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Rivers Budget In Limbo Amid Court Confusion

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A wave of confusion and political unrest swept through Rivers State on Monday as two Federal High Courts in Abuja issued conflicting orders, deepening the ongoing political crisis.

A federal High Court made a bold move by nullifying the N800.3 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill, previously passed by a faction of the House of Assembly led by former Speaker Edison Ehie and endorsed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment, declared the budget invalid due to improper presentation and directed Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit it to the Assembly now under the leadership of Mr. Martin Amaewhule.

Additionally, the court officially recognized Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding legal battle.

The court criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly interfering in the state’s legislative affairs, accusing him of acting like a tyrant by demolishing the Rivers State Assembly complex and withholding funds allocated to the legislative House.

The defendants in the suit included prominent figures such as the National Assembly, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, and the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Additionally, the governor of Rivers State, Attorney-General of Rivers, Commissioner of Finance, Accountant-General of Rivers, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Inspector-General of Police, and Edison Ehie were named in the legal proceedings.

In the legal proceedings, the Rivers House of Assembly and its Speaker, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, held the positions of the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs, respectively.

Shortly after, a different court issued an order mandating all parties to uphold the current state of affairs.

This directive, pending the resolution of an ex-parte motion filed by six state elders, seeks to block Governor Fubara from re-presenting the 2024 budget to the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly.

Justice J. O. Abdulmalik not only endorsed the order for substituted service of the application on all defendants but also slated a hearing for February 28, injecting a fresh element of legal intricacy into the unfolding narrative.

Led by Mr. Victor Jumbo, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Bonny State Constituency, the plaintiffs in the case include Senator Bennett Birabi, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Rear Admiral O. Fingesi, Ann Kio Briggs, and Emmanuel Deinma.

Their legal team, headed by Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, petitioned the court to declare the seats of 27 lawmakers in the state, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as vacant.

In response to Justice Omotosho’s judgment, Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers State Elders Forum and spokesperson for the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), criticized the governor, alleging an inability to effectively counter and protect his political career.

Sara-Igbe said though the judgment was “not a death sentence, he can as well appeal the judgment because it is not in his political interest. How can you fold your hands and allow yourself to be dragged to the slaughter?

“They are in the process of impeaching you. That is why you have to fight back and not give them any chance to remove you from office as governor.”

Maintaining his stance, Anabs Sara-Igbe asserted that, according to Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, the 26 defected lawmakers effectively do not exist, making it inappropriate to present the budget to them.

He emphasized that the budget had already been passed into law, aligning with the perspective of the people of Rivers State.

On the flip side, the Rivers State Chapter of the APC welcomed the court’s decision to nullify the N800 billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Assembly.

Speaking to the press in Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, expressed, “The budget was presented in error. There is no way four Assembly members will be sitting as an Assembly when the law stipulated one-third, which is about 10 members.

“So, it means that the Assembly never met, and for the governor to take such a risk amounts to putting something on nothing.”

“So, the decision of the Federal High Court, which also stopped the Governor from interfering with the affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly, is in order and is welcomed by us.”

 

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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