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GOV OKPEBHOLO ORDERS IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF AGENEBODE TRADITIONAL RULER, DR. GEORGE OSHIAPI EGABOR OVER KIDNAPPING

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain. The suspension of the traditional ruler is indefinite. In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, the governor’s decision was made public. “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain,” Itua stated. Itua further revealed that the secretary of the monarch, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a Palace Chief, Late John Ikhamate. Itua said, “Already, his secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, Late John Ikhamate.” The Chief Press Secretary emphasized that the suspension is a direct response to the insecurity in the kingdom. This decisive action by the governor demonstrates his commitment to restoring law and order in Edo State. As Itua noted, the suspension is indefinite, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for drastic measures to address the kidnapping and killings.

CNPP CONDEMNS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S SUSPENSION OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR AND ASSEMBLY

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. In a statement, the CNPP described the action as a “flagrant breach” of the 1999 Constitution, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s democracy. The CNPP argued that the Constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor or deputy. “Section 188 of the Constitution explicitly outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor,” the CNPP stated. “President Tinubu’s actions are unconstitutional and an alarming abuse of power.” The group also questioned the president’s motives, asking if he would have taken similar action in an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled state. “Is this part of an APC agenda to wrest political control of Rivers State?” the statement queried. The CNPP called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension and reinstate the elected leaders of Rivers State. “As a democrat, the president must demonstrate respect for due process and constitutional principles. Acts of dictatorship weaken Nigeria’s democracy and render elections, the cornerstone of power transfer, a futile exercise.” The CNPP also urged Nigerians to resist any attempts to erode democratic practices. “This is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to defend the democratic values that have been painstakingly built over the years. We cannot allow unconstitutional acts to set a dangerous precedent.”

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “unconstitutional” and “a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy.” In a statement, the NBA expressed grave concerns about the purported suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, stated that the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency. “The Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor as per Section 188. Similarly, the removal of members of the House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament is governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, none of which appear to have been adhered to in the present circumstances,” Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said. Mazi Osigwe emphasized that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. “The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials—such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure,” he added. The NBA questioned whether the political crisis in Rivers State has reached the level of a complete breakdown of law and order warranting the removal of the Governor and his administration. “Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive-legislative tensions do not constitute a justification for emergency rule. Such conflicts should be resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary, rather than executive fiat,” Mazi Osigwe said. The NBA called on the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify the removal of the Rivers State Governor and other elected officials. “The approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency,” Mazi Osigwe emphasized.

COURT NULLIFIES HON JIBRIN’S SUSPENSION

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the suspension of Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin from the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days. The court, presided over by Hon Justice John Tsoho, declared that the suspension of Hon Jibrin is null and void, has no effect whatsoever, and was an affront and a clear violation of his fundamental human right. In a statement, the Media Assistant to Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, Godwin Onyeacholem, said the court’s judgement was a victory for democracy and the rule of law. The court, in its over 40-page judgement, stated that the House does not have the powers to suspend Jibrin or any other member, even for one day, in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. Justice Tsoho admonished the House of Representatives, being a body that derives its life from the constitution, not to offend the same constitution, so as not to end up killing itself. “It should therefore act as the bedrock of constitutional democracy,” he said. The court ordered the immediate payment of Hon Jibrin’s salaries, allowances, and other entitlements from the date of his suspension till date. Justice Tsoho expressed annoyance that despite the pendency of a suit seeking injunctive relieves against the defendants, the House still went ahead to constitute a panel to suspend the plaintiff. Justice Tsoho declared that the actions of the Ethics Committee and the leadership of the House were not only malicious but a gross violation of the rules of natural justice. He commended Jibrin for dropping his claim for N1 billion damages against the House in the spirit of reconciliation. In his reaction, Hon Jibrin described the judgement as “a long walk to justice.” “It will be recalled that the case, which commenced since September 2016, lasted 20 months in court, while I served 231 days in suspension before I was recalled in March,” he said. Jibrin added that the judgement and the sacrifice he made were a victory for democracy and the rule of law. “I thank my constituents, colleagues, lawyers, led by Femi Falana, SAN, Ahmed Raji, SAN, and their team of lawyers, and all other Nigerians that stood by me,” he said. Godwin Onyeacholem said Jibrin promised to dedicate his remaining term to providing and promoting good representation and governance.

SENATE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SIX-MONTH SUSPENSION FOR SENATOR NATASHA

A Senate Committee has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee also demanded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for allegedly disrespecting the institution. During the suspension period, the committee stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn. The Senate also advised her to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution. Rising on Order 55(1), Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, emphasized that all senators must stand up when the Senate President is ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms. Monguno regretted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan disrespected this rule on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up when Akpabio entered the chamber. Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order, urging all senators to be guided. The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan began after a dispute with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements in the chamber, which escalated into allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

PDP CRISIS: OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS DISMISS SUSPENSION OF ADOLPHUS NWABARA AS BOT CHAIRMAN

The Opposition Lawmakers Coalition has urged Nigerians to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The coalition described the suspension as “null and void” and “of no effect whatsoever”. According to the coalition’s spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the suspension was engineered by a group loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, including former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Ugochinyere stated that the suspension is inconsistent with the PDP’s constitution and rules. “How can you say you’re suspending the national board of trustee chairman of the party? A member of the National Executive Committee,” he questioned. He added, “The suspension is the figment of imagination of these pro-Wike groups. APC in PDP is dead on arrival, you cannot suspend the National board trustee chairman, that the constitution expressly forbids you.” Ugochinyere emphasized that Senator Adolphus Nwabara remains the National Chairman of the BOT, and the coalition will not recognize the suspension. “The National board of trustee chairman of our party remains, Sen. Adolphus Nwabara, and there’s nothing these Pro-Wike groups can do,” he said.