Politics
RVHA Lacks Powers To Investigate LGAs – High Court
The Rivers State High Court of Nigeria has declared that the State House of Assembly lacks the powers to constitute or appoint an investigative panel to investigate allegations of mis- conduct levelled against any local government chairman in the state.
In a landmark judgement delivered by Justice B.A. Georgewill, presiding judge of court 12 in Port Harcourt last Monday in a case brought before him by Hon Ochije Chris Okey, chairman Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area against the state house of Assembly as well as Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni legislative council.
Justice Georgewill while ruling in favour of the chairman, Hon Ochije Chris Okey against the 1st defendant, state House of Assembly, declared that it was exclusively and exercisable powers of the state Chief Judge in accordance with section 13 (6) of the state local government law No 3 of 1999 to appoint, inaugurate or constitute investigation panel to investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against any local government chairman in the state as it is applicable also to the Onelga boss.
He declared that the power of the 1st respondent (RVHA) to suspend the applicant (claimant) was only exercisable during the presidency of a valid investigation panel of three judges duly constituted by the state Chief Judge in accordance with section 13 of the state local government law of 1999.
He further declared that the 1st respondent, State House of Assembly acted ultra vires on its powers by suspending the applicant, Hon Chris Okey Ochije from office as chairman of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni local government area without due compliance with section 13 of the state local government law 1999.
The presiding judge of the state High Court of Nigeria therefore ordered that every step taken by any person or authority against the applicant in pursuant to the purported suspension of Hon Chris Okey Ochijie or report of the 1st respondent, the state House of Assembly is hereby nullified.
He averred that the report of the 3rd respondent, state House of Assembly Committee on Local Government upon which the resolution of the 1st respondent to suspend the applicant was predicated and was hereby nullified and ordered that the suspension of the applicant from office on 3rd June, 2009 by the state legislature had been nullified. Justice Georgewill ruled that Hon Chris Ochijie still remains the elected chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government council and ordered that his position should be reinstated to him forthwith as chairman of ONELGA.
The Judge further ordered that all entitlements due to Hon Chris Ochijie be paid to him from the period he was unlawfully and unconstitutionally suspended from office by the State House of Assembly.
Effort to reach the state chairman of House Committee on Local Governments, Hon Ibani Ikuinye for comments was unsuccessful as he was said to have travelled out of the state for official assignments.
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
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