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Impeachment: Ebebi Drags Assembly, CJ To Court

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The embattled Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peremobowei Ebebi, yesterday, opted for the court in the battle to survive the impeachment plot against him by 17 out of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly, having failed to use influential Nigerians to save his job. According to reliable sources, he has sought an order from the court to declare illegal and unconstitutional the notice of impeachment and order directing the Chief Judge to set up a 7-man probe panel to investigate alleged misconduct.

The Presiding Judge of the State High Court, Justice Naiye Aganaba, however, granted an order for substituted service until the process is done to the defendants and ensure that all the legislators are served.

The Deputy Governor, through his counsel, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu, is seeking a declaration of the court, in the Suit YHC/201/2010, that without the presentation of a Valid Notice of Allegation(s) against him, signed by not less than 1/3(one third) of the members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly pursuant to section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and service to same on him and all the members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the defendants cannot lawfully and validly remove him from office as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state.

Ebebi is also seeking a declaration that the purported notice of impeachment dated 1st day of June, 2010, purportedly presented to the 1st defendant by the 6th -22nd defendants, is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatever.

He is also seeking an order setting aside the purported notice of impeachment; an order setting aside the purported proceedings of the State Assembly, which was held on the 8th of June, including the resolution that the purported allegations of gross misconduct against the claimant contained in the notice of impeachment or any notice of allegations against the claimant be investigated, and requesting the 5th defendant(the Chief Judge) to appoint or constitute a panel of seven persons to investigate the Claimant.

The Deputy Governor also asked the court to “issue an order setting aside any purported appointment and or constitution of a panel of seven persons by the Chief Judge to investigate purported allegations of gross misconduct against the Claimant contained in the aforesaid purposed notice of impeachment or as may be contained in any purported notice of allegations against the Claimant,’’

Speaking with newsmen after the court’s sitting in Yenagoa, yesterday, lead counsel to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kemasuode Wodu explained that, though the court has not stopped the impeachment process, “the law states that when you are seeking an order of injunction, nothing should be done during that period .We believe that all parties will await the determination of the court”.

In a separate letter to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kate Abiri, the Counsel to the Deputy Governor described as fundamentally defective the Assembly’s directive on the Chief Judge to set up a seven person panel, saying that same was commenced by way of impeachment, which is alien and unknown to section 188 of the 1999 constitution.

He said the Supreme Court has also confirmed that the entire concept of impeachment is unknown to the said section 188 of the Constitution in the case of “Inakuoju Vs Adeleke(2007) 4 NWLR Part 1025 page 427 at 578.

The Weekend Tide’s investigation revealed that after many Ijaw leaders, including Edwin Clark had failed to persuade the Governor Chief Timipre Sylva to soft pedal on the issue, Ebebi decided to seek refuge in the court, having refused suggestions that he should resign to save his political career.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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