News
S’ Court Adjourns Ihedioha, Zamfara’s Fresh Appeals To March 2

The Supreme Court, yesterday, adjourned the hearing of the fresh application that sacked the governor of Imo State, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, filed to be restored back to the office, till March 2.
The development came on a day the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, assumed the headship of a seven-man panel of justices of the apex court that would hear the matter.
Also, yesterday, the Supreme Court fixed March 2 to review its judgement that sacked all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that won various positions in Zamfara State in the 2019 general election.
A five-man panel of justices of the apex court headed by the CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, adjourned hearing of the application for a review of the judgement, after it noted that some of the parties were not served.
Aside from the CJN, other justices that participated in the proceedings that led to the January 14 judgement of the apex court that removed Ihedioha and declared Senator Hope Uzodinma of the APC, also made a comeback in the panel.
The other justices in the panel are Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who delivered the lead judgement that sacked Ihedioha, Justices Sylvester Ngwuta, Umani Abba-Aji, Aminu Sanusi, Kayode Ariwola and Amina Augie.
When the case was called up, yesterday, Ihedioha’s legal team led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, applied for a short adjournment to enable them to respond to motions that were served on them.
Neither Uzodinma’s lawyer, Mr Damian Dodo, SAN, nor that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), opposed the request.
Consequently, the CJN-led panel deferred the hearing of Ihedioha’s request for review of its judgement till March 2.
It would be recalled that the panel had in its verdict that is being challenged by Ihedioha and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared Uzodinma winner of the Imo governorship contest after it noted that some valid votes that accrued to him in 388 polling units were illegally excluded during the computation process.
It held that if the excluded votes were added, Uzodinma, who was the appellant, would have secured the majority of valid votes cast at the governorship election.
The apex court, therefore, ordered INEC, which was the 1st Respondent in the matter, to immediately issue a fresh certificate of return to Uzodinma who came fourth in the election.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Ihedioha, in his fresh five grounds of appeal, contended that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to declare Uzodinma governor in the absence of any proof that votes ascribed to him met the mandatory geographical spread.
Reacting, the APC and PDP, yesterday, aired their opinions regarding the adjournment of the Supreme Court review on the January 14, 2020 judgement till March 2, as requested by the PDP, to respond to motions that were served on them by the APC.
According to the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Damian Opara, “APC and Senator Hope Uzodinma filed a motion that was served on the applicants.
“Normally, when you file such motion, they need time to study and respond to it. How can somebody say that they were not prepared in a matter they filed long time ago. The lawyers needed time to study and reply them. We are fully prepared for the matter”.
When asked if his party was in high expectation, he said: “Well, I am not a lawyer but the little I know is that justice will prevail.”
On the other hand, the Imo APC Publicity Secretary, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, said, “The reasons for asking for adjournment was that the processes were still coming in. Maybe, they have filed or they were still supposed to file.
“Yesterday, they filed and served a fresh application, which apparently, the respondents have not responded to.
“What I mean is that the reply that the Senator Hope Uzodinma and APC served on Agabi, probably, the lawyer to the applicant would want to serve further responses.
“But the only thing is that why will they ask for a hearing notice despite knowing that all the processes have not come in. They are asking for a hearing notice and inconvenience the party on the other side.
“But it is allowed for the party on the other side to ask for an adjournment. You see, we did not oppose the application; we conceded to it. Normally, the courts do not have any choice than to consent to such an adjournment”.
When asked if APC was still in high expectation, he said: “We have the judgement of the Supreme Court. The governor has been sworn-in and adjudicating the function of the office, including payment of the civil servants.
“He paid January salaries by January 26; the governor has allowed most unusual contractors appointed by the past administration to continue their contracts.
“We are already in the office, so we do not expect any change because the time to contest any election petition matter in court has come and gone.”
On the issue of the governor yet to arrive in Imo, Onuegbu said: “The governor accompanied the president to Ethiopia, for four to five days; the governor by law is expected to attend Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.
“The Imo State has a liaison office in Abuja, which is why wherever the governor is that is where the Government House is. The functions of government run smoothly with other appointees and the civil servants. Yes, we should expect the governor home.”
On the Zamfara case, the fresh application was brought by a faction of the APC led by a former governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari.
Counsel to the Applicants, Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, said his clients were challenging the verdict of the apex court on the basis of its consequential orders that handed victory to candidates of the PDP in the state, which he said rendered the entire judgement a nullity.
The Applicants argued that reliefs the Supreme Court granted in favour of the PDP and its candidates were extraneous to issues that aggrieved members of the APC brought before it for adjudication.
In their fresh application marked SC/377/19, they argued, “That the Consequential Orders made by this Honourable Court in 5 appeals have made non-parties to the appeal to unjustifiably benefit from the outcome of the appeal contrary to age-long decided authorities by this same court, hence, making these non-parties to reap from where they never sowed.
“That the teeming electorate in Zamfara State have been unfairly and unjustifiably denied or deprived of their natural or ordinary outcome of the votes cast by them.”
However, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who appeared for the Senator Kabiru Marafa-led faction of the APC in Zamfara State, told the apex court that he filed a preliminary objection to challenge the competence of the fresh application.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was cited as the 179th Respondent in the matter.
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
-
Rivers4 days ago
Democratic Rule Return Sparks Renewed Debate In Rivers
-
News4 days ago
Troops arrest five suspected criminals with concealed AK-47 rifles
-
Rivers2 days ago
FTAN Marks Tourism Day With March, Awards
-
Sports4 days ago
Plateau Wins Kanemi, As Bayelsa, Bendel Played 1-1
-
Education4 days ago
VC Congratulates Igwe on Appointment as Pro-Chancellor
-
Sports2 days ago
Arsenal’s Saliba Wants to Be Best
-
Politics4 days ago
Alleged Attack On Abure In Benin, LP Calls For Investigation
-
Sports4 days ago
La Liga: Atletico Bring Real Back To Earth