News

Pro-Fubara lawmakers seek election to replace 27 Assembly members

Published

2 years ago

May 26, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Pro-Fubara lawmakers seek election to replace 27 Assembly members

The Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, said it had written to the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct elections to fill the vacant seats in the state legislature.

Recall that five months into his administration, Governor Fubara fell out of favour with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Their disagreement was said to have stemmed from some misunderstanding between the governor and the FCT minister.

Feeling slighted, Fubara started avoiding Wike and soon afterwards, both leaders were no longer seen together attending important state functions.

There were unconfirmed reports that there were also disagreements concerning the state finances.

In October 2023, there were moves by members of the State House of Assembly to change its leadership, which led to the attempt by 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister to impeach the governor.

This move was led by the factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

Preceding the failed impeachment attempt was the bombing of the state House of Assembly on October 31st, 2023.

Following the planned impeachment, the Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress during a sitting at a section of the bombed complex.

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Subsequent to the development, one of the four lawmakers loyal to the governor, Edison Ehie, at a news briefing, said 25 of his colleagues elected him as the new Speaker.

Ehie thereafter announced the suspension of some members, and during plenary at the Government House in Port Harcourt, he, as the factional Speaker, declared the seats of the 27 defected lawmakers vacant.

He stated that the House would write to INEC to conduct fresh elections to fill the alleged vacancies in the House.

Ehie, later resigned his membership of the House after President Bola Tinubu, intervened in the crisis and called the feuding parties (Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Wike) to Abuja, leading to an eight-point agenda, including the representation of the budget to the Martin Amaewhule led House loyal to Wike.

However, the current factional leader of the House, Sokari Goodboy, while speaking to our correspondent on the telephone on Friday, said the House had already written to INEC on the need to conduct fresh election to replace the lawmakers who defected to the APC.

Goodboy stated, “We have already written to INEC when Edison Ehie, was the Speaker.”

Asked if the House had received a feedback from INEC, he promised to find out and get back to our correspondent.

He had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report on.

However, a source in INEC, who does not want his name mentioned because he was not authorised to speak, said though it would not be possible to ascertain of the commission had received such a letter from the Rivers State House of Assembly, the commission would act based on court pronouncement on the matter.

The source recalled that some of the issues concerning the defection of 27 lawmakers’s defection and the alleged declaration of the seats vacant were still in court.

“The commission cannot conduct fresh election in the 27 state constituencies because some of these matters are still in court,” the source stressed.

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But efforts to get confirmation from the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, proved futile, as he did not answer several calls put across to his mobile phone.

Meanwhile, an Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, said only the court had the right to declare a seat vacant before INEC could conduct an election for the vacant seat.

He said, “It is not the responsibility of one politician to proclaim the seat of another vacant because that would be usurping the power of the court and under the principle of the separation of power, it is not allowed.

“It is the court that can proclaim the seat vacant, no other court can do it. If a court declares it vacant, it remains so until another court says otherwise. But until that happens, INEC has the obligation to conduct the elections for the vacant seat.”

In another development, former Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili, has said the incumbent governor, Fubara, has taken full control of governance in the state.

This was as the governor declared that the delivery of development projects and social services by his administration would not be politicised because they were geared towards solving pertinent needs faced by the people of the state.

The governor explained that while every human and societal challenge could not be solved in one fell swoop, every promise made would be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.

Both Fubara and Odili spoke at the inauguration of the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road project, which took place at De Masters Hotel Junction, Obrikom Road, Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area on Saturday.

Odili, while performing the project inauguration, commended the governor for rightly focusing on the people in line with his chosen mantra, ‘People First’, adding that God has destined him to govern the state.

He stated, “Your Excellency, the man God destined to govern Rivers State, a man whose life reflects the fear of God, a man who doesn’t talk too much but does a lot.

“The governor by the way he has taken off is in full control of governance in Rivers State. We want to thank him because governance is about the people. He has chosen the mantra, ‘People first’. What else can be added to that? He is demonstrating it by action.

Speaking about the project, Fubara said, “When the project was added to the list of projects to mark our one year in office, there was a challenge, but the contractor assured us of delivering it, which is a reality today.

“What are we doing today? We are here to tell our people that they are the most important thing to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this State will have positive impact of our administration.”

Pro-Fubara lawmakers seek election to replace 27 Assembly members

Related Topics:Assembly members Fubara lawmakers

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

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2026

Trends Admin

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

News

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

Published

2 days ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

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

News

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

Published

2 days ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

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.