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CCT Trial: Onnoghen Kicks Over Conviction …Heads To Court Of Appeal …We ‘ll React Formally -PDP
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), sitting in Abuja, yesterday, convicted the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on all the six-count charge the Federal Government preferred against him.
The Danladi Umar-led three-man panel tribunal said it was satisfied that the Federal Government successfully proved its allegation that Onnoghen, who had voluntarily resigned his position as CJN on April 4, acted in breach of the code of conduct for public officers in the country.
But Onnoghen, through his lawyer, Mr. Okon Efut, SAN, gave a hint that he would appeal against his conviction by the CCT.
Though the former CJN declined to speak to journalists, his lawyer, in his reaction, insisted that the judgement was in breach of the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.
He alleged that the verdict was premeditated, adding that the CCT had on January 23 when it granted the ex-parte order President Muhammadu Buhari relied upon on January 25, to remove Justice Onnoghen from office as the CJN, revealed its position on the matter.
Umar had held that evidence of three witnesses that testified in the course of the trial, were not discredited by the defendant who was accused of failing to properly declare his assets, as well as operating five domiciliary foreign bank accounts.
The CCT chairman, who read the judgement, maintained that admission by the embattled former CJN that he forgot to declare the five accounts he operated since 2009, was “weighty enough” to guarantee his conviction.
He held that the defendant was unable to disprove “hard facts” that were brought against him by the prosecution.
“The prosecution has discharged the onus placed on it beyond every iota of doubt. It is clear that the defendant was in clear breach of the code of conduct for public officers. The prosecution successfully established its case, and the defendant is accordingly convicted”, the CCT chairman added.
Consequently, handing its sentence after it declared the defendant guilty, the tribunal, ordered that he is “hereby removed from office as the Chief Justice of the Nigeria, chairman of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
“Secondly, the defendant is hereby banned from holding any public office for 10 years”.
More so, the tribunal held that Onnoghen’s failure to explain how he amassed “huge amounts of money in his accounts”, was an indication that the funds were acquired illegally.
It, therefore, ordered that the funds should be “confiscated, seized and forfeited to the Federal Government”.
Meanwhile, Onnoghen, who appeared unruffled in the dock while the judgement was delivered, declined offer by the CCT chairman to plead for clemency.
Umar had before he commenced the sentencing, asked the defendant if he would like to make a plea of allocutus (for mercy), but Onnoghen simply bowed his head and told him, “no comment”.
Earlier before the judgment was delivered, the CCT boss, dismissed two preliminary objections the former CJN lodged to challenge the legal propriety of his trial.
Umar held that the CCT had the requisite jurisdiction to try the ex-CJN on the allegation that he falsely declared his assets.
He maintained that FG did not violate any portion of the law by bye-passing the National Judicial Council (NJC) to file the charge.
Umar said the tribunal was minded to overrule itself by departing from the position it took in a similar case the government instituted against Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court.
The CCT held that sections 158(1) and Paragraph 21(6) of the Third Schedule to the1999 Constitution, as amended, was not applicable in the case since FG did not charge the former CJN as a serving judicial officer, but as an ordinary public officer that acted in breach of the code of conduct for public officers.
“We resolve this issue against the defendant. The tribunal hereby affirm its jurisdiction to entertain the charge against the defendant which is competent.
“Though the tribunal is not unmindful of its previous decision in the case of Ngwuta, the tribunal will not hesitate to overrule itself in any previous decision which it is satisfied was reached on wrong reasons.
“I agree that we should do so in this case. In other words, the tribunal hereby reverses itself as regards the case against Ngwuta.
“The tribunal hereby overrules itself in the case of Ngwuta. The preliminary objection lacks merit and is hereby refused”, Umar held.
In a second ruling, the CCT chairman, said there was no merit in the former CJN’s application that he should recuse himself from the matter considering that he equally has a criminal allegation hanging on his neck.
Umar admitted that though it was a bribery allegation that was levelled against him, he said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had in two separate letters dated March 5, 2015, and April 20, 2016, cleared him of any wrongdoing.
He said an initial charge that was entered against him was subsequently withdrawn by the EFCC on November 8, 2018.
“The issue regarding bribery allegation against the chairman has been resolved by the EFCC. All the issues raised by the Applicant have been dealt with without any ambiguity.
“The chairman is competent to proceed with the case”.
Besides, the CCT boss dismissed as unfounded, Onnoghen’s contention that he would not be granted fair hearing since the panel is answerable to the Presidency which was behind his travails.
Umar insisted that though the CCT is not directly under the NJC or the Federal Judicial Service Commission, he said the Presidency does not have any control over its decisions.
“Notwithstanding that the CCT is under the Presidency, that does not mean that it will bow under the whims and caprices of the Presidency or fail to decide cases brought before it dispassionately.
“All judges of courts of superior records are appointed by the President, including Chairman and members of the CCT. That does not reduce them to agents or appendages of the President”, he held.
Meantime, Justice Onnoghen, through his lawyer, Mr. Okon Efut, SAN, gave a hint that he would appeal against his conviction by the CCT.
Efuk said: “The journey has ended today because everything that has a beginning must have an end. So, this day, we have heard that the Chief Justice of Nigeria has been convicted and sentenced. The conviction is out of order, it is unconstitutional. It is a breach of fair hearing because before this day, on the January 23, the same judgement had been passed before now, removing the CJN without a fair hearing.
“So, it was a fair accompli, it was premeditated gas judgment had been passed before today. So, today’s judgement is just a formality and we hold the view that the tribunal has not only breached the constitution of Nigeria, it has breached the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.
“It has not only been able to pass judgement, it has convicted for an offence that was never charged and this is an erosion of the fundamental principles of our constitution. Until some questions are answered, for instance, why is it that the due course of justice was not allowed to flow? Why was judgement passed on January 23 before today, removing the CJN?
“Why is it that today, even after the CJN had tendered his notice of voluntary retirement and the NJC has taken a position, why is it that the tribunal has gone ahead to pass a judgement in total disregard of the independence of the NJC, in total disregard of the powers of the Senate in this matter? We hold a view that the tribunal in reversing itself in the case of Ngwuta, has breached the principle that hold us together.
“This is a sad day in our nation’s democracy and we know that all is not over with this matter. The wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely. This is not a matter that will end here. We shall avail ourselves of all the processes, the hierarchy of the judiciary and we know that the judiciary will redeem itself even though seriously battered and bruised. The judiciary will do justice. Justice has not been done today, but it will surely be done tomorrow. If not by the tribunal, but by our God. Justice will be done by our God”, he added.
It will be recalled that the tribunal had last Monday, reserved judgment on the matter after FG and Onnoghen adopted their final written arguments on Monday. Whereas Onnoghen urged the tribunal to discharge and acquit him, insisting that the FG failed to prove that he committed any offence that is known to the law.
On the other hand, Federal Government, asked the CCT to convict and impose maximum punishment on the former CJN, contending that it successfully established that he acted in breach of the code of conduct for public officers in the country.
The Federal Governemnt had in the charge marked CCT/ABJ/01/19, alleged that Onnoghen’s failure to properly declare his assets, was in violation of section 15(2) of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
It further alleged that the ex-CJN, who was suspended from office by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 25, operated five foreign bank accounts, contrary to the code of conduct for public officers.
However, in opposition to his trial, Justice Onnoghen, queried the validity of the charge against him, stressing that FG violated established judicial precedents by not allowing the National Judicial Council, NJC, to firstly investigate the allegation against him, before it rushed the matter to the CCT.
He argued that failure to channel the petition against him, as well as the outcome of the investigation that was purportedly conducted on assets declaration forms he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to the NJC, rendered the charge invalid.
More so, the defendant urged the CCT to abide by a subsisting Court of Appeal decision in Nganjiwa v Federal Republic of Nigeria (2017) LPELR-43391, to the effect that any misconduct attached to the office and functions of a judicial officer, must first be reported to and handled by the NJC, pursuant to the provisions of the laws.
He maintained that only after the NJC had pronounced against such judicial officer could prosecuting agencies of the Federal Government proceed to initiate a criminal proceeding.
Justice Onnoghen drew attention of the tribunal to its judgment that quashed a similar charge against another Justice of the Supreme Court, Sylvester Ngwuta, on the ground that the NJC ought to have been allowed to look into the matter before the case was filed. He stressed that the two judgments were yet to be set aside by the Supreme Court.
Aside challenging powers of the tribunal to try him, Onnoghen, said he was afraid that he would not be accorded fair hearing by the tribunal which he described as an appendage of the Presidency.
He insisted that he was entitled to fair hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, under section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The defendant argued that the CCB which recommended his trial, the Attorney General of the Federation who is prosecuting him, and the tribunal itself, are all answerable to the Executive Arm of the government.
He equally asked the CCT chairman to disqualify himself from the matter considering that he equally has a criminal allegation pending against him.
Nevertheless, the tribunal, in a ruling on March 11, relied on section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, and Paragraph 5(5) of its Practice Direction, and held that it would not consider the merit of Onnoghen’s objection to the charge, till conclusion of the trial.
While Federal Government closed its case against the ex-CJN after it produced three witnesses to testify before the tribunal, the embattled former CJN who initially proposed to also call three witnesses to defend the charge, announced his decision to close his defence after his driver testified to the fact that he was present when the defendant submitted his assets declaration forms at CCB’s head office in Abuja.
Onnoghen had on April 4, resigned his position as CJN, shortly after the NJC, sent report of if its investigation into the allegation against him, to President Buhari.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will react formally to, yesterday’s sacking of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, has said.
Onnoghen was dismissed by Code of Conduct Tribunal, yesterday, in a judgment by its Chairman, Danladi Umar, who also barred him from holding any public office for a period of ten years in addition to forfeiture of cash in five accounts he failed to declare at the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“We will react formally, that’s for sure,” the publicity scribe said, even as he reiterated the support of the party in the fight against corruption.
Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Muhammed Isah, urging him to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently provide information on specific details of asset declarations submitted to the CCB by successive presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999.”
SERAP is seeking information on: “details of asset declarations by successive presidents and state governors between 1999 and 2019, including details of declarations made immediately after taking offices and thereafter, and for those who have left public offices, at the end of their term of office. Information is also sought on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, by the Bureau.”
In the FOI request dated 18 April, 2019, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “While we welcome the judgment by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Justice Walter Onnoghen, we now urge the CCB to extent its mandates to enforce constitutional provisions on asset declarations by public officers to cover elected officers and to vigorously pursue the prosecution of any such officers who use their powers either as presidents or state governors over public funds to enrich themselves.”
According to the organization, “While judicial corruption is bad, the level of corruption involving many politicians since 1999 and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators is equally appalling. Publishing the asset declarations of elected public officers since the return of democracy in 1999 to date would improve public trust in the ability of the Bureau to effectively discharge its mandates. This would in turn put pressure on public officers like presidents and state governors to make voluntary public declaration of their assets.”
The FOI request read in part: “SERAP is concerned that many politicians hide behind the fact that members of the public do not have access to their asset declarations to make false declarations, and to cover up assets illegally acquired in corruption or abuse of office.
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.