Featured
Appeal Court Berates Justice Abang …Proclaims Ikpeazu Abia Gov
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, berated Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja over his refusal to hands-off the suit that led to the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
The appellate court held that Justice Abang “placed the law on its head”, when he declined to suspend further proceeding on the matter, having been notified that an appeal had already been lodged against an interlocutory ruling he delivered on July 8.
A five-man panel of justices of the appellate court, led by Justice Morenike Ogunwumiju, equally faulted Justice Abang for “over- reaching his powers”, by wrongly interpreting the Appeal Court Rules.
Ikpeazu had, in his first appeal marked CS/S/390B/2016, urged the appellate court to determine whether Justice Abang was right to have proceeded with hearing and determining the suit against him, even when he was notified that the appellate court was already privy of the facts of the case.
He argued that Justice Abang was wrong to have gone ahead to interpret Order 4 Rules 10 & 11 of the Court of Appeal Act, after the record of appeal had been duly transmitted to the higher court.
He further maintained that the lower court ought to have suspended proceedings before it to abide by the decision of the appellate court.
Meantime, in a unanimous decision, the appellate court panel faulted Justice Abang for not according due respect to judicial hierarchy, saying he refused to tow the line of laid down precedents.
According to Justice Philomena Ekpe, who delivered the lead verdict: “It appears the lower court made somersault of the law. Once an appeal has been entered, there is, indeed, nothing to be heard or determined once the record of appeal has been transmitted.
“The lower court had no jurisdiction or business to interpret the rules of a higher court when the rules are clear and unambiguous. I am in agreement with the argument of learned counsel to the appellant that the trial lower court judge acted ultra-vires his powers”.
The appellate court held that Justice Abang placed the law on its head when he refused to hands-off the matter having been notified of the pendency of the appeal.
“Consequently, this appeal is meritorious, the decision of the lower court delivered on July 8, is hereby set aside, cost of N100, 000 is awarded in favour of the appellant”, the court held.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that quashed the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu over the alleged presentation of fake tax papers.
The appeal court also awarded N100,000 cost to Ikpeazu.
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court had delivered the judgement sacking Ikpeazu on 27 June.
He also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue certificate of return to Mr Uche Samson Ogah, who came second in the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just as he directed that he be sworn into office as governor of Abia State.
The judgement was the outcome of a protracted suit by some participants in the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State governorship primaries won by Ikpeazu which has not been accorded much attention by many.
The aspirants, who lost to Ikpeazu had gone to court to challenge the victory of the governor in that primary over allegations that the tax clearance certificate presented by him as required by law for gubernatorial contests was fraudulent.
The aggrieved aspirants alleged that Ikpeazu paid the three-year taxes which clearance papers he was required to include in the nomination form he submitted to INEC in one day to enable him qualify to contest the governorship election of the state.
The plaintiffs in the suit, Messrs Obasi Uba Ekagbara and Chukwuemeka Mba also contended that Ikpeazu was not eligible to contest PDP’s governorship primaries as ‘’he did not pay his taxes for 2011, 2012 and 2013 as at when due.’’
They backed up their allegation with documentary evidence to show that ‘’taxes allegedly paid for three years were paid on the same day,” a fact which they said vitiated the authenticity of the tax clearance certificate issued to Ikpeazu and his INEC ‘’Form CF100.’’
The governor did all he could to stop the hearing of the case, insisting that the suit should have been filed at state, rather than Federal High Court.
The Court of Appeal agreed with him that Federal High Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
But the aggrieved aspirants went to Supreme Court.
The panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Muntaka-Coomassie, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, and affirmed the competence of the Federal High Court to try the case.
The apex court consequently ordered that the case should be remitted back to the Federal High Court for an accelerated trial.
They backed their judgment up with an order to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria ‘’to ensure that the case is heard and determined expeditiously.’’
The Federal High Court reopened the case after the Supreme Court ruling.
After hearing arguments from all parties, the court delivered the unexpected judgment on Monday, 27 June.
Featured
We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
Featured
We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
Featured
We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
-
Business3 days ago
Onne OMT Port Acquires 2 Cranes For Container Haulage
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Bayelsa Charges Environment Ministry To End Bush Burning
-
Business3 days ago
Minister Asures On Blue Economy Policy
-
Rivers3 days ago
Immunization: Rivers Records Decrease In Women, Infant Mortality … As OPTS Donates Cold Chain Refrigerators To PHCMB
-
Business3 days ago
AWAEMP Seeks Transformative Policies To Boost Nigeria’s Exports
-
Business3 days ago
Monarch Tasks PHCCIMA On Strong Business Ties
-
Sports3 days ago
Delta Ethnic Cup Goes Beyond fostering unity, Peace
-
Business3 days ago
Ogoni Rejects NNPC-Sahara OML11 Deal … Wants FG’s Intervention