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Former Rivers Assembly Speaker, Colleagues Caught On Tape Lying Over Defection to APC

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Former Rivers Assembly Speaker, Colleagues Caught On Tape Lying Over Defection to APC

*Former Rivers Assembly Speaker, Colleagues Caught On Tape Lying Over Defection to APC

 

 

A viral video has confirmed the defection of the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, his deputy, Dumle Maol and others from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

 

Former Rivers Assembly Speaker, Colleagues Caught On Tape Lying Over Defection to APC

According to a letter signed by Maol and read by Amaewhule, their “defection was necessitated by the division in the PDP, particularly, the tussle around who the National Secretary of the party is”.

Although, there was no information on the date the letter was written, it appears to be in December 2023 when the lawmakers publicly defected to the APC.

Amaewhule had stated that their action was in line with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which allows serving legislators to defect if there is a division in the party upon which they hold the House of Assembly.

However, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, has since granted an interim injunction restraining Amaewhule and others from parading themselves as legislators.

This was after Victor Oko Jumbo, the lawmaker Representing Bonny State Constituency emerged as the new Speaker of the state assembly.

Justice Charles N. Wali gave this order in a case in suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, filled by Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, Orubienimigha Timoth and other members of the Assembly.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Amaewhule and the other ex-lawmakers have filed an application at the Rivers State High Court denying their defection from the PDP.

This was as a legal practitioner, Dr Malachi Onyema, said that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, which includes the right to join or leave a political party.

Onyema further claimed that Amaewhule and his colleagues were still PDP members as they have had an afterthought of their actions.

But the Centre for Accountability and Good Governance said Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution clearly states that a lawmaker who defects from the party that sponsored their election to another party can be deemed to have vacated their seat.

In a statement signed by its Director, Dr Francis Nwogu, the Centre said the defected ex-lawmakers must face consequences for their actions.

“Defecting from the political party that sponsored their elections is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their constituents. It undermines the democratic process and destabilizes the political landscape,” Nwogu added.

“We urge the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to punish these lawmakers for their anti-democratic behavior. This includes declaring their seats vacant and initiating legal proceedings against them.

“The Centre believes that holding elected officials accountable for their actions is essential for maintaining the integrity of our democracy. We will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for the rule of law and democratic principles.”

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Hon. Dolapo Badru Fetes Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila As Duo Celebrate Birthdays

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*Hon. Dolapo Badru Fetes Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila As Duo Celebrate Birthdays*

Frontline House Of Representatives Member, Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 And Chairman House Committee On Industry, Hon. Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru fetes Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Chief Of Staff To The President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the duo celebrate their Birthdays.

In his tribute, Hon. Badru exolled Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a Proponent of Qualitative Governance and Target-Result Oriented Individual.

The Federal Lawmaker stated further that Sanwo-Olu is a Technocrat whose Leadership acumen has transformed the Lagos Landscape.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is a Workaholic whose unrelenting efforts ignited Laudable Social and Economic Developments in the state”, Hon. Badru noted.

Continuing, He eulogised Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to serving the people of Lagos State.

He said: “No doubt, The THEMES Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu’s Administration is yielding the desired results”.

In the same vein, Hon. Badru sends a congratulatory message to the Chief of staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

He noted that Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila is a
renowned Lawyer and Politician.

“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila’s sterling attributes are enormous. He has contributed immensely to the advancement of Humanity and the Nation”. He stated.

“On behalf of Myself, Family and Constituents, I felicitate Governor Sanwo-Olu and Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila on their Birthdays”.

“I Pray The Almighty God grant the celebrants more wisdom, Knowledge and Guidance to lead and offer service
to Lagos and Nigeria”, Hon. Badru concluded.

*© DOLBAD Media Hub*

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Beware of Kano State Government And Their Agents, Group Tells Appeal Court

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Beware of Kano State Government And Their Agents, Group Tells Appeal Court

 

 

The Kano Royal Elites (KRE) has urged the Appeal Court not to fall for the antics of the state government in the Kano Emirates case.

In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahuza Idris, the group warned that the state government would go as low as intimidate judges to rule in their favour.

Idris also raised alarm about the government’s penchant for disobeying court orders as a clear indication of their disdain for the judiciary and their desire to perpetuate impunity.

The group, however, urged the Court of Appeal judges to be brave in the face of intimidation and blackmail.

“We are compelled to address the recent developments in the legal battle surrounding the Emir of Kano. The Federal High Court in Kano’s decision to nullify the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano is a victory for justice and the rule of law.

“The court’s ruling is a testament to the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and we commend the Honorable Justice for upholding the law despite intense pressure and intimidation from the Kano State government.

“Similarly, we applaud the court’s ruling in favour of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, ordering the Kano State Government to pay him N10 million in damages for fundamental human rights violations. However, we are alarmed by the Kano State government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law.

“Despite court judgments, the government has refused to obey the orders and has instead appealed to the Court of Appeal. This move is a clear attempt to blackmail the judiciary and undermine its authority. We warn the state government that their actions have consequences and will not go unchecked.

“The Kano State government’s actions are a clear indication of their disdain for the judiciary and their desire to perpetuate impunity. We urge the Court of Appeal judges to be brave in the face of intimidation and blackmail. The judiciary must not be swayed by the government’s actions, but rather remain steadfast in upholding justice and truth.

“We call on the people of Kano State and all Nigerians to stand with us in solidarity with the judiciary. We must not allow the Kano State government’s actions to go unchecked. We must defend the judiciary and ensure that justice is served.

“We urge the Appeal Court judges to be guided by the principles of justice and fairness in their deliberations. They must not allow themselves to be intimidated or blackmailed. They must uphold the law and ensure that justice is served.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our support for the judiciary and our commitment to defending the rule of law.”

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Rivers: ALGON Disowns Planned Protest By NASS Members Loyal To Wike, Former LG Chairmen*

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*Rivers: ALGON Disowns Planned Protest By NASS Members Loyal To Wike, Former LG Chairmen*

 

 

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has distanced itself from a planned protest by former local government chairmen, state and National Assembly members loyal to the F.C.T Minister, Nyesom Wike, against the Police presence in the 23 local government councils across the state.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwo, Chairman, and Alabota Anengi Barasua, Secretary, ALGON Rivers State Chapter, the association described the planned protest as a “calculated attempt” by “enemies of the state” to cause mayhem and paint the state in a bad light.

“We support the police decision to take control and protect all local government council secretariats until further directives on the matter,” the statement read.

“We are not in any way linked to the planned protest, which is detrimental to the progress and well-being of the people of the state.”

The association accused the organisers of the protest of trying to take advantage of the guise of protest to cause chaos and destabilize governance in the state.

“Should there be a breakdown of law and order as a result of the planned protest, the organizers and their sponsors should be held responsible,” the statement warned.

ALGON Rivers State Chapter thanked the people of Rivers State for their continued support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration, which is delivering the enviable dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“We call on all law-abiding citizens of our dear state to disregard this planned protest and go about their lawful businesses,” the statement concluded.

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