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Court orders arrest of Fubara’s Chief of Staff over alleged burning of Rivers

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A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers over the alleged involvement in the burning of the state’s House of Assembly.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), also ordered the arrest of five other accomplices.

Those ordered to be arrested along with Ehie are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benedict, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ehie, who was recently appointed as CoS after he resigned as member and factional speaker of the assembly, was alleged to be among the suspects charged by the I-G for committing the offence.

The ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/12/2024, was predicated on Sections 37, 113, 114, 84 and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution as
well as 32 of the Police Act 2020.
In the ex-parte application moved by Simon Lough, SAN, and DCP, the six defendants were said to be at large.
The senior lawyer submitted that the defendants were involved in conspiracy, arson, terrorism, attempted murder and murder of SP Bako Agbashim and five other police informants.
The five police informants they were alleged to have killed are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu and Saturday Edi.

Justice Nwite granted the I-G’s plea to declare the defendants wanted and upon their arrest and investigation, bring them before the court for trial.

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NAN reports that five suspected arsonists of the assembly were, on Jan. 25, arraigned before a sister court presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon on allegations bordering on terrorism, among others.

The five defendants are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge and were ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until Feb. 2 when their respective bail applications would be determined by the judge.

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How mega opposition coalition can defeat Tinubu in 2027 election —Ex-presidential candidate

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The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.

Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,

“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.

“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.

“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.

“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.

“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.

He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.

Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.

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He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested

Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.

He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.

NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.

Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)

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APC grants Governor Otu automatic ticket for 2027 election

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Monday granted Gov. Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, an automatic ticket for the 2027 general election.

Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, the party’s Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, urged other party members aspiring for political positions to begin their consultations.

Eba clarified that apart from the governor and his deputy, no other individual had been given an automatic ticket by the party.

He encouraged other aspirants to return to their constituents and seek their support ahead of the elections.

“The State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of APC met today and resolved that Governor Otu will be the party’s sole candidate in 2027,” he said.

He explained that the decision was based on the principle of continuity, stating, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”

He added that even if Otu was reluctant to run, the party would still present only one ticket with his name, as was done in 2022.

“We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” Eba stated.

He also praised the deputy governor, currently acting as governor, for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s actions in Rivers.

Eba noted that some individuals had misrepresented the state’s position. He commended the acting governor for clarifying that South-South governors had not consulted him before opposing Tinubu’s decision.

He applauded the President for restoring peace in Rivers, preventing a political crisis. (NAN)

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Natasha Confirms Sallah Visits Despite Kogi Rally Ban

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The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, announced that she would not back out on her plan to return to her constituency for the Sallah break.

The senator also urged her supporters to disregard speculations making the round that she has cancelled her scheduled visit.

She disclosed this in a statement issued by her media team in the early hours of Tuesday.

The statement read, “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned.

“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”

While stating that she has a statutory function in her capacity as the lawmaker representing her constituents, the senator encouraged her supporters to troop out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.

“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.

“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming notification comes a few hours after the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings in the state over security reports.

The government also stopped fishing and other activities, lamenting that they resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.

Fanwo added that intelligence reports indicated that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.

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