Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

Protests: FG bows to Organised Labour, withdraws contempt suit

The Federal Government says it has withdrawn the contempt of court proceedings against organised labour for embarking on a nationwide protest.

This is contained in a letter addressed to the lead counsel to the NLC, Falana and Falana’s Chambers on Tuesday in Abuja.

The letter dated August 7 to Falana’s Chambers was signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs B.E. Jeddy-Agba.

The Federal Ministry of Justice had through the National Industrial Court (NICN) issued the leadership of the organised labour summons on contempt of court for embarking on the protest.

The Union had responded by threatening to embark on a nationwide strike from August 14, if the Federal Government failed to withdraw its contempt of court charges.

The Labour Congress and it’s affiliate the Tarde Union Congress (TUC) had embarked on a mass protest over anti-poor policies of government, especially the removal of fuel subsidy that had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.

The letter reads: “Kindly recall the exchange of correspondence between the ministry and your office on the need for compliance with the extant court orders, restraining industrial action of any kind on the part of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

“The position of the ministry was informed by the need to safeguard the integrity of the court and prevent avoidable service disruption or damage to public facilities.

“In spite of these exchanges/interventions, the labour unions on August 2, proceeded with the industrial action through public pretests”.

It also said the protest led to disruption of work and the eventual pulling down of the gate of the National Assembly.

“The foregoing, it said, prompted the ministry to initiate contempt proceedings by tiling Form 48 on the same 2nd August 2023 in accordance with Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and Order 9 Rule 13 oftlwe Judgment (Enforcement) Rules.

“It is trite that issuance of Form 48 is just the starting point in contempt proceedings which will only crystalize upon the issuance of Form 49 and the consequential committal order.”

It noted that upon the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the decision of the labour unions to call-off their industrial action after meetings with the President and leadership of the National Assembly.

“The ministry did not proceed further with the contempt proceedings, which would have required the issuance of Form 49 within two days of the issuance of Form 48.

“It is self-evident that the none-issuance of Form 49 as at August 4, renders the contempt proceedings inchoate.

“You may therefore wish to advise or guide the labour unions on the practice and procedure of contempt proceedings.

“Also, particularly to the effect that the issues or concerns raised by NLC in its communique on the proceedings, have been overtaken by events,” it said.

08/08/2023
Top US diplomat meets leaders of Niger military junta

A Senior U.S. diplomat Victoria Nuland has met with senior leaders of the military junta in Niger, the U.S. State Department has said.

Nuland, the acting deputy secretary of state, travelled to Niamey to meet with the armed forces’ new chief of staff, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, and three other members of the military junta.

She expressed Washington’s “grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order,” U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

During the meeting Nuland outlined what was at stake if Niger did not “respect its own constitutional order,” Miller said.

“This includes the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and security support for the people of Niger,” she highlighted.

She described the more-than-two-hour conversation as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult” in a call with reporters.

Nuland’s request to meet with ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum was denied, she said.

“The United States continues to call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained as part of the extra-constitutional attempt to seize power,” Miller said.

Nuland was also not able to see new self-declared ruler Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.

Bazoum was ousted in a military coup on July 26.

Tchiani, the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, then claimed power as the country’s new ruler.

He and his group of officers suspended the constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.

08/08/2023
Alleged Fraud: Aviation Perm Sec sued over non-disclosure of contract details

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to assign portfolios to his ministerial nominees who have been screened by the Senate, whoever becomes the Minister of Aviation may have a lawsuit waiting for them as a suit has been filed against the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Emmanuel Meribole.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, will on September 2, hear the ex-parte motion instituted against Mr Meribole over failure to declare contract details of the ministry.

The plaintiff, Incorporated Trustees of Patriotic Youth Organization of Nigeria, through their lawyer, Mr Peter Abang, in suit FHC/ABM/CS/969/2023, dated July 17, 2023, prayed the court for an order granting leave to the applicant to apply for Judicial Review to its reliefs.

The plaintiff prays the court for a declaration that the 1st Respondent (Permanent Secretary) has a statutory and public duty to furnish the Applicant information and details concerning the 2nd Respondent as contained in the Applicant’s letter of request dated 23rd June 2023.

He also prayed the court for a declaration that the refusal or failure of the 1st Respondent to respond to or comply with the Applicant’s request as contained in its letter dated 23 June 2023 constitutes a refusal failure of the 1st Respondent’s statutory and or public duty to the Applicant and is, therefore, unlawful, illegal, abuse of powers, abuse of discretion and ultra vires.

Barrister Abang urged the court to make an order directing and compelling the 1st Respondent, either by its staff, officers, privies, servants or otherwise howsoever described to issue, comply with and or make available to the Applicant or his privies or Counsel, information and details of contracts and expenditures as contained in the Applicant’s letter of 23° June 2023 as well as accept payment of the appropriate fees from the Applicant forthwith.

Some of the contract details being requested, in a letter dated June 23, 2023 include: Airstrip and other Capital Contracts by the Ministry from 2020 till date; list and locations of all Project Vehicles for the above mentioned contracts; list and locations of all Official vehicles the Ministry, including that of the former Permanent Secretary; Contract Executed from Over-head from 2022 December till date; details of Approved foreign Programmes for the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and its Agencies from 2022 December till date; Performance Management System Contracts and Expenditures from 2020 till date; Any other relevant document in relation to the foregoing.

According to the applicant, following investigation being undertaken by the Applicant into the activities of the 2nd Respondent, spearheaded by the 1st Respondent and his various activities in office, the Applicant has a reasonable suspicion that there has been several lapses and various misconducts by the 1st Respondent, in relation to the discharge of his duties.

He said the request made in the letter is to enable the Applicant to compare the ownership of the assets and properties declared by the 1st Respondent in his Assets Declaration Forms as well as his lifestyle, with any other assets and properties which it suspects to be linked either to the 1st Respondent, his Children or even other third parties suspected to be acting for them.

08/07/2023
Gov Yusuf swears in Kano’s first female Chief Judge, Dije Aboki

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf on Monday ushered in an historical moment when he swore in the first female Chief Judge of the state, Justice Dije Audu Aboki.

Yusuf urged the judiciary to support his administration’s demolition and anti-graft policies to enable it to recover public assets acquired illegally by the immediate-past administration in the state.

He spoke on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony for the first female Chief Judge in the state at Africa House, Government House, in Kano.

The governor explained that his administration’s desire of demolishing illegal structures and recovering public properties was for the development of the state.

Yusuf wondered why the Abdullahi Ganduje administration could demolish schools, hospitals, and other public places only to build shopping complexes for businesses.

He described the relationship between the judiciary, legislature, and executive as not competitive, but complementary, promising to continue to maintain cordial relationships amongst the three arms of government.

The governnoted that Justice Aboki has paid her dues in the temple of justice and through experience, talent and patriotism is by the grace of God elevated as the Chief Judge of the state.

“While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one which calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress and stability of Kano state and Nigeria at large.

“Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the Head of this very important Arm of Government,” he said.

Yusuf enjoined Aboki not only to see her this elevation as a call to duty but also as a trust inv3sted in her by God to represent Him in the affairs of men.

The governor said she was assuming duty when the state was operating financial autonomy of the three arms of government, including the Judiciary.

He, therefore, charged Justice Aboki to take advantage of all the latitude that this autonomy provides to ensure that judiciary staff are well trained while the day-to-day running of the courts is seamless.

“You can count on the support of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature to work with you in helping you cultivate a cordial working relationship with the staff,” he assured.

Yusuf also drew the attention of the new chief judge to the challenges with the speedy dispensation of justice particularly as it involves some suspects that are arraigned for violent crimes.

“It is our view that when such cases are dealt with expeditiously and those found guilty are punished, it will deter others hoping to engage in criminal acts,” said the governor.

Besides, he advised her to beware of those who want to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail the judiciary to do their bidding.

Yusuf however expressed optimism that the present leadership is very capable of withstanding and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple of Justice and the Legal profession in the state.

Responding, Justice Aboki said she was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of Chief Judge of the state.

She promised to serve with “integrity, honesty and justice” as well as do her best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.

“We will restore the lost glory of the judiciary in our state,” pledged the new chief judge.

Justice Aboki also said she was aware of the challenges in the Judiciary and appealed for support and collaboration from the executive and legislative arms to succeed.

She also solicited the support of the Justices, other judicial staff and professional bodies to meet the desire objectives of delivering justice.

08/07/2023
Subsidy: FCTA urban mass transit buses resume soon– Official

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed that its urban mass transit buses would resume operations soon to reduce the hike in transport fares, occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

The transport fare has skyrocketed by more than 100 per cent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), since the new fuel price regime took off.

During his inaugural speech on May 29, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had announced the removal of fuel subsidy, leading to the increased price of petrol from N195 to N540 per litre.

Barely two months after, the price was further reviewed upward to N617 per litre, a development some FCT residents said was taking a heavy toll on them.

Some civil servants particularly groaned that the increase in transport fares was forcing them to spend a larger chunk of their salary on transport.

Some residents described the efforts as a “welcome development”, saying it will significantly ameliorate the hash transportation situation in the FCT.

A resident of Nyanya, Mr Paul Nkom, said that he spends more than N1,000 daily on transportation from the initial N300 to Federal Secretariat and back home.

“This amounted to over N5,000 a week and N20,000 a month from my meagre salary, but I am sure that fare will drastically reduce if we have the urban mass transit buses on the road,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Lawal Haruna, said that she spends N1,100 on transportation from Gwarinpa to his office located at Central Area, Abuja and back home, amounting to N2,200 every day.

Haruna pointed out that he spends N11,000 weekly and N44,000 monthly.

“This is about 50 per cent of my salary. We are appealing to the FCTA to roll out palliatives to cushion the effect of the hike in transport fare on workers salary,” he said.

He urged the FCTA to, as a matter of urgency, refurbish the urban mass transit buses and get them on the road to provide alternative and cheaper transportation within the FCT.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, said on Monday that plans are already in place to bring back the mass transit buses on the road.

Adesola disclosed that the Managing Director of Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO) was in Lagos over the weekend on the matter.

“He was in Lagos over the weekend where he held meetings with the companies that supply our mass transit buses to fix the buses for us.

“We are also working to ensure that all the buses are fixed and back on the road to support the movement of persons in and out of the city,” he said.

“We have also commenced the rehabilitation of the vandalised rail tracks of the Abuja Rail Transport System to complement the urban mass transit buses to bring succour to our people.

“The Federal Government has also introduced a number of measures to ameliorate the effect of the withdrawal of subsidy of petroleum products,” the permanent secretary said.

Similarly, Mr Wadata Bodinga, Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Secretariat of the FCTA, recalled that the FCTA had in Nov. 2022 mandated the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), to resuscitate AUMTCO for better performance.

Bodinga told NAN that the goal was to ensure efficient and effective mass transportation services in the FCT.

He explained that the AICL is an investment company established by the FCT Administration to manage the assets, investments, and business interests of the FCTA.

He noted most of the buses were not on the road, adding that efforts were on top gear to fix them and get them on the road because of the huge potential in public transportation in the FCT.

“Currently we are in a situation where taxes are the one doing the work of high-capacity buses.

“This will soon change as one bus has the capacity to remove 20 taxes off the road,” the director said.

The director also disclosed that the FCT Administration has concluded plans to encourage private sector investment in urban mass transportation.

Bodinga said that the fuel subsidy removal was a transportation matter but with transcending effect across all other sectors.

Noting the need for government intervention in the transportation sector, the director said that the move to encourage private sector investment was part of efforts to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

The idea, according to him, is for the private sector to invest massively in urban transportation which will eventually crash transport fare in the city.

“One of the steps is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to invest, so that they can compete favourably and have greater advantages than small buses and taxes.

“We are already in talks with a lot of companies who are ready to invest. Some of them are already partnering with foreign companies to bring the vehicle into the city.

“The FCT Administration on its part will provide some kind of palliatives, or incentives by providing the companies with spaces to build their service centres and parking bay.

“We will provide critical infrastructure that will encourage the private companies to come to the Abuja city and operate,” he said.

08/07/2023
India-bound ‘couple’ excretes 184 wraps of cocaine – NDLEA

The fake couple, Kingsley and Roseline Ilonzeh ingested 184 wraps of cocaine.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) have arrested a fake couple, Kingsley and Roseline Ilonzeh for ingesting 184 wraps of cocaine.

The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that the suspected drug traffickers were purportedly going for medical treatment in India.

Babafemi said that the drugs weighed 3.322Kg, while another 100 grammes of the drug was concealed in the woman’s private part.

He said that the two suspects were intercepted at Screening Point 1, Terminal 1 of the international wing of the Lagos airport on Aug. 1, while attempting to board an Ethiopian airline flight to India.

Babafemi further said that though their travel documents showed consistency in their names and depicted them as a couple, an NDLEA officer however, decided to subject them to a body scan.

He said that the scan confirmed the couple ingested drugs as a result of which they were later placed on excretion observation at the agency’s facility.

”Their travel documents identify the man as Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and the lady to be Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum,

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the intending passengers are not a couple but obtained the travel documents in the same surname to beat security checks at the airport.

“The lady later gave her real name as Ngogbike Nkechi. During interview, she confessed that she was recruited in her Church in Aba, Abia where she lives.

“The suspect, Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) states further that she is a divorcee and that Kingsley, with whom she is travelling is not her husband but connected only for the purpose of the illicit drug business trip.

“She said that Kingsley, her arranged husband brought the pellets of cocaine to ingest her in the hotel where they both lodged in separate rooms on July, 31, ” he said.

The NDLEA spokesperson said that after their arrest, a thorough search conducted on her led to the discovery of a big size wrap of cocaine that weighed 100 grammes which she inserted into her private part.

He said that the suspected drug trafficker confessed that she was promised $5,000 upon successful delivery of the drug in India.

Babafemi said that in his own statement, Kingsley, who was into clothing business in Onitsha, Anambra claimed he was promised $2,000 after a successful delivery of the drug in India.

“A further search of the agency’s crime data base reveals that Kingsley also obtained his travel documents with fake identity for the trip.

“Indeed, it has been established that he was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on March 19, 2022, for ingesting 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.243kgs upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on board an Ethiopian airline flight.

“His travel documents then contained his real name: Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian,” he said.

He noted that after his arrest at the Abuja airport on March 19, 2022, with another suspect, Iro Elvis Uche, who also ingested 65 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.376kgs, Uwaezuoke was subsequently arraigned.

Babafemi said that he was arraigned before Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court Abuja with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2022.

He said that the suspect was eventually granted bail by the court, pending the conclusion of his trial.

”He is still on court bail when he was arrested at the Lagos airport for a similar offence on August 1.

“Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi (aka Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian) excreted a total of 82 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.822kgs in five excretions.

“Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) ingested 101 wraps in four excretions with a big size wrap of the substance recovered from her private part, all weighing 1.50kgs,” he said.

08/06/2023
Amotekun arrests suspected cultist, burglar in Osun

Osun State Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested a suspected cultist in Osogbo and another suspected burglar in Ila-Orangun, Ila Local Government Area of Osun.

Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, the State Commander of the corps, made this known in a statement on Friday, adding that the two suspects were arrested on Thursday.

“Sodiq Adelabu, 20, a native of Osogbo, was arrested in Osogbo for allegedly being a member of a secret cult, engaging in cult-related activities and theft.

“The suspect admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity when interrogated.

“The second suspect, Sunday Oluwasegun, 22, a native of Ila-Orangun, was arrested for breaking into a house and stealing in Ila-Orangun Town.

“He was reported to have stolen some money and some home appliances before he was later arrested.”

Adewinmbi said both suspects were arrested after complaints were lodged against them and their activities by patriotic residents of the state.

He, therefore, called on residents of the state to always report suspicious activities and criminal suspects living among them to security agents.

He assured them that their identity would be kept secret, encouraging them to join in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

He stated that the arrested suspects had, however, been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

08/05/2023
Tinubu, subsidy, NLC and Nigeria’s economic turbulence

On May 29, 2023, during his inaugural speech, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu made a momentous decision to scrap Nigeria’s fuel subsidies, citing pressing budgetary concerns.

However, this move triggered a staggering surge in fuel prices, widespread panic-buying of fuel, and a sharp increase in the cost of various essential commodities.

The ramifications of the fuel subsidy removal have struck fear in the hearts of millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income earners who worry about their ability to afford transportation, education, food, and healthcare and other social amenities.

In response to the government’s decision, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), entrusted with the responsibility to protect and defend workers’ rights and well-being, vehemently opposed the move. Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, criticized Tinubu’s decision, asserting that it lacked careful consideration and predicted it would cause the country’s economy to regress by more than 50 percent within the coming weeks.

In light of their objections, the Congress issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the reversal of all “anti-poor” policies, including the petrol price hike. The NLC accused the government of showing disdain and contempt for the Nigerian people and declared a war of attrition on workers and the masses.

Citing the strength of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the NLC announced on June 7 their intention to launch a nationwide protest on August 2, 2023, against the fuel subsidy removal.

In response, the Federal Government took legal action, seeking to stop the union from proceeding with the proposed strike. The government argued that such industrial action could severely impact society and the nation’s overall well-being.

In a ruling on an ex parte application, Justice O.Y Anuwe ordered the unions not to embark on any industrial action or strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, dated June 5, 2023. The court highlighted the potential disruptions to economic activities and essential sectors.

Unfazed by the court’s injunctions, lengthy negotiation meetings, and warnings from the Federal Ministry of Justice regarding contempt of court, the NLC stood firm on their threat and flooded the streets with protesters on August 2.

The demonstrations aimed to voice opposition against the recent fuel price hike, tuition fees increase in public schools, and the withholding of salaries for university lecturers and workers.

Meanwhile, the government, through the Solicitor General of the Ministry of Justice, accused the NLC leaders of treating the order of the National Industrial Court (NIC) with contempt.

Justice Beatrice Jedy-Agba asserted twice that the organized labour’s industrial action was illegal, as there was a subsisting interim order restraining the NLC from engaging in any industrial action.

The government prayed the court to hold NLC President Joe Ajaero, Deputy Presidents Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani, General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, TUC President Engr Festus Usifo, and Scribe/Chief Executive Nuhu Toro in contempt of court and commit them to prison.

In response, the NLC condemned the industrial court and the Justice Ministry as “anti-democracy” agents, and they demanded the withdrawal of the lawsuit or face mass strike.

Following discussions at the NLC’s NEC meeting in Abuja, the union issued a stern ultimatum, warning that failure to comply with their demand could result in a nationwide strike on August 14, 2023.

This ongoing saga showcases the deep-seated tensions and concerns about the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the lives of Nigerian citizens and the overall health of the nation’s economy.

As both sides engage in a legal battle and the NLC continues its protests, the future remains uncertain, and the fate of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy hangs in the balance, even as ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the brunt.

08/05/2023
Niger: Tinubu writes Senate, highlights 7 resolutions to restoring democracy

In a bid pursuant to restore democracy in the neighboring Niger Republic, President Tinubu has written to the Nigerian Senate, seeking their support in implementing seven crucial resolutions aimed at pressuring the military junta to relinquish power and reinstate civilian rule.

These resolutions reflect the collective will of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and democratic values.

The first resolution calls for a military buildup and deployment of personnel to Niger’s borders, with the intention of enforcing compliance with the military junta.

The President emphasized that this measure is not an act of aggression but rather a deterrent to ensure the junta understands the seriousness of the international community’s stance on democratic governance.

In another resolution, the President seeks the suspension of electricity supply to Niger Republic as a means of applying economic pressure. According to the President, this move sends a strong message to the military junta that their actions have consequences beyond their borders and aims to foster public discontent over the lack of essential services.

President Tinubu also highlighted the importance of rallying international support for the implementation of ECOWAS provisions.

Diplomatic efforts will be intensified to garner cooperation from other African nations and the global community, demonstrating a united front in the fight for democracy.

To further isolate the military junta and disrupt their operations, the fourth resolution seeks from Tinubu seeks to prevent the operation of commercial and special flights to and from Niger Republic. This measure will curtail the junta’s mobility and impede their ability to sustain their rule.

In a move to exert economic pressure, the President proposed a blockade of goods in transit to Niger, particularly from Lagos and eastern seaports. This tactic aims to disrupt the flow of goods and impact the junta’s access to essential supplies, further fueling discontent within the country,

Recognizing the power of social media in shaping public opinion, the President urged the Senate to embark on a sensitization campaign, utilizing various platforms as this campaign will inform Nigerians and the international community about the necessity and importance of these actions, garnering support for the cause.

The seventh resolution calls for the immediate closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic. Additionally, the border drilling exercise will be reactivated to tighten security and prevent any illicit activities that may undermine the resolution’s objectives.

President Tinubu emphasized that these actions are not taken lightly and are in full accordance with ECOWAS’ commitment to upholding democratic principles in the region. The objective is to restore civilian rule, safeguard human rights, and pave the way for free and fair elections in Niger Republic.

President Tinubu’s call for the implementation of these seven resolutions against Niger Republic marks a critical step in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the region.

08/04/2023
Court halts Obaseki’s move to impeach Deputy Gov, Shuaib

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s Deputy, Comrade Phillip Shuaib to maintain status quo in a suit seeking to sack the latter.

The order is following a motion on notice filed by Shuaib praying the court to stop the move to ease him out of office by his principal over their irreconcilable differences.

In the ruling on the motion argued by Moses Ebute SAN from the Chambers of Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN in Abuja, Justice Mohammed directed the parties in the suit to maintain “Status Quo Ante Bellum”.

The order for the status quo ante bellum released on Friday, is to be in force till the time the defendants shall show cause as directed in another ruling of of the Court made on July 27th, 2023.

By the order of ‘status quo ante bellum’, parties are to remain in the positions they were before Shuaib’s suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1027/2023 was instituted against the defendants.

The defendants are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), State Security Service (SSS), Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, Edo State as 1st to 5th respondents, respectfully.

At the Friday’s proceedings, the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly was represented by his counsel, Okotie Eboh while the Chief Judge was represented by Francis Ogbe both who opposed granting of Shuaib’s request but lost in the Court’s ruling.

Justice Mohammed after the ruling shifted hearing in the matter till August 10 and ordered that the IGP, SSS and Obaseki who were not represented in court be served with hearing notices.

Shaibu, in his originating simmons prayed the Court to determine whether in view of the provisions of sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has power to instigate the IGP and SSS to harass, intimidate, molest and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his Constitutionally guaranteed duties.

He also asked the court to ascertain whether the Governor has power to instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him with a view to remove him from office on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Deputy Governor further prayed the Court to decide whether in view of the provisions of section 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Obaseki can deliberately refuse to carry him along or informing him of the State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting or any other meetings or functions within and outside Edo without violating the express provision of the law.

Upon positive resolutions of the issues in his favour, Shuaib asked the court to declare that the IGP, SSS and Obaseki lacked power to intimidate, harass, embarrass or molest him.

He also sought Court’s declaration that Obaseki, Speaker and the Chief Judge lacked power to impeach him on any ground other than gross misconduct and that the Speaker and the Chief Judge at the same time, lacked requisite power to set up a 7-Man panel of Inquiry on the same ground.

Among others, Shuaib requested for order of injunction restraining IGP, SSS and Obaseki and their agents and privies from harassing, embarrassing,, intimidating and preventing them from stopping him to carry out his legitimate functions.

He further prayed for an order of injunction restraining Obaseki, Speaker and Chief Judge from taking any action, plan or step on the impeachment plan and another order specifically stopping the Chief Judge from taking instructions from Obaseki and the Speaker to set up any panel of Inquiry for the purpose of impeaching him.

08/04/2023