society
BALOGUN MARKET CRISIS : Court Restrain Chief Okey Ezeibe, Six Others From Forceful Removal Of Market Union leadership
BALOGUN MARKET CRISIS : Court Restrain Chief Okey Ezeibe, Six Others From Forceful Removal Of Market Union leadership
A Lagos State High Court,sitting in Lagos has restrained former President and Member, Board of Trustees of the Balogun Business Association,BBA, Chief Okey Ezeibe.from forcefully taking over the Secretariat, Assets, Funds and properties belonging to the traders Association.
Others who were restrained and sued along side Chief Ezeibe as defendants , are Chief Alex Obi – Odunukwe ,Chief Ifeanyi Okwuma, Chief Ikechukwu Obiora , Commissioner of Police,Lagos State, ACP Halilu ,Area Commander, Area ‘E’ , Command, FESTAC, CSP Tolani , Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
The decision of the Court is coming on the heels of last Monday’s alleged purported botched Police invasion and attempted move to foist an illegal leadership on the traders, by Chief Ezeibe, who was said to have employed the help of Police operatives from Area ‘E’ Command ,FESTAC, led by a Superintendent of Police, SP ( Names withheld) and the Operations Officer, OPS.
While delivering his ruling on the Enrolment of Order, in the suit dated Monday, 5th July, 2021, delineated as SUIT NO : ID/4749GCM/2021, the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice A.M Lawal , made the Order after hearing the Application of Barristers Ken .I. Ugwu and C. A. Obianika, Counsels for the traders, represented by the Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association, BBA and six other persons.
He Said: ” I have considered the application in its entirety. paragraph 24 of the affidavit in support , states that the defendants( Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) planned to take over ‘viet armis’ the secretariat of Balogun Business Association, which may lead to a breakdown of law and order. ”
” In order to avert this ugly situation, the interest of Justice demands a grant of some preemptive succours to the Claimant pending when they will comply with the requirements of the pre- election protocol. ”
The court stated that ” The defendants (Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) are accordingly restrained as sought in the interim , pending the Claimants compliance with the pre- election “. Justice Lawal also ordered that ” the defendants ( chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) are restrained from taking over or attempting to take over the secretariat, assets, funds and properties of the first Claimant (BBA) ,Including her international centre for commerce , trade fair Complex “.
He further gave a legal backing to the administration and control by BBA Care Taker Committee, CTC, led by Honourable Anselem Duru , by ruling that ” the second claimant shall maintain and control the management of the affairs, assets and funds of the First Claimant, including her international centre of commerce, trade fair Complex , pending the Claimants compliance with the pre-action protocol formalities.”
On how Chief Ezeibe and his group would be notified of the court order which was counter signed by the Court Registrar, Mr. B. Y . Sadiku, the Judge granted leave to the Trustee and six others , permitting them to serve the order of the court on the defendants together with the pre – action protocol documents through the sheriffs of this court.
It would be recalled that Vanguard Newspaper had in their breaking news reported sporadic shootings in the market on Monday, which was allegedly occasioned by a botched attempt to take over the traders secretariat and foist an illegal leadership. Confirming the incident in his office yesterday, the Chief Security Officer, CSO, Spy Deputy Superintendent Of Police, DSP Celestine Emechebe, who denied granting interview to Vanguard Newspaper as quoted in their publication, stated that about 100 police officers from Area ‘E’ , in a convoy of Operational Vehicles, had stormed their market on Monday and drove down to their secretariat without booking their arrival at his security post. According to him, the ulterior motives and mission of the police Officers from Area ‘E’ Command were thwarted by the agile and eagle eyed police Operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Annex ,Alagbon ,led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Adeoye Callistus, who confronted them and refused to allow them achieve their aims and objectives of storming the market.
CSO also said that his men over heard the Area ‘E’ officers, when they told the FCID Operatives, who had been on ground to ensure peace, law and order, that they came from Lagos commissioner of Police, to install a new leadership in the market.
Collaborating the CSO’S account of the incident, the former Treasurer and frontrunner presidential Aspirant in the forth coming elections in the market, High Chief (Dr.) John Ezeakor, popularly called ‘Ojiji ‘, pointed accusing fingers at Chief Ezeibe and his opposition camp for plotting the botched plan to foist an illegal leadership on the traders . In his words, “Enough is enough for this hooligalism and thuggery which Chief Ezeibe and his co- travellers have continued to unleash on genuine traders in our market continually. How can people who have no stake in the market, have no shops and businesses, would alway want to cause mayhem. Market is not owned by an individual and come to think that Ezeibe who is a car seller outside our market, conducted an illegal kangaroo election in a hotel and now wants to use policemen to dethrone a legitimate Care taker committee, this is rascality taken too far. He disobeys Court Orders at will and Government appears to overlook these conduct breaching public peace. This Market is not the birth right of Ezeibe or Anambra State Traders alone. Other States like Enugu my State, should be allowed to lead “.
The Out going President, Chief Tony Obih, had carpeted the purported elections, stated that it was illegal, null and void , as the life span of the legal Caretaker Committee was still subsisting until June 31, pending BBA’s legally planned elections in July, 2021.
This is even as a Federal High Court sitting before Justice I.E. Ekwo in Abuja, the federal capital territory, was said to have barred the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC from expunging the names of the Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association, Chiefs Tony Obih, Jonathan Okpala, Balogun John Ezeako, Nicholas Okeke and Hon. (Chief) Anslem Dunu ,Business; all registered trustees of BBA. The court also barred the factional group led by one Chief Okey Ezeibe from conducting any election into elective positions in defiance to the existing Caretaker Committee and or disregarding the committee in the discharge of it’s statutory functions pending such time when the atmosphere was clear for the conduct of election by the caretaker committee .
The order of the court followed an action brought to it by barrister John Duru, counsel to the Applicants in suit N0 FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction (certoriari) barring the CAC from taking such action of expunging their names from the certificate of incorporation.
In a motion experte, the court, granted the leave of the Applicants stopping the CAC hereinafter referred to as Respondent from carrying out the action including further interference in the affairs of the BBA. Meanwhile, Police department at the Force Criminal investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, had wielded into the crisis that has bedeviled the hitherto peaceful Market.
It was learnt that a private detective (names withheld) , took the initiative to petition the Police authorities, to avert imminent threat to peace and possible break down of law and order in the market.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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