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Appeal Court Berates Justice Abang …Proclaims Ikpeazu Abia Gov
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, berated Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja over his refusal to hands-off the suit that led to the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
The appellate court held that Justice Abang “placed the law on its head”, when he declined to suspend further proceeding on the matter, having been notified that an appeal had already been lodged against an interlocutory ruling he delivered on July 8.
A five-man panel of justices of the appellate court, led by Justice Morenike Ogunwumiju, equally faulted Justice Abang for “over- reaching his powers”, by wrongly interpreting the Appeal Court Rules.
Ikpeazu had, in his first appeal marked CS/S/390B/2016, urged the appellate court to determine whether Justice Abang was right to have proceeded with hearing and determining the suit against him, even when he was notified that the appellate court was already privy of the facts of the case.
He argued that Justice Abang was wrong to have gone ahead to interpret Order 4 Rules 10 & 11 of the Court of Appeal Act, after the record of appeal had been duly transmitted to the higher court.
He further maintained that the lower court ought to have suspended proceedings before it to abide by the decision of the appellate court.
Meantime, in a unanimous decision, the appellate court panel faulted Justice Abang for not according due respect to judicial hierarchy, saying he refused to tow the line of laid down precedents.
According to Justice Philomena Ekpe, who delivered the lead verdict: “It appears the lower court made somersault of the law. Once an appeal has been entered, there is, indeed, nothing to be heard or determined once the record of appeal has been transmitted.
“The lower court had no jurisdiction or business to interpret the rules of a higher court when the rules are clear and unambiguous. I am in agreement with the argument of learned counsel to the appellant that the trial lower court judge acted ultra-vires his powers”.
The appellate court held that Justice Abang placed the law on its head when he refused to hands-off the matter having been notified of the pendency of the appeal.
“Consequently, this appeal is meritorious, the decision of the lower court delivered on July 8, is hereby set aside, cost of N100, 000 is awarded in favour of the appellant”, the court held.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that quashed the election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu over the alleged presentation of fake tax papers.
The appeal court also awarded N100,000 cost to Ikpeazu.
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court had delivered the judgement sacking Ikpeazu on 27 June.
He also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue certificate of return to Mr Uche Samson Ogah, who came second in the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just as he directed that he be sworn into office as governor of Abia State.
The judgement was the outcome of a protracted suit by some participants in the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State governorship primaries won by Ikpeazu which has not been accorded much attention by many.
The aspirants, who lost to Ikpeazu had gone to court to challenge the victory of the governor in that primary over allegations that the tax clearance certificate presented by him as required by law for gubernatorial contests was fraudulent.
The aggrieved aspirants alleged that Ikpeazu paid the three-year taxes which clearance papers he was required to include in the nomination form he submitted to INEC in one day to enable him qualify to contest the governorship election of the state.
The plaintiffs in the suit, Messrs Obasi Uba Ekagbara and Chukwuemeka Mba also contended that Ikpeazu was not eligible to contest PDP’s governorship primaries as ‘’he did not pay his taxes for 2011, 2012 and 2013 as at when due.’’
They backed up their allegation with documentary evidence to show that ‘’taxes allegedly paid for three years were paid on the same day,” a fact which they said vitiated the authenticity of the tax clearance certificate issued to Ikpeazu and his INEC ‘’Form CF100.’’
The governor did all he could to stop the hearing of the case, insisting that the suit should have been filed at state, rather than Federal High Court.
The Court of Appeal agreed with him that Federal High Court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
But the aggrieved aspirants went to Supreme Court.
The panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Muntaka-Coomassie, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, and affirmed the competence of the Federal High Court to try the case.
The apex court consequently ordered that the case should be remitted back to the Federal High Court for an accelerated trial.
They backed their judgment up with an order to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria ‘’to ensure that the case is heard and determined expeditiously.’’
The Federal High Court reopened the case after the Supreme Court ruling.
After hearing arguments from all parties, the court delivered the unexpected judgment on Monday, 27 June.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.