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Delta Re-Run Polls: Uduaghan Wins Again

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The Appeal Court sitting in Benin, yesterday,upheld the judgment of the lower tribunal which declared Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan winner of the January 6, 2011 re-run governorship election in Delta State.

The appellate Court upheld  the cross appeal by Dr. Uduaghan, saying, there was no live issue to contend with by the appellant to arouse the jurisdiction of the tribunal, but Ogboru has said that “the DPP will test the matter at the Supreme Court.”

The Appeal Court held that with the success of the cross appeal filed by the governor, the appeal filed by Chief Ogboru contesting the judgment of the lower tribunal had become an academic exercise and therefore struck it out.

Justice Raphael Agbo who led a five man panel of judges in a unanimous decision described Ogboru’s appeal as an academic exercise in futility.

The Court had ordered for a rerun of the 2007 election on November 8, last year.

Justice Agbo ruled  on grounds that the court cannot order another rerun as such would subject the court to a mere academic exercise in futility.

He said that the tenure of Uduaghan ended on May 29, 2011 upon which an election was conducted by the 3rd respondent (Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC where the duo (Dr. Uduaghan and Chief Great Ogboru) participated, with the 1st respondent declared as the winner of the election.

Agbo however dismissed the appeal of the 2nd respondent, PDP which queries the illegality of Chief Ogboru contesting the April 22, 2011 gubernatorial election in the State, as it was not substantial to the appeal in question.

The court held that the appellant was aware that there was vacancy on the seat by May 29, 2011, hence, he contested, citing “Ibrahim Supra” of the Supreme Court as the issue of rerun petition had been taken over by the other election in which he (appellant) also participated.

According to the Judge, “Do we now order another rerun, is it possible or practical to order a rerun election? The onus lies on the appellant to prove its case. This appeal has become another academic exercise in futility and it is hereby dismissed. The respondent has become extinguished; hence, the case was struck out.

According to him, “at the time the tribunal delivered its judgment on July, 25th, there was no live issue at the re-run election exercise as it has been overtaken by the conduct of April 26th, 2011 governorship election in the state, adding that the tenure of Emmanuel Uduaghan expired on May 29, 2011.

The judgement maintained that the Ibrahim Buba-led Federal High Court sitting in Asaba delivered on July 20, 2011 against the candidacy of Ogboru as the duly nominated candidate of Democratic People’s Party (DPP) in the 2007 governorship election had rendered the tribunal null and void.

It noted that INEC had organised the April 16, 2011 election after which the time of four years of Uduaghan had elapsed on May 29, 2011, saying that the position of the Constitution on the issue was very clear that the winner would not commence a fresh tenure in office.

Reacting to the judgment, Mogbeyi Sagay, counsel to Ogboru said they would study the judgment while Turner Ogboru, younger brother to Great Ogboru, declared that they would appeal against the judgment.

“The crux of the appeal was not the issue of tenure but that there was no election, noting that the issue of tenure can be determined only if it has been established that there was election.  The DPP will test the matter at the Supreme Court.”

Secretary to the Delta State Government, Ovuozorie Macaulay, who lauded the judgment however appealed to all Deltans to cooperate with the government in moving the state forward.

“We want to call even on the opponents that it is enough of this exercise of fighting every day. Delta state belongs to all of us and power belongs to God and when God has ordained somebody, cooperate with that person for tomorrow shall be your turn. But today, God has bestowed power on Uduaghan and his group.

“It behoves on them to join forces with him to develop Delta State if their aim is for service and not for us to litigate from one level to another. So, we are calling on them on behalf of the governor to come on board and join hands with him to develop Delta State”.

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Elder Statesman, Others Emerge PH Boat Club’s New Officials

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The Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 has elected new officers to pilot its affairs.
An elder statesman and staunch supporter of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart emerged the club’s Secretary.
Sir Hart’s emergence followed an election conducted by the electoral committee over the weekend which threw up new officials to pilot its affairs at its corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The election which was adjudged one of the most credible, fairest and freest elections in the annals of the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, saw the emergence of Dan Harrison as Chairman.
Other members elected to run the activities of the body are Chief Coker Jimmy, Dr Oma Awoh, Chief Bib- Manuel Afonya, Dawari Dingo, Dango Kala- Otaji, Bara Alagoma and Dago George.
Recall that Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 was founded by the former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Many years after its inception, the club is still waxing strong with notable personalities as members.
Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief AbiyeSekibo is also a prominent member of the club.
The elected officials including Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart were subsequently sworn in, signalling a new chapter for the revered group of bigwigs in the oil- rich region.
With the likes of an elder statesman, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart on board, the narrative has changed for Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 as expectations are high.
The newly elected boat Secretary, Sir Fubara Hart promised to work assiduously with the chairman and other members to chart a new course for the esteemed club.
He said efforts are in top gear to enroll new members who will contribute their quota to the advancement of the club.
Sir Hart described his emergence as an act of God, promising to support the new leadership to achieve the desired objective.
He hinted that the core values of the club would be upheld with vigour, saying working in synergy with the principles laid down by its founders remains their watchword.
He said the rules and regulations of the club shall be sustained in the interest of the club and every legitimate member.

 

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New Oneh Eta Akpajo Emerges

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The Akpajo Clan in Eleme Local Government Area was recently agog with activities following the coronation of HRH Emere Sunday Obo as the Oneh Eta Akpajo XII/paramount ruler of Akpajo clan in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Emere Obo was crowned by the traditional staff bearer of the clan,  Chief Joseph Goka on behalf of the land priests at the community square.
Before his coronation, the new King was an acting traditional ruler of the community since the death of his predecessor, Emere Friedrich on the 11th of January, 2023.
He was also a member of the late King’s Council of Chiefs and member of Nchia and Eleme Council of Chiefs respectively.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his coronation,the new Akpajo monarch said his reign will usher in peace and prosperity to the Kingdom.
He said he intends to work together with the government and companies operating in the Kingdom to attract development to Akpajo clan.
According to the monarch, he will always seek the advice of his elders and other clansmen before taking any decisions.
“I have promised them that I cannot use my authority to do anything without hearing from them first,” he said.
Emere Obo also stressed the need for the youths in the area to toe the path of peace, adding that as a traditional ruler, his responsibility is to ensure that Akpajo clan remains peaceful.
He also assured the government of support and praised both past and current administrations in the State for siting projects in the community.
Also speaking , the traditional staff bearer of the clan, Chief Joseph Goka said Emere Obo’s installation was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo Kingdom.
He also told newsmen that the king makers have not received any protest from any quarters concerning the installation since the process started months ago.
Chief Goka  equally said his crowning of the monarch was based on instructions from the clan’s land priests and expressed optimism that Emere Obo is capable of representing the clan Traditionally and other wise.
Chief Goka described Emere Obo as trustworthy and law-abiding, adding that having worked with the late traditional ruler, Emere Obo has a full knowledge of the customs and traditions of not only Akpajo clan but the entire Eleme Kingdom.
He assured the new monarch of the support of the people of Akpajo and the entire traditional institution in the area.
Also speaking, one of the community’s land priests, Levy Kattey Jumaa said the installation of the new Akpajo monarch was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo and Eleme kingdom.
According to him, the new King has all the qualities expected from a chief in Eleme land, stressing that Emere Obo was only ascending the throne of his fathers having come from the royal family of Akpajo Kingdom.
He urged the public to disregard any insinuations concerning the installation, ”if at all there is any,” adding that it is only the land priests families that talk about kingship installations in Akpajo and Eleme and no other persons outside the land priests families can do that.

By: John Bibor

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Awo Idemili Community May Become Ghost Town If

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If urgent steps are not taken by concerned authorities, the Awo Idemili community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State may become a ghost town, due to incessant killings, arson and kidnapping of residents by some alleged criminal elements suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB).
The Tide’s sourc learnt that a certain family, the Emenikes, said the only possible solution to save the lives of the family members and that of others was to seek protection in a foreign land.
According to sources, one of the family members, Mr Peter Emenike was adbucted and murdered in a gruesome manner by people believed to be members of the IPOB recently.
It was further learnt that Peter Emenike, now deceased, was the Personal Assistant to the Imo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters and was never a member of any secret organisation as to warrant the fate that befell him.
His only offence as further gathered, was an alleged intelligence leaked to the Imo Government which the IPOB framed up in order to get him and his family members nailed.
It also learnt on a good authority that Peter Emenike’s lifeless body alongside that of his wife was found at their residence in Awo – Idemili, Imo State on 14th November, 2024 .
It was also reported that few days later, some family members of the Emenike family were declared missing and as one of them was found dead by a bush path, while others were still held hostage as at when this report was filed.
The Tide’s source claimed that a letter purportedly written by the IPOB members was delivered and dropped inside the car of the deceased bearing the insignia of the IPOB with the inscription: ‘None of your family members can hide for long’.
Unconfirmed report has it that the family, out of fear could not immediately report the matter to the Imo State Police Command as the group is believed to possess some spiritual powers to identify their perceived enemies from afar.
The family members of the deceased including oneMr Daniel Emenike, Boniface Emenike , Paul Emenike and others are now under serious threat by the separatist group (IPOB), thus the urgent need for protection especially in a foreign land.
A security analyst who pleaded anolmity, warned that the assassination of Peter Emenike and the serial killings and abduction of his family members stood as a signal to a new phase of IPOB’s operations .
“ This is not an attack on one family , but on the nation and our collective safety . The government must act swiftly not just to rescue the family but to reaffirm their stance on zero tolerance to terrorism “ he said .

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