Politics
Hearing On Ibori’s Bid To Stop EFCC Begins, Wednesday
Federal High Court, Asaba will begin fresh hearing of Chief James Ibori on Wednesday April 28, 2010 in his application to restrain EFCC from arresting him.
Justice I.N. Buba, Monday April 19 in Asaba after listening to arguments by Mr J.B. Dauda (SAN) counsel to Ibori and Mr Chidi Okoroma, counsel to EFCC, fixed April 20.
Ibori, through his counsel had filed a motion exparte on April 12, praying Buba to grant an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting or harassing him.
Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation; the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS).
Ibori also urged the court to restrain the respondents, their agents, privies and assigns from intimidating him or attempting to arrest him pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.
But the court ruled on April 14, that the Motion on Notice filed by Ibori be served on all the respondents and that the motion be heard April 19.
Counsel to Ibori who argued the motion Monday said he was served the counter affidavit and Notice of Preliminary objection by the EFCC.
Dauda said he was also served the first respondents counter affidavit.
He said that the Notice of preliminary objection by EFCC contained an elaborate address and it was only fair for him to respond because it questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
“The lawyer raised certain facts not contemplated by the original application in which we need to file a counter and further affidavit.”
He also clarified “some misinformation” that the court granted Ibori a restraining order.
He also urged the court to compel the respondents to subject themselves to the rule of law.
Dauda also urged the court to grant Ibori a preservative injunction.
But Okoroma said the EFCC was “taken aback” when Dauda mentioned that they were in court to hear the case in which they were served only on April 15.
The EFCC counsel said there were no bases for the court to grant preservative order over Ibori.
He also urged the court to call the press to order against what he called the misrepresentation of processes of court in the reportage of the matter.
The judge said he would invoke and apply relevant sections of the criminal code on false publication on any journalists who ridiculed the administration of justice.
He said the court was at liberty to commit to prison anybody who is in contempt of court.
The judge who also adjourned to April 28 for fresh hearing notices to be served on the first and third respondents.
He also appealed to journalists to report correctly what happened in court and cross check facts when in doubt.
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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