NEWS
Judiciary Under Fire After Reinstating Pro-Wike Lawmakers
The appellate court in Abuja has overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from serving as state assembly lawmakers.
The decision came from a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, who ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that the case should be addressed by a federal high court.
Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his colleagues appealed a Port Harcourt High Court order prohibiting them from acting as legislators.
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On May 30, High Court Judge Charles Wali issued an order preventing the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sessions, including within legislative quarters.
Judge Wali also barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The lawsuit was initiated by Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with legislators Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, all supporters of Governor Fubara.
The High Court declared that all laws enacted by Amaewhule and his faction would be invalid until the case was resolved.
In their appeal, Amaewhule and his group sought to overturn the lower court’s judgment and invalidate the actions taken by Jumbo’s faction.
The appellate court’s ruling now allows Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume their legislative duties, pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has strongly criticized and rejected the appellate court’s verdict, arguing that it gives politicians a free pass to switch parties without facing consequences.
The coalition’s executive director, Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, condemned the Court of Appeal’s decision, likening it to legitimizing illegal actions and asserting that lawmakers cannot be allowed to exploit laws they disregard.
He said “The Appeal Court has now created new complications with the judicial precedence it has set instead of giving rulings that stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the rule of law.”
The group urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, asserting that the judgment would not stand the test of time.
They emphasized that democratic-minded stakeholders in the state have indicated plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure the will of the people is respected.
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
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The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
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The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
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Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….
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