News
RSG Foresees End To FG’s Illegal VAT Policy
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the ongoing dispute between the state and the Federal Government over the legitimate authority to impose and collect Value Added Taxes (VAT) has enormous constitutional implications that should be addressed succinctly.
Wike made the assertion at the book presentation titled: “Contemporary Essays on Law & Practice”, in honour of retired Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court, in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Rivers State governor said the entire country was waiting for the speedy resolution of the VAT dispute that was now at the Supreme Court.
The governor stated that in reality, the Judiciary remains the ultimate guardian of the nation’s Constitution.
According to him, the Judiciary is the protector of the rule of law and the guarantor of the constitutional rights and freedoms of the people, which should play out in the VAT dispute.
“While the entire country is waiting for its speedy resolution in the national interest, the Supreme Court of Nigeria remains lethargic in hearing this very important matter, thereby unjustifiably aiding the Federal Government to continue to enforce its illegal and oppressive VAT policy on the polity.”
Wike also pointed out that judicial independence was truncated when judges were subjected to summary trials and preconceived indictments by an all-powerful quasi-judicial agency on the promptings of persons or parties with vested interest in the outcome of the litigation processes.
He noted with dismay that the National Judicial Council (NJC) was becoming willing tool to intimidate judges who were simply discharging their constitutional duties.
By doing so, he said, the National Judicial Council (NJC) may be joining the league of unholy forces now assailing the independence and reputation of judicial officers across the country.
“My candid opinion is that the National Judicial Council must thread with utmost caution in matters of judicial complaints and discipline lest it wittingly or unwittingly turns itself into another bully to be feared rather than being respected in its roles as both the headmaster and guardian angel of the nation’s Judiciary.”
Wike emphasised that the Judiciary was the exclusive authority through which all persons, authorities and agencies were subjected to the precepts and dictates of the Constitution and ordinary laws of the nation, even if it was exclusively enacted by the Legislature.
The governor said no nation can be seen and reckoned with to be free, fair and just without a strong, independent and functional Judiciary.
He also observed that no democracy can survive, flourish and deliver social and economic progress without a courageous, efficient and effective Judiciary.
Wike, therefore, urged judicial officers to relive the time when the nation’s Judiciary was truly independent, manned by men and women of courage who were publicly trusted to deliver justice fairly and equally to everyone.
“There was also a time when our judges were respected the world over for their independence, courage and credibility.
“Again, time was when decisions from Nigerian courts were widely accepted and celebrated across the world as timeless models of judicial precedents.
“But today, what is your candid assessment of the character and integrity of our country’s Judiciary, which is becoming more confusing and painfully contradictory.”
Speaking further, Wike pointed to the concern that ranges from case backlogs, poor case management and rampant delays in the administration of justice that have seriously eroded public confidence in the Judiciary and its capacity to deliver justice to ordinary citizens.
“There are also serious concerns about the apparent lack of courage among several judges and the declining quality of judgements from our courts at all levels.
“Having succumbed to fear, intimidation and blackmail, most of our judges are being compelled to tailor their judgments toward the wishes and desires of powerful political interests.”
Wike, however, commended the few judicial officers who were keeping hope alive with their extra-ordinary courage.
He said their exemplary fidelity to the rule of law and strong determination to ensure that justice was not only done, but seen to have been done in matters that come before them, depict that all hope is not lost.
Acknowledging the fulsome years of meritorious judicial service of Justice Chikere, Wike said, as a judge, the celebrant demonstrated absolute independence of mind.
Wike also noted that Justice Chikere exhibited excellent judicial temperaments of being calm always, courteous and compassionate towards everyone, including her colleagues, lawyers and litigants in or outside the office.
Earlier, Wike had attended the Valedictory Court Session at the Federal High in Port Harcourt organised in honour of Justice Chikere.
Speaking at that event, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, represented by Justice Binta Nyanko, noted that Justice Chikere served the Judiciary meritoriously from the bench for 19 years with her health and integrity intact.
Justice Tsoho said keeping pace with a long judicial career in Nigeria was no mean task, saying that Justice Chikere weathered the adversities and challenges successfully.
“As we gather to celebrate this outstanding judicial officer for her years of impressive service to the nation, the occasion evidently climaxes the fame attribute that excellence and selfless service are virtues worthy of emulation.
“Hon. Justice Chikere is notably calm and collected, and is much like a mother to many colleagues. As a Christian, she is fervently adherent to the tenets of Christ, especially, love for humanity. She has been remarkably humble, peaceful, friendly, humane, honest, generous, incorruptible and hardworking.”
On his part, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, said the highly rewarding and fulfilling career of the celebrant started on January 17, 1986, when she was employed into the Rivers State Civil Service as State Counsel 11.
He said, with dint of hard work, Justice Chikere enjoyed impressive career progression to become acting director of Civil Litigation on July 14, 1998, before taking up the duties of a bencher at the Federal High Court.
“My Noble Lord distinguished herself on the bench by her brilliant rulings and judgements, firm control of her proceedings, and fairness to legal practitioners and litigants who appeared before her. My Noble Lord is known to be fearless and courageous judge who dispensed justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”
President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Apata, represented by the Port Harcourt Branch Chairman of NBA, Prince Nyekwere, described Justice Chikere as a quintessential and consummate judge, who without indulging in frivolities, discharged her duties fairly and retired without blemish on her service records.
Speaking on behalf of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), former President of Nigeria Bar Association, O. C. J. Okocha, acknowledged that Justice Chikere was reputed to be diligent, hardworking and fearless in her dedication to judicial functions with untainted record.
In her response, Justice Anwuri Chikere said her sojourn at the federal Judiciary made her a better person.
She expressed gratitude to the former state Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, who was accompanied by his wife, Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court, for allowing her to be transferred from the State Judicial Civil Service to the Federal Judicial Service, and to her husband, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ken Chikere, for the many encouragements he gave that helped her to become a successful judicial officer at the bench.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi