News
Rivers Governorship Tussle …Appeal Court Adjourns Soberekon’s Suit To Jan 25
The Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned to January 25, next year further hearing in a case brought before it by Chief Bekinbo Soberekon challenging the declaration of Hon Chibuike Amaechi as the winner in the April 14, 2007 governorship election in Rivers State.
While adjourning the case, the presiding judge, Justice Abubarkar Jega said the decision was to enable the court receive all written addresses from the parties involved in the case to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
For this reason, the Court of Appeal also gave 14 days ultimatum to Chief Soberekon to file all his written addresses to the court and inform all the parties involved in the case.
In like manner, the court also gave all other parties in the suit seven days to respond to Soberekon’s written addresses for further argument.
The court advised all parties involved in the case to put their house in order to enable the case to be disposed off without further delay, adding that the judges and most counsels are coming from different locations.
Counsel to Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) did not raise any objection to the oral application for adjournment by Mary Obey, holding brief for Femi Falana who was unavoidably absent due to flight problem.
Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, J.B Daudu also did not object to the adjournment, saying that it would be unfair to continue with the application without the presence of Chief Femi Falana.
Mr Kanu Agabi, counsel to the Resident Electoral Commissioner also adopted the adjournment, but urged the court to note that the petition of the appellant was struck out by the lower court because of lack of diligence in proceeding.
In another development the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, yesterday adjourned indefinitely another application filed by the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr Ashley Emenike, seeking substitution of Sir Celestine Omehia with Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
In his statement, Justice Jega said that a date for motion on ruling for the substitution would be communicated to the parties in due course
Earlier, Chief Ake Omurejiri made reference to section 15 of the Appeal Court act saying that the court has full jurisdiction to dismiss the application on false substitution and so prayed for dismissal.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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