Bello/EFCC: Present your case transfer to Lokoja request in open court – CJ …Says defendant has pending appeal bordering on jurisdiction before Appeal Court
…’It’s improper to take any step that will amount to pre-empting Appeal outcome’ The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Terhembe Tsoho, has directed that the request by a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, for the transfer of the alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to Kogi State be presented in open court. In a letter addressed to Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN and Musa Yakubu, SAN, the Chief Judge drew the attention of the former governor’s counsels to a pending appeal in the case: Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN wherein the defendant had sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. The letter, signed by Special Assistant to the CJ, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq, said as a result of this, it would be improper to take any step that would be tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “There is documentary evidence of a pending appeal in the case Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN filed on 17/05/2024 wherein the defendant as Appellant has sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. It is not proper to take any step that will tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “The main issue raised is jurisdictional in nature and will be more appropriately decided by the court. The matter should therefore be presented in open court,” the CJ stated. The Chief Judge noted that the main offence alleged bordered on conversion of Kogi State funds to purchase properties in Abuja, and that the filing of the charge could either be in Abuja or Lokoja. He referred to two ongoing cases before the FHC in charge No FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 FRN Vs Ali Bello and another, and another charge, FRN Vs Ali Bello and 3 others, where a similar request for transfer was made and the lower court refused the application.
Nigeria records 106, 604 human rights abuses in June alone – NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Monday, revealed that Nigeria recorded a total of 106, 604 reported human rights abuses in the month of June alone. The rights abuses comprised 1,667 children abandonment and killing of 19 security personnel during the period. NHRC, through its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said that the figure of the human rights abuses in June was the highest in the past six months. This was made known at the 6th edition of the monthly human rights dashboard of the Commission in Abuja. Ojukwu said that he increase was disturbing but not unexpected in view of the circumstances of the situation in the country. He called on the state governors to rise to the protection of the fundamental rights of the citizens in their States adding that, the Commission itself would collaborate more with traditional rulers and Civil Society Organisations to raise the campaigns against human rights abuses. Ojukwu noted with regret the increase in the extra-judicial killings in the country where he said Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory topped the list during the period. Giving the breakdown of the reported 106, 604 human rights abuses, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna explained that things are not going well in the country and that the increase in rights abuses called for more action. Ogbonna said that the North Central still topped the table on the human rights abuses with a record of 29, 462, closely followed by South South with 21, 603. Ogbonna explained that the South West recorded 18, 458, North West recorded 15, 101, North East, 12, 907, while South East recorded the lowest of 9, 164 reporter cases of human rights violation. On the extra judicial killings, Ogbonna regretted that killing for blasphemy was recorded in Bauchi, another killed in Ondo state for infidelity and the stabbing of a wife’s lover to death in Ogun state, while the recorded ones in Edo are related to cultism. He said that three different attacks were carried out on Police stations with FCT having one, while Ebonyi recorded two and appealed to Nigerians to stop attack on security operatives. He also reminded me that mob actions and jungle justice are against Nigeria laws and should therefore be stopped. On bomb related matters, he said Borno topped the list with two twin bomb explosions at wedding ceremonies where some people were killed, while Kaduna, Benue, Katsina and Plateau also have their own share in the terrorism related killings in the month of June. The human rights expert the Commission is concerned with the high level of violation of the fundamental rights of women and children in the country. Responding to a question on the 1, 667 abandoned children, the NHRC boss blamed the trend on the economic situation but however explained that, the economic situation should not be a good be a reason for innocent children to be abandoned. Ojukwu said the Commission is partnering with stakeholders to provide shelter for the abandoned children while efforts are made to discover the parents of the children.
BREAKING: Court Of Appeal Strikes Out Pro-Wike LG Chairmen Suit
The Port Harcourt division of the Court of Appeal, on Monday, struck out two appeals filed by Local Government Chairmen loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, for lack of merit. The appeals marked CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, filed by Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others, challenged the decisions of the lower court in the matters of the elongation of the council leadership tenure. The Court of Appeal found the appeals to be without merit and consequently struck them out. Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, had amended the local government law and extended the tenure of the 23 local Chairmen that would expire by June by six months. When Governor Siminalayi Fubara declined assent to the Bill, the Lawmakers override the Governor and passed the Bill into Law.
BREAKING! Pro- Wike Lawmakers Give Fubara 7 Days To Re-Present 2024 Budget
The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the House. The order follows the first sitting of the pro-Wike House on Monday after some months. The other House led by Victor Oko-Jumbo is also holding a parallel sitting. Fubara had earlier presented the budget to the House loyal to him when his current Chief of Staff Edison Ehie presided as the Speaker. Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates, and the governor signed the bill into law. He stated that it is aimed at promoting economic development, inclusive growth, and addressing socio-economic inequality in the state. Details later…
More woes for Yahaya Bello as EFCC placed him on interpol watchlist
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has placed former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello on INTERPOL’s watch list in three North African countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria. Recall that the ex-Governor had earlier been put on the watch list of Egypt, Libya and Sudan. The anti-graft commission said the recent action followed an intelligence that the Bello may try to run to any of these countries. The watch-list was also activated ahead of the July 17 expected appearance of the former governor before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello is facing a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80.2billion. The ex-governor has denied the allegation and has consistently failed to appear before the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite on June 13 and June 27. At the last hearing, Bello filed an application for the transfer of his trial to the Federal High Court, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Speaking on the situation, the EFCC source said, “Ahead of the next hearing of the case, EFCC has activated many options, including taking a concrete action to watch-list Bello in North Africa. “We are aware of a botched exit to Morocco via Cameroon. We are determined to stop him from going on exile. “From Singapore, the EFCC executive chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede was in Tunisia where he delivered a paper at a session on illicit financial flows. Thereafter, he had a meeting with all the heads of INTERPOL in North Africa on the intelligence on the ex-governor. “He formally asked INTERPOL to place Bello on Red Alert in all North African countries and it was accepted. “The watch-list has taken immediate effect. He will be arrested in any part of North Africa. We took this step because we are suspecting that he had been bidding time not to be available for arraignment. “We expect Bello to be in court to prove his innocence. EFCC has to do its work to avoid bad precedent.”
Tinubu Inherited Nigeria’s Worst Government – Edwin Clark
Elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Pa Edwin Clark, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu inherited the worst government in Nigeria’s history. In an interview with the Daily Sun newspaper, Clark shared his views on Tinubu’s performance, stating that one year in office is too early for a proper assessment. He emphasized that Tinubu took over from a government that left significant challenges. Clark remarked, “I think one year is too early. He met the worst government in Nigeria; that is what he inherited. I told him during the June 12 commemoration that there’s nothing to celebrate. What did Buhari’s government ever produce? Continuing with his programs and policies will be difficult.” He expressed confidence that Tinubu could address some of the previous administration’s numerous mistakes and mismanagement issues. “For me, I won’t assess him. He has a lot he is doing now,” Clark added. The 97-year-old Ijaw leader also urged the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, questioning the fairness of his continued detention. “Kanu should be released unless you are holding him because he belongs to the Igbo tribe. The war has been over for about 50 years now; why detain Kanu? It’s unfair. He should be free,” he stated.
Rivers Crisis: Oko-Jumbo- led Assembly insists on challenging A’Court decision
The Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers Assembly has insisted that it will challenge the decision of the Appeal Court on the assembly crisis. The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Thursday nullified the removal of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State High Court. But the speaker of the pro-Fubara lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo has maintained that he and his members believed that the Appeal Court erred in its decision. He was seen saying this in a video shared by Channels TV via their X handle on Saturday, July 6. He said: “We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024. “Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria Challenging the Judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July 2024.”
Labour Party’s triumph in UK, sign that LP will win Nigeria’s 2027 election – Rep
The Leader of the Labour Party Caucus of the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has said the victory of opposition Labour Party in the United Kingdom, UK, is a sign that its Nigerian version would triumph in the 2027 general elections. In a statement made available to journalists in Awka, Friday, Ogene said the election told vivid tales of hope for the opposition, and competence and integrity of the electoral umpires in the UK, in a manner that elicits public confidence and trust in the electoral process. “Unlike what was witnessed in Nigeria in the last general elections, the process in UK was free of glitches, as about 40 million voters took part. Polls closed around 10 pm Thursday and by daybreak, the results were out. “There was no judicial ambush, as immediate transition took place to the admiration of all lovers of democracy and free and fair elections. “If we must practice democracy, we must also love, copy and abide by the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions in nations of the world that allow the rule of law and democratic principles to thrive. “In deed, one of the potent lessons of the British elections is the fact that, the concept of ‘snatch it, grab it, and run away with it,’ has no place in modern democratic practice,” he said. Relating the development in the UK to the 2027 election in Nigeria, Ogene said: “I urge the Nigerian Labour Party to draw inspiration from its British counterparts, close ranks, rally the people, and prepare to take the reins of power in 2027. “Let us work together to build a better future for our nation, guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.” Ogene congratulated Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain, for his party’s victory over the outgoing UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party, in what has been described as the most emphatic election victory by any British political party this century. The opposition Labour Party won a huge parliamentary majority in the UK general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years. While the Labour Party got 412 seats, the incumbent Conservatives got just 121.
Tinubu, Peter Obi Congratulate UK Prime Minister- Elect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, on their triumph in the United Kingdom general election. Starmer’s Labour Party secured the required 326 parliamentary seats, ensuring their victory and his appointment as the next Prime Minister. Following the election, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the Conservative Party’s loss and resigned, submitting his resignation to the King. In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commended Starmer for his resilience and leadership as the opposition leader. He praised the Labour Party’s ability to reform and mobilize, attributing their success to Starmer’s leadership. Tinubu also emphasized the strong democratic model of the UK and its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations and enhance democratic institutions. Additionally, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria, reacted to the Labour Party’s victory in the UK. Through a statement on his X account, Obi congratulated Starmer and the Labour Party, expressing hope that the win would herald a new and better chapter for UK residents. He also called for stronger ties between the new UK government and Nigeria, highlighting the various challenges Nigeria faces, including insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty. Obi stressed the potential benefits of UK support in addressing these issues and wished Starmer a successful tenure.
Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat, Steps Down as UK Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, conceded defeat on Friday morning ahead of the Labour Party’s official victory announcement. In a broadcast from Downing Street, Mr. Sunak accepted full responsibility for the loss and pledged a smooth transition of power. “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss,” Mr. Sunak stated, as reported by the BBC. He acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction and announced his intention to step down once the Conservative Party selects a new leader. Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the next Prime Minister after his forthcoming meeting with the King. Labour secured a decisive victory in the general election, ending 14 years of Conservative governance. As of Friday morning, Labour had won 412 seats compared to the Conservatives’ 121. Notably, several MPs, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, lost their seats. Mr. Sunak is expected to meet King Charles to officially resign from his position. In an earlier statement, Mr. Sunak apologized for what has been described as the Conservatives’ worst electoral performance in modern history. “I have heard your anger, disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss,” he said, expressing regret over the number of colleagues losing their seats in the House of Commons. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Sunak remarked that he had dedicated himself fully to the role but recognized the public’s demand for change. “I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgement that matters,” he said.