Politics
Councillor Loses To Stop Ahoada-East In Court
A High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed claims by a member of the Ahoada-East Local Government Legislative Assembly to stop the local authorities from passing the 2008 budget of the council.
The councillor Hon Bright Nelson in suit PHC/1964/2009 also sought the Ahoada-East Legislative Council from passing the 2009 budget or any budget of the local government until 2/3 majority votes of members were gotten.
Also joined in the suit was the Commissioner of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, who the councillor sought an order restraining him from releasing funds standing in the credit of the local government pending when the budget was duly passed.
But Justice Boma Diepiri held that the 2008 budget of the council was duly and properly passed by the legislative council, even by simple majority of five councillors.
Justice declared that the case lacks merit adding that “all the issues canvassed by the claimant and reliefs claimed by him all gravitate and rotate around this issue.
“The said issue having been resolved against the claimant, his case thereby collapsed’.
Hon. Bright Nelson had claimed that only five members of the legislative assembly witnessed and passed the 2008 budget of the council.
Hon. Nelson asserted that the members do not constitute two-third majority of the assembly expected by law to pass the budget into law.
However, the judge said the claim of the councillor has been overshadow by the Local Government Law No 3 of 1999, which requires only a simple majority of members.
He supported the claim by the defendants that the 2008 budget was duly passed by seven members who sat and voted on 21/11/2008 to pass the appropriation bill.
Justice Diepiri stated, “I believe the assertion of the defendants. This is because whereas the claimant did not attach exhibit or anything in proof of his assertion that only five members passed the said bill, the defendant have exhibited the proceedings and minutes of the said meeting of 21-11-08.
The Judge continued, “A look at the said exhibit revealed that seven members were present on the said date and voted in favour of the budget. Even if we believe the claimants assertion that only five members voted and passed the said bill, five is still a simple majority of the seven members present and voting as required by Section 25 of the Local Government Law”.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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