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Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2025

Former Governor Peter Odili and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sidelined his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, in the hierarchy of influential figures in the state.

During the 2025 New Year State Banquet at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara lauded former Governor Peter Odili as the alpha and omega of Rivers politics.

Addressing prominent political figures and stakeholders, Fubara assured Rivers people of his administration’s commitment to good governance and its determination to thwart any attempts by detractors to disrupt the government’s agenda.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Nelson, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the support of key political figures, including former governors Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara, and former deputy governor Sir Gabriel Toby.

He credited them and others with laying the foundational structures of Rivers politics and emphasized their continued influence in shaping the state’s future.

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“This year, we will protect the integrity of this state at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight; we will address issues firmly,” Fubara stated.

Fubara dismissed his opposition’s capacity to challenge his administration effectively, saying: “The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Peter Odili. If he is with us, alongside other respected leaders, who do they have?” he questioned.

The governor described Odili as the “right face and image” of Rivers State, commending his contributions and those of other distinguished leaders in shaping the state’s legacy.

He criticized the opposition for relying on superficial displays of support, contrasting it with the organic backing his administration enjoys.

Reflecting on 2024, Fubara acknowledged the challenges faced by his administration but maintained that the successes outweighed the setbacks.

Reiterating the “Rivers First” policy, he vowed to prioritize the safety and welfare of the state’s residents while raising the bar for governance.

“We will continue to protect lives and provide essential services. Raising the bar is our way of showing that we are undeterred by distractions. God sometimes allows the activities of evil people to keep righteous people vigilant,” he noted.

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

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Distribution of CNG buses tears NANS leaders apart

Published

4 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Distribution of CNG buses tears NANS leaders apart

The leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, is currently grappling with a crisis over the distribution formula of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses to higher institutions nationwide.

The faction has also passed a vote of no confidence on the two leaders.

The accusation was contained in a petition jointly signed by the Deputy Senate President, Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano State; Comrade Huzaifa Sabo Usman, National ex-officio; Comrade Anderson Chimezie Uwakwe of the Federal College of Land and Resources Technology Owerri, Imo State, Vice President Special Duties; Egbo Johnpaul Nnamchi, Enugu State College of Education; Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, Public Relations Officer, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Abdulkaman Muhammad; Comrade Muhd Muazu; Mamuna Bello; Paul Edoh Gabriel; Kabiru Saminu; and Okafor Ernest Obinna made available to newsmen Monday in Awka.

In the statement, a copy of which was also sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Director-General, Department of State Services, DSS Headquarters, Abuja; Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja; EFCC; ICPC; SSA to the President on Students Affairs; Minister of Transportation; NANS Zonal Coordinators; NANS JCC Chairmen; as well as all SUG Presidents, asking particularly President Tinubu to urgently intervene to avoid a breakdown of law and order and to save his political integrity in the country.

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The petition read in part: His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dear Sir, Petition against unequal distribution of CNG buses by the President, National Association of Nigerian Students, and a vote of no confidence on Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez. On behalf of the Nigerian Students, we write to express our utmost indignation and disappointment at the egregious unequal distribution of the CNG buses recently donated to the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS.

“This decision, made by the President of NANS, Comr. Lucky Emonofe, in collaboration with the Senate President, Comr. Babatunde Akinteye Afeez is a flagrant disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and transparency.”

“The buses meant to benefit all Nigerian students have been selectively distributed, leaving many students without access to this vital resource. This unequal distribution will inevitably lead to a shortage of transportation options within our campuses, causing undue hardship and economic challenges for Nigerian students.”

“The economic implications of this unequal distribution cannot be overstated. Many students rely on affordable transportation to commute from campuses, and the shortage of these buses will only exacerbate the economic challenges facing Nigerian students. This will lead to increased costs for alternative transportation, which will further burden students who are already struggling to cope with the situation”.

*Mr. President, we urge you to take immediate action by addressing this issue, as it will inevitably have far-reaching consequences on your political integrity. The unequal distribution of the buses will not only tarnish the image of NANS but also undermine the trust and confidence of students in your leadership, particularly during these economically challenging times across the country”.

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Gunmen kill 3 sons of Anambra native doctor

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Anambra State Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga

Gunmen kill 3 sons of Anambra native doctor

Gunmen have killed three children of a native doctor at their home in Nise community of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The killers were said to have carried out the act on Saturday night by scaling the fence to gain entrance to the building.

It was learnt that the suspects dumped the corpses in a parked Mercedes Benz car in the compound before exiting.

Spokesman of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, told newsmen on Monday that a manhunt for the killers had begun.

“The assailants entered the compound, killed the victims and dumped their corpses inside a parked Mercedes Benz in the compound. The incident happened on Saturday, but we got the report late on Sunday.

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“We are trying to unravel the circumstances behind the killing, whether it was due to the negligence of their father or the motive of the suspect and as soon as we conclude our investigation, the report will be made public,” he said.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the bodies of the three boys, aged between six and two, were found with their mouths tied.

The source claimed the native doctor had a habit of locking up his children and wife in the house while he is out.

“The father of the victims was reported to have been having issues with some unconfirmed individuals. However, it cannot be determined if these conflicts led to the deaths of the three children or not,” the source added.

Gunmen kill 3 sons of Anambra native doctor

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Court to hear Speed Darlington’s N300m suit against IG Jan. 13

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Speed Darlington

Court to hear Speed Darlington’s N300m suit against IG Jan. 13

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, fixed Jan. 13 to hear a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the detained Singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington.

He filed the lawsuit against the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Justice Musa Liman fixed the date after counsel for the singer, Abubakar Marshal, sought an adjournment to enable the I-G’s lawyer, Garba Audu, to study and to respond accordingly to the processes served on him in the open court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Liman had, on Dec. 23, 2024, ordered the I-G to charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail unconditionally within 48 hours.

The judge made the order in a ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by a lawyer who appeared for Achakpo, David Ihuoma, and adjourned the matter until Jan. 6 for the hearing of the substantive case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Speed Darlington, 39, was allegedly arrested by the police over allegations of “defamation and cyberstalking” of the ace award-winning artiste, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy but was released on bail on Oct. 8, 2024.

A lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju alleged that Speed Darlington was apprehended in Lagos State following a petition by Burna Boy, and was moved to Abuja where he had been in detention.

Upon resuming hearing in the matter on Monday, Marshal informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing of the originating motion on notice for the enforcement of Achakpo’s fundamental rights.

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Although Audu said he was yet to be served with the process, the court however confirmed through the proof of service in the court record that the police were duly served.

The judge thereafter directed Marshal to avail Audu with a copy of the application in the open court.

Justice Liman then asked Marshal if the singer had been released but the lawyer responded in the negative.

Responding, Audu explained to the court that the I-G had already filed a criminal charge against Speed Darlington before the singer filed the motion ex-parte for his release.

He said the singer was admitted to administrative bail but allegedly jumped the bail.

The police lawyer said that the charge, which was filed before Justice Ekerete Akpan of Court 13, came up earlier in December 2024, but could not be heard.

He said an application was also written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the reassignment of the criminal matter to a vacation judge so that the defendant can be arraigned but all to no avail.

He explained that the criminal matter was now fixed for Jan. 15 for Speed Darlington’s arraignment before Justice Akpan.

The lawyer further explained that contrary to insinuation, the police did not flout the order of the court as it would have been difficult to arraign the defendant at the time the order was made going by the Christmas holiday.

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Marshal, therefore, prayed the court to direct the police to release the singer to him pending when he would be arraigned.

“We shall be applying pending the trial and arraignment of the applicant that your lordship make an order admitting him to bail.

“If my lord will, as ministers in the temple of justice, we will ensure his presence in court on the day of arraignment,” he said, but Audu opposed the application.

Justice Liman, who agreed that the police were not in deliberate disobedience to the court order, advised Audu to ensure Speed Darlington is released to Marshal, having undertook to produce him in court.

“I don’t see anything the police will lose if granted bail,” the judge advised.

He subsequently adjourned the matter until Jan. 13 for hearing of the substantive matter.

NAN reports that in the fundamental right suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington sued I-G as sole respondent.

The artiste, who urged the court to declare that his arrest and detention violated his fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, sought four orders.

In the suit filed by Adeyanju, he sought an order directing the I-G to immediately and unconditionally release him from detention facility where he is being kept.

Alternatively, he sought an order mandating and compelling the I-G to produce him before the court to enable the court inquire into the circumstances constituting grounds of his arrest and detention and where it deems fit, admits him to bail.

He also sought “an order directing the respondent to pay the applicant the sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira) only as general, exemplary and aggravating damages for their unlawful and continued detention since the 2024 till date.”

In the affidavit deposed to by Esther Eyisi, a secretary in the law firm, she alleged that Speed Darlington was first arrested on Oct. 4, 2024 for allegedly defaming Burna Boy.

She said he was illegally detained for five days and subjected to severe torture and maltreatment without being formally charged to a court of competent jurisdiction.

Eyisi averred that the artiste was eventually granted bail by the police after spending five days under inhumane conditions.

According to her, on Nov. 27, 2024, the applicant was arrested and detained by officers of respondent on the grounds that he allegedly jumped administrative bail.

This, she said, is inspite of notification from her client about his medical emergency and his inability to report on the scheduled date and obtaining the permission of the officers of the respondent to travel to Owerri, Imo for a performance.

She said the continuous detention of Speed Darlington without arraignment contravened his constitutional rights, describing him as the “breadwinner in his family.”