City Crime

Life Span Of An Ex-Parte Order

Published

5 years ago

October 28, 2020

Ex-Parte Order means a legal proceeding brought by one party in the absence of and without representation of or notification to the other party. Where an order is made on motion ex-parte, any party affected by it may within seven (7) days after the service of the order or within such further time as the court may allow apply to the court by motion, to vary or discharge it.
The life span of an ex-parte order is meant to be very short. It shall be made to end with the minimum delay, otherwise it shall stand vacated. An order made on motion ex-parte shall last for only 14 days after the party affected by the order has applied for the order to be varied or discharged, or last for another fourteen (14) days after application to vary or discharge it had been concluded. Where a motion to vary or discharge an ex-parte order is not taken within fourteen (14) days of its being filed, the ex-parte order shall automatically lapse. See ORDER 9 RULE 12 (1) and (2) OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT (CIVIL PROCEEDURE) RULES.
In Argiji Properties Ltd. V. Birni & Anor (2018) LPELR – 45858 (CA). The trial court failed to state the duration of the ex-parte order. By Order 9 Rule 12 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2000, an ex-parte order made under the rules shall not last for more than 14 days. Order 9 Rule 12 (1) Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules states, “No order made on a motion ex-parte shall last for more than 14 days after the party affected by the order has applied for the order to be varied or discharged or last for another 14 days after the application to vary or discharge it has been concluded.
Order 9 Rules 12 (2), “If a motion to vary or discharge an ex-parte order is not taken within 14 days of its being filed, the ex-parte order shall automatically lapse.” The rule is very clear that the said order shall not last for more than 14 days. The ex-parte order in the instant case was granted on the 6th of October 2006. The appellants motion for setting aside the ex-parte order was filed on 25th October, 2006 and by virtue of Order 9 Rule 12, the ex-parte Order lapsed on the 6th of November 2006. By provisions of Section 6 (6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an interim order is part of the inherent powers of the court to enhance the administration of justice and usually granted to protect a party’s existing legal right from invasion by another according to the Supreme Court in Akpo V. Ha-Kenna (1992) 6 NNLR (Pt 247) 266.
Accordingly, with all exercise of jurisdiction, the power must be exercised judicially and judiciously taking all relevant circumstance of the matter into consideration. When an exercise of discretion was done whimsically, the appellate court is entitled to interfere with such skewed exercise of discretion to right the wrong done. (Anaeze v. Anyaso (1993)5 NWLR (Pt 291)1. The ex-parte order made under whimsical exercise of discretion ought to be set aside. ‘Per Hassan J. C. A. (Pp21-24, Paras D-A).
Order 26 Rule 11 and 12 of Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009, provides that a person affected by an ex-parte order of injunction may within 7 days apply for the order to be discharged, upon such application the order shall not last for more than 14 days after the application has be argued. Ex-parte orders of injunction do not last Ad infinitum, generally it has a life span of a few days or as may be permitted by the rules of court. The court may in the interest of justice and upon an application extend the effective period of an interim order of injunction made ex-parte to last until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Nkechi Bright-Ewere

City Crime

Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign

Published

5 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.

City Crime

PH Ring Road: The October Delivery Promise

Published

5 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The recent assurance by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, that the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road would be completed by October this year has rekindled hope among Rivers people. For many people of the state who have endured months of disruption and uncertainty, the promise comes as a breath of fresh air. The importance of the project cannot be overstated; it represents not just a road network but a vital artery for economic activity and mobility across the state.

Stretching across six local government areas—Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo—the project covers about 50.15 kilometres and includes six flyovers. Initiated in July 2023 and executed by Julius Berger Nigeria, the ambitious undertaking was conceived to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity between communities.

However, the project’s journey has not been smooth. When construction stalled last year, many residents who depended on the affected routes found themselves in severe difficulty. Commuters, traders, and transport operators suddenly had to navigate half-finished sections, diversions, and rough terrain.

Perhaps nowhere has the hardship been more visible than around the Ogbogoro axis, where residents continue to face daily inconvenience. For many families, the unfinished road has turned routine travel into a gruelling ordeal. Long detours, damaged vehicles, and rising transport costs have become the bitter reality.

The scale of disruption was significant. Houses were demolished to make way for the road expansion, businesses were displaced, and livelihoods were interrupted. While such sacrifices are sometimes inevitable in large infrastructure projects, the prolonged delay left many people in dire straits.

It is therefore understandable that the governor’s renewed commitment has been greeted with cautious optimism. For residents who have borne the brunt of the disruption, the promise of completion offers the prospect of relief and restoration. In many quarters, hope is gradually replacing frustration.

When finished, the Ring Road is expected to give the state a much-needed facelift. In a nation where several public projects have suffered abandonment over the years, many feared the same fate might befall this landmark development. That concern is precisely why the latest assurance has struck a chord with the public.

Governor Fubara’s recent inspection of the project site and his firm declaration that the road would be delivered by October have helped steady public confidence. Actions such as these signal seriousness and accountability—qualities citizens increasingly demand from public officials.

Nevertheless, while the governor deserves commendation for the renewed momentum, the task before him goes beyond this single project. Other initiatives already commenced under his administration, as well as those inherited from previous governments, should also receive the attention required for completion.

Indeed, governance is a collective enterprise. Stakeholders across the state must rally behind the administration to ensure progress is not hindered. Political actors, community leaders, and civil society groups all have a role to play in creating the environment necessary for effective governance.

Rivers State has endured its fair share of political turbulence in recent years, and infrastructure development has sometimes been caught in the crossfire. It is therefore imperative that institutions such as the Rivers State House of Assembly work constructively with the executive arm so that citizens can finally enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The earlier six-month halt during the period of emergency rule should serve as a lesson. Infrastructure projects of this magnitude cannot afford prolonged interruptions. The governor must therefore ensure that such setbacks do not recur, and that other projects under his watch do not suffer a similar fate.

Regular site visits and close monitoring of the contractors will also be essential. Such oversight will not only accelerate progress but will demonstrate to the contractors and the public alike that the government considers the project a priority.

Beyond the physical structure of asphalt and concrete, the road carries broader economic promise. Improved connectivity among the affected local government areas will facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for businesses. It will also enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities for thousands of residents.

Ultimately, meeting the October deadline is only half the task. The quality of the work must meet the highest standards to guarantee durability and safety for the countless commuters who will use the road daily. The security of the construction workers must also remain paramount to prevent kidnapping or other threats. Delivering the Port Harcourt Ring Road on schedule, and doing it well, would indeed be the right step forward for Rivers State.

City Crime

SWAN Condoles Aquatics Federation Over President’s Death

Published

5 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commiserated the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) over the passing of its President, Mr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, on Saturday.

In a letter of condolence by the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo dated March 7, 2026, addressed to the Executive Board of NAqF, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, expressed shock, and described his demise as a painful loss to the entire sporting fraternity.

Part of the letter reads, “The news of his demise came as a profound shock and a painful loss not only to the Federation but also to the entire Nigerian sporting community. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of aquatics sports in Nigeria will always be remembered and appreciated.

“During his brief time as NAqF President, he worked tirelessly to promote aquatic disciplines, inspiring athletes and administrators alike while strengthening the foundation of aquatic sports in the country. His vision, passion, and service to Nigerian sports have left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the Federation for years to come.

“At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the Executive Board, members of the Federation, his family, and all who were privileged to work with him. May God grant everyone the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.

“Please, be consoled and know we are with you in prayers, at this time and always.”

Mr. Dunkwu who died on a day the Federation scheduled a talent discovery event tagged, “Swim To The Future”, was elected as NAqF President few months ago.