News

Fayemi, Fayose Trade Words over Attack on Oni

Published

8 years ago

May 20, 2018

Eric

The Kayode Fayemi Campaign Office has alleged a clandestine plan by Governor Ayodele Fayose and the Peoples Democratic Party to carry out “coordinated attacks” on supporters and associates of former Governor Segun Oni.

According to the campaign group, the plot involves the use of thugs who will allegedly pretend to be working for Fayemi, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Ekiti governorship election.

The KFCO said in a statement, “It was reliably gathered that the plan, which has reached advanced stage, was designed by Governor Fayose as part of his efforts to cause disharmony among the two former governors of the state as well as their supporters.”

It added that in the planned attack, the thugs would wear branded materials and make insinuations that would establish a possible link to Fayemi’s political camp.

“Security agencies in the state are hereby alerted to this clandestine move by the PDP goons aimed at introducing a violent dimension to the politics of the state ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

“We urge all supporters and members of APC to remain vigilant, shun any form of violence during this electioneering period and report any act of intimidation to the law enforcement agencies.

“The campaign office reiterates the position of the APC leadership that all members of the party should unite and work together for the success of the APC in the coming elections.”

However, Fayose described the allegation as false.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi, who reacted on behalf of his boss said, “What is the business of Fayose with the APC family? Fayose harbours no thugs.

“The issue on ground is purely about a frosty relationship between Fayemi and Oni which has nothing to do with Fayose. Let them go and settle their differences and leave Fayose out of it.

“Segun Oni had identified some Fayemi boys who molested his supporters and even threatened to quit the party should it continue. Why would Fayemi now want to leave the substance and chase the shadow, instead of calling his boys to order.

“We implore the security operatives to do their work.”

The Punch

News

Appeal Court Affirms Ruling Barring VIO from Impounding Vehicles, Fining Motorists

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld the judgment that stopped the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from seizing vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court found no basis to set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling of October 16, 2024, which restrained the VIO from harassing motorists.

The appeal filed by the VIO was dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi delivered in the lead judgment.

The high court had earlier ruled, in a judgment by Justice Nkeonye Maha, that no law authorizes the VIO to stop motorists, impound vehicles, or impose penalties for alleged traffic offences.

The case arose from a fundamental rights suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by lawyer Abubakar Marshal.

Marshal informed the court that VIO officials stopped him at Jabi in Abuja on December 12, 2023, and seized his vehicle without lawful reason. He asked the court to determine whether their actions violated his rights.

Justice Maha agreed and ordered the VIO and its agents not to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists, describing the actions as unlawful. She held that only a court can impose fines or sanctions.

She ruled that the VIO’s conduct breached the applicant’s constitutional right to property under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter. She further held that the VIO has no legal authority to seize vehicles or penalize motorists, as doing so infringes on rights to fair hearing, movement and presumption of innocence.

Although Marshal, represented by Femi Falana, SAN, requested ₦500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded ₦2.5 million.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Director, its Abuja Area Commander at the time (identified as Mr. Leo), team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister were listed as respondents.

They appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.

News

Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Enang, Ohakim As Ambassadors

Published

4 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and a former Chief of Naval Staff, as a non-career ambassador.

Tinubu also nominated Ita Enang, a former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff, as non-career ambassadors.

News

Senate Confirms Chris Musa As New Defence Minister

Published

4 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.

According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.

“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.