The chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerns about the country’s current state of affairs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a recent meeting held in Abuja, the APC States Chairmen’s Forum resolved to seek an audience with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and President Tinubu to address pressing issues affecting the nation.

Advertorial

Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Secretary of the APC States Chairmen’s Forum and Chairman of the Cross River State APC, told reporters after the meeting that Nigerians are facing challenges related to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, fuel price hikes, increased electricity tariffs, and other issues.

Ogar, flanked by acting forum chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and other state chairmen, emphasized that the forum aims to discuss these matters privately with the federal government and the NWC.

Advertorial

He stated, “The Forum of APC States Chairmen met to discuss concerns regarding the party’s democratic values and the success of our APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. We have resolved to hold closed-door meetings with the NWC and government to address the situation in the country.”

Responding to questions about the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, Ogar acknowledged the complaints and assured that the forum would engage the federal government to find solutions. He added that it would be premature to comment further until those discussions are held.

Advertorial

The chairmen also addressed internal party matters, including the extension of the caretaker committee of the Rivers State APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha.

The forum believes that this decision by the NWC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, will strengthen the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

The forum further praised the performance of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the FCT, highlighting his achievements in security, infrastructure, and human capital development.

However, they declined to comment on whether non-performing ministers should be removed from office.

Kano State Governor Kabiru Abba Yusuf has ordered the immediate closure of bank accounts belonging to all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

The directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House, involving the Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service and the heads of various MDAs.

Advertorial

Governor Yusuf stated that the decision aims to ensure proper accounting and utilization of government revenues, emphasizing the need for transparent financial management to foster the state’s development.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a lower court’s order that had prevented Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with Celestine Omehia, a former Rivers Governor, and Austin Opara, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, from participating in PDP meetings.

Advertorial

In a unanimous decision by a three-judge panel, the appellate court found the appeals filed by the three PDP members to be valid.

The court ruled that the Federal High Court’s order, which had barred Secondus, Omehia, and Opara from attending the PDP’s National Executive Committee meetings or engaging in its deliberations, was issued in error.

Advertorial

The Court of Appeal determined that decisions regarding party membership and participation in meetings are internal matters for the political party to resolve.

It emphasized that such issues are not subject to judicial review, deeming them outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Consequently, the Appellate Court nullified the Federal High Court’s proceedings and the restraining orders issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo on April 5.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has constituted four investigative panels to probe 27 High Court judges accused of various acts of judicial misconduct.

The council, which is chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, also issued a stern warning to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court for the inappropriate language used in a letter directed to the CJN.

Advertorial

The letter challenged the Council’s decision and policy regarding the appointment of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State.

In a statement released by the NJC’s Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, it was disclosed that the council, during its 106th meeting, reviewed the report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

The report pertained to 22 petitions filed against the 27 judges from both Federal and State High Courts.

Advertorial

Following the review, the Council found the allegations in some of the petitions to be credible and consequently established four committees to thoroughly investigate the cases.

However, the NJC dismissed 18 other petitions due to lack of merit, abandonment, or because they were deemed sub judice.

Among the dismissed petitions were those against Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, and several other Justices from both the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, including Hon. Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and Hon. Justice Okon E. Abang.

Advertorial

Additionally, five judges have been placed on the NJC’s pre-sanction Watch List Register due to poor performance.

The NJC indicated that these judges could face sanctions if their performance does not improve.

As this was the final meeting presided over by the outgoing CJN, Justice Ariwoola, before his retirement, he expressed his gratitude to the Council members and the Secretariat for their support.

Advertorial

In return, the members praised the outgoing CJN and wished him good health in his retirement.