society

David Mark’s lawyer hails INEC for restoring ADC leadership

Published

4 seconds ago

May 1, 2026

David Mark’s lawyer hails INEC for restoring ADC leadership

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, who was the lead counsel to Senator David Mark in the legal battle involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission for abiding by the judgment of the Supreme Court without being prompted.

Okutepa, in a statement shared on his X handle via @sanjsokutepa on Friday, praised INEC for not waiting to be served the judgment of the apex court before restoring the leadership status of the ADC on its portal.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed David Mark to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the ADC.

This stemmed from the previous ruling of the Court of Appeal which on March 12 dismissed Mark’s appeal against a September 4 ruling of the Federal High Court.

A former vice-chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala, had filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeking to stop the Mark-led leadership from parading themselves as national officers of the ADC.

Bala listed the ADC, Mark, Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), INEC, and Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder and former national chairman, as defendants.

Delivering a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Mohammed Garba, faulted the order of the Court of Appeal, which asked parties in the suit to maintain the status quo.

The apex court held that the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by unilaterally issuing the status quo order.

Commending INEC in his post, Okutepa wrote, “I am a legal practitioner. I am not a registered member of any political party in Nigeria. I am equally not an employee of any government. I owe no allegiance to anybody except the truth, justice, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I was the lead counsel to Sen. David Mark at the Supreme Court in the judgment delivered yesterday (Thursday).

“When I checked the INEC portal, it was clear that INEC, without prompting, has restored the leadership of the ADC to its portal.”

He stated that the restoration of the names of the ADC leadership on the INEC portal was the right thing to do.

“The decision of the Supreme Court yesterday was clear. The appeal of Sen. David Mark was allowed in part. The order of the Court of Appeal for ‘maintenance of status quo ante bellum’ was held to have been made without jurisdiction and was accordingly set aside. It was the order of the Court of Appeal that INEC said it acted upon when it removed Sen. David Mark and his exco from its portal.

“INEC, as a corporate entity, has accorded respect to the decision of the Supreme Court without pretending that it was yet to be formally served with the judgment. That is the right thing to do in the circumstances,” he stated.

He noted that INEC was represented in the Supreme Court, adding that the prompt restoration of the ADC leadership to the INEC portal was commendable. “That is how it should be under the rule of law.”

He said INEC demonstrated respect for the rule of law in a country where some institutions would have been expecting to be served the court judgment before acting.

He described such acts as abuse of power when individuals deliberately wait to be prompted before obeying court orders.

He added, “Until we agree to be bound by the rule of law and due process and avoid taking the law into our hands, Nigeria’s development will be a mirage.

“INEC, in this particular case, exhibited a rare understanding of respect for the rule of law without waiting to be served with the judgment of the Supreme Court, as some institutions and highly placed Nigerian government officials often do.

“Too many in power have no respect for courts and court orders. In most cases, impunity reigns supreme in our land. Even within the legal profession, court processes and orders are disregarded for personal benefit and in abuse of power.

“Today, many in privileged positions abuse their powers against the people and the society they are meant to serve by disrespecting judgments and court orders. Examples are legion.

“The abuse of power cuts across all strata of the country. Even in the legal profession, powers are being abused. The security agencies abuse their powers too. Everyone appears to be a law unto themselves in this country.”

He further wrote, “On this particular occasion, I must commend INEC for the prompt restoration of the ADC leadership on its portal without waiting for letters from the legal team of Sen. David Mark.”

He said INEC must do what it needs to do for the good of Nigeria and democracy. “INEC must be bold and courageous to attain success in protecting and safeguarding Nigerian democracy.”

society

International Runway Star Joy Ubeku Redefines Luxury with Launch of Jevi Couture

Published

4 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Sahara Weekly

International Runway Star Joy Ubeku Redefines Luxury with Launch of Jevi Couture

…From Catwalk to Couture: Joy Ubeku Honoured as Emerging Designer of the Year

After more than a decade commanding global runways, international model and actress Joy Ubeku is stepping into a new era—this time, not as the muse, but as the creator.

Ubeku has officially launched Jevi Couture, a haute couture fashion house built on an uncompromising philosophy that challenges the dominance of mass production in today’s fashion industry.

The announcement marks a bold pivot for the award-winning model, who has graced fashion capitals including Milan, Dubai, and Seychelles. Now serving as Founder and CEO, she is bringing her industry experience to bear with a disruptive vision she calls “One Piece at a Time.”

“Jevi Couture is not merely a fashion label,” Ubeku said. “It is a sanctuary for cultural legacy, personal storytelling, and artisanal independence.”

Rising Designer, Recognised Excellence

Her transition into design is already earning industry recognition. Ubeku was recently honoured with the Special Recognition Award as Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year at the Nigerian Women Achievers Awards 2026, held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This latest honour adds to her growing list of accolades, including:

Best Star Model of the Year West Africa (2023)

Best Zikomo Fashion Model of the Year (2023)

The Jevi Philosophy: Rarity Over Replication

At the heart of Jevi Couture is a firm rejection of fast fashion. Instead, the brand is anchored on three defining principles:

One-of-One Creations: Each piece is uniquely crafted and never reproduced, ensuring total exclusivity.

Bespoke Craftsmanship: From concept to completion, every garment is meticulously handmade using premium materials.

Cultural Storytelling: Designs fuse ancestral heritage with contemporary aesthetics, transforming fashion into a narrative medium.

By personally overseeing every creation, Ubeku positions Jevi Couture as a destination for clients who value identity, rarity, and artistic depth over trend-driven consumption.

Redefining the Luxury Conversation

In an industry driven by speed and scale, Jevi Couture introduces a slower, more intentional approach—one that reframes fashion as an intimate dialogue between the wearer and their story.

With a growing digital presence across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under @Jevicouture, the brand is already attracting attention from a new generation of luxury consumers seeking authenticity over uniformity.

Jevi Couture: One Piece. One Story. Yours Alone.

society

Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

Published

18 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

“Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, describing them as the true drivers of the state’s economic success.

In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Rt. Hon. Obasa commended the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers who continue to sustain the economy and uphold the values of hard work and productivity. He noted that the progress Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of its workforce.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent efforts to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. He described these measures as timely interventions that reflect the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workforce.

“As we mark Workers’ Day, I salute the men and women whose labour remains the backbone of our society. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices inspire us to continue building a Lagos that thrives on fairness, innovation, and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.

Dr. Obasa further assured workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare, and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing that their efforts would continue to shape a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker wished all workers a Happy Workers’ Day.

society

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage” — Dr Chris Okafor

Published

19 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage”

— Dr Chris Okafor

…No demonic force can withstand spiritual groaning

…The spiritual realm overrides the physical

Praying in the Spirit—particularly through groaning and speaking in tongues—has the capacity to break longstanding bondage and provoke immediate divine intervention.

This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during the Midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) service at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

Speaking during prophetic declarations, Dr Okafor emphasized that when believers engage in deep, Spirit-led prayer, especially in unknown tongues, they activate a higher dimension of divine response.

According to him, such prayers attract immediate attention from God and can alter difficult situations.

He noted that strategic and intense prayer against forces of bondage can shift negative circumstances. “When you engage the Spirit at that level, God steps in and rewrites the narrative in your favour,” he stated.

Addressing the sub-theme of spiritual slavery and bondage, the cleric explained that groaning in the Spirit disrupts negative spiritual influences. He added that speaking in tongues creates confusion within what he described as opposing spiritual forces, leading to a breakdown of their operations.

Prophetic Moments and Outreach

The service reportedly took on a heightened prophetic dimension, with sessions focused on deliverance and restoration.

According to the church, individuals experienced breakthroughs as prayers were offered over various personal challenges.

In a notable outreach gesture, the ministry distributed over 70 wedding gowns to single women, while also making prophetic declarations concerning families seeking children, with 27 “miracle baby” blessings pronounced during the service.

Prayer for the Nation

The PHDS gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria, as Dr Okafor called for divine guidance for national leaders ahead of the country’s upcoming political activities.

The service combined teaching, prophetic engagement, and humanitarian gestures, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on spiritual intervention and social support.