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Appeal court reserves judgment in A’Ibom APC gov suit

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4 years ago

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the sacked Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akanimo Udofia, against the judgement of a lower court.

The three-member panel headed by Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu made this known after counsel to the appellant, Damian Dodo, SAN, and Sen. Ita Enang’s lawyer, Mba Ukweni, SAN, adopted their briefs and presented their arguments for and against the appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Federal High Court (FHC) sitting in Uyo had, on Nov. 14, nullified the nomination of Mr Udofia as the governorship candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom.

The judge, Agatha Okeke, ordered the APC to conduct a fresh governorship primary within two weeks but barred Udofia from participating in the new primary.

The case was instituted by Mr Enang, a former presidential aide who was an aspirant in the primary.

Enang had prayed the court to declare him the validly elected candidate of the party arguing that Udofia was not a member of the party as at the time of the primary.

But Udofia had filed an appeal marked: CS/C/370/2022 to challenge the FHC judgment.

In the appeal, Enang, APC and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

Also, in another appeal filed by the APC through its lawyer, J.Y. Musa, SAN, on the same matter marked: CS/C/371/2022, Enang, Udofia and INEC are 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

Upon resumed hearing in Udofia’s appeal on Saturday, Dodo said the brief which the appellant relied upon was dated December 9 and filed same date.

He adopted all his court documents and urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Arguing his case, the lawyer said the lower court erred in its judgment as the suit, which was commenced via an originating summons, ought to have been instituted through a writ of summons, citing an Appeal Court judgment which was affirmed by the Supreme Court on Oct 21 to support his submission.

He said the apex court held that whenever parties are in dispute, especially in pre-election matters, what should be filed was the writ of summons where parties would called their witnesses to enable the court make an unbiased decision since it would be difficult for a court to find two parties agreeing on a fact.

He said in the instant case where there were allegations of results being fabricated, votes being allocated to certain people, Enang (1st respondent) should have commenced the suit by writ of summons.

Dodo also argued that Enang’s amended originating summons was filed at the lower court outside the 14 days period prescribed by law.

According to him, when the lower court predicated its judgment on the amended originating summons, that became an incurable malady that has afflicted the entire suit and the consequence is that the judgment of that court on the basis of the amended originating summons is complete nullity.

Besides, he argued that the brief filed by Enang at Appeal Court was filed out of five-day stipulated time.

He urged the court to uphold their appeal and make a consequential order directing INEC to recognise and publish Udofia (appellant)’s name as APC candidate for 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship poll.

But Ukweni, who appeared for Enang, disagreed with Dodo’s submission.

Responding to the argument that Enang’s brief was filed out of time at Appeal Court since he had within five days to do so, the lawyer said the record of appeal showed that he was served on Dec. 12 in open court in Calabar.

He explained further that though the appellant served them with brief of appeal on Dec. 9, the 1st respondent (Enang) was not served with the record of appeal, including the notice of appeal, until Dec. 12.

He said their brief, dated Dec. 14, was filed on Dec. 16.

“So it is not correct that we filed our brief out of time,” he said, citing a 2006 case decided by Court of Appeal between Justice Party and INEC to back his argument.

Ukweni said in that case, the court held that the respondent’s time to file brief would commence when complete record had been served on parties.

“In fact in this case, all the records in this particular appeal were served on the respondent on the 12th day of December, 2022 in open court,” he insisted.

Reading his brief of argument, the lawyer said that service out of jurisdiction does not apply to FHC when the process is to be served within Nigeria.

He urged the court to dismiss Udofia’s appeal.

Responding to the reply brief of the appellant that Enang’s amended originating summons at FHC was filed outside 14-day period, Ukweni said the trial judge granted their amended originating summon on Aug. 24 in a ruling.

The lawyer argued that the amendment on the originating summons was a decision of the court which was deemed to be properly filed.

He further argued that Udofia should have challenged the court ruling within 14 days from Aug 24 when it was delivered.

“So to now say that they are attacking the judgment on the ground that it was based on amended originating summons is an indirect way of seeking your lordship’s extension of time to appeal against that decision of 24th August, 2022,” he said.

He prayed the court to strike out the issues and the grounds of appeal in this respect.

The senior lawyer, who argued that the decision of the court is sacrosanct, said they cannot come through the back door to challenge it.

Disagreeing with Dodo on filing the lower court suit through originating summons instead of writ of summons, Ukweni said that the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, gave a practice direction for speedy trial of pre-election cases.

He argued that Justice Tsoho, by the power conferred on him as CJ, directed that pre-election matters should be commenced through originating summons based on the expediency.

“And we commenced the suit by originating summons,” he said.

He clarified that the fact of the case was not the same with the authorities cited by Dodo.

“In that case, there were issues of forgery of certificate but we are not amending forgery of certificate.

“Our argument is that the appellant (Udofia) is a member of PDP who contested its primary election on 25th of May, 2022.

“How come on 26th of May, 2022, you became a candidate of APC?

“That was the simple case that was presented before the lower court and which has come up before your lordship on appeal,” he said.

Ukweni said Udofia admitted before the lower court that he joined APC on May 1.

“The trial judge said assuming we followed your argument that you joined APC on May 1, but the register of members of the party as provided for by the Electoral Act was submitted to INEC on April 14.

“So how could you have passed through the process of nomination even if you have joined a party on May 1st?” he asked.

He told the court that a ballot paper of PDP primary held on May 25 with Udofia’s photograph on it was exhibited in their brief.

The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the appeal, saying it was unmeritorious.

NAN reports that the 2nd (APC) and 3rd (INEC) respondents did not file any brief in the appeal.

Ukweni also prayed the court to dismiss APC’s appeal for being unnecessary, after an appeal had been filed by Udofia.

“Why would you (APC) complained for another person?” he asked, urging the court to dismiss it and affirm the lower court judgment directing the conduct of another election for party members.

Justice Williams-Dawodu, after observing that the case would expire on Jan 22, reserved the matter for judgment.

She said that judgment date would be communicated to parties.

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Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing

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22 hours ago

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August 1, 2026

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Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing

OYO, August 1, 2026 – Muslim leaders in Oyo Kingdom on Saturday received a high-powered delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a visit that underscored growing collaboration in education, healthcare and Islamic development, with renewed commitment towards the establishment of a Muslim College of Nursing in Oyo.

The delegation was accorded a warm reception at a gathering attended by prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders from Oyo Land.

Among the dignitaries present were the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu; Ash-Shaykh Sulayman Akhyar, who served as the special guest; Ash-Shaykh Mainasaro, the Ameerul Muslimeen; the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Adebayo Kamarise; the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo Land; Khalifa Hasbunallah Al-Oyowiyy; and several other religious leaders and stakeholders.

The gathering focused on mobilising support for the proposed Muslim College of Nursing, an initiative aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare education while promoting excellence in professional training within the Muslim community.

In his welcome address, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, expressed appreciation to the Saudi delegation and other distinguished guests for identifying with the vision of establishing the institution. He described the proposed college as a strategic investment in human capital development that would benefit not only Muslims but the wider society.

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Also present at the event were the Muslim Ummah of Oyo Land and Fadhilatu Shaykh Dr. Rofeeu Adisa Ballo, who joined other leaders in reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the successful establishment and growth of the proposed college.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of strengthening educational and healthcare institutions capable of producing highly skilled professionals while nurturing moral and ethical values rooted in Islamic teachings.

Special prayers were offered for the success of the proposed institution, with participants praying that Almighty Allah bless the sponsors, donors, scholars and all individuals contributing to the realisation of the project.

The visit also featured discussions on strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Muslim community in Oyo Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants emphasised the need for sustained cooperation in religious, educational and humanitarian programmes aimed at advancing the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

In a symbolic gesture that drew commendation from attendees, the Grand Chief Imam granted approval for the head of the Saudi delegation to lead the Jumu’ah prayer at the Oyo Central Mosque, Akesan.

The honour, according to participants, reflected the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, mutual respect and unity among Muslims across national boundaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Imam reiterated that Islam encourages peace, dialogue and cooperation among believers, urging Muslim communities around the world to work together in promoting justice, harmony and understanding.

He said such partnerships remain essential to addressing contemporary challenges through education, religious enlightenment and community development.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, its leader expressed gratitude to the Chief Imam, traditional Muslim leadership and the people of Oyo for the warm reception accorded the visitors.

He described the opportunity to lead the Jumu’ah prayer as a great honour and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening religious cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, education and mutual understanding among Muslims.

The delegation noted that collaborations centred on education and healthcare development would contribute significantly to the growth of Muslim communities and the overall advancement of society.

The event concluded with prayers for enduring peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim Ummah.

Participants described the visit as a landmark engagement that not only reinforced the bonds of brotherhood between Oyo Muslims and their Saudi counterparts but also provided renewed momentum for the actualisation of the Muslim College of Nursing, which they said would serve generations of students and healthcare professionals.

Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing

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CJN orders lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ before their names

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1 day ago

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July 31, 2026

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Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

CJN orders lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ before their names

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official dealings connected with the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.

According to the circular, the use of “Barrister” before a person’s name is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected within Nigeria’s apex court.

The directive takes immediate effect and applies to official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and other formal engagements involving the Supreme Court.

The memorandum stated:

“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

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The circular directed all affected persons to immediately stop using the title in official materials and communications.

It added:

“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”

To ensure compliance, heads of departments and unit heads were instructed to monitor officers under their supervision and ensure that the directive is fully implemented.

The memorandum stated:

“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”

The directive is specifically focused on official dealings within the Supreme Court. Based on the wording of the memorandum, it does not amount to a nationwide ban on the use of “Barrister” by lawyers in private, social or non-Supreme Court settings.

The move is expected to generate discussion within Nigeria’s legal community, where the title “Barrister” is commonly used before the names of legal practitioners.

Supporters of the directive may view it as an effort to promote professional uniformity and align official communication with established legal and institutional standards.

The development also follows recent efforts by legal authorities to protect the integrity and professional standards of the legal profession.

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) recently warned aspiring lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council maintained that legal regalia and professional representation are regulated and should be reserved for persons who have completed the required process and have been formally admitted to practise law.

The warning was aimed at preventing the misuse of legal titles and professional symbols and preserving the dignity of the legal profession.

The latest Supreme Court directive is expected to affect how lawyers and court personnel present their names in official documents and communications involving the apex court.

Affected individuals may now be required to use their names without the “Barrister” prefix in Supreme Court correspondence, records, identity materials and other official engagements.

CJN orders lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ before their names

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FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise

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2 days ago

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July 31, 2026

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FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise

FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise

The Federal Government has announced plans to gradually phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to address rising debts in the power sector, improve financial sustainability and strengthen electricity supply across the country.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed the plan during a media interactive session on Friday, saying the government would introduce the changes gradually while ensuring that Nigerians continue to have access to electricity.

Tegbe said the Federal Government had received a mandate from President Bola Tinubu to clear outstanding debts in the electricity industry and establish a sustainable system that would prevent the accumulation of new obligations.

“We have the mandate of Mr President to clear the legacy debt and come up with sustainable structures to make sure this doesn’t pile up any more,” the minister said.

He expressed confidence that the government would bring an end to the current electricity subsidy arrangement in 2027 while working to improve the quality and reliability of power supply.

“I promise you, next year, by God’s grace, we will put a stop to this so-called subsidy in the power sector,” Tegbe said.

The minister assured consumers that the planned reforms would not result in a loss of access to electricity services.

According to him, the government’s objective is to reduce the financial burden created by the subsidy system while improving the performance of the electricity sector.

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“Mr President, we will not deprive Nigeria of anything. We’ll make sure Nigerian consumers continue to have power and improve power services,” he added.

Tegbe also stated that there was no immediate plan to increase electricity tariffs, despite concerns that the proposed phase-out of subsidies could lead to higher electricity bills.

However, the minister did not provide details on the timetable for the subsidy withdrawal, the categories of consumers that may be affected or the measures that would be introduced to protect low-income and vulnerable households.

The planned reform comes amid growing concerns over the financial challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity industry.

The Federal Government previously estimated the cost of electricity subsidies at about ₦3 trillion as of February 2024, while power generation companies, known as GenCos, have continued to report significant unpaid obligations.

The Association of Power Generation Companies has said electricity generation companies are owed about ₦6.5 trillion, raising concerns about the financial health of the sector and its ability to sustain electricity generation.

The outstanding debts include unpaid invoices and other obligations linked to electricity supplied to the national grid.

To address the problem, President Tinubu recently approved a ₦4 trillion power sector debt reduction programme aimed at settling verified legacy debts and improving liquidity across the electricity value chain.

The programme is expected to support the payment of outstanding obligations owed to power generation companies and other participants in the sector.

In January 2026, the Federal Government issued an inaugural ₦501 billion bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme.

The bond was designed to help settle verified debts owed to electricity generation companies and support efforts to stabilise the sector.

On July 20, the government announced a second tranche of about ₦729 billion to settle additional verified debts owed to power generation companies.

The debt-settlement programme is expected to reduce financial pressure on electricity producers and improve their capacity to maintain operations, pay gas suppliers and invest in power infrastructure.

The proposed subsidy phase-out also aligns with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has encouraged Nigeria to gradually reduce broad electricity subsidies and adopt more targeted support for households that need assistance.

Supporters of the reform argue that reducing subsidies could improve the financial viability of the electricity market, attract private investment and help power companies maintain and expand infrastructure.

However, consumer groups and businesses have raised concerns that higher electricity costs could increase financial pressure on households and raise operating expenses for companies.

The impact of the proposed reform may depend on the government’s ability to improve electricity supply, expand access to prepaid meters, reduce estimated billing and ensure that consumers receive better services.

Earlier this year, President Tinubu also directed ministries, departments and agencies to apply existing electricity laws in determining how subsidy costs should be shared among the federal, state and local governments in the 2026 budget.

The move is expected to support a more coordinated approach to electricity financing following reforms that expanded the role of state governments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

As the 2027 target approaches, the Federal Government is expected to provide more details on the implementation framework, consumer protection measures and the steps that will be taken to prevent the reforms from causing undue hardship.

The government will also face growing pressure to ensure that improvements in electricity generation, transmission and distribution accompany the gradual withdrawal of subsidies.

For many consumers, the success of the policy may ultimately be measured by whether it delivers more reliable electricity, fair billing, improved customer service and better value for money.

FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise

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