In the early hours of Saturday, an explosion struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, causing significant damage to the building and surrounding property.

The blast, suspected to have been caused by dynamite, destroyed the entrance gate, shattered windows, and wrecked doors and other facilities within the secretariat located along Aba Road.

Advertorial

This marks the second time the APC secretariat, led by Chief Tony Okocha, has been targeted in such an attack this year.

The explosion occurred just as local government elections were set to take place in the state, with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission confirming on Friday that all sensitive election materials had been distributed to the various local government areas.

A video of the aftermath circulating on social media showed workers inspecting the scene to assess the extent of the destruction.

Advertorial

Meanwhile, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State police command, stated that she had not yet received a formal report on the incident but would provide updates.

As of now, the APC has not released an official statement regarding the attack.

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality in the Rivers State Local Government elections, stressing that all actions taken by the Rivers State Police Command are in strict compliance with a Federal High Court order.

The court had barred the police from participating directly in the election process, prompting the police to limit their role to maintaining security.

Advertorial

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the police responded to accusations made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The governor had alleged undue interference by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the police force in the electoral process.

Clarifying the situation, the police noted that the court order, which was served to both the Nigeria Police and the Rivers State Government, was being strictly adhered to.

Advertorial

The IGP directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to avoid direct involvement in the election.

However, on the night of October 3, 2024, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police received reports that officers from the Government House had been deployed to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) office.

The IGP then authorized the withdrawal of these officers and replaced them with personnel from the Command’s Operations Department to provide overnight security for the RIEC facility.

Advertorial

The police emphasized that this action was based on intelligence reports indicating possible security threats, including previous breaches and tensions between political factions in the state.

The deployment was aimed at protecting the RIEC office from potential attacks.

The police expressed shock over Governor Fubara’s late-night visit to the RIEC office, during which he criticized the police and accused them of interfering with the election.

Advertorial

The statement condemned the governor’s outburst, describing it as an unwarranted attack on the police institution and the IGP.

The police also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, particularly the governor’s threats of violence in response to the local government election.

The force assured the public that it remained committed to ensuring peace and security throughout Rivers State and urged citizens to continue with their normal activities.

Advertorial

In light of the situation, the IGP has ordered an increased deployment of officers across the state to maintain law and order.

DAILY GAZETTE had reported how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, suspended the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-East, Chief Ali Odefa, over anti-party activities.

The suspension was announced in Abuja by Herbert Onyedikachi, the Ward’s Acting Chairman, after a meeting of the Ward Executive Committee.

Advertorial

According to Onyedikachi, Chief Odefa was suspended in line with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, which grants the Ward Executive authority to discipline members.

He emphasized that the decision was made to uphold party discipline and safeguard the values of the PDP.

The matter has now been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further action.

Advertorial

During the announcement, Onyedikachi urged party members to stay committed to the PDP’s objectives, stating that the suspension was necessary to preserve the party’s reputation.

However, Chief Odefa swiftly rejected the suspension, labeling it as a baseless and attention-seeking move by what he termed “faceless cowards.”

In a phone interview, he questioned the legitimacy of the suspension, pointing out that the announcement was made in Abuja rather than Ebonyi State, where the party’s activities are rooted.

Advertorial

Odefa dismissed the move as a political stunt by unknown individuals looking for relevance, emphasizing that he remains in Abakaliki and continues his work within the party.

He implied that the action was orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives, far removed from the interests of the PDP in Ebonyi State.

The PDP’s National Working Committee is expected to review the situation and decide whether further disciplinary measures will be taken against Odefa.

Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has criticized the recent decision by the Federal High Court to stop the local government elections scheduled for Saturday in Rivers State.

On September 30, the court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) providing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Advertorial

The judge cited RSIEC’s failure to comply with its 2018 law regarding the voter register as the basis for halting the election.

In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Mr. Okutepa expressed disagreement with the court’s decision, highlighting the importance of judicial independence and warning against partisan rulings.

He stressed that judges must remain impartial and should base their decisions solely on legal facts rather than political influence.

Advertorial

“In any nation where the rule of law prevails, judges must be independent. They should not be seen as partisan or as tools for politicians,” he said.

Okutepa further emphasized that judges must be able to make rulings free from external pressures or fears of retaliation, adding that this is essential for upholding the rule of law.

He also reminded the judiciary of their obligation to follow binding legal precedents, particularly referencing a Supreme Court judgment from July 11, which confirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

This judgment also declared caretaker committees managing local governments unconstitutional.

Citing Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution, Okutepa noted that the Constitution is supreme and must be respected by all authorities and courts.

He added that Section 287(1) obligates lower courts to enforce Supreme Court decisions without question.

He expressed concern that some judges are still issuing orders that prevent INEC from providing electoral materials to state commissions, thus obstructing local elections despite the Supreme Court ruling in favor of local government autonomy.

Mr. Okutepa also pointed to the troubling influence of some politicians who, he argued, are using the judiciary to further their own interests at the expense of democracy.

He called on legal practitioners to stop filing cases that undermine Supreme Court judgments and criticized the growing number of conflicting court orders across the country.

Advertorial

“The way court orders are flying from one court to another is, in my view, unhealthy for good governance and the economic development of this country,” Okutepa said, urging the legal profession to preserve the integrity of the judiciary and democracy.

He concluded by calling for an end to judicial practices that he believes sabotage democratic processes and the Supreme Court’s authority, warning that these actions could damage Nigeria’s governance and political stability.

The Rivers State Police Command has addressed allegations made by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, which claimed that its operatives were present at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office to seize sensitive electoral materials intended for the upcoming local government elections.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, provided clarification regarding the new deployment of officers at the facility.

Advertorial

In a statement, she explained, “It should be noted that officers from the Rivers State Government House were initially assigned to the RSIEC but were withdrawn following the Federal High Court ruling on September 30, 2024, which prohibited police involvement in the scheduled elections.”

She added, “However, in light of credible intelligence indicating plans by hoodlums to launch an arson attack on the RSIEC office, we deployed police personnel to secure the premises.”

Advertorial

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order, urging residents to act within the boundaries of the law.

“The Police will take all necessary measures to ensure law and order are upheld,” the statement concluded.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Vice Chairman for the South East zone, Ali Odefa, following allegations of anti-party activities.

The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was announced on Friday in Abuja after a meeting of the Oguduokwor Ward Executive Committee in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Advertorial

During a press briefing in Abuja, Herbert Onyedikachi, the acting Chairman of the Oguduokwor Ward, along with other party executives, provided details regarding the decision.

According to Onyedikachi, Odefa’s suspension stems from actions deemed harmful to the party’s reputation and interests.

In line with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, the Ward Executive Committee invoked its authority to suspend Odefa.

Advertorial

Furthermore, the Committee has referred him to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for additional action.

Onyedikachi emphasized that the suspension and referral to the disciplinary committee aim to preserve party discipline and reinforce the values and principles of the PDP.

He also urged party members to remain dedicated to the party’s objectives and goals.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced the timetable for the 2024 Rivers State Elective Congresses, which will begin on November 2.

The announcement was made on Friday by Malam Suleiman Argungu, the National Organising Secretary of the party, in a statement issued from Abuja.

Advertorial

This follows the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Chief Tony Okocha, tasked with managing the election of new leadership for the state’s APC chapter after the previous Beke-led executives were dissolved.

Although a recent court ruling reinstated the former executives, the APC’s National Working Committee has declared its intention to uphold the caretaker committee’s authority, asserting that the court lacks jurisdiction over internal party matters.

Advertorial

According to the statement, candidates seeking the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship positions will need to pay N3 million and N2.5 million, respectively, for their Nomination and Expression of Interest forms.

For local government chairmanship, the form costs N100,000.

The statement also noted that female candidates and Persons Living with Disabilities will receive a 50% discount on the nomination fees.

Additionally, youths aged 25 to 40 are eligible for the same discount on their forms.

Only members who have paid their dues for at least three months before the delegate congress at the rate of N200 per month will be eligible to vote in the Ward Congress.

Argungu further stated that the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms will be available for purchase at the APC’s Directorate of the Organisation at its national headquarters in Abuja.

The timetable outlines that the composition of the screening and appeal committee is set for October 18, with the deadline for submitting completed forms on October 21.

The congress to elect new state executive council members will take place on November 9.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, on Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

This decision follows protests from members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly regarding the President’s initial award during his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on October 1, where Abbas received the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) instead.

Advertorial

The debate sparked in the House of Representatives led to calls for the President to confer a higher honor on the Speaker.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, indicated that Tinubu was swayed by the House’s position and sought to correct what he termed a “historical error and oversight.”

“Accordingly, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in line with the National Order of Precedence,” Onanuga stated.

Advertorial

The formal decoration ceremony for the Speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will take place later.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has reached out to police authorities regarding the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State, set for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

This comes amid ongoing tensions between the Rivers State Government and the police command, which has declared it will not provide security for the electoral process.

Advertorial

The police cited a recent Federal High Court judgment from Abuja that prohibits their participation in the election.

However, in a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, Falana emphasized that an appeal has been filed against this judgment, delivered by Honourable Justice Peter Lifu on September 30, 2024.

Falana’s correspondence follows allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his team intervened at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters, allegedly preventing police from removing election materials.

Advertorial

In his letter, Falana stated, “We have the instructions of our client to inform you that an appeal has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice P.O. Lifu. Following the filing of the appeal, a motion for stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed by our client.”

He expressed concern over the Rivers State Police Command’s statement, which implied that they would not maintain law and order during the election.

Advertorial

“Having been served with the copies of the Notice and Motion for Stay of execution, we request you to direct the Rivers State Police Command to maintain law and order during the election,” Falana urged.

See the full letter below:

October 4, 2024

The Inspector-General of Police,
Police Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House,
Abuja.

RE: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 – ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 5 ORS.

We are Solicitors to the 2nd Defendant (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) on whose behalf and instructions we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.

Our client has drawn our attention to the statement credited to the Rivers State Police Command to the effect that it would comply fully with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which barred it from participating in the October 5, local government election in the State. The implication of the statement is that the police will not maintain law and order during the election.

We have the instructions of our client to inform you that an appeal has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice P.O. Lifu. Following the filing of the appeal, a motion for stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed by our client.

Having been served with the copies of the Notice and Motion for Stay of execution, we request you to direct the Rivers State Police Command to maintain law and order during the election for the following reasons:

1. Since a notice of appeal has been filed together with a motion for stay of execution, parties are not permitted to take steps that may frustrate the hearing of the motion for stay of execution. By maintaining law and order during the election, the police cannot be accused of contempt of court. In the case of Mobil Oil Nig. Limited v Assan (1995) 8 NWLR (PT 412) 129 at 150, the Supreme Court held inter alia:

“Chief FRA Williams, SAN referred the court to the cases of Huang & Ors. v. Bello & Ors. supra and Rastico Nigeria Ltd. v. Societe Generale Surveillance SA supra. These are Court of Appeal decisions and were in my view rightly decided. What the court below was saying in both cases was that where a person is appealing against a matter in which he had suffered a defeat and asked for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal, he would not be liable in contempt merely because he had not obeyed the order which he is appealing against or which he wants stayed pending the appeal. Trial and appellate courts have always had jurisdiction to grant stay of execution of judgment pending appeal. The exercise of the right to apply for a stay of execution by an unsuccessful litigant pending his appeal has not been treated as a disobedience to the judgment he is appealing against.”

2. In Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 – Action Peoples Party v. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission & 2 Ors., the Rivers State High Court has directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the local government election in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024 – Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors. (2024) LPELR -62576 (SC).

3. The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to maintain law and order during the election in exercise of his powers under Section 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). In the case of Attorney-General of Anambra State v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors. (2005) 9 NWLR (PT 931) 572 at 616, the Supreme Court held:

“The Constitution in Section 215 subsection (1) clearly gives the Governor of Anambra State the power to issue lawful direction to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, in connection with securing public safety and order in the State.”

4. A few persons have openly boasted and threatened to destroy electoral materials, cause mayhem, and unleash violence on the law-abiding people of Rivers State who may wish to exercise their democratic rights during the local government election.

In view of the foregoing, we hereby urge you to direct the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in any part of Rivers State during the local government election scheduled to hold throughout the State on October 5, 2024.

While awaiting your reply to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and professional regards.

Yours sincerely,

FEMI FALANA, SAN.