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Supreme Court Dismisses Governor Fubara’s Suit Against Pro-Wike 27 Rivers Lawmakers

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The Supreme Court has dismissed the suit brought by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, seeking to remove 27 members of the State House of Assembly on the grounds of their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The apex court dismissed the suit on Monday in a ruling delivered by Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji, following the dramatic withdrawal of the appeal by Fubara through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN.

In the notice for withdrawal, Governor Fubara simply informed a three-member panel of justices that events had overtaken his suit and that the lawmakers were their friends.

The request for the withdrawal of the contentious suit was not opposed by the Rivers State House of Assembly or its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, who were represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN. However, Olanipekun SAN demanded outright dismissal of the suit on the basis that the parties had filed and exchanged their briefs of argument and thus joined issues with each other.

He argued that the proper order to be made in the circumstances was the dismissal of the case, which the court agreed with.

With no objections from the parties, the apex court dismissed the case and awarded £4 million against Fubara to be paid to the House of Assembly and Amaewhule.

Addressing journalists shortly after the dismissal of the suit, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Njemanze stated that the coast has now been cleared for the 27 lawmakers to fully take over the House of Assembly.

The senior advocate explained that all actions taken by Fubara in the absence of the 27 lawmakers, including the presentation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to only three lawmakers, have now become a nullity.

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The Court of Appeal had dismissed Fubara’s appeal on the same matter on 10 October 2024.

Similarly, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho on 22 January 2024, nullified the passage of Rivers State’s £800 billion 2024 budget by four members of the House of Assembly.

The court described the bill’s passage by the four lawmakers, led by Hon. Ehie Edison, as an aberration and an illegality.

It consequently ordered Governor Fubara to re-present the budget to the assembly led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

The suit filed by the 27 members of the Assembly loyal to former governor of the state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike received the blessing of the lower court.

Listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 are the National Assembly, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Others include Governor Fubara, Hon. Edison, the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Justice Omotosho, while ruling on an ex-parte motion by the 27 legislators, issued an interim order restraining Fubara and his agents from obstructing the pro-Wike legislators from carrying out their constitutional duties.

He also restrained the governor from removing or redeploying the Clerk of the Assembly and from withholding funds meant for the Assembly, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

However, while the order subsisted, Governor Fubara presented the budget that was passed by the four lawmakers loyal to him.

The governor had also prevented the pro-Wike legislators from convening by demolishing part of the Assembly complex and withholding funds for legislative functions.

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Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the four lawmakers’ passage of the budget and other actions taken while the 30 November 2023 order subsisted amounted to a nullity.

He stated that the governor acted like a tyrant in the manner in which the Assembly complex was partially demolished and funds for legislative activities were withheld.

The judge issued an order restraining Fubara from frustrating the Assembly, led by Hon. Amaewhule, from sitting or interfering in its activities.

He also described as unlawful Governor Fubara’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk out of the Assembly, stating that such action amounted to an affront on the separation of powers.

The judge ordered the Clerk and Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and without hindrance.

In addition to ordering Fubara to promptly release all funds standing to the credit of the Assembly, he also instructed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately deploy his operatives to the Assembly complex.

The judge further barred the National Assembly from taking over the Assembly or accepting or treating any request from Governor Fubara on any matter affecting the legislature.

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20 Federal tertiary institutions to get CNG conversion centres, refuelling stations

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In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), in collaboration with Femadec Energy, is set to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations across 20 federal tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa, recently convened a meeting with Vice-Chancellors and executives from Femadec Energy, MDGIF, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to finalise project details and ensure timely implementation.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the project’s significance: “This initiative not only aims to reduce transportation costs for our students and lecturers but also represents a pivotal step towards integrating clean energy solutions within our educational institutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, a representative from Femadec Energy stated: “Our collaboration with MDGIF and the federal institutions underscores our dedication to promoting sustainable energy. By introducing CNG infrastructure, we aim to provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation options, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability among the academic community.”

This project is designed to alleviate the high transportation costs faced by students and lecturers. It aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources for cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable transportation.

Six institutions are slated to have fully operational CNG facilities by May 29, 2025, demonstrating immediate impacts and paving the way for broader adoption nationwide.

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AGF lacks power to prosecute offences under Electoral Act – Court

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, declared that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice lacked the power and authority to initiate, maintain and prosecute offences under the Electoral Act, 2022.

In a judgment delivered, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could initiate and maintain criminal proceedings for offences under the Electoral Act, 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judgement was delivered in a suit filed by Oladipupo Adebutu, the 2023 Ogun governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and nine others.

The plaintiffs had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1038/23, sued the AGF and Minister of Justice as sole defendant.

The plaintiffs had in their originating summons prayed the court to stop the office of the AGF from prosecuting them over an allegation of vote-buying levelled against them by Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They prayed the court to hold that the AGF cannot initiate, commence and continue the prosecution of electoral offences under the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 in view of Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution.

They asked the court to determine whether the prosecution of electoral offences under the Electoral Act, 2022, was not the exclusive reserve of INEC in line with Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act and Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution.

Justice Ekwo, in his judgment, agreed with the plaintiffs that only INEC could initiate and maintain criminal proceedings for offences under the Electoral Act, 2022.

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The judge further held that the initiation, commencement and prosecution of electoral offences under the Electoral Act, 2022, by the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice was a violation of Sections 153, 158, 160 and Paragraph 15, Part 1, 3rd Schedule of the Constitution and Sections 144 and 145(2) of the Electoral Act and the Independence of INEC

He said that the action of the defendant by exercising the power to prosecute the plaintiffs, in a manner not in accordance with the law, was ultra vires.

According to him, the power of the AGF to take over any proceedings can be challenged if the exercise of the power is not in accordance with the law.

The court, however, did no grant some of the prayers of the plaintiffs, saying, that would amount to tampering with decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

He held that the plaintiff had established his case according to the law and was entitled to justice.

The plaintiffs in their suit prayed the court to determine “whether since the facts which formed the fulcrum of charge No. AB/10c/2023 are also the facts which formed the defence and response/allegations of Dapo Abiodun and the APC at the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the filing of the charge was not subjudice and an abuse of court processes capable of overreaching the tribunal.

“Whether the initiation of criminal prosecution against the plaintiffs, who are PDP members by the AGF, who is a member of the APC in respect of the dispute which emanated from the March 18, 2023 governorship election in Ogun state is not an abuse of power, illegal, invalid and void.”

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The plaintiffs prayed the court to declare that, it was out of the power of the AGF to arraign, maintain and continue their prosecution for alleged electoral offences before the Ogun State High Court in charge number: AB/10c/2023.

They sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the AGF from arraigning and continuing their prosecution for alleged offences created under the Electoral Act in charge before the Ogun High Court.

An affidavit in support of the plaintiffs’ originating summons averred that Dapo Abiodun and the APC, through the Ogun APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi, wrote a frivolous and baseless petition to the AGF, accusing the first plaintiff (Adebutu) of vote buying during the governorship election.

It said that the APC therefore called for his (Adebutu’s) investigation after he had filed his election petition before the tribunal.

It said the AGF, through the Director of Public Prosecution, wrote to the police asking them to investigate the petition of Sanusi, which culminated in the police inviting the first plaintiff to report at their office on May 2, 2023.

The affidavit averred that the AGF used an interim report of an investigation, which had not been completed, to file a charge against the plaintiffs and arraigned them before the Ogun High Court, Abeokuta division.

The affidavit said that the charge alleged the offence of vote buying against the plaintiffs during the state governorship election, even when INEC never wrote to the police to investigate any vote buying allegation against the first plaintiff.(NAN

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Senator Sunday Marshall Katung: A Champion Of The People In The Senate

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

In the heart of Southern Kaduna, where the demand for quality education, accessible healthcare, and economic empowerment continues to grow, one leader has emerged as a beacon of hope—Senator Sunday Marshall Katung. His tenure in the Senate has not only been marked by passionate advocacy but also by tangible results that have transformed lives and communities.

True leadership is measured by impact, not just words. Since assuming office, Senator Katung has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his people, pushing for policies and initiatives that directly address their needs. His legislative efforts have focused on critical areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.

One of his most transformative achievements is his role in the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia—a milestone that will provide thousands of young people with access to technical and vocational education. This university is set to bridge the gap between education and employability, equipping students with practical skills for the modern job market.

In the healthcare sector, Senator Katung’s advocacy for the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan has led to improved medical services, better healthcare infrastructure, and greater access to specialized treatment for residents. His unwavering support for healthcare initiatives continues to improve the quality of life in his constituency.

Beyond legislation, Senator Katung has taken bold steps to empower his constituents economically. Through targeted vocational training programs and financial grants, he has supported over 1,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across Southern Kaduna. Women and youth, in particular, have benefitted from these initiatives, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to the local economy.

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Additionally, his scholarship programs have opened doors for students who might have otherwise been unable to afford higher education. So many students have benefitted from these educational interventions, reinforcing his belief that investing in the youth is the key to a brighter future.

At a time when political divisions often slow down progress, Senator Katung has proven to be a unifying force. His ability to work across party lines to pass crucial legislation underscores his commitment to governance over partisanship. He maintains an open-door policy, engaging with his constituents regardless of political affiliation, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the Senate.

Perhaps the most significant testament to Senator Katung’s leadership is the overwhelming support he enjoys from his people. Whether through community engagements or social media interactions, the gratitude and admiration from his constituents reflect the deep impact of his work.

As he continues his journey of service, his vision remains clear: to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and developed Southern Kaduna. With a track record of achievements and an unshakable commitment to the welfare of his people, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is not just a politician—he is a leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

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