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  • Centre condemns Rivers Gov over council poll

    Centre condemns Rivers Gov over council poll

    The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has condemned the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State.

    The group alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions undermined the democratic process, violating every principle that Nigeria stands for.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Executive Director Obinna Francis, said the elections were conducted without transparency, accountability, or legitimacy, and were instead a coronation of Governor Fubara’s puppets.

    Francis also highlighted Governor Fubara’s disregard for the law, including his unilateral suspension of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and installation of a three-man committee to function as the state assembly.

    The CTJ further criticised Fubara’s use of proxy parties to advance his political agenda and the involvement of RSIEC in the illegitimate process.

    “We condemn in totality the charade, mockery, and the total abuse of our democratic process by the purported conduct of Local Government (LG) elections in Rivers State,” Francis said.

    “What transpired in Rivers State is a travesty of democracy, an affront to the will of the people, and a direct assault on the rule of law. The so-called election that took place within the confines of the Government House is not only an illegal act but also a violation of every democratic principle that this nation stands for.

    “Moreover, the actions of Governor Fubara are a dangerous precedent that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Nigerians can now understand clearly that Governor Fubara is ready to destroy whatever is left of our democracy if he is not urgently called to order.

    “Evidently, one of the most alarming aspects of Governor Fubara’s tenure has been his unilateral suspension of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly using kangaroo court orders. In defiance of legislative autonomy and the separation of powers, Governor Fubara has installed a three-man committee to function as the state assembly.

    “This illegal structure is a mockery of the democratic process, and we must all ask ourselves what kind of state operates without a legitimate legislature. The answer is clear: a dictatorship. Furthermore, Governor Fubara’s disregard for the law extends to the recent conduct of a sham LG election in Rivers State.

    “The election, which was conducted within the Government House, is an embarrassment to the state and the nation as a whole. This process lacked transparency, accountability, and legitimacy. There were no observers, no genuine electoral oversight, and no opportunity for the people of Rivers State to make their voices heard. Instead, it was a coronation, not an election—a process aimed at installing Governor Fubara’s puppets in key positions of power across the state.

    “It is pertinent to mention that a judgment from a Federal High Court in Abuja had already restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voters’ registers to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    “Yet, in typical fashion, Governor Fubara obtained a questionable court order to override this judgment, demonstrating his utter contempt for the judiciary and the rule of law. Hence, the involvement of RSIEC in this illegitimate process raises serious concerns about the impartiality and independence of the electoral body.

    “Rather than upholding the sanctity of the electoral process, RSIEC has become a tool in Governor Fubara’s hands to manipulate elections and install his loyalists in office. This flagrant abuse of power must be addressed if we are to preserve the integrity of future elections in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

    “Additionally, Governor Fubara’s manipulation of the election process extended to the use of proxy parties to advance his political agenda. The so-called Action Peoples Party (APP), a relatively unknown political entity, conveniently “won” 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats in the Rivers State LG elections.

    “This result, which defies all logic and understanding, is the culmination of a highly orchestrated and manipulated electoral process aimed at securing Governor Fubara’s dominance over local government structures in the state.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Protest, explosion rock Rivers councils as clashes mar chairmen’s assumption

    “It is therefore heartbreaking that despite all these glaring irregularities, the state government and RSIEC have boldly declared the election to be smooth, safe, free, fair, credible, transparent, and violence-free.

    “Evidently, Governor Fubara’s actions are not those of a democratic leader but of an autocrat intent on consolidating power at the expense of the people’s will. Democracy is our collective asset, and its growth and progress are dependent on a government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and pursuing the interests of peace and justice at all times.”

    The group called on relevant authorities, including the National Assembly, judiciary and international community, to intervene and restore the rule of law in Rivers State.

    The CTJ urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democracy, emphasizing that the actions of Governor Fubara threaten the democratic progress made as a nation.

  • AA wins one LGA in Rivers as APP clears 314 out of 319 councilorship seats

    AA wins one LGA in Rivers as APP clears 314 out of 319 councilorship seats

    Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), has declared Uzodinma Nwafor, the candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), as the winner of the chairmanship of Etche Local Government Council.

    Justice Enebeli spoke in Port Harcourt while declaring the winners of the chairmanship of Etche local government, and the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 local government areas on Sunday.

    RSIEC chairman explained that after it was stood down on Saturday, the process of collation of votes in Etche was eventually completed.

    He said it was done with discrete introspection, impartiality, and electoral justice, with the lawful votes meeting the two-thirds of the majority of valid votes cast in favour of the AA.

    Justice Enebeli said: “We can see that Rivers people and residents in their overwhelming majority of opinion have given veracity of vindication to Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) avowed position to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent, all-inclusive, violence-free, successful and treasured election by the Treasure Base of the Nation, Rivers State, without police or security agencies.”

    Read Also: 60 million Nigerians engage in gambling daily — Lottery DG

    Justice Enebeli said that of the 319 political wards, the Action Peoples Party (APP) won 314 councillorship positions while other parties won five remaining positions.

    He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the Okrika Ward 3, Boot Party secured one seat in Ahoada West, the Labour Party (LP), Ward 3, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the Ward 3 seat, and Young People’s Party (YPP) secured Ward 5 councillorship seat in three other local government areas.

    He said: “If I may say so without any sense of immodesty, the election that took place, conducted by us, and the results make a vocal statement to Rivers State and Nigerian nation that the ballot papers in the people’s hand are stronger than arms and ammunition.”

    Justice Enebeli eventually presented Certificates of Return to the 23 Chairmen and vice chairmen-elect in the October 5, 2024, local government council election.

  • BREAKING: Fresh protest against LG poll rocks Rivers 

    BREAKING: Fresh protest against LG poll rocks Rivers 

    Hundreds of stakeholders against the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State have trooped to the streets to protest the decision of Governor Siminialayi Fubara to go ahead with the controversial exercise.

    The stakeholders, mostly chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, first gathered at the Polo Club in Yenagoa before embarking on the protest.

    They were seen marching along the popular Aba Road in Port Harcourt carrying banners and placards with inscriptions that called on Fubara to obey the Federal High Court judgement that cancelled the poll.

    It was also gathered that hundreds of the APC members were gathering at the party Secretariat in Port Harcourt to embark on a similar protest.

    Details Shortly…

  • End of tenure: Rivers CTC chairman distributes vehicles, palliative to indigents

    End of tenure: Rivers CTC chairman distributes vehicles, palliative to indigents

    …commends Fubara for the opportunity
    …announces departure date

    The Caretaker Committee (CTC), chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Evans Bipi said he would vacate office on October 7.

    Bipi spoke during a pathing ceremony he held for his committee members, in the locality yesterday.

    During the event, the CTyC chairman distributed vehicles to members of the clmmittee and bags of rice, other food items to indigent members from the 12 Wards of the LGA as his pathing gifts.

    The outgoing Committee chairman was among the 23 CTC members apointed by Governor Siminialayi Fubara after the forceful ousting of the elected Council men June 17.

    The committee memebers were appointed with the mandate to prepare ground for the conduct of Council election within three months.

    Counting three months from the inauguration date, the three months ended September 17.

    There are speculations however that the exercise might not hold on the scheduled date. The speculators believe that there is nothing on ground to show that the exercise would hold, plus the fsct that the APC and PDP have declared their intentions to boycott the polls.

    Read Also: Why Court’s order can’t stop Rivers LG poll, Beke-led APC writes INEC

    But the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), has insisted that the poll would hold on Saturday, October 5, no matter what.

    Speaking earlier, Bipi scored his administration high on Economic Empowerment, Human Capital Development, Education, Electricity, provision of water and other basic amenities.

    He listed his achievements to include economic empowerment of over 800 persons from the rural populace with business grants, sustained distribution of food items to the poor and vulnerable people in the area throughout his three month tenure.

    It was meant to cushion widespread hunger occasioned by the prevailing economic hardship in the country, award of bursaries to over 400 indigent students of the LGA in higher institutions across the country, enrollment of over 100 applicants in free WAEC GCE.

    Other areas of intervention by the CTC Chairman include, improvement of power and water supply in Bolo, renovation/remodeling of Corpers Lodge in Bolo, restoration of electric power supply in Ele satellite community after 3years of blackout as well as ongoing renovation of the community Townhall, renovation and upgrade of existing public toilet facilities to modern standard as well as construction of new ones at river banks in the LGA to improve hygiene and public health.

    The Ogu/Bolo Council Boss also promised to flag-off the construction of Townhall in Owu-ogono satellite community before he leaves office.

    The feats were in line with the mandate given to the CTC chairmen by Siminialayi Fubara during their inauguration.

    He thanked Fubara for the opportunity given him to serve.

    He also thanked the people of Ogu/Bolo for their support while pledging his commitment to the well-being of the people and continuous progress of the LGA.

  • Controversy trails council poll plans in Rivers

    Controversy trails council poll plans in Rivers

    A cloud of controversy is hanging on the preparation for the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State.

    The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Tony Okocha, has rejected plans for the polls, accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating the court order.

    However, the governor who has vowed to conduct the election has declared today and tomorrow as public holiday.

    There is anxiety in the State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release the voter’s register critical to the exercise, in consonance with the judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, said there was no truth in the claim by RISIEC that it got the register from INEC.

    Read Also: Is Soludo on the ropes?

    Yesterday, the police denied sealing the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) in Port-Harcourt, the state capital

    Why INEC has not released voter’s register, by REC

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Sinikiem explained that INEC’s tradition had been  to provide the voter’s register to RSIEC before the elections as mandated by the law.

    But he said such tradition was encumbered by the orders from the High Court.

    The REC clarified that INEC’s Department of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) was in charge of the register in soft copies.

    Sinikiem said: “The tradition of the commission is that before an election for state at the local government, the only responsibility that we have is to give them voters’ register because we are empowered to maintain and keep voters’ register for the country. 

    “However, to make it very clear, the RSIEC has written to us about two times for release of the register, but we have not released it before we received from our headquarters an order from a Federal High Court restraining INEC from releasing the registers.

    “So, until now we have not officially handed over the Rivers state voters’ register to RSIEC. We have not, the ICT department housed the voter register. 

    “And voters register is in soft copy and it is in two ways, either we give it to them in soft copy, we photocopy it both black and white and coloured then we stamp certified through copy.

    “But we have not given them, there is no register in our office that will show that we have handed over such document to them. But they have written.”

    He added:  “I have the one of the Federal High Court from Abuja  which was sent to me by my headquarters directing me to comply with the court order. I have not seen another court order from the state High Court.

    “It is administrative. It is not that we withheld it, but when the RSIEC request, they have to come for the processes, they have not come to conclude the processes before we got the court order. We have not released it.”

    Beke: Why poll should hold

    The Emeka Beke-led factional APC said that the poll should hold on Saturday.

    The chairmsn explained that by virtue of the judgement that sacked Tony Okocha as the caretaker committee chairman of the APC, the suit he instituted had become defective because he was an impostor.

    Beke, who leads a faction of the party, said the APC would participate in the elections, clarifying that the suit that birthed the judgement was unknown to the party.

    There was confusion, following claims by  RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli that RISIEC had already received the voters’ register from INEC before the litigation.

    Enebeli said: “We (RSIEC) are proactive. We follow due process. Even before the cases went to court, we had liaise with INEC. The correspondences are there. That is it. It is the gift of patience, planning.

    “I’m not a last minute man. I plan ahead. And so all these things were concluded since last year the correspondences are there.

    “ The display of register will be carried out in all the 6, 866 polling units in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.”

    We will conduct poll, Fubara insists

    After confirming from Enebeli that the commission was ready for the poll, Fubara vowed to deal with anybody attempting to truncate the exercise.

    Fubara said: “Our election will hold on the 5th of October, 2024. I’m aware that RISIEC told me that they already had an order mandating them to conduct the election on the 5th October, 2024, and the security agencies to support them.

    “So, I think with that order, the election will hold. I might not be a lawyer, but I know there is something they call first-in-hand, and since they have the first-in- hand, we will give them all the necessary support for that election to be conducted. And it will be one of the best elections ever conducted free and fair in this State.

    “What is important to me is the interest of Rivers State, that it has to be alive. It doesn’t belong to anybody. I don’t care who nominated you but do the right thing, that is what is important to me, because if we make a mistake today, it is going to live with us.”

    Police deny sealing RSIEC office

    The Rivers State Police Command refuted claims that it  sealed off the RSIEC office.

    Police Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko told reporters that the report about sealing was false.

    She said that police officers were stationed at the RSIEC office to safeguard the premises from potential attacks during the October 1 protest.

    She said: “The police presence at the facility is strictly for security purposes and not to interfere with the electoral process.”

    APC: poll can’t hold

    Rivers State APC, led by Caretaker Chairman Tony Okocha accused Fubara of instigating trouble by going ahead with the poll plan.

    He said the state was drifting into anarchy because of the governor’s impunity.

     A statement by the Secretary, Eric Nwibani, and Publicity Secretary, Chubuike Ikenga, chided the governor for his penchant for violating the law.

    It said: “We’re watching Rivers State drift into a state of lawlessness, because of fragnant impunity and impunity of one man who is self seeking.

    Fubara declares two-day holiday

    Fubara has declared today and tomorrow as public holidays to enable residents of the state  travel to their various communities to participate in the elections.

    The governor also announced restrictions of vehicular movement from midnight of Friday, October 4 to 5pm on poll day.

    Fubara, who made the declarations in a broadcast to the people, said the polls became necessary, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the chairmen and councilors of the 23 local government councils on June 17.

    He said he lawfully instituted caretaker committees to temporarily administer the councils, pending when the RSIEC would conduct the elections.

    He said to the judgement of the Supreme Court delivered on July 11 effectively outlawed the administration of  local councils with unelected officers.

    Fubara said: “Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, which will expire on the 31st of October 2024.

    “On the strength of these positive developments, I directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to take definite steps to conduct local government elections for the 23 local Government Councils of Rivers State.

    “Acting on  this directive, the RSIEC has since fixed and concluded all arrangements to conduct the Local Government Council election on Saturday 5th October 2024”.

    Fubara highlighted the legal impetus of RSIEC to conduct the local government elections, saying it was further strengthened by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court delivered on the 4th of September 2024.

    He said the judgment directed the governor of Rivers State, the Government of Rivers State and the RSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government elections on the 5th of October 2025 using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voters’ register already in the custody of RSIEC.

    He said: “As of today, RSIEC has expressed and demonstrated concrete and verifiable capacity and readiness to conduct the 2024 Rivers State Local Government Elections on the 5th of October 2024.

    “As of today, 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have expressly and actively demonstrated their willingness to participate by filling candidates with RSIEC for the election.

    “As of today, over 10 States in Nigeria have conducted local government council elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgment and Rivers State cannot be an exception.

    “As the Governor of Rivers State, I swore to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

    “Any failure on our part to conduct the Local Government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers with the attendant consequence of the State and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the State.

    “The Rivers State Government would also be acting in contempt of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, which restrains the Governor, the State Government, and RSIEC from scuttling the conduct of the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024”.

    Fubara insisted that on the strengths of the provisions of the Constitution as amended, the Supreme Court Judgment and the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State, the state government remained irrevocably committed to conducting the election.

    The governor said: “Against these backgrounds, I wish to assure every resident that the election for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State shall be held on Saturday 5th October 2024 throughout the State.

    “The State Government has provided the necessary funds and logistics for RSIEC, which has assured me that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct and deliver a fair, free, and credible Local Government Council election as scheduled.

    “Therefore, I wish to advise and request all registered voters to go to their polling units to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choice as security personnel would be there to maintain order and ensure peaceful polls as a matter of constitutional duty.

    “We are leaving no stone unturned to enable all registered voters to travel to their communities to participate and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units.

    “To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays for citizens to travel to their communities and participate in the election.

    “Furthermore, I hereby place a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the Local Government Areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties”.

    Fubara said the police and other security agencies had clear directives from the state’s Security Council to arrest and prosecute any person or group attempting to violate the restriction on human and vehicular movements on election day.

    He added: “As citizens, we all owe our State the commitment to support the RSIEC to succeed in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct a free, fair, and credible Local Government Council election to usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders to administer the 23ocal government councils.”

  • Rivers of conflicting judgments

    Rivers of conflicting judgments

    • By Joe Edet

    The judiciary, described by Marie Mariano as the weakest branch of government is also regarded as the just branch of government and conversationally popularly referred to as the bastion of hope of the common man. In a hierarchical structure and sphere of influence, power, and authority, the judiciary is often undermined because it does seem to have the least power. Whereas the executive arm has the power to make executive and judicial appointments and the legislature has the power to ratify such appointments and to approve appropriations, the judiciary is condemned to the responsibility of checking the excesses of these other arms and will call them to order where they attempt to go overboard or over their constitutional role. Nevertheless, the dynamism of the judiciary has never been in doubt or dispute. It has the prerogative of approbating and reprobating based on exigencies of time, condition, and situation. The Supreme Court being the apex court is not only a court of last resort but a court of policy. It can reverse and overrule itself where the decisions were reached per incuriam, where public interest demands, or where it is confronted with two of its own conflicting decisions. Indeed the perceived mistakes or inconsistencies of other arms of government are corrected by the judiciary while also correcting itself from time to time.

    Sometimes past, the judiciary appeared to have descended into the abyss of ignominy and infamy with its flip-flop judgments emanating from courts of co-ordinate and concurring jurisdiction. The resultant effect was the unprecedented delivery of four conflicting and contradictory rulings within two days as regards whether or not the National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party should hold. While Justice Ibrahim Watila of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Division ruled that the convention organized by the Ahmed Makarfi faction should be held, Justice Okon Abang ruled against it.

    Instructively, the two judges have earlier delivered conflicting rulings on the same issues raised and canvassed by the parties. The same scenario is repeating itself yet again in Rivers State. This time, concerns whether or not the elections to be organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission should be held.

    In the orders of the High Court in Rivers State, which were given on September 4, the Judge said the defendants are bound by Section 7, sub-section 1 of the Constitution and Section 5 (A) of the RSIEC Law Number 2 of 2018 to make provisions and conduct the local government polls within the shortest possible time, especially following the expiration of the tenure of the former elected officials on June 17.

    The court also cited as a necessity, the recent decision of the federal government mandating states without democratically elected local government to do so within three months, following the judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy. The court urged that all necessary arrangements be made to ensure the conduct of the election on October 5, as announced by RSIEC.

    But a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, six days before the conduct of the Rivers State local government area election, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), from releasing voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), to conduct the October 5, local government election in the state.

    Read Also: Oct 5 Rivers local government election sacrosanct, says Fubara

    The court also barred the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of the State Service (DSS) from participating and providing security for the conduct of the local government area election. Justice Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit brought before him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the legality or otherwise of the processes leading to the fixing of October 5 for the election. Justice Lifu held that the RSIEC was wrong in fixing the October 5 date for the conduct of the poll when all relevant laws guiding the election had not been complied with. According to him, the Rivers State electoral body violated provisions of the local government election conduct law by not publishing the mandatory 90-day notice before fixing the date. He also held that the update and revision of the voters’ register by INEC ought to have been concluded 90 days before an election date can be legally and validity fixed in law. He, therefore, ordered INEC not to make the certified voters’ register available to RSIEC until all relevant laws have been fully complied with.

    Justice Peter Lifu also barred RSIEC from accepting any voters’ register from INEC or using it for the October 5 local government election.

     The term ‘agree to disagree’ was made popular by John Wesley in 1770 when, at the death of George Whitefield, he wrote a memorial sermon that acknowledged, but downplayed the doctrinal differences. The politicians in Rivers State ought to adopt this as a mantra for the interest of the people.

     It has been more than 20 years of unbridled democratic experience and of course, the judiciary has contributed in no small measures to the sustainability. The road, however, has been tumultuous and turbulent with some of the rulings and judgments eliciting controversies and enormous condemnation from the public. Now it is being turned into an arena of discord. Nigerian politicians are highly litigious and are hardly graceful in defeat or magnanimous in victory. Thus, in 2003 when Olusegun Obasanjo’s mandate was renewed, expectedly the losing candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was) of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) challenged the results to the Supreme Court. Although the court acknowledged the irregularities in the election, it fell short of cancelling it because the irregularities were not substantial enough to warrant cancellation. The case became one with the most number of witnesses, averments, and affidavits ever in Nigerian history in support. It was so bad that the matter ran into nearly half of President Obasanjo’s tenure. The Peter Obi case was also one that was equally controversial and spanned two years with a total number of 482 witnesses testifying. The judgement of the tribunal was about 700 pages. These scenarios were repeated in ANPP vs Boni Haruna in respect of Adamawa State which involved about 2188 respondents while the case of Akpang Obi Odu v Donald Duke of Cross River State in respect of Cross River State governorship election involved 2340 respondents. These controversial cases occasioned by long delays in delivering constitute a clog in the democratic process as most of the parties to the dispute were almost serving out their terms.

     The conundrum in Rivers State has once again brought to the fore issues bordering on the independence of the judiciary. In a recent survey, the judiciary was ranked as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country with bribery being the most prevalent. Justice Kayode Eso was so miffed and irked by the situation and posited that ‘the judiciary as the last hope of the common man has been ridiculed courtesy of some atrocious actions by some judges who rather than discharge their responsibilities have resorted to playing politics with the profession’.

    Geoffrey Chaucer, in his Canterbury Tales, stated: “If gold rusts what will iron do? For if a priest be foul in whom we trust, no wonders that a common man should rust”. This captures the state of affairs in the judiciary. Justice M.M. Akanbi had echoed in frustration that funding the judiciary by the executive has been one of the intractable problems facing the judiciary and wondered how an institution in distress and dire need can give hope to the citizenry.

     With conflicting decisions from courts of coordinate and concurrent jurisdiction being played like a ping pong game, the judiciary seems battered, subdued, and helpless and presents itself unwittingly as the weakest arm in a very pitiable manner. Meanwhile, it ought to be the most powerful arm with the enormous power of presiding over corrupt public officers and jailing them when found wanting.

    The weakness of the judiciary may also be self-inflicted. Whatever the case, the judiciary being the lifeblood of the constitution, the bastion of hope of the citizens, and the custodian of our values and norms should be audacious and bold enough to exercise judicial power and authority without fear of anyone or favour to anyone. It is the very reason its eyes are blindfolded. The independence of the judiciary is therefore a sine qua non to the good governance and democratic tenets. Luckily, the victory recorded as way back as 2014 when the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court upheld the financial independence of the judiciary is still subsisting. Is it being implemented? The National Judicial Commission must rise to the occasion as it has done in times past to punish corrupt judicial officers.

    •Edet, a legal scholar, is ag. vice chancellor, Arthur Jarvis University, Calabar.

  • Youths chase away scanty protesters in Rivers

    Youths chase away scanty protesters in Rivers

    Hundreds of youths, who dubbed themselves patriots, have chased away scanty protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The youths, who were against any form of protest in the oil-rich city, were said to have far outnumbered persons, who came out for tye demonstration.

    The youths, who insisted that protest won’t solve any problem, were said to have flooded the Federal Secretariat entrance and the Pleasure Park areas of the capital city.

    It was gathered that some of the protesters on sighting the stern-looking youths, who were also holding sticks, took to their heels and never came back.

    About five police patrol vans, soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) were seen manning the areas.

    It was gathered that the youths against protest were said to have numbered about 200. 

    One of them, who spoke in confidence, said they were at the venue to ensure that there was no protest and wondered the intent of the action.

    Read Also: Alleged attack on Abuja protesters false  — Police

    He said: “We are not protesters. We are waiting for those who want to protest so that we can stop them.”

    At the Pleasure Park the youths against protest numbering about 50 were seen hanging around the area. 

    The Rivers State Police Command in a statement on Monday midnight warned against any protest that could lead to a breakdown of law and order

    The statement issued by the Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko also said operatives had been deployed to strategic locations within Port Harcourt and it’s environs to ensure there were no security breaches. 

    While noting that the deployment was not to intimidate anybody, she said operatives were on the lookout for miscreants that might want to hijack the process 

    The statement said: “In light of the upcoming October 1 nationwide protest associated with the hashtag #FearlessInOctober, scheduled to commence on 1 October 2024, the Rivers State Police Command wishes to express its awareness of the situation.

    “We urge all residents to refrain from participating in any activities that may disrupt lawful proceedings and infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens in Rivers State.

    “It is vital that the peace we currently enjoy is not further compromised, as recent events have demonstrated that protests can be exploited by individuals or criminal elements intent on causing disruption, often leading to regrettable incidents within our community.

    “To uphold law and order and ensure the safety of all residents, the Commissioner of Police has deployed officers to strategic locations throughout the state. 

    “These measures are not intended to instil fear but to safeguard lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure the free movement of vehicles.

    “We kindly request that parents and guardians counsel their children and wards against participating in any protests. The police will take necessary and lawful actions to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

    “We encourage residents to engage in their lawful activities, as we remain committed to providing comprehensive security for all.”

  • Court dismisses APP’s suit seeking to replace 27 Rivers pro-Wike lawmakers

    Court dismisses APP’s suit seeking to replace 27 Rivers pro-Wike lawmakers

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit by the Action People’s Party (APP) seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct election to replace the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.

    Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment on Friday, held that the suit was not only statute barred, it also constituted an abuse of court process.

     Justice Lifu noted that while the 27 lawmakers, believed to be loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, allegedly defected in December last year, the APP filed the suit on July 12, about 8 months after the cause of action arose.

    The judge held that the suit was statute barred having not been filed within 14 days as allowed by law. 

    In holding that the case constituted a gross abuse of court process, Justice Lifu noted that many suits on the same issue of the alleged defection of the same 27 Rivers lawmakers had been decided by the Federal High Court. 

    He referred to some previous judgments of the Federal High Court on cases requesting the  replacement of the 27 lawmakers, which cases were all dismissed on the grounds that there were insufficient evidence to establish the defection of the legislators. 

    Justice Lifu cited the judgment by  Justice James Omotosho (also of the Federal High Court, Abuja) delivered in July, which restrained INEC from declaring the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant and from conducting any fresh election to replace them.

    He held that since the judgment by Justice Omotosho has not been appealed against or set aside on appeal, it remains binding in relation to the issue of the alleged defection of the 27 legislators. 

    The judge said it would amount to a display of judicial rascality for him to sit on appeal over a judgment by his brother judge.

    The plaintiff had prayed the court for among others, an other directing INEC to conduct a by-election for the seats of the 27 lawmakers having defected to the APC.

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    The APP equally sought an order stopping the lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the Rivers state House of Assembly on the account of their defection from PDP to APC.

    Reacting to the judgment, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule said he and 26 other lawmakers never defected from the PDP to the APC.

    Amaewhule said with the judgment, the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly is under his control, adding that the only way democracy can thrive is to allow the rule of law to prevail and allow the legislature to function.

    He added: “Rivers State House of Assembly will continue to push for democracy and will make laws for the good people of Rivers State.”

  • IG orders redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers, Delta, FCT

    IG orders redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers, Delta, FCT

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers and Delta states’ commands and that of the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The police boss said the redeployment was part of effort to reorganise the force for efficient and effective policing.

    The redeployment moved the Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu to the FCT; his Delta State counterpart, Abaniwonda Olufemi, to Rivers State, and the FCT Police Commissioner Peter Opara to Delta State.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “Following the approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four CPs as Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom states’ commands.

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    “The deployment includes the posting of CP Danladi Nda to Abia State Command; CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale to Lagos State Command; CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc to Ebonyi State Command and CP Festus Eribo to Akwa Ibom State Command.

    “The posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilisation of human resources available to the Force.

    “The IGP has, however, urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility.

    “He further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”

  • Suspected pirates kidnap 10 passengers in Rivers

    Suspected pirates kidnap 10 passengers in Rivers

    Gunmen suspected to be pirates on Monday  kidnapped about 10 passengers along the Bonny waterways in Rivers State.

    The boat was said to be travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt at about 10am when it came under attack by the sea robbers.

    Rivers Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, confirmed the incident in Port Harcourt.

    Pepple said the abducted boat passengers were travelling from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt when the suspected pirates abducted them.

    He said the incident had been reported to the police and called on the government and relevant security agencies  to beef up security along waterways to prevent incessant attacks on the sea. 

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    People said: “As I speak to you right now, ten persons have been kidnapped while travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt. And the others are still afloat in the River waiting for rescue.

    “I said let me just draw the attention of the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Commissioner of Police that we visited last week that this is what has happened this morning again . “

    The incident occured few days after the maritime union members staged a protest to the Government House over incessant attacks on the waterways.  

    When contacted, Rivers police spokesman SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying a  investigation was ongoing to rescue the captives.