectors; thereby making the country a great economic power in Europe today,” the group stated.

According to NUF, the South-East has continued to lose over $150 billion annually due to underdevelopment in both sectors, losses that could have been prevented if these potentials were properly harnessed.

The group added that such development would also help to significantly reduce crime rates.

It also cited the missed opportunity in palm oil production: “Malaysia came to South-East before Nigerian independent and picked up palm seedlings (palm fronts), went to their country, planted, nurtured and researched into it. Today, Malaysia generates over $20 billion (USA dollars) yearly from palm oil and its derivatives.

“While South-East where the Malaysia palm seedlings came from today is importing palm oil. What we have in excess previously has left us; thus, showing how negligence we are as a people and government,” it added.

The group decried the neglect of vast fertile lands and rich tourist attractions in the region, blaming it in part on over-dependence on monthly federal allocations.

“The zone had the best untapped tourism sites as well as fertile and arable land but neglected these great sectors because of monthly allocation that comes from Abuja,” the statement read.

“Tourism sites and potentials are very much abound that can attract more than 10 million tourists yearly to the region.

“It is evident that if our governors pay attention to these sectors mentioned, more than 75 per cent of our people will be engaged; thereby, making the region an investment and job hub in the country,” it said.

The group urged the governors to partner with the private sector and create a conducive environment for investors willing to commit funds into the agriculture and tourism value chains.

“South-East governors should leverage on private sector investors to push these two goldmine sectors waiting to be tapped, and create enable environment for the investors who will invest heavily in these sectors.

“The governors should put the region in the world tourism calendar as this will go a long way in positioning the zone as the best tourism destination in the world as the South-East has so much rich culture and tourist sites waiting to be tapped,” the statement concluded.

Dr. Ezeh, Enugu Science & Tech Commissioner,

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, are set to attend the inaugural Enugu International Tech Festival, slated for May 7 to 9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.

Themed “Coal to Code,” the event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and marks a major step in positioning Enugu as a fast-rising digital hub on the African continent.

Addressing journalists in a pre-event briefing in Enugu on Monday, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, confirmed that the two federal ministers would deliver keynote addresses focused on national policies driving regional innovation ecosystems.

Ezeh also revealed the participation of global tech players, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as renowned figures in Africa’s tech scene such as Zinox Group Founder, Stan Ekeh, and prominent scientist and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji.

Business tycoon and investor Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, will also be present to share his real-world experiences merging business with technology.

According to Ezeh, “The presence of these great tech-innovative personalities and companies shows the event’s significance in positioning Enugu as a burgeoning tech hub in Africa.”

He noted that the three-day festival is being held under the auspices of Governor Peter Mbah, whose administration has prioritized digital transformation and youth empowerment as central pillars of its development strategy.

“Over three days, Enugu will be electrified by a dynamic blend of keynote speeches, panel sessions, technical workshops, investment matchmaking in the Deal Room, and cutting-edge exhibitions,” the commissioner explained.

He emphasized that the goal is to connect startups, scale-ups, and innovators with investors while creating pathways for corporate partnerships, venture capital, and collaborative R&D efforts.

Among the headline speakers are notable tech evangelist Harry Tomi Davies, entrepreneur and tech incubator founder Kingsley Eze, blockchain innovator Ugochukwu Aronu, and digital thought leaders Napa Onwusah and Patrick AsuamaAsuama, all of whom will provide insights into Nigeria’s fast-developing digital economy.

Speaking on the event’s theme, Ezeh said: “The ‘Coal to Code’ theme of the festival draws a powerful metaphor for transformation. Once a hub for coal mining, Enugu is now positioning itself as Africa’s digital engine room.”

“The narrative is being shaped not only through dialogue and vision casting, but through concrete initiatives to build infrastructure, digital skills and innovation-driven enterprises,” he added.

Ezeh disclosed that participants are expected from across Nigeria and the diaspora. He said the festival would highlight homegrown talent, tech-enabled SMEs, and student-led innovations.

“Beyond networking, it offers a tangible springboard for building the next generation of digital companies and attracting venture capitals into the region,” the commissioner noted.

“As Nigeria accelerates its digital economy drive, Enugu is staking its claim as a serious contender on the world tech map — not just as a host, but as a builder of the future.

“The Enugu International Tech Festival 2025 may well be the spark that transforms ambition into action in Nigeria’s innovation journey.

“For more updates and registration details, visit www.enugutechfest.com,” Ezeh concluded.