News
Mass Defection From APC Rattles Presidency …As Abe Celebrates Victory Over Amaechi …Oshiomhole Wants Court To Reject Suit Seeking To Probe Him
The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps), Hon. Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has expressed regrets over the defection of some aggrieved aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to other political parties in Kano State and other parts of the country.
Kawu, in a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, called on the party’s leadership in Kano to swing into action to prevent other aggrieved aspirants from joining other political parties as the 2019 elections approach.
It would be recalled that about 200,000 aggrieved aspirants of the party in Kano State left the APC and joined other parties.
Also, former Senator and an aspirant in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Kano State, who had aspired for Kano South Senatorial District seat, Senator Isa Yahaya Zarewa, last Monday, also dumped the ruling party.
Kawu, who is a major aspirant for Kano South Senatorial District on APC platform, cited the injustice meted out on the aspirants by leaders of the party.
He lamented that APC was taken over by money bag and power-drunk politicians.
The statement reads: “I must say that for us to lose such people at this time, it is really a great political loss. It is highly regrettable that leaders of the party allowed things to go the way they did.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe says that the candidature of Tonye Dele Cole as the governorship candidate of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared defective by the Supreme Court, and has, therefore, urged the party’s national leadership to recognise him as the duly elected candidate in the state.
Abe also said that the pro-Amaechi’s state executive led by Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree; all elected candidates for the 2019 general elections who emerged through the indirect primary directed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as well as the ward, local government and state congresses held on May 19, 20 and 21, respectively, were incurably defective and unknown to law.
The senator spoke at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on the heels of Monday’s Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the judgment of a High Court of Rivers State that nullified the May 19, 20 and 21 ward, local government and state congresses; the State Executive Committee (SWC) and all candidates elected by delegates chosen through the outlawed congresses.
This is as he dismissed reports in the social media that he has dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he would remain in the APC and fight for justice.
Abe stated that the Court of Appeal cannot help the pro-Amaechi group of the APC because it’s position and actions were against the existing ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction.
The senator said, ‘They held their congresses against an injunction granted by a court of competent jurisdiction. They knew that a matter regarding the process of the congresses was pending in court.
“The Supreme Court ruled that they cannot benefit from their stupidity. The Supreme Court ruled that it was unfair and unconstitutional for the party to deprive members of the party, who paid for forms to participate in the congresses, and therefore, anyone that emerged from that unconstitutional process remains nullified.
“So, for anyone to continue to parade himself as a member of an executive, or as a candidate of the party, emanating from that illegal process is nothing but political rascality of the highest order.
“It is high time the party and leaders of the party understand this and do what is proper and put the party in the right frame so that we can begin the hard work of realising our dream of taking over Rivers State in 2019,” he stated.
Abe stated that unlike what the pro-Amaechi group did, the Peter Odike-led APC conducted direct primaries as directed by the party’s National Working Committee.
“Luckily, the party conducted direct primary as directed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) and elected candidates for elective offices, while the other primary was in clear violation of an existing court order.
‘The party should do the right thing now by respecting the decision of the court now that the Supreme Court has ruled on the matter.
“The party has fallen into a pit from which it cannot extricate itself. Even if the Court of Appeal sets aside the judgment of the lower court, it will still fail at the Supreme Court, because at the time they held the congresses there was a subsisting order restraining the party from conducting the so-called congresses.
“So, they should stop deceiving Rivers people that they are sure of pushing through their illegal agenda. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria and it has spoken. The party should now do the right thing,” Abe said.
Abe described the Supreme Court verdict, as an act of God, adding that the judgment indicated that the Ojukaye Flag-Amachree-led executive was already defunct.
“The Supreme Court has spoken and that is the highest court in Nigeria; their word is final. Today, the God of justice has spoken. They (Ojukaye-led APC) are in a logjam that they cannot legally come out of.
“If you are in contempt of court, the court will not help you. For anybody to continue to parade himself as a candidate based on an exercise that has been adjudged illegal; it will amount to political rascality.
“The party conducted direct primaries and I believe the party will do the right thing because as it is now, the Ojukaye’s executive is defunct. As of the date those congresses were conducted, they were done in violation of an existing court order,” Abe said..
In another development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out a suit seeking an order compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate allegations of corruption against him.
Justice Anwuli Chikere, yesterday, fixed November 19 for the hearing of the notice of preliminary objection filed by Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State.
The plaintiff, Bishop Osadolor Ochei, had, on October 28, 2016, petitioned the EFCC asking the commission to investigate some corruption allegations against Oshiomhole as governor of Edo State.
Dissatisfied with EFCC’s alleged refusal to look into the case, Ochei filed the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/628/2018 before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the EFCC to arrest and commence criminal proceedings against Oshiomhole over alleged financial fraud while he was governor of Edo State.
The plaintiff attached to his suit 86 exhibits.
His lawyer, West Idahosa, had told the court that there were documents and electronic pictures of palatial houses credited to the former governor, whose earnings throughout his lifetime, according to the plaintiff, could not have been able to afford.
Idahosa added, among other allegations, that there was evidence of diversion of Edo State funds by Oshiomhole.
He said there were also vouchers of exorbitant air fares that the former governor allegedly incurred. But Oshiomhole, via a notice of preliminary objection filed before the court through his lawyer, Damien Dodo (SAN), contended that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the legal action.
He also specifically asked the court to strike out the plaintiff’s first prayer for being premature and incompetent.
In the notice of preliminary objection hinged on 10 grounds, the former governor contended that the applicant, having failed to file the suit for judicial review within three months of occurrence of the subject of the suit, the suit had become academic.
He added that the action or inaction of the EFCC being subjected to review by the proceedings occurred on December 13, 2016, while the plaintiff only instituted the action for judicial review on June 13, 2018.
He noted that this came about 18 months after the occurrence of the alleged failure being complained about.
Arguing that the plaintiff’s right of action had become unenforceable, Oshiomhole said the plaintiff had not disclosed that he had legal right to file and maintain the action for judicial review, “having not shown how the actions of the second respondent/applicant affected him over and above other residents and indigenes of Edo State.”
He further argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit for failure of the plaintiff to commence the action within the time provided by extant rules of the court and for failure to disclose locus standi to file the action.
The presiding judge, Justice Chikere, had, on October 8, 2018, granted leave, as required by law, to the plaintiff to commence the suit of “judicial review”.
The judge had granted the leave following the ex parte application moved on behalf of the plaintiff by his lawyer, West Idahosa.
Granting the application, the judge ordered that Oshiomhole and the EFCC be served with all the processes filed in the suit.
She also ordered that the EFCC be served with the same court process, stressing that the service be done within five days from October 9, 2018 when the order was made.
Although EFCC was not represented by any lawyer during yesterday’s proceedings, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Idahosa, said the anti-graft commission was duly served.
Justice Chikere yesterday adjourned the matter till November 19 for hearing of the preliminary objection.
Dennis Naku
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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