APC hails Supreme Court over Rivers State judgement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement nullifying the local government council elections held on Oct. 5 and ordering the re-presentation of the 2024 budget. In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the Supreme Court declared the election invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act. In a separate judgement on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as speaker. READ ALSO: Rivers LG: Supreme reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen The apex court directed Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. It mandated Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly. Reacting to the rulings, APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers, Mr Chibike Ikenga, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday. According to Ikenga, the judgements represent a victory for the people and a step towards the entrenchment of democracy in the state. He urged Fubara to comply with the ruling without delay to restore peace and foster development in Rivers. READ ALSO: Arewa and the burden of truth “We call on all democrats and people of goodwill to prevail on Gov. Fubara to quickly retrace his steps and take the necessary actions for the progress of our dear state. “We commend the Supreme Court for its decision to bring an end to the political crises that has plagued the Executive and House of Assembly in the state,” Ikenga stated. He assured that as the main opposition party in Rivers, the APC would continue to serve as a watchdog, advocating for good governance and ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens. 

Rivers LG: S/Court reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen 

The Supreme Court has postponed its decision on an appeal challenging the validity of the local government elections in Rivers State, held on October 5, 2024.  The All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking to overturn the results of the polls.   A five-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, concluded the hearing after all parties presented their final arguments.  The APC’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu, asked the court to nullify the election, while Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) counsel, Chris Uche, defended the poll’s legitimacy.   Earlier, the Court of Appeal had overturned a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had halted the elections.  The appellate court stated that the lower court had no jurisdiction over the matter, as state elections are not covered under Section 28 of the Electoral Act.   The initial ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing a voter register for the election, citing non-compliance with legal requirements.  The court also criticized RSIEC for failing to issue the mandatory 90-day election notice.   With the Supreme Court set to decide, the fate of the Rivers LG election remains uncertain.

Supreme Court Dismisses Suit Seeking To Scrap EFCC 

In what some analysts have likened to the ignoble scenario of corruption fighting against the effort of the government to rein in on corrupt agents of the state, the gambit by 16 state Attorneys General was curtailed by Supreme Court, which on Friday in Abuja, threw out their suit seeking to have the EFCC scrapped. The suit, which was initially instituted by attorneys general of 16 states, sought the scrapping of the anti-graft agency.  While some states withdrew from the suit, some others asked to be joined as co-plaintiffs. The state governments, in their suit, had argued that the Supreme Court, in Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, held that it was a United Nations Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting the law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed. They argued that in bringing a convention into Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 must be complied with.

LG Autonomy: Gov Soludo upsets the applecart

Governor Charles Soludo’s recent proposal for legislation may pose a threat to local government autonomy in Anambra State, raising concerns among representatives and citizens.  The proposed bill mandates that local government areas (LGAs) transfer a portion of their federal allocations into a unified account controlled by the state, sparking fears of reduced financial independence for local councils. Hon. Henry Mbachu, a member of the Labour Party representing Awka South I, has expressed strong objections to the bill, urging the governor to withdraw it from consideration by the Anambra State House of Assembly.  Mbachu argued that the legislation undermines the Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of local government autonomy, enabling the state government to access funds meant for LGAs. Despite these concerns, Governor Soludo maintained that the bill is consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, suggesting that any opposing parties should seek legal recourse if they disagree.  READ ALSO: GOVS IN FRESH MOVES TO DELAY LG AUTONOMY The Anambra State House of Assembly has already approved the bill, which establishes a “State Joint Local Government Account.” This requires all federal allocations for LGAs to be deposited into this account. Under the proposed law, local governments are compelled to remit a set percentage of their allocations to the consolidated account within two business days of receipt, even if the funds originate directly from the Federation Account.  Additionally, the state would withhold a percentage of these allocations before disbursing the remaining funds to the LGAs. Mbachu had raised alarms about the detrimental effects this legislation could have on local government operations, emphasizing that the mandated deductions might severely limit their ability to manage federally allocated resources effectively.  He had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to monitor state governors to prevent interference in local government elections and ensure that elected officials can operate without undue pressure from the state.

Tinubu Asks Senate To Confirm Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This request was communicated through a letter, which was read aloud by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during a session on Tuesday. Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had earlier sworn her into the acting role. In his letter, the President referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. Tinubu stated, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate,” the number one citizen said. “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN. “While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate, please, accept distinguished senate president the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.” Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration, with deliberations set to take place on Wednesday.

Supreme Court Justice, Chima Centus Nweze dies @64

Supreme Court Justice, Chima Centus Nweze dies @64

Supreme Court Justice Chima Centus Nweze has passed on. He died on Sunday at the age of 64. Festus Akande, the Director of Information at the Supreme Court, confirmed the news to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, whilst adding that and an official press statement will be released soon. Justice Nweze gained prominence for his dissenting judgment in 2020, which declared Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the 2019 Governorship election in Imo State. This decision triggered extensive debates and divided opinions among legal experts and the public. In another significant moment of his judicial career, Justice Nweze, in a three-against-two split decision, declared Ahmad Lawan, then Senate President, as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Yobe North Senatorial District during the 25 February general election. These rulings underscored the profound impact of his decisions on the political landscape. Born on September 25, 1958, in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Justice Chima Centus Nweze had a long and distinguished career within the Nigerian legal system. In 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved his appointment to the Supreme Court upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). Justice Nweze’s demise leaves a significant void in the legal community. He was renowned for his thoughtful and meticulous approach to cases, earning respect among peers and legal scholars alike. As the nation mourns the loss of this accomplished jurist, his legacy of upholding justice and the rule of law will undoubtedly endure in Nigeria’s legal history.