News

ACIU Calls for Creation of Abiriba LGA, Visits House of Reps Deputy Speaker

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2025

Eric

The Abiriba Communual Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, under the leadership of Yucee Otah Uwah (Ike Abiriba), has called on the National Assembly, to seriously consider the creation of Abiriba Local government in the ongoing constitution amendment process.

Hon Yuccee Uwah, according to a statement by the Head, ACIU Communication Committee, Mr. Paul Kalu, made the call during a courtesy visit by the Central Executives of ACIU to the Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Tuesday.

He informed the Deputy Speaker, that a memorandum to that effect had already been submitted to the House of Representatives through the office of the Deputy Speaker, who doubles as co-chairman constitution amendment committee.

“Abiriba people desire for the creation of Abiriba Local Government Area to be carved out of the Ohafia Local Government Area…

“Therefore, we submitted to the House of Representatives through the office of Deputy Speaker and Co-chairman, National Assembly Committee on 1999 Constitutional Amendments our Memorandum requesting for creation of Abiriba Local Government Area out of the present Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State,” he said.

The President futher requested the restoration of electricity supply to Abiriba by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, to solve the over a decade power outage in Abiriba, with its attendant economic burden on Abiriba people.

While commending the Deputy speaker on his role in actualization of South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Yucee appealed to Hon. Benjamin, to use his exalted office to ensure that Infrastructural projects in Abiriba are captured in the 2025 budget of SEDC.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, commended the leaders of ACIU, for finding time to visit him and for their proposed partnership.

“Hon. Yucee O. Uwah, I commend your purposeful leadership and the dynamism of your executive. The work ACIU is doing—mobilizing humanand financial capital, preserving heritage and uplifting Abiriba youth—is ablue print for national transformation,” he said.

Hon. Benjamin went further to assure his ‘August’ visitors that he will ensure that their request and contributions at all times will not be negleted but considered in policy formulation. He also asure them of his partnership with ACIU.

“Let me assure you: This House is your House. The voice of Abiriba will not be an echo, but a sound of policy, progress, and pride. I am committed to partnering with ACIU on strategic goals.”

The ACIU President, who was joined by some members of his executives and members of Abuja branch of ACIU, presented a gift on behalf of the Enachioken of Abiriba kingdom, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, to the Honourable Deputy Speaker.

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

2 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.