The National Industrial Court, Akure, has ordered the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), to pay N40 million to Professor Niyi Akingbe, the former Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts, for wrongful dismissal.

The court said Akingbe’s termination in 2018 was not only unjust but based on unfounded allegations of plagiarism.

Akingbe, a vocal critic of the university’s administrative practices under former Vice Chancellor, Kayode Soremekun, was dismissed following a query related to plagiarism.

The court proceedings, documented under Suit No: NICN/AK/58/2018 and made available to our correspondent in Ilọrin, said the university failed to adhere to proper procedures outlined in the FOUYE Act of 2015 and the relevant regulations governing senior staff service conditions.

In his judgement dated October 29, 2024, Justice K.D. Damulak ordered FUOYE to pay Akingbe within 30 days of the judgement, otherwise, the sum shall attract a 10% interest per annum.

The court held that “The claimant’s case succeeds in part.

“A declaration that an allegation of plagiarism against the claimant cannot be made in the absence of the work/publication of a particular author or authors the claimant purportedly plagiarised.

“(Thus) specifying what part of the work copied, printed, or passed off as the original works of the claim without the claimant having acknowledged such works”.

The judge lamented the lack of fair hearing on behalf of the lecturer.

“Similarly, the failure of the defendant to produce the alleged report of external assessors in evidence, in spite of the fact that the claimant is saying there was no such external assessors report, is proof of its non-existence at best…

“…it’s without substance, a fair hearing, unlawful and accordingly, same is hereby set aside.”

According to Damulak, “I have taken a look at the dismissal letter, (defendant’s exhibit LE 10.) and the report of the staff disciplinary committee (claimant’s exhibit 20).

“The defendant relied on the report of the staff disciplinary committee on TETFUND in dismissing the claimant.

“It is true that the dismissal was on 31/10/2018 while the report of the staff disciplinary committee TETFUND intervention grant was signed by the members of the committee on 7/11/2018.

“This means that as of 31/10/2024, there was no formal signed and issued report of the disciplinary committee for the defendant.”

Parts of the judgement reads: “A declaration that the claimant’s dismissal vide letter dated 31 October 2018, without fair hearing, is null and void.

“The defendant is hereby ordered to pay to the claimant general damages assessed at N40 million within 30 days of this judgement or the sum shall attract 10% interest per annum.”

Counsel for Akingbe, Ademola Olowoyeye, had argued that the allegations of plagiarism were vague and lacked substantial evidence.

He said Akingbe met all requirements for promotion to the position of Professor in the Department of English, and the denial of this promotion based on unsubstantiated allegations was deemed unlawful.

The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived in Abuja for burial on Friday.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF 918, carrying the body, touched down at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday, after departing from Lagos around 11am.

Upon arrival, the military leadership and dignitaries were present to receive the body.

A solemn guard of honour was conducted, with the military band playing in tribute as the coffin was carried along a red carpet, witnessed by senior military officials.

The late COAS will be interred on Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

General Lagbaja passed away last Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness, though the specifics of the illness have not been disclosed.

The presidency conveyed their condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this period of mourning.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja had served as the Chief of Army Staff for just over a year, having been appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course and later served in various significant roles, including platoon commander and in operations such as Zaki in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

General Lagbaja was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

His expertise and leadership were recognized in numerous internal security operations across Nigeria.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

Abia Onyike, a former Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Onyike, who also served as the Special Adviser on Media Relations under former Governor Sam Egwu and was a key figure during Governor Martin Elechi’s administration, made the announcement at a ceremony in Owutu Edda Ward, Edda Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

In a statement released on Thursday, Onyike explained his decision to join the APC, citing the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as the primary motivation.

He expressed admiration for Nwifuru’s efforts to restore good governance and foster inclusive politics in Ebonyi State.

“I am joining the APC because of the need to support Governor Nwifuru in his efforts to build a solid foundation for good governance and to promote the ongoing peace and progress in Ebonyi State. Politics is local, and it is driven by the desire for development within our state. I am committed to joining hands with other progressive forces to sustain the current peaceful atmosphere in Ebonyi.”

The Chairman of APC in Owutu Edda Ward, Mr. Oko Ogbuagu, welcomed Onyike’s defection, emphasizing the value of his experience and influence.

“Abia Onyike is a man of the people, a tested leader. His joining the APC will strengthen our party’s position as we look ahead to future elections,” Ogbuagu said.

Hon. Olugbenga Edema, the gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo State, has filed a suit in the Federal High Court, requesting the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his deputy from the list of candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial election.

In the suit, filed through his lawyer Abayomi Ojo, Edema seeks an interpretation of Section 15 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, regarding the nomination process of APC candidates.

He argues that the nomination of Aiyedatiwa was illegal, claiming that the APC primary election held on April 20, 2024, was unconstitutional and did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The case, filed under Suit No. FHC/AK/CS/103/2024, names INEC as the 1st Respondent, APC as the 2nd Respondent, and Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as the 3rd and 4th Respondents, respectively.

Edema is asking the court to annul the publication of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy’s names by INEC, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act.

The suit contends that, according to Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act, INEC is obligated to exclude the names of candidates whose nominations come from an invalid primary.

Edema claims the primary election was flawed, providing evidence through Exhibits NNPP02-19, which include reports from various wards and local government areas in Ondo State.

Edema is seeking several declarations from the court:

1. Unconstitutional Publication: A declaration that the publication of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy by INEC is unconstitutional, invalid, and void, based on Sections 15 of the Third Schedule of the Constitution and Sections 82(1)(5) and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

2. Invalid Nomination: A declaration that INEC’s acceptance of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy’s nomination was arbitrary and illegal.

3. Order to Quash Nomination: A request to invalidate the APC candidates’ nomination and publication by INEC, arguing that it contravenes constitutional and electoral law.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has branded the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) a “reactionary political party,” accusing it of continually opposing progress and development in Nigeria.

He made the remarks on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for its governorship candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu criticized the PDP for its tendency to resist change, highlighting that his administration and the APC have continually triumphed over opposition rhetoric.

He invoked the legacies of past prominent Ondo leaders to further his point, asking, “If Adekunle Ajasin and Adebayo Adefarati were alive today, would they vote for the APC or the reactionary party? If my friend Oluwarotimi Akeredolu were alive, would he support APC or the reactionary elements? Would Olusegun Mimiko or Baba Reuben Fasoranti back the APC or the reactionary party?”

Tinubu emphasized that the APC is committed to a democracy that overcomes lies, hate, propaganda, and division.

He urged the people of Ondo to vote for Aiyedatiwa to ensure continued progress and good governance in the state, asserting that the APC is confident of winning all 18 local government areas in the upcoming election.

The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, echoed this sentiment, calling on Ondo voters to back the party for regional unity and political continuity.

“By supporting our candidate, you ensure the continuation of political harmony in the South-West,” Ganduje said, urging for an 18/18 victory.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, urged peaceful voting and rallying, encouraging supporters to vote for the APC and bring others to the polls.

In his speech, Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s achievements and promised to prioritize education, healthcare, and youth empowerment if re-elected.

He also recalled a prophecy by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who had predicted his success, and expressed confidence that the state would surpass its previous accomplishments by February.

The rally attracted top APC figures, including Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).

Other notable attendees included former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and several key ministers and political figures.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, has reserved its ruling on the jurisdictional challenge raised by former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, in his ongoing trial for an alleged N27 billion fraud.

Ishaku, alongside former Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, is facing a 15-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the conversion of public funds.

The charges stem from the alleged diversion of N27 billion in state funds.

The ruling on the preliminary objections was deferred after both parties presented their arguments regarding the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.

The defense lawyers, P.H. Ogbole (SAN) for Ishaku and Adeola Adedipe (SAN) for Yero, argued that the court lacked the constitutional and territorial jurisdiction to handle the case, as it pertains to the finances of Taraba State.

Ogbole contended that the power to investigate and prosecute matters related to the state’s finances rests exclusively with the Taraba State government, not the federal authorities or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He also pointed out that while some of the alleged offenses occurred in Abuja, the bulk of the case concerns Taraba State funds.

Adedipe similarly requested the court to dismiss the charge, asserting that Taraba State’s own Anti-Corruption Commission had jurisdiction over financial crimes involving the state’s funds.

He cited a Supreme Court ruling that limits the EFCC’s role where a state-established anti-corruption agency exists, which, in this case, he argued, was the Taraba State Commission.

However, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), disagreed, urging the court to reject the defense’s objections and affirm its jurisdiction.

Jacobs emphasized that while the case involves the state’s finances, the EFCC has the authority to prosecute financial crimes that cross state lines or involve national interests.

Justice Oriji noted that the decision on the jurisdictional issue would be made when the judgment is delivered, in line with Section 396(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The court adjourned the matter to January 21, 2025, for further hearing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, following his arrest on November 4, 2024, over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in derivation funds.

The N1.3 trillion in question refers to the 13% derivation funds from the Federation Account that were meant for Delta State between 2015 and 2023.

Okowa is also accused of failing to account for these funds and an additional N40 billion that allegedly went into acquiring shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and in a major Nigerian bank, representing an 8% equity stake in the LNG venture.

According to EFCC sources, Okowa was arrested at the commission’s office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. However, he was released the following Wednesday after meeting the bail conditions, which included surrendering his travel documents to the EFCC.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Okowa is no longer in custody, but his passport remains with the agency pending the conclusion of its investigation.

One source stated: “Okowa was released last Wednesday after meeting his bail conditions, which included submitting his travel documents to us. This measure is in place to prevent him from fleeing the country during the ongoing investigation.”

Despite being granted bail, Okowa has publicly denied the allegations, calling them “laughable” and “completely false.”

In a statement made during a visit from the national leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) at his residence in Asaba, he said he was not concerned about the EFCC’s investigation, emphasizing his confidence that he would be exonerated.

According to Okowa, the petition that led to his EFCC invitation was politically motivated, asserting that some individuals with personal grievances against him orchestrated the allegations.

He stated, “The petition was written months ago, and it’s clear that some people decided to ensure that I was invited by the EFCC. But I went willingly, and when I saw the claim that I misappropriated N1.3 trillion, I couldn’t help but laugh. It’s absurd.”

He further explained that such an amount, if truly misappropriated, would require siphoning between N16 billion and N20 billion every month.

He also recalled how, during his tenure, Delta State faced significant financial difficulties, with periods when the state government struggled to pay salaries, particularly in the early years of his administration.

“The money that came into the state during the first three years of my tenure was barely enough to pay salaries. At the time, many local governments, like Ethiope East, were in arrears of up to 15 months’ worth of salaries. But despite these challenges, Delta became the highest salary-paying state in Nigeria, with over 56,000 workers.” He said.

While defending his record, Okowa emphasized that the allegations against him were unfounded and that he had always acted in the best interests of Delta State.

He also pledged continued support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who succeeded him in office.

Okowa expressed confidence that Oborevwori, with the backing of the UPU and other groups, would continue to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Delta.

“I know Governor Oborevwori has a lot to offer, and by next year, he will accomplish even more. I will continue to support him and the UPU, just as they supported me over the years.”

The UPU, in turn, expressed their gratitude to Okowa for his support of Oborevwori’s gubernatorial bid, noting that the former governor had always been a strong ally of the Urhobo people.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed the prospects of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2027 general election, declaring that it “simply will not happen.”

In a live media session on Wednesday evening in Abuja, Wike argued that Atiku had already presented his vision to the Nigerian electorate but was repeatedly rejected.

The former Vice President, who was the PDP’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, had recently stated that, had he won, his administration would have done things differently from President Bola Tinubu’s, thereby alleviating the current economic challenges Nigerians are facing.

Responding to this, Wike said: “Did Atiku not present his blueprint before Nigerians? Did they choose him? He is lobbying for another chance, but it won’t happen. Which party? How long can we keep using one man?”

Drawing a comparison with the United States, Wike said, “Look at America. Despite criticisms of Donald Trump, Americans made a decision that was in the best interest of their country. Similarly, Nigerians heard Atiku’s proposals in 2023, appreciated them, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right choice. Criticism does not equate to the opposition being effective.”

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the indefinite suspension of all revenue collection activities in the state, particularly in motor parks and other areas, effective immediately.

The governor also instructed the state Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone caught violating the directive by collecting revenues on behalf of the state government.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the suspension would remain in place until further notice.

He stated that he would soon review the situation and make a decision on the future of the revenue collection process.

“The collection of revenues has been suspended indefinitely. Anyone found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government will face arrest,” the governor said.

He further warned that no individual or group is authorized to collect any form of revenue on behalf of the state until the matter is fully addressed.

Ibrahim Idoko, the National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) for North-Central, has rebuffed claims by Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, that the movement is larger than the Labour Party and was responsible for bringing the party into the political spotlight.

Tanko, in a recent interview with Arise News, suggested that the Obidient Movement, which played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections, is more influential than the Labour Party itself.

He also indicated that the movement could consider shifting to a new political platform in the 2027 elections if the Labour Party does not align with its values of good governance and accountability.

In response, Idoko released a statement on Wednesday, dismissing Tanko’s assertions as a political ploy aimed at pleasing his benefactors.

Idoko emphasized that the Labour Party has been a significant force in Nigerian politics long before the Obidient Movement emerged, pointing to the party’s historical successes in elections.

Idoko’s statement read: “Tanko’s comments are laughable and misguided, especially coming from someone who once led a deregistered political party. His attempt to downplay the history of the Labour Party and its achievements is both misleading and mischievous.”

He continued by highlighting that the Labour Party has had notable successes in Nigerian politics for many years.

He pointed to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, a two-term governor under the Labour Party, as well as the recent victory of Alex Otti, the current governor of Abia State, as evidence of the party’s enduring presence.

Idoko also mentioned several National Assembly members who were elected on the Labour Party’s platform, including Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of Delta State and Senator Joshua Dariye of Plateau State.

“The Labour Party has been winning elections across Nigeria long before the rise of the Obidient Movement. Tanko is simply trying to create a narrative to make himself relevant,” Idoko stated.

Idoko also remarked that while Tanko and his supporters are free to pursue an alternative path, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure and the current National Working Committee, is poised for growth.

He expressed confidence that the LP will continue to make strides and is set to emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

Furthermore, Idoko, who also serves as the LP Chairman for Benue State, reiterated the commitment of the North-Central LP chairmen to fully support Abure’s leadership and help propel the party to greater heights.