The Federal High Court sitting in Kano, led by Justice Simon Amobeda, has issued an interim order to halt the actions of two state commissions of inquiry established by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.

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The commissions were set up to investigate former Kano State Governor and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.

Justice Amobeda’s interim order states, “An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th and 5th Defendants/Respondents from performing the executive functions assigned to them by the Governor of Kano State in Court Rooms meant to adjudicate disputes between persons and authorities in Kano, pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.”

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This decision followed a review of the affidavit supporting the ex parte application, which was sworn by Idris Abdullahi Dawakin Tofa, a resident of Asokoro, Abuja.

The application included exhibits labeled A-C and a written address by the Applicant’s Counsel, Abdulrrazaq A. Ahmed, Esq.

The court has given the respondents five days from the receipt of the court order and documents to file their response.

The respondents in this case are the National Judicial Council, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Attorney-General of Kano State, Hon. Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu, and Hon. Justice Zuwaira Yusuf.

Justice Amobeda has scheduled the hearing for May 28, 2024.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District, for alleged anti-party activities.

This suspension was executed by 16 members of the APC executive from Ibrahim’s Igbotako Ward II in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

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Senator Ibrahim’s suspension follows his challenge to the party’s primary election, which declared incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate for the upcoming election.

Ibrahim had publicly condemned the primary, describing it as a “mega fraud” and asserting that no legitimate election took place.

Discontented with the primary results, Ibrahim, who was one of fifteen gubernatorial aspirants, took legal action to contest the process, calling for its annulment and the conduct of a fresh primary.

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In a statement, the ward executive outlined their reasons for the suspension, stating, “We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions to be in violation of the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party and his engagement in anti-party activities.”

The suspension letter, which cites Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution, declares Ibrahim’s immediate suspension due to insubordination and anti-party activities.

The letter further accuses Ibrahim of urging his supporters to defect to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and claiming he would secure the gubernatorial ticket from NNPP.

The letter reads, “Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.”

The suspension effectively bars Ibrahim from participating in any APC activities nationwide.

In response, Banji Okuomo, a spokesperson for Senator Ibrahim, stated that they had not yet received the official suspension letter from the ward executive members.

Daily Gazette Editorial Desk,

As political tensions continue to escalate in Rivers State, key stakeholders within the political circle are actively encouraging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to join the Labour Party (LP).

This development comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and internal disputes within the ruling party.

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The political situation in Rivers State has been marked by significant unrest, with two commissioners recently resigning from Governor Fubara’s cabinet, citing a toxic work environment and political crisis.

These resignations have intensified the call for change and have provided momentum for the Labour Party to present itself as a viable alternative for governance.

Stakeholders within the Labour Party believe that Governor Fubara’s leadership and experience could significantly benefit the party and help address the ongoing crises in the state.

They argue that the Labour Party’s platform, which emphasizes social justice, transparency, and development, aligns closely with the governor’s purported vision for the state.

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Several influential figures, including party leaders, civil society activists, and prominent community members, have reached out to Governor Fubara, urging him to consider the Labour Party as a platform to continue his political career.

These stakeholders have highlighted the Labour Party’s growing popularity and success in other regions as evidence of its potential to bring positive change to Rivers State.

The possibility of Governor Fubara switching allegiance to the Labour Party has sparked various reactions from the public and political analysts.

Some view this as a strategic move that could realign the political dynamics in the state, while others see it as a potential challenge to the current ruling party’s dominance.

Political analysts speculate that if Governor Fubara were to join the Labour Party, it could lead to a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

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Such a move might attract other disenchanted members of the ruling party and strengthen the opposition’s position ahead of future elections.

Governor Fubara has yet to make any public statements regarding the overtures from the Labour Party.

However, sources close to the governor told Daily Gazette that he is weighing his options carefully, considering the potential impact on his administration and the people of Rivers State.

As the political crisis in Rivers State unfolds, all eyes are on Governor Fubara and his next steps.

The Labour Party’s efforts to woo him reflect the broader quest for stability and effective governance in the state.

Whether Governor Fubara will heed the call and join the Labour Party remains to be seen, but his decision will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the political future of the State.

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For the first time since the contentious national convention of the Labour Party (LP) held in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March, National Chairman Julius Abure is set to address the media regarding the party’s internal issues.

According to National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Abure has been actively engaged over the past month in efforts to foster unity within the party’s ranks.

Picture of Gov. Nwifuru, 

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N518,260,000 for the upcoming Local Government Area elections in the state, scheduled for July 20, 2024.

The approval followed a request from the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) conveyed through Governor Francis Nwifuru.

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The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Odanwa, read the governor’s letter during a plenary session at the Assembly Chambers in Nkaliki.

Hon. Odanwa outlined that the budget will cover expenses such as payment for clerks, Adhoc staff, and pre-election training sessions.

During the plenary, several House members, including Deputy Whip Hon. Arinze Chukwu (Ishelu South), Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu (Ivo), and Hon. Esther Agwu (Ohaukwu North), spoke in favor of the proposal.

They emphasized the importance of holding elections to ensure democratic governance at the local level and to avoid appointing unelected individuals as Chairmen and Councillors.

“The election will allow for democratic principles that will promote orderliness and development in the rural areas,” stated one of the members.

Following the deliberations, the Speaker put the motion to a vote, which was unanimously adopted. The motion was moved by Hon. Chikezie Igu (Ohaozara East) and seconded by Hon. Abiri Godwin Abiri (Izzi We

The Speaker instructed EBSIEC to conduct a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the electorate.

He also directed the Clerk of the House to inform the Governor of the approval.

This election aims to ensure the proper transition of power as the terms of the current Chairmen and Councillors are set to expire on September 1, 2024.

Political unrest in Rivers State has led to the resignation of two key commissioners from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet.

The commissioners, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education, and Ben-Golden Chioma, Commissioner for Environment, have both submitted their resignation letters.

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Both commissioners are known to be loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their departures underscore the growing factionalism within the state government.

Prof. Mmom submitted his resignation to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, citing a toxic work environment.

In his letter, dated May 15, 2024, Mmom expressed his discontent with the current administration.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Honourable Commissioner for Education with effect from today, the 15th of May, 2024.”

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“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment stimulates efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity.”

“However, it is unfortunate to note that my current work space has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.”

“There is loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well,” Mmom stated.

Shortly after, Ben-Golden Chioma also resigned, citing the ongoing political crisis in the state as his reason. His resignation letter, dated the same day, emphasized the political instability and personal reasons for his departure.

“I hereby tender my resignation as the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, the 15th of May, 2024. I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council.”

“My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons. It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and I wish you all the best in your tenure,” Chioma wrote.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed deep concern over the failure of both the executive and judiciary branches in upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

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Speaking at the 5th memorial lecture of Justice Anthony Nnaemeze Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Tuesday, Obi urged conscientious Nigerians to join forces to dismantle rascality and ensure the rule of law, which he believes is crucial for the country’s future.

Obi emphasized that Nigeria can only thrive if the rule of law is respected.

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He highlighted that the rule of law is essential for development as it empowers individuals and communities, ensures access to justice, and provides remedies for rights violations.

“The rule of law fosters development by strengthening the voices of individuals and communities, providing access to justice, ensuring due process, and establishing remedies for rights violations,” Obi stated.

He pointed out that businesses struggle to survive in Nigeria due to insecurity and a lack of respect for the rule of law.

“We cannot talk about development when both international and local investors lack an enabling environment for business.”

Obi stressed the necessity of a fair, strong, and independent judiciary for the rule of law to prevail.

He lamented that Nigeria’s current state is a result of the disregard for the rule of law, which discourages business and investment.

“No business will thrive, and no investor will want to invest when you cannot challenge the government if anything goes wrong, and even if you go to court, you cannot get a fair judgment,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, highlighted the need for individuals like Justice Aniagolu in the judiciary to save Nigeria’s democracy.

He praised Justice Aniagolu as an incorruptible and fair judge, whose legacy should be celebrated and emulated.

“Nigeria needs uncorrupt judges to deliver the country,” Anieke stated. He also noted that Peter Obi was chosen to deliver the lecture due to the relevance of this year’s theme, underscoring the critical need for upholding judicial integrity in Nigeria.

Through this lecture, Obi called for a collective effort to reinforce the rule of law, which he believes is fundamental to building a better future for all Nigerians.