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Reps Lawmaker, Ugochinyere Applauds Court Judgment on Rivers LG Polls

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By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Spokesman of opposition lawmakers Coalition in the National Assembly, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, on Monday, applauded the Federal High Court, Rivers State Judicial Division over its declaration that there’s no going back on Local Government election in the state, on October 5th as scheduled.

Ugochinyere described the judgment delivered by Justice I.

P.
C Igwe as victory for democracy, blaming the pro-Wike lawmakers of running around to obtain court injunctions in order to frustrate the process, while others were already busy campaigning for votes.

On the suit between: Action Peoples Party (APP) and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Rivers State Government, Governor of Rivers State, Justice Igwe ruled that the Defendants are bound to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Councils of Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the local Government Councils in Rivers State are conducted by democratically elected Local Government Councils.

Justice Igwe ordered as follows, “That upon the construction of Section 7 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 as amended, the 2nd and 3rd Defendants are bound to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Councils of Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the local Government Councils in Rivers State are conducted by democratically elected Local Government Councils.

“That in view of Section 7 subsection 1, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 as amended, Section 5 (A) of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. Law No 2 of 2018, the Decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Delivered on the 11th  day of July, 2024 in Suit No SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney-General of Federation Vs Attorney General of Abia State and 35 Ors and expiration of the tenure of the former Democratically elected Local Government Councils in Rivers State on the 17th day of June, 2024, the Defendants are bound to conduct Election into the Local Government Councils in Rivers State within the shortest possible time in order to comply with aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“THAT it is further declared that in view of Section 5 (a) of the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission Law No 2 of 2018, Section 9(1)(a), (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the exigencies of the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on the 11th day of July, 2024 In Suit No SC/CV/343/2024: Attorney-General of the Federation VS Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors, the 1st Defendant is entitled to utilize the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Elections compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pursuant to Section 9(1)(a}, (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022, already in custody of the 1st Defendant to conduct Election into the 23 Local Government Councils of Rivers State. That it is also declared that In view of the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria following the said Judgment in Sult No SC/CV/343/2024 Delivered on the 11th day of July, 2024 to the effect that all states without Democratically elected Local Government Councils in place should conduct Elections into their respective Local Government Councils within three (3) months from the date of the aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the defendants are bound to conduct elections into Local Government Councils in Rivers State on or before the expiration of the said three (3) months period, on the 5th day of October, 2024 and to take all necessary steps towards the conduct of the said Election, including sale of forms to candidates and their parties including the Claimant who Is interested in sponsoring candidates for offices in the Local Government Councils.

“That an order of mandatory Injunction be and is hereby issued compelling the 2nd and 3rd Defendant by themselves, or by their agents, privies, servants or representatives and proxies to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Council in Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the Local Government Councils in Rivers State are Conducted by democratically Elected Local Government Councils. THAT it is further ordered that mandatory injunction be and is hereby issued compelling the 1” Defendant to conduct election into Local Government Councils of Rivers State on the 5th Day of October, 2024 or on any other date fixed by the 1st Defendant in accordance with its Electoral Guidelines in order to comply with the aforesaid Judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and to take all necessary steps towards the conduct of the said Elections including sale of forms to candidates and their parties, Including the Claimant who is interested in sponsoring candidates for offices in the Local Government Councils.

“That an order of mandatory Injunction be and is hereby further issued directing or commanding the 1st Defendant to utilize the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Election compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pursuant to Section 9 (1){a), (4) to (6) of the Electoral Act, 2022 to conduct Election into the twenty-three Local Government Councils of Rivers State. THAT the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Nigeria Army and all other Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organizations are hereby ordered to provide adequate security and ensure maintenance of peace, law and order during and after the Election.”

Reacting to the court judgement during a media briefing, Monday in Abuja, Ugochinyere hailed the judgement saying that it is victory for democracy, stating that the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike’s efforts to stop the polls has been put to shame with this court judgement.

“This court judgement has saved democracy not just in Rivers State but the nation as a whole. The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike has been put to shame with this court judgement. We thank the Judiciary for saving democracy and upholding the rule of law. The local government election in the river state will be held as scheduled. The electoral laws are very simple, there’s no court order that can stop elections.”

The Lawmaker however, called on leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wake up and restore the party.

POLITICS

Soludo Rallies Support for APGA Candidate Ahead of Anambra South By-election

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Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has rallied support for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election on Saturday.

Soludo, his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; and other APGA chieftains rallied support for Nwachukwu at political rallies held in Nnewi and Aguata Local Government Headquarters respectively.

He also urged all eligible voters to come out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.

“Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA, embodies the qualities we need in leadership. He is deeply rooted in community values and development.

“Nnewi South and Ihiala have not produced a Senator in the region before.

“Ukpor and Nnewi South supported the late Ifeanyi Ubah when he was contesting, it is now time to support Nnewi South.

“Show me support by voting massively for Chief Nwachukwu.

“The late Ifeanyi Ubah was elected on the platform of YPP- a faction of APGA in 2019. Today, APGA has come back as one united family to reclaim their place”, the governor said.

Soludo also said that the party stands for a transparent, open, and credible electoral process in the forthcoming election.

He described APGA as a people’s movement and called on the people to vote and ensure that their votes count.

Also speaking, Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, state Chairman of APGA, called for unity among the people of Nnewi North and Aguata to ensure a successful campaign and eventual victory.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Dr Chibueze Oforbuike, Chairman, Aguata LGA, reaffirmed commitment of the people to deliver 100 per cent support for APGA in the Aug. 16 senatorial by-election.

In his remarks, Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to the party chieftains and the people, pledging to prioritise their needs if elected.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah at the rally.

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NEWS

Prof. Eugene Alyegba’s Appointment as FCC Federal Commissioner Sparks Celebration in Benue

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By David Torough, Abuja

The people of Gwer-East and Gwer West Federal Constituency have expressed joy over the appointment of Professor Eugene Alyegba as the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) representing Benue State.

In a congratulatory message, Professor Uji Wilfred Terlumun of the Department of History and International Studies, Federal University of Lafia, described the appointment as a monumental milestone in the political history of Benue State and the constituency.

He noted that the people are proud to celebrate and felicitate with Prof. Alyegba, acknowledging his achievements and potential to deliver quality service.

Professor Uji also extended profound gratitude to Senator George Akume, Leader of the All Progressives Congress in the North Central, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Prof. Alyegba worthy of the appointment.

He prayed for God’s blessings and protection upon Prof. Alyegba as he takes on the new responsibility, urging him to uphold the trust reposed in him for the benefit of Nigeria and Benue State in particular.

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POLITICS

There Was Never a Peace Accord Between Gov Fubara, Wike – Former APC Chieftain Jackson Ojo

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

A former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo, has dispelled speculations that there is a peace deal between Rivers State Governor Simi Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.Jackson Ojo declared on Sunday that instead of a peace accord, what is presently on ground is akin to a political surrender agreement that will render the governor totally impotent politically.

According to him, all items on the agreement are one sided in favour of Wike who was on the negotiation table with his team whereas Governor Fubara was there without any supporter.
He declared that Governor Fubara was overwhelmed and tired of the whole issue and simply surrendered to Wike.
”I wonder why some people say there was a peace accord between Governor Simi Fubara and Nyesom Wike. There was never a peace accord between Wike and Simi. What we saw was Simi surrendered. “When you are talking about peace accord, let me go this way. Two communities are fighting and people say we want to settle it. What do you expect. You expect the King and the Council of Chiefs from community A and the King and Council of Chiefs from community B, they will talk and arrive at conclusion. “They will now work on that conclusion when they must have struck a balance.”But what happened between these people (Wike and Fubara)? It was Wike and his people. Fubara went there alone without any of his supporters. At the end of the day what happened?”Part of the condition is that out of 23 local government Chairmen we are going to select all 23; the already had members of the State House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the Governor could no longer come closer to the government again, your Secretary to the State Government can no longer come to the government again, there are some selected local government Chairmen that must not come to the government again. At the end of the day somebody agreed that you not run for another election again. They say that is a peace accord.”When they finished it they went to Mr President in the Villa for Mr President to affirm it. Is that a peace accord? That was not a peace accord.”I think Simi was tired of it and he surrendered without the consent of the people.”He chided Governor Simi for succumbing to all the demands of Wike, including the unceremonious dissolution of his grassroot support team, the Simplified Movement.”At the end of the day when they returned what did Simi say? He gathered his Simplified Movement and discouraged them. Those that printed solidarity caps, and other materials for 2027 he warned them that he didn’t send anybody.”Again, he dissolved the Simplified Movement, his political movement whereas the Zikist Movement of the early 1960s is still alive. The Awoist is still alive; the Ahmadu Bello is still alive; the People’s Redemption Movement is still alive. What are we talking about?”Wike’s Grassroot Movement is still alive but you went and dissolved your own movement. Today Governor Simi does not have any alternative political platform. “Today if he comes back he may not have any commissioner nominated by him, he might not have a single councillor loyal to him, today if he comes back he won’t have a single member of the State House of Assembly loyal to him.”Is that what you call peace accord? No.”Somebody has submitted to superior political firepower. “If a sitting governor was conquered with all the paraphernalia of office, with all the economic power, with all the financial and political muscles, and other things; if somebody outside the power in the State is able to suppress the governor who is there to challenge that authority?”It will remain like that till thy kingdom comes. That is my prediction.”

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