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Judges’ Petition: Amaechi Should Resign – PDP …As SERAP Tasks CJN On Judges Woes …Refusal To Suspend Judges Shocks Presidency

Following stunning revelations indicting the Minister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, of attempting to bribe some Justices of the Supreme Court to pervert justice in the governorship election matters that were before the appellate court, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has called on the former governor of Rivers State to resign his position as he does not have any moral justification to remain in office as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Tide recalls that Amaechi is facing serious accusations by two reputable Supreme Court Justices of being behind their travails, including the raiding of their residences, arrest, detention and carting away of various vital items and documents as well as blackmail by operatives of Department of State Security Services.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the PDP Chairman, Jerry Needam, yesterday quoted the Justices, as alleging that Amaechi had approached them, demanding that Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Abia and Ekiti States election petitions must be delivered in favour of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
In his revelation earlier, Hon Justice John Iyang Okoro, had stated that Amaechi told him that the President told him (Amaechi) to inform him that they (the APC) must win their election appeals in respect of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia States at all costs, and that if APC lost in Akwa Ibom State, where he (Amaechi) sponsored the candidate, he would have lost a fortune.
On his part, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta stated that his refusal at various times, to help the APC to pervert justice in governorship election disputes involving Ekiti, Rivers and Ebonyi States was responsible for his ordeal.
A letter dated October 18, which he forwarded to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and the National Judicial Council, Ngwuta specifically fingered the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, to have attempted to bribe him, and that after the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Amaechi also called him on phone and said “Oga is not happy”.
Shocked at this sterling revelations on the alleged subversive and undemocratic actions of Amaechi, considering the danger it poses to the nation’s democracy, the Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the PDP, Bro Felix Obuah, called on the relevant authorities to immediately commence investigation into the allegations, calling on the accused to step aside from carrying out national assignments in the capacity as a member of the Federal Executive Council, to allow for an uninterrupted and objective investigation by the relevant government security and anti- graft agencies.
The PDP chairman further called on President Muhammadu Buhari to also relieve the accused, of his position, pending the determination of the matter by the law enforcement and anti graft- agencies.
Obuah believed that, to further prove his innocence of the various allegations, Amaechi should resign, cooperate and allow the process of his investigation by not sabotaging any of such efforts in getting to the truth.
The PDP chairman explained that although the party was shocked at the extent Amaechi went about attempting to steal the mandate of Nigerian electorate, particularly in the mentioned states, but insisted that those revelations have vindicated the PDP in Rivers State, as it has consistently complained about the corrupt and undemocratic dispositions of Amaechi and some of his APC folks.
“We demand thorough investigation into these stunning revelations by these Justices of the Supreme Court, and call on the accused (Amaechi) to resign immediately, as he lacks the moral rectitude to remain in office as a public servant”, Obuah insisted.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has despatched seven queries to Justice Mahmud Mohammed, the Chief Justice of Nigeria over the alleged visit of Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to embattled Justice Inyang Okoro.
Amaechi has vehemently denied the visit and threatened to sue the judge.
But SERAP, in an open letter to Justice Mohammed, who is the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) seeks explanations on what “he and the NJC knew or had reason to know regarding the report to them on 1st February, 2016, by Justice John Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria about the alleged visit.
“Okoro had alleged that Amaechi visited him at his official residence to discuss election appeals in respect of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
“Okoro also claimed he told the chief justice about the visit of the APC governorship candidate, Umana Umana, to his residence to allegedly make the same request of assistance to win the appeal at the Supreme Court.”
SERAP’s letter to the NJC chairman, which was signed by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, states that, “We consider these allegations as constituting a serious threat to the independence, impartiality and accountability of the judiciary, and should in the ordinary course of duties, have prompted action from your Lordship and the NJC to wit: undertaking prompt, thorough and transparent investigations, and where there is prima-facie evidence of political interference in the judicial system, to report the matter to the appropriate anti-corruption commissions and agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“SERAP strongly believes that the NJC has a responsibility to support judges in dealing with alleged corrupt inducements that are offered or the threats they receive, such as the allegations in this case.”
In this respect, SERAP urged CJN and the NJC address the questions arising from the claims to wit: First, is it correct to suggest that Justice Okoro reported to you and the NJC on 1st February, 2016, his alleged meeting at his official residence with Amaechi? Was Justice Okoro’s report documented by your Lordship and the NJC? If so, Nigerians would like to hear from your Lordship and the NJC whether Justice Okoro’s report was ever discussed, and what action, if any, was taken by your Lordship and the NJC to respond to the allegations raised in his report?”
“Second, is it fair to suggest that your Lordship and the NJC knew, or had reason to know, that the alleged visit by Amaechi to Justice Okoro’s official residence would constitute a case of political interference in the judicial system and a corruption offence under Nigerian laws and the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party?”
“Third, after the alleged visit was brought to the attention of your Lordship and the NJC, did your Lordship and the NJC take any step to promptly and thoroughly investigate the matter further?
“Fourth, would your Lordship and the NJC agree that the alleged visit to Justice Okoro’s official residence to discuss election Appeals has seriously undermined the public trust and confidence in the judiciary, and the image of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man?”
“Fifth, is it correct to suggest that it is part of the inherent and implicit constitutional duties of the NJC to ensure that the judiciary as a whole does not lay itself open to the risk of political interference, manipulation and coercion to act in a certain way? Is it also correct to suggest that such duties require the NJC to promptly and thoroughly investigate allegations of political interference in the judicial system, that is, when those in political power allegedly use their influence to force or induce judges to act and rule according to their interests and not in accordance with the application of the law?”
In another development, the refusal of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to order the suspension from office of the seven judges, currently under investigation by the Department of State Service (DSS), has reportedly rattled the Presidency, a source said last night. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, yesterday, insisted the judges would not be suspended, especially as there was no formal complaint to that effect from the DSS to the NJC. Mohammed spoke in a press statement. The statement was a follow up to the advertorial published in some newspapers, yesterday, by the NJC defending its position not to suspend the embattled judges.
The advertorial was responding to the statement by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that the judges should be suspended. The judges, whose homes were raided and arrested by operatives of the DSS during separate operations carried out on October 7 and 8, include two Justices of the Supreme Court, Sylvester Ngwuta and Iyang Okoro. Other judges are Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court Abuja, Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court, Muazu Pindiga of Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike.
According to a Presidency official, the action of the NJC, under the chairmanship of the CJN, amounted to a volt face. One of the prominent officials in the Buhari administration told our correspondent that the Presidency was shocked by what the CJN did shortly after visiting the Villa and expressing what appeared to be a disposition to suspend the affected judges from office pending the conclusion of their matters in court. “Obviously, it seems to us that the man has been ‘captured’, the Presidency official said, referring to the leadership of the NJC but did not explain what he meant by being captured.
“But the truth remains that this administration is not going to condone any form of graft and will not be deterred by the antics of the NJC since it is not a court with powers to try criminal matters. The official explained that the CJN, who heads the NJC, early last week, visited the Villa and may appear to have settled to an understanding that it was necessary to ask the affected judges to step aside from their duty posts until further notice only for him to do the opposite. The face-off between the two tiers of government has widened the gulf between them, raising questions as to who will eventually try the seven judges to be arraigned for alleged corruption this week.
The National Prosecution Council and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, according to Sunday Vanguard sources, have been mandated to handle the trial of the affected judges in batches, while the DSS may serve as a key witness against them. CJN defiant In his statement, yesterday, CJN Mohammed said he was yet to get a formal complaint from the DSS, regarding the seven judges. He maintained that the misunderstanding was between the NJC, which was established by the Constitution, and the DSS which, he said, belongs to the Presidency.
The statement, signed by Senior Special Assistant to the CJN, H. S. Sa’eed, read: “Under the powers provided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended) and as the Head of the Third Arm of Government, the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman National Judicial Council, Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON is calling on all Nigerians to continue to have faith and full confidence in the Nigerian Judiciary.
“The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (Hon. CJN) is indeed deeply concerned by the rising antagonism over the recent arrest of our Judicial Officers and other issues pertaining thereto. “Furthermore, it must be reiterated that the current misunderstanding is only between the National Judicial Council (NJC), which was established by the Constitution and the Directorate of the State Security (DSS), in the Presidency. “Hence, we must emphasise that the Judiciary continues to maintain cordial relations with the other arms of government, that is, the Executive and the National Assembly.
“The Hon. CJN reiterates that the Nigerian Judiciary, as an Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not a party in this matter, nor is the Nigerian Judiciary on trial.
“On the call by President of the Nigerian Bar, A. B. Mahmoud, SAN, to suspend Judicial Officers whose residences were invaded and who were subsequently arrested and detained by the DSS, we believe that the call was unnecessary and hasty as the said Judicial Officers are still being investigated by the DSS.
“Furthermore, the DSS is yet to forward any complaint or any official communication regarding the seven Judicial Officers to the National Judicial Council. “Indeed, some of the affected Judicial Officers have already been investigated by the NJC, which found some culpable and recommended their removal from office by dismissal or retirement to the President and respective Governors as provided under the Constitution. “While some are still being investigated by the NJC, in respect of others, no complaint against them has been received by the NJC whose powers to suspend must be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution establishing it.
“The National Judicial Council is currently investigating the various complaints made against a number of Judicial Officers. As soon as such investigations are completed, appropriate recommendations will be made to the President or Governors, as the case may be, who will have the final say on the fate of the affected Judicial Officers who could then be charged for the offences disclosed from the facts against them and be prosecuted if necessary.
“The Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria also wishes to state in clear terms that the ‘sting’ operations carried out by the DSS on 07 and 08 October 2016 was certainly an assault on the independence of the Nigerian Judiciary. “Nonetheless, the Judiciary fully supports the anti-corruption drive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“The Nigerian Judiciary has never and will never shield any Judicial Officer who is found to be guilty of corruption, however, the Hon. CJN believes that due process and the rule of law must be followed. “As a testament to our commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Nigerian Judiciary continues to function and our Courts remain open to all who seek remedy. “With the support and good will of all Nigerians, the Nigerian Judiciary will continue to serve with all its heart and might”. Body of SANs backs NBA Separately, yesterday, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria threw its weight behind the call by the NBA on the arrested judges to proceed on leave of absence pending when they are given a clean bill of health.
The Body, which met in Lagos, endorsed every action taken by the NBA President, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), so far on the judges. The meeting was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. On Amaechi, Onu, Presidency keeps mum
In a related development, the Presidency is keeping sealed lips on the allegations against the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, and his colleague in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, both of whom some of the embattled judges accused of using the DSS against them for refusing to oblige their request to influence matters bordering on the 2015 elections.
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INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
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Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
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Senate Issues 10-Day Ultimatum As NNPCL Dodges ?210trn Audit Hearing

The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
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