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Wike Arrives Plateau Court in Solidarity with Jonah Jang

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Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, stormed the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos where a former Governor of the state, Jonah Jang is being arraigned.

Jang is standing trial alongside Yusuf Pam, an ex-cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State, on alleged N6.3bn fraud charges brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The two accused persons were first arraigned before Justice Daniel Longji in March 2018 on 17 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds but they had since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case is currently before Justice Christy Dabup who started hearing on the matter afresh following the retirement of Justice Longji in December 2019, after hearing the matter 34 times.

Wike, clad in a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath, arrived the court premises at 9:50 am in company of other Peoples Democratic Party chieftains and moved straight to courtroom where the trial was already in progress.

Counsel for Jang, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), told the judge that the Rivers State Governor was in the court to witness the trial of his client.

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Fake Information: Sanwo-Olu Denies Dragging EFCC to Court

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Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has denied claims suggesting that he filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged plans to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure in office.

A statement by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Pedro Lawal, clarified that Governor Sanwo-Olu has neither filed a lawsuit nor engaged any legal counsel to address these purported accusations.

Pedro emphasized the absurdity of such claims, highlighting that the governor, who currently enjoys constitutional immunity, has nearly three years remaining in office and thus would not seek legal recourse in this manner.

“The EFCC is not investigating the Governor, nor has it issued any threats of arrest against him or any member of his staff,” Pedro asserted.

He further stated that an inquiry into the origins of these claims is underway, expressing concern over how such misinformation surfaced without their knowledge.

Pedro reiterated that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to exemplary service and prudent management of public resources, asserting that the governor is focused on enhancing the living conditions of Lagosians rather than being preoccupied with unfounded allegations.

“Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not have anything to fear when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027,” he stated.

The Attorney General urged media organizations to exercise caution in their reporting, warning against the dissemination of misleading information that could skew public perception.

“We encourage journalists to verify their sources and ensure that their reports are rooted in fact,” Pedro concluded.

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Abuja Court Stops CBN from Releasing Money to Rivers Govt

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Wednesday, declared the presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Siminalayi Fubara before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly as an affront to the constitutional provision.

She held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is a breach of the Constitution and an aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

Consequently, the court restrained the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated revenue account.

The judgment followed a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, brought before the court by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The plaintiffs had approached the court, praying it to withhold all federal monthly allocations meant for Rivers State.

Noting that Governor Fubara had continued to make unauthorised withdrawals from the consolidated revenues funds of Rivers state, in breach of section 120 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, they contended that the Governor had yet to comply with the court order that directed him to represent the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

They had argued that the high court had in a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, recognised Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and invalidated the 2024 budget proposal that was presented before the four-member faction of the Assembly, led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.

They further contended that the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court decision that was in their favour.

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Hon Ikwechegh’s in Our Custody for Assault, Threat to Life, Abuja Police Confirm

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The FCT Police Command says it has arrested the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver identified as Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya and making derogatory comment on the office of the Inspector General of Police.

A statement on Monday by the Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Command received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving Mr. Abuwatseya and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.

“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the FCT police image maker said.

She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter while assuring of the Command’s commitment to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases.

Police said appropriate legal action will be taken upon completion of the investigation.

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