Politics

Court Adjourns Ondo Dep Gov’s Impeachment Case Till October 16

Published

3 years ago

October 11, 2023

The Federal High Court sit-ting in Abuja on Monday adjourned further proceedings in the case filed by the embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, till October 16 for a ruling on some applications to decide whether to continue sitting on the case or not.
This followed the application of Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, which was predicated on two grounds: to encourage the Reconciliation Committee set up by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to allow the Ondo State House of Assembly enough time to pursue its petition to the National Judicial Council against the judge.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, he informed the court that the National Chairman of the APC set up a Reconciliation Committee on October 6, 2023, to mediate the dispute between some of the parties to the suit.
The continuation of court proceedings will antagonise the settlement efforts, as the parties will not be willing to let go of their rigid positions.
The counsel further informed the court that the House of Assembly wrote a petition to the National Judicial Council on October 3, 2023, making very disparaging and uncomplimentary comments against the presiding judge.
He stated that the effect of the petition to the NJC is that the House of Assembly has no confidence in the presiding judge.
“The same assembly cannot simultaneously argue any application before the same judge. Hence, it would be good to await the action of the NJC on the said petition”, he said.
He also applied that the petition should be served on all parties so that they can respond to it while deprecating the unguarded utterances and actions of the Assembly.
Responding, counsel to the Ondo State Governor and the Chief Judge of Ondo State informed the court that they were not parties to the settlement moves.
They would thus prefer the court to go ahead with the case and first determine the issue of its jurisdiction.
On its part, Counsel to the House of Assembly confirmed that a petition was written to the NJC but disagreed with the contents of the said petition as it seeks to undermine the integrity of the court.
He said he had advised the Assembly to withdraw the petition, and a letter of withdrawal accompanied by an affidavit was submitted to the NJC on October 6, 2023.
He apologised to the court for the misconduct of his clients and gave an undertaking that his clients would forthwith show the utmost respect to the authority of the court.
In response, Aiyedatiwa’s counsel informed the court that since there is an admission of the petition to the NJC, the court should direct that the petition and the letter of withdrawal be sent to the court and all the parties.
He emphasised that it is a misconception to state that the court has no jurisdiction over the case, as, under the Constitution, only the Federal High Court can exercise jurisdiction concerning declarations against agencies of the federal government, in this case, the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services.
He stated that parties who seek to challenge the jurisdiction of the Court should follow due process by filing the necessary applications.
“When the plaintiff is served with such applications, he will respond to them appropriately”, he said.
Justice Emeka Nwite, after listening to the submissions of counsels, advised the lawyers and the Nigerian Bar Association to do their best to protect the sanctity of the legal profession and avoid temptations from politicians to disparage the judiciary.
He mentioned that if any party is dissatisfied with any court decision, they should follow the appropriate channels laid down for a remedy.
The judge then adjourned the case to October 16 for a ruling on the submissions made and to hear pending applications, if necessary.
It will be recalled that on September 26, 2023, the court made orders of injunction restraining the House of Assembly of Ondo State, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the Governor of Ondo, along with other defendants in the case, from taking steps that will lead to the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.
The court made the order last until the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, which is still pending before the court.

Politics

Don’t Risk Your Legacy, Citizen Begs Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Race

Published

1 day ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.

In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.

“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.

He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.

“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.

The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.

“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.

He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.

Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.

“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.

“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.

Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

I DIDN’T PROMISE YOU TICKETS, AKPABIO TELLS APC SENATORS WHO FAILED PRIMARIES

Published

1 day ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Politics

POST PRIMARIES: IKWERRE MONARCHS ADVOCATE ISSUES-BASED POLITICS IN RIVERS

Published

1 day ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.

The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.

The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.

According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.

The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.

They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.

The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.

They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.

The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.

The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.

The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.

They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor