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  • Justice Agim didn’t accompany Wike to UNICAL convocation – Supreme Court

    Justice Agim didn’t accompany Wike to UNICAL convocation – Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed social media reports claiming that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony on Saturday, 22nd March 2025.

    In a statement by the court’s Director of Information & Public Relations, Akande Festus, the apex court dismissed the reports as a false narrative, clarifying that Justice Agim attended the event in a personal capacity as an alumnus and honouree.

    The university’s Governing Council had selected him for the prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa) in recognition of his distinguished contributions.

    The Supreme Court stressed that Justice Agim’s presence was entirely independent and not in any official capacity—nor was he there alongside any serving or former government official.

    It further warned that misleading insinuations not only distort facts but also threaten judicial independence, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.

    The statement reads, “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025.

    “It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike to the ceremony.

    “We hereby dispel this false narrative.

    “Hon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).

    “He was recognized for his significant contributions to the legal profession; which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.

    “Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony.

    “We wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agim’s participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official.

    “Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

    “We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

  • PDP Gov challenge Rivers emergency rule at Supreme Court

    PDP Gov challenge Rivers emergency rule at Supreme Court

    Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken legal action at the Supreme Court, contesting President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.

    The emergency declaration, made on March 18, 2025, resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months, with retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as sole administrator.

    The PDP governors—representing Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states—argue that the president overstepped constitutional boundaries by suspending elected officials and installing an unelected administrator. They maintain that such actions violate democratic principles and Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

    According to the court documents, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the president’s actions violate sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They assert that the president has “no powers whatsoever or vires to suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor of a state in the federation of Nigeria under the guise of or pursuant to the proclamation of a state of emergency.”

    The governors are also challenging the approval of the state of emergency by the National Assembly, arguing that the use of a voice vote is unconstitutional. They insist that the constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote from all members of each legislative chamber.

    In their submission to the court, the plaintiffs further argue that the emergency proclamation did not meet the constitutional requirements set by Section 305.

    “The proclamation failed to meet the stipulated conditions and procedures for such a declaration and was made for reasons beyond those specified in the said constitutional provision,” the governors contend.

    They are seeking an order to nullify the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator, declaring it unlawful and in gross violation of the constitution. Additionally, they want the court to restrain the president from further attempts to suspend other governors or interfere with their constitutional duties.

    The governors, though not directly affected by the emergency rule, said they are pursuing the case to set a legal precedent. “They are determined to test the law for the sake of posterity,” a source close to the PDP governors said.

  • Supreme Court reinstates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    Supreme Court reinstates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the Peoples Democratic Party’s Secretary On Friday.

    In a five-member panel’s unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that issues pertaining to a political party’s membership or leadership are internal affairs and shouldn’t fall under the purview of the court.
    The court went on to overturn the Appeal Court, Enugu Division’s ruling from December 20, 2024, which upheld Anyanwu’s dismissal by an Enugu Federal High Court.
    The Federal High Court lacked authority to hear the case brought by Aniagwu Emmanuel, according to the Apex Court.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Supreme Court dismisses appeal against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    JUST IN: Supreme Court dismisses appeal against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria has rejected the appeal filed by Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, challenging the candidacy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

    Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Lawal Garba ruled that the appeal was filed out of time and noted that Ajayi, being from another party, lacked the standing to initiate the lawsuit.

    The court further stated that the matter fell within the internal affairs of the APC, affirming that the appellants lacked the locus standi to pursue the case.

    Additionally, the Supreme Court declared the case statute-barred and upheld the decisions of the lower courts.

    The judgment emphasised that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the nomination forms were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while the appellants filed their suit at the Federal High Court on June 7, 2024, well beyond the 14-day limit prescribed by law.

    Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, with the court ordering Agboola Ajayi to pay the ₦2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.

    Ajayi had sought to nullify the election of Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, over allegations of discrepancies in his name change, as well as challenging the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa and the APC in the case.

    Ajayi’s argument centred on the claim that Adelami, who previously had “Jackson” as his middle name while in secondary school, had changed it to “Owolabi” without proper documentation.

    However, the Supreme Court found no legal basis to disqualify the deputy governor on these grounds, emphasizing that name changes, when properly documented, do not constitute electoral fraud or disqualification.

    Ajayi filed the case at the Federal High Court, Abuja on 7th June 2024, challenging the nomination of Aiyedatiwa on the technical ground of alleged non-qualification of his Deputy. Upon the petition of the defendants, the case was transferred to the Akure judicial division of the Court by the Chief Judge.

    The Federal High Court dismissed the case in the judgment delivered by Justice T.B. Adegoke on December 2, 2024. The trial Court relied on the case of APC v Obaseki to hold that since the plaintiff (Agboola) made criminal allegations of forgery, perjury and impersonation against the Deputy Governor, he should have commenced the suit by way of writ of summons.

    Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Agboola Ajayi appealed against it to the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, through a Notice of Appeal filed on December 13, 2024.

    In a unanimous judgment delivered by Honourable Justices Oyebisi Omoleye, Hadiza Shagari and Fadawu Umaru, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the findings and decisions of the Federal High Court with an award of N500,000:00 costs against the appellant

    Ajayi had sought to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s victory, accusing the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami of forgery, False identity, Falsification of Documents

  • Gov Fubara invites Rivers Speaker, lawmakers for meeting over Supreme Court judgement

    Gov Fubara invites Rivers Speaker, lawmakers for meeting over Supreme Court judgement

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has invited the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, along with other lawmakers, to a meeting.

    The meeting is set to take place on Monday at the Governor’s Office in the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    This was disclosed in a letter dated March 7, which Channels Television obtained on Sunday. The letter was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

    “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th March, 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court judgement, and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues – the Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,  to a meeting,” the letter partly read.

    According to the SSG, the planned meeting between the governor and the lawmakers would centre on provision of a befitting place for assembly sittings, payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members.

    Others include the presentation of budget and sundry matters as well as other matters aimed at charting a new way forward for the oil-rich state.

    “Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt Hon Speaker, and all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting with the Governor as follows:

    “Monday, March 10, 2025. Time: 10am, Venue: Office of the Governor, Government House, Port Harcourt.

    “Many thanks Sir as we look forward to your kind attendance with a view to charting the way forward in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

    More to follow..

  • JUST IN: Gov Fubara agrees to conduct fresh LG poll after Supreme Court verdict

    JUST IN: Gov Fubara agrees to conduct fresh LG poll after Supreme Court verdict

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will implement the recent Supreme Court judgment after carefully reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the verdict.

    The assurance comes after the apex court on Friday declared the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.

    In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he has consulted with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He reiterated his government’s commitment to constitutional principles and its resolve to act within the confines of the law.

    Following the court’s decision, the governor directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils across the state. These civil servants will oversee council affairs until the State Electoral Commission conducts fresh elections. Outgoing council chairpersons were instructed to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday.

    Amid the political uncertainty, Governor Fubara called for calm among residents, assuring them of his administration’s dedication to governance and adherence to due process.

    In a related ruling, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until it complies with prior court orders.

    The court also dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, delivering the unanimous decision of the five-man panel, ordered Amaewhule to resume his duties immediately alongside other elected members of the Assembly.

    Read Full Speech Of Fubara’s Broadcast Below:

    STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.

    1. My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

    2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

    3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

    4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.

    5. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.

    6. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.

    7. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

    8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.

    9. Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.

    10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

  • ‘We’ll study and act in people’s best interest,’ Rivers Govt breaks silence on S’Court judgement

    ‘We’ll study and act in people’s best interest,’ Rivers Govt breaks silence on S’Court judgement

    The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara, will act in the people’s best interest after studying the supreme court judgment.

    In a statement issued on Friday reacting to the verdict, the commissioner said the state government is yet to have the full details of the apex court’s ruling.

    On Friday, the supreme court affirmed the judgment of a federal high court that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state.

    The apex court also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers state house of assembly and other elected members to resume sitting.

    The Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and immediate former governor of the state.

    The supreme court also nullified the local government election held in Rivers state on October 5, 2024.

    In the statement, the commissioner said the state government would act after studying the judgment.

    “We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state,” the statement reads.

    “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.

    “Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm and law-abiding and go about our legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.

    “We believe that the determination of the main issue of the defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

    “Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.”

    Johnson added that the state remains committed to protecting the best interest of the state and the rule of law in “all matters” affecting Rivers.

  • JUST IN: Supreme Court sacks Rivers LG Chairmen

    JUST IN: Supreme Court sacks Rivers LG Chairmen

    The Supreme Court has declared the local government election conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on October 5, 2024, invalid.

    In a judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the court ruled that the election was null and void due to significant violations of the Electoral Act.

    Details Later…

  • Assembly Crisis: Supreme Court stops CBN, Accountant General from releasing funds to Rivers Govt

    Assembly Crisis: Supreme Court stops CBN, Accountant General from releasing funds to Rivers Govt

    The Supreme Court has prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it addresses what the court described as its blatant disregard for court orders.

    In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel unanimously dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

    The court ordered Martin Amaewhule to immediately resume his role as Speaker and convene the Assembly with all elected members. It further ruled that Governor Fubara’s presentation of an appropriation bill to a four-member Assembly was an anomaly, as it denied representation to 28 constituencies. This act, the court noted, violated a prior court order directing the governor to present the 2024 appropriation bill before a properly constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.

    The apex court described Governor Fubara’s actions concerning the alleged defection of 28 Assembly members as authoritarian, accusing him of attempting to undermine the House’s ability to perform its constitutional duties. It also condemned the governor’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, calling it an act of indiscipline and excessive use of executive power aimed at obstructing the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.

    More to follow…

  • Supreme Court dismisses Fubara’s appeal challenging Amaewhule-Led Assembly

    Supreme Court dismisses Fubara’s appeal challenging Amaewhule-Led Assembly

    A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, chaired by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Martin Amaewhule.

    In its ruling, the court imposed a two-million-naira cost on Governor Fubara, payable to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule as the first and second respondents, respectively. The dismissal followed the withdrawal of the suit by Fubara’s counsel, Yusuf Ali.

    The Rivers Assembly has been entangled in a leadership crisis since 2023, when over 25 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Amaewhule-led leadership was contested by a rival faction headed by Victor Oko-Jumbo, who is aligned with Governor Fubara.

    Fubara has conducted state business with the Oko-Jumbo faction while sidelining the Amaewhule group.

    In October 2024, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the N800 billion Rivers State 2024 budget passed by pro-Fubara lawmakers, citing a lack of merit in Fubara’s appeal. The appellate court invalidated both the presentation and passage of the budget by the rival faction.