Labour party chairman sues Arise TV over alleged defamation, demands N100m – Newstrends
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Labour party chairman sues Arise TV over alleged defamation, demands N100m

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The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has sued broadcast medium, Arise TV over alleged defamation.
Abure, who is demanding N100 million compensation from the broadcast medium, claimed he was defamed when the TV outfit granted an interview to the party’s former spokesperson, Abayomi Arabambi, who reportedly made unfounded allegations that smeared his integrity.
It was learnt that Abure in Suit No: B/35/2023, filed by his counsel, President Aigbokhan Esq, on 18th January 2023 prayed the Edo State High Court to perpetually put an injunction restraining Arise TV and its agents from further defamation of his character, reputation and person.
In a statement issued by the party, which was sighted by Nigerian Tribune, Abure claimed that Arise TV on its morning show granted an interview to Arabambi which was posted on a social media platform, Youtube dated the 11th day of December 2022, wherein he made several defamatory statements against him (Abure).
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The statement further outlined some of the defamatory words, according to Abure as “That Barr Julius Abure the National Chairman of the Labor Party (LP) FORGED a court of Appeal Judgment of the 18th day of November 2022 and enlisted to INEC twenty-seven (27) candidates instead of the legally approved fifteen (15) candidates for the Lagos State House of Assembly.
 
“That Barr Julius Abure submitted a FORGED list of Twenty Seven (27) names to INEC dated 25th November 2022 signed by Barr Julius Abure as National Chairman and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as National Secretary and also presented the copies as evidence to ARISE TV, the morning show’
 
“That Barr Julius Abure the National Chairman of Labour Party diverted over Forty Million Naira (40,000, 000, 00) from sales of party nomination form into his private transport company account with Access Bank Plc as payment thereby grossly violated the provisions of the Labour Party Constitution 2019 as amended by enriching himself fraudulently and thereafter denied the candidates tickets after collecting their monies.
 
“That a financial audit investigation of all the Labour party’s accounts be conducted immediately to ascertain the extent of financial malfeasance and impropriety perpetrated through illegal transactions from sales of party nomination forms and expression of interest.
 
”That Barr Julius Abure, brought in four (4) thugs with improvised Arms or pistols that are not members of DSS or any of the licensed security operatives to harass him during the NWC meeting that took place at Barcelona Hotel Wuse 2 Abuja caught on CCTV Camera.
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 “That Labour Party has been completely southenized without any pan Nigeria outlook in composition.
 
”That Mr Peter Obi has never had any meaningful and fruitful meetings with the National Executive Council NEC of the party because of Barr Julius Abure and Clement Ojukwu, the National Organizing Secretary who have monopolized Peter Obi with lies.
 
“That the presidential campaign committee PCC has excluded members of the National Working Committee, NWC from the South West in the presidential campaign and noting that none of the six (6)national working committee NWC members from southwest was part of the campaign rallies in Ibadan and Ogun States amongst others.”
 
The Labour Party national chairman explained that the word referred to above in the statement was understood by him to mean he was fraudulent in his activities and in the habit of collecting bribes from party members in other to access political position.
Abure also claimed that the words used by the defendant, in the interview with the Arise TV News Morning Show, have maligned his position as the national chairman of the Labour Party and have reduced his level of standing in society.
He added that the principles of fairness, accuracy, and balance in the coverage of Political campaign activities were not observed in granting the said interview as the Television station made no effort to get his side of the matter.

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Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

A senior judicial officer in Rivers State, Chief Magistrate K.E. George, has tendered his resignation in protest against the ongoing emergency administration imposed on the state.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, George announced his voluntary retirement, citing the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” as the primary reason for his decision.

“This type of governance system is not only alien but also runs against the hallowed principles of the legal profession,” he wrote.

George, who served the judiciary for 16 years, said continuing in his role under the current political arrangement would imply tacit approval of the emergency governance structure.

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President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance and political instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for six months to oversee the state’s affairs.

Since assuming office, Ibas has suspended several state officials and initiated new appointments across various institutions—a development that has stirred legal controversy.

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, whose construction was long abandoned, has been re-awarded at the cost of N777 billion.

Flagging off the road at the weekend, the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), is vital to the socio-economic life of northern Nigeria.

He noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunted economic growth.

Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years.

According to him, the road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.

The governor recalled that he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several town hall meetings, and engaging directly with the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear, but he also gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.

According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.

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Uba Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.

He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.

In a statement, the Minister of Works, Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with continuous reinforced concrete-pavement (CRCP).

He stated that the road’s standard will be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.”

Umahi also disclosed that the president has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close-circuit TV surveillance throughout its stretch.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of the remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30 percent of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.

“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion.

“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” he emphasised.

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He commended Uba Sani for his relentless efforts towards ensuring that the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”

Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, appreciated Tinubu for his people-orientated leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country.

“We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela-Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,” he said.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridors of the road, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.

“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward as the government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,” he added.

In his remarks, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government’s efforts at infrastructural development in the state.

 

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

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Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the special adviser on policy communications to President Bola Tinubu, has said some social media users commenting on national issues in Nigeria may have some form of mental health challenges.

Mr Bwala stated during an interview on Channels TV while responding to social media speculations that Mr Tinubu’s recent visit to France was for medical reasons.

He, however, said that contrary to the speculations, Mr Tinubu is not in France for medical treatment but for a working visit.

“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out.

“The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities,” he added.

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The presidential aide also took a swipe at the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for his constant criticism of the Tinubu administration.

He said Mr Ndume has no tangible achievement to show for his over two decades at the National Assembly.

Mr Bwala also urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to be wary of the lawmaker, alleging that his soul and spirits are already with the opposition.

“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje. Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.

“It is better the way [Nasir] El-Rufai did: just say I am leaving. You’d give more honour and credit to El-Rufai that he didn’t feel he could stay and be a snitch,” he added.

 

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

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