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Party Appeals Abuja Court Ruling …Says Court Order Ineffective …Police Ready For Today’s Convention
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to vacate the order stopping it from going ahead with the planned National Convention of the party scheduled for today.
Already, the group has applied for stay of execution of the interim order of injunction that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued against them on Monday.
Abang had ordered the Markafi-led National Working Committee (NWC), of the PDP to suspend the Convention which is billed to hold in Port Harcourt, pending the determination of an interlocutory motion the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party filed before the court.
Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the suit, yesterday, Markafi and six other members of the PDP NWC, informed Abang that they have already taken the matter before the Court of Appeal.
Markafi and the others, who are 3rd to 9th defendants in the matter, told the court through their lawyer, Mr. Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, that their notice of appeal was dated August 15.
Besides, they also filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of Abang to continue presiding over the matter.
“Most especially, my Lord, we are challenging the interim order of injunction restraining the holding of the 2nd defendant’s convention”, Orbih, SAN, added.
Nevertheless, Abang stressed that none of the applications have been transmitted to his court by the registry.
Even though Sheriff’s lawyer, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, did not oppose Orbih’s plea for a stand down of the matter to enable him fetch the processes from central registry of the court, Abang, in a bench ruling, rejected the request.
The judge said he was only bound by processes before him, noting however that ordinarily, issue bordering on jurisdiction of the court ought to be resolved first.
“It is not the duty of the court to descend into the arena to assist any party”, Abang held, saying he would not take any of the processes into consideration since they were not in his file.
He said the 3rd to 9th defendants violently violated an order he made on July 28, by allowing Senator Obi to “slap the face of the court” when he secretly obtained an ex-parte order from another court despite the pendency of the suit.
Specifically, Sheriff and eight others had approached the court, praying it to stop the proposed National Convention of the party.
Other plaintiffs behind the suit are Prof. Wale Oladapo (National Secretary); Dennis Alonge-Niyi (Deputy National Youth Leader); Alhaji Bashir Maidugu (Deputy National Legal Adviser); Mrs. Hanatu Ulam (Deputy National Women Leader); Alhaji Lawal Dutsima Anchi (Deputy National Auditor); Chief Okey Nnadozie (Deputy National Organising Secretary) and Chief Olisa Metuh (National Publicity Secretary).
The plaintiffs are contending that allowing the Makarfi-led faction to proceed with the convention would affect the ‘Res’ of the substantive suit they filed on July 4, wherein they are contending that their tenure in office ought to expire in 2018.
The plaintiffs said they filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016, for themselves and on behalf of the Executive Committee/National Working Committee of the PDP.
Though only PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were initially cited as defendants in the case, however, despite opposition from the Sheriff-led faction, Abang, on Monday, joined Makarfi and six others as defendants in the suit.
Aside Makarfi, those allowed into the matter as 4th to 9th defendants were Senator Ben Obi, Odion Ugbesia, Abdul Ningi, Kabiru Usman, Dayo Adeyeye and Aisha Aliyu. Justice Abang joined them shortly after he issued the interim order of injunction suspending the planned national convention of the party.
However, the court is yet to commence hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for interim injunction against the convention.
Remarkably, another division of the High Court in Port Harcourt had on Monday, okayed the convention.
The court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Watila not only directed INEC to monitor the convention, it also ordered relevant security agencies in the country to provide security to the delegates.
However, One of the aspirants seeking to emerge as the new spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabir Usman, a lawyer, has said that the order given by an Abuja Federal High Court postponing the party’s national convention is ineffective.
The Tide recalls that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Monday granted an interim order suspending the August 17 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, pending the determination of the application filed before him on July 20.
The judge gave the order after a lawyer representing the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction had informed him that the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction’s National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, had approached the Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court to obtain an interim injunction.
The Federal High Court, Port Harcourt’s injunction had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take part in the convention.
However, Kabir, yesterday, said that the Port Harcourt order was “very specific and was given last week” while, the Abuja order was given only on Monday.
“Monday’s ruling was intolerable and unacceptable and cannot stand. It is the misconduct of the highest order,” he said.
The Makarfi faction had already said it would go ahead with the convention in line with the ruling of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
Kabir, who served as the head of the legal unit of the Makarfi faction’s caretaker committee before he resigned to run for election, said that anyone opposed to the Port Harcourt court ruling has a right to go on appeal and “not a court of equal jurisdiction.
“In any case, everybody is in Port Harcourt already, so who are they going to serve? We only read about the order in the pages of newspapers,” he said.
On his chances in the election, Kabir said he was sure of emerging victorious after he was endorsed by the northern caucus of the party.
He is from Kogi State, in North-Central Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said yesterday that it had made adequate security arrangements for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni told newsme in Port Harcourt that the command had carried out necessary deployments for the convention.
“ The command is prepared for the convention; necessary deployments have been carried out and we are prepared for the convention,” he said.
Omoni said the command had made arrangements to protect lives and property in the state while the convention was on.
“ Remember, that there are other Nigerians living in the state.
“The command is aware of this fact and will provide security for all including those attending the convention and others living in the state,” he said.
The spokesman however declined to disclose the number of police personnel deployed for the convention.
Meanwhile, Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, venue of the convention, is now wearing a new look.
Our Correspondent who visited the stadium, reports that workers were seen putting finishing touches to the podium and spectators stand.
Security was also tight as policemen and other security officials were seen screening people entering the stadium.
Some officials of the PDP were also seen at the venue inspecting final preparations by various committees charged with organising the convention.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.