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Court Dismisses Suit Seeking to Stop Fubara from Representing Rivers’ 2024 Budget

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A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed the suit seeking to stop Governor Siminalayi Fubara from re-presenting the N800 billion 2024 budget of Rivers.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling, also set aside the earlier interim order made on Jan. 22, directing parties in the suit to maintain a status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Abdulmalik held that a similar suit in the matter had already been decided by a sister court on the day the interim order was granted.

Besides, the judge held that the plaintiffs’ counsel, David Maduka, lost the opportunity that would have afforded him to be heard when he failed to address the court on the propriety of the instant suit in the face of the judgment already delivered in a similar case.

The five-member Rivers House of Assembly led by the then factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, had, on December 13, 2023, passed the appropriation bill sent to it by Fubara and the governor assented to the bill on December 14, 2023.

But Justice James Omotosho, a brother judge, had, in the judgement delivered on Jan. 22, set aside the Rivers’ N800 billion 2024 budget passed by the five members of the house and signed into law by Governor Fubara on Dec. 14, 2023.

Justice Omotosho also restrained Gov. Fubara from frustrating the house of assembly, under Martin Amaewhule-led leadership, from sitting or interfering in its constitutional and legislative functions.

The judge equally barred the National Assembly, the police and any member of the state executive arm from interfering in the assembly’s affairs.

But Justice Abdulmalik, on the same day, granted the ex-parte order filed by six elders of the state, who were plaintiffs in the suit.

They are Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo, a member of the Rivers assembly representing Bonny State Constituency; Sen. Bennett Birabi, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, Rear Admiral O.P. Fingesi, Ann Kio Briggs and Emmanuel Deinma.

The judge, in a ruling, directed the parties not to take further steps, pending the determination of the application seeking to stop Fubara from re-presenting the already passed 2024 budget before the legislative house.

The plaintiffs equally, through their lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, sought an order declaring the seats of the 27 lawmakers who dumped Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant, among other reliefs.

They queried the constitutionality of a peace agreement they alleged that President Tinubu made governor Fubara to enter into with the immediate-past governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

They maintained that the said agreement that was signed on December 18, 2023, was not only illegal, but amounted to an usurpation, nullification and undermining of the extant/binding relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The plaintiffs, consequently, prayed the court to among other things, determine whether Tinubu, Fubara and the Rivers assembly had the rights and entitled to enter into any agreement that had the effect of nullifying or undermining the constitutional provisions of Section 109 (I) (g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Abdulmalik, who fixed Feb. 28 to hear the application, directed that the defendants which include President Bola Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federal, Fubara, Rivers assembly, assembly’s speaker and Independent National Electoral Commission, be put on notice in order to respond to allegations raised.

But the six plaintiffs filed another motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023.

In the motion dated Jan. 24 and filed Jan. 25, they sought an order granting accelerated hearing in the suit.

They also sought an order abridging the time within which the defendants could file all their processes, including the plaintiffs’ reply and the court fixed the hearing for today.

When the matter was called, Maduka, who appeared for the six elders, told the court of their motion ex-parte.

The lawyer urged the court to grant their two prayers.

But Justice Abdulmalik called Maduka’s attention to the January 22 judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho.

She said that at the time the interim order was granted, there was a judgment which is on a matter similar to the present suit.

The judge then ordered Maduka to address the court on the judgment which had already settled the case brought before her.

Responding, the lawyer said he was unaware of the judgment.

“I have not been able to see that judgment my lord. If I had seen it, I would have been able to address the court,” he said.

Maduka prayed the court to stand down the matter to enable him get the judgment so he could properly address the court.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Abdulmalik said she found that the instant suit bordered on Rivers assembly matter which had been decided by a sister court.

She held that Maduka had lost the opportunity to afford him fair hearing.

She said: “Therefore, I hold that the plaintiffs/applicants are privy to that judgement,” which barred the parties from acting contrary to the decision of the court.

According to the judge, the plaintiffs/applicants are at liberty to study that judgment to know which way to go.

Therefore, she held that the motion ex-parte filed on Jan. 25 had been overtaken by event.

Justice Abdulmalik, who vacated the earlier interim order, dismissed the suit in its entirety.

Although Maduka stood up to explain that he was not deliberately avoiding addressing the court, the judge did not give him a listening ear.

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Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.

.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church.
”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member.
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.

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Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

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The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).

Gov. Hyacihth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, said the product was a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.

Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.

The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.

He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.

Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.

“Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.

“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.

“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said

The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.

He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.

Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.

The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company, for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.

The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.

Asemakaha said that the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.

“Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.

“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways,” he said.

The M-D disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor. (NAN)

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NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to promote a food safety culture in Nigeria.

This collaboration was announced in a statement issued by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the event took place in Lagos on Friday, where NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN).

The statement quoted Adeyeye, highlighting that the collaboration stemmed from an end-of-year stakeholders’ dialogue session with NAFDAC.

She said the session provided an opportunity for both parties to have open discussions on strategic objectives.

Adeyeye noted that the FSAN dialogue had become a key part of NAFDAC’s calendar, marking its third consecutive annual edition.

She said the session aimed to share insights and tackle challenges related to ensuring the safety and quality of food supplied to Nigerians.

The NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the event underscored the vital role of AFBTE in protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.

“It also served as a platform for discussing important food safety concerns and sharing information on new regulatory processes for food manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.”

Adeyeye pointed out the far-reaching impact of unsafe food, which not only affected public health but could also harm economies and trade.

She stressed the importance of the food sector in adopting robust food safety standards, innovative solutions, and a food safety culture.

“NAFDAC, alongside AFBTE, is committed to guiding the industry towards voluntary compliance with regulatory requirements.

“This meeting is an opportunity to discuss how we can improve our services and better support you. What worked well in 2024? What didn’t, and how can we improve?”

She also mentioned that NAFDAC had received several applications from manufacturers requesting changes to product formulations, and the agency would work to verify these necessary changes.

The statement also quoted Mr Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of AFBTE, who commended NAFDAC for facilitating the meeting, which provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to collaborate on progress for the upcoming year.

He noted that AFBTE members had become more strategic in their thinking and encouraged them to speak openly about issues they encounter. (NAN)

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