Rivers Crisis: Court Bars Gov Fubara, Chief Judge From Taking Resolution From Defected Lawmakers

A High Court of Justice of Rivers State presided over by Justice C.N. Wali has barred the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara from giving effect to any resolution by defected lawmakers in the state to the opposition party.

The court in its ruling dated May 30, 2024, also barred the state Chief Judge and the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice from acting on the their resolutions.

Twenty five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, defected from the People’s Docratic Party, PDP, to the All Progresaivea Congress, APC.

Shortly after their defection, the court restrained them from their seats were declared vacant and an order also made stopping them from parading themselvs as lawmakers.

Parts of the order read, “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/ sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

“An Order of Interlocutory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

The case was adjourned to 1st July, 2024 for mention.

Other lawmakers affected by the order are Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende amd Hon, Abbey Peter.

Others are Hon. Igwe – Obey Aforii, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka Defendants, Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh 20. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davios Arnold Oxobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforii and Hon. Wami Solomon.

Economic Group Hails Speaker Abbas for Championing Shipping and Port Regulatory Agency Bill

A coalition of business leaders, stakeholders, and advocates for economic growth and development in Nigeria has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill.

The Economic Freedom Advocacy (EFC), in a statement on Wednesday, said the Speaker’s dedication to seeing this bill become a reality is proof of his clear understanding of the importance of a well-regulated shipping industry to Nigeria’s economic development.

In the statement signed by Mohammed Matazu, the group said the bill is critical legislation that will promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the shipping industry and it is soothing to see the Speaker champion this milestone.

“The bill will establish a modern and effective regulatory framework that will protect the rights of shippers, promote competition, and enhance trade efficiency,” he added.

“We are pleased that the bill includes provisions for consumer protection, dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the law. These provisions demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting the interests of Nigerian shippers and other stakeholders.

“We applaud the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, for his leadership in seeing this bill become a reality. His efforts demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of a well-regulated shipping industry to Nigeria’s economic development.

“His commitment to promoting economic prosperity and job creation in Nigeria is evident in his tireless efforts to ensure the passage of this bill, and we are grateful for his contributions to the growth and development of our great nation.”

The group, therefore, urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of this bill and the President to sign it into law without delay.

“This legislation has the potential to bring numerous benefits to the shipping industry, including improved transparency, accountability, and competitiveness,” Matazu added.

“We believe that the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill is a critical step towards promoting economic growth, enhancing trade efficiency, and protecting the rights of shippers and other stakeholders. We are confident that with its passage, Nigeria will take a significant step towards becoming a leading player in global trade.”

A New Nigeria Beckons – says Dr. Dolapo Badru As President Tinubu Celebrates One Year In Office

Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru, Honourable Member Of The Federal House Of Representatives, Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 and Chairman, House Committee on Industry has sent Congratulatory message to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON) as he marks One Year In office.

Dr. Badru reassured Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that there would be a Paradigm shift in the country for social and economic Prosperity.

He described Tinubu as the Best Leader Nigeria needs to further develop the country amidst its numerous challenges.

The Federal Lawmaker stated that a New Nigeria in which every Sector of the economy works is achievable in Tinubu’s Presidency following proactive policies of the Federal Government amidst Economic challenge.

Speaking further, he said: “Tinubu is a Public Administrator par Excellence, Advocate of Good Governance and Development Enthusiast. I am very optimistic that through his policies and social Intervention Programmes, the Citizenry’s standard of living would improve.

Dr. Badru reiterated that Tinubu’s administration would ensure Security of lives and properties of Nigerians, Promote Trade and commerce cum industrial Development and build a stronger bilateral relations with other countries of the world.

“As a Nationalist and Detribalised Nigerian, President Tinubu would unite the different ethnic groups across the country, promote internal-ethinc relations and religious harmony”, he said.

Dr. Badru recalled how Tinubu, through his purposeful leadership and unrelenting effort as the Governor of Lagos State between 1999 -2007 designed a Development Plan and embarked on social, economic and physical transformation of the state.

He however urged Nigerians across the country and overseas and Lagos residents to support the Tinubu-Shettima Administration.

“I believe strongly that with your Team, you would replicate the Lagos Template in Nigeria for the advancement of our dear country”, Dr. Badru concluded.

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