In a recent judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking to invalidate the nomination of Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s candidate for the Edo governorship election. Justice James Omotosho ruled in favor of Akpata, agreeing with arguments presented by his counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN.

The plaintiffs in the case, Anderson Asemota (factional governorship candidate), Monday Mawah (deputy governorship candidate), and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa (acting national chairman of LP), had filed the suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olumide Akpata, and the Labour Party. They sought various orders, including mandating INEC to publish Asemota’s name as the winner of the LP governorship primary election in Edo.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the suit on several grounds:
1. Lack of jurisdiction: The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, considering it an intra-party matter concerning the conduct of a political party’s primary and the nomination of a candidate.

2. Lack of merit: Even if the court assumed jurisdiction, Justice Omotosho found the suit lacked merit. He stated that the decisions of the Apapa-led leadership of the LP, under which the primary was conducted, had been nullified by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, any actions taken by that leadership, including the primary election that nominated Asemota, were deemed void and non-existent.

3. Judicial efficiency: The court emphasized the need to save judicial time, dismissing the suit to avoid prolonged legal proceedings.

This ruling effectively upholds Olumide Akpata’s candidacy as the Labour Party’s validly elected candidate for the upcoming Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21. It also underscores the principle that intra-party disputes, especially those concerning party primaries, are generally not justiciable in regular courts unless they involve violations of fundamental rights or statutory provisions.

In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 25 for the arraignment of former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite ongoing proceedings at the Court of Appeal. This decision was made by Justice Emeka Nwite after considering arguments from both sides regarding a stay of proceedings.

Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had requested the court to halt the proceedings pending the outcome of their appeal at the Court of Appeal. Mohammed argued that proceeding with the case would undermine the pending appeal’s jurisdictional issues, citing legal precedents and emphasizing the need for judicial prudence.

On the other hand, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the stay of proceedings, arguing that the defendant had not presented sufficient evidence from the Court of Appeal indicating a stay was necessary. Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with its scheduled rulings and maintain continuity in the case.

Justice Nwite deliberated on these arguments, acknowledging the discretion of the court in granting stays of proceedings but ultimately ruled against staying the case. He expressed concerns about potential delays caused by the appeal and emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary prolongation of legal processes.

Additionally, Justice Nwite granted the withdrawal of Bello’s former counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, from the case and referred allegations of misconduct against Adedipe to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for investigation.

The court’s decision to proceed with the arraignment on September 25 underscores its stance on the matter, setting the stage for further legal proceedings in this high-profile case.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on organized Labour and the Federal Government to consider the financial capabilities of State and Local Governments when negotiating minimum wage agreements. This was stated by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, in a communique issued after the Forum’s meeting at the Government House, Enugu.

Governor Mohammed emphasized the importance of considering the ability of sub-national governments to pay the proposed wage increases amidst the ongoing negotiations. He acknowledged the justified demands of Labour for salary raises, stressing the need for the negotiations to be fair and considerate of the economic realities faced by different government tiers. He also urged all parties involved to maintain a calm and measured approach to avoid disruptions that could harm the economy.

The Forum expressed concern over the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led government, calling for proactive measures to prevent further deterioration. Governor Mohammed reiterated the Forum’s support for the autonomy of local governments as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court, highlighting the importance of local governance in bringing government closer to the people.

Regarding upcoming off-season elections in Edo and Ondo States, the PDP Governors encouraged issue-based, non-violent campaigns that adhere to the Electoral Act’s procedures. Governor Mohammed urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and peaceful election process, free from bias, and called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate true democratic leadership by refraining from any statements that could imply political interference.

The meeting was attended by all PDP Governors, the National Working Committee, and other party organs, with the exception of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has revealed that the state government spends ₦150 million monthly on maintaining cleanliness across the state. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 2024 desilt exercise of major storm drains in the Gombe metropolis, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public well-being.

Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining a clean environment, urging residents to utilize the newly constructed waste collection centers. He pointed out that indiscriminate waste dumping in drains significantly contributes to flooding and other environmental challenges, thus collective responsibility is crucial to ensuring waste does not end up in these drains.

The governor underscored the severe impact of flooding on lives and property, making it essential to clear major water channels to ensure the free flow of water. He stated that this initiative is critical for preventing floods and protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure, as well as preventing disease outbreaks in communities.

Despite ongoing efforts by the government to educate communities on proper waste disposal, challenges persist. Consequently, the administration has made it a policy to clear all water channels at the start of every rainy season.

Governor Yahaya reiterated the state’s commitment to environmental conservation through effective waste management and extensive tree planting. The government plans to construct 21 additional waste collection centers under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in partnership with the World Bank. Additionally, the state Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure the daily evacuation of waste from these collection centers to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the dangers posed by illegal mining activities within residential areas, highlighting their threat to the structural stability of buildings. This warning comes in the wake of reports from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) detailing 22 building collapses in the country between January and July 2024.

According to COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of these collapses, at 27.27%, followed by Abuja and Anambra with 18.18% each. Ekiti and Plateau each had 9.09%, while Kano, Taraba, and Niger states each accounted for 4.55%.

From 2012 to date, over 91 buildings have collapsed in Lagos alone, resulting in more than 354 deaths. In Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed since 1993, causing over 64 deaths. Recent collapses include incidents in Onitsha, Anambra state, where a collapse occurred on June 12, and in Plateau state on July 13, where 22 students died and 134 were injured.

Prof. Abubakar attributed these collapses to factors such as the use of substandard construction materials, structural failures, illegal modifications, quackery, inadequate supervision, and corrupt practices. He commended state governments for constituting panels of enquiry to investigate these incidents and urged for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.

In response to the crisis, COREN has implemented several measures, including training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors, reconstituting its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring, and establishing regional ERM&E Task Forces in cities such as Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe, and Lagos.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, for her service and urged the incoming Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, to uphold high standards of integrity and adherence to regulations in her new role.

Governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have pledged their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State amidst his ongoing conflict with his predecessor. During a meeting at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, emphasized the forum’s commitment to resolving the issue through political solutions and wider consultations with stakeholders to ensure a peaceful resolution.

The forum stressed the importance of internal democracy, transparency, and fairness in party congresses, aiming to include all members and adhere to the party’s constitution. Mohammed praised the innovative governance approaches of PDP-controlled states, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, and youth initiatives.

Reflecting on the successes of the PDP’s 16-year administration, Mohammed reiterated the party’s commitment to restoring the nation’s past glory. He noted the country’s achievements during the PDP era, such as single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and a higher standard of living, which have since declined under the APC-led government. The forum expressed solidarity with Nigerians facing economic challenges and promised to bring back better times with low inflation, affordable food, fuel, and transportation, as well as increased foreign direct investment and a higher quality of life.

Mohammed called on Nigerians to avoid anarchy and work together towards the PDP’s return to power in 2027, pledging to restore the positive attributes of the party’s previous governance.

Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has announced the Federal Government’s plans to construct a 477-kilometre, six-lane superhighway that will traverse five states and connect to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This ambitious project aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s drive for food sufficiency by providing an agricultural and economic corridor.

The superhighway will pass through Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, ultimately reaching Abuja. Umahi emphasized that the highway would economically revolutionize these states by enabling the efficient transportation of farm produce like rice, yams, and potatoes from Ebonyi and other regions to different parts of the country, addressing the challenges posed by the current poor road network.

The highway is part of a broader plan designed by colonial administrators to integrate the Southeast states with the coastal highway running from Lagos to Calabar. Umahi called for stakeholder support to realize the project, underscoring President Tinubu’s commitment to an infrastructural revolution across Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing road projects in the Southeast, such as the Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt road and the Enugu—Abakaliki road.

Addressing concerns about compensation for those affected by the highway construction, Umahi assured that proper measures would be taken, citing Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s successful compensation efforts for the dualization of the Enugu–Abakaliki highway.

Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed his enthusiasm for the project, commending Umahi’s continuous efforts to develop the state’s infrastructure. He reiterated the state government’s support for the project, emphasizing its economic and social benefits for the people of Ebonyi.

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi North) described the project as a ‘dream come true’ for his constituents, who have long awaited its realization. He recalled the initial surveying of the road during his childhood and its importance to his community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that stakeholders engaged in constructive discussions on how to achieve the goals of the superhighway project.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized the importance of the 2025 Anambra governorship election for both the party and the Federal Government. Speaking at the inauguration of the Anambra Consultative Council in Abuja, Ganduje stated that the state should be integral to the nation’s political mainstream.

Ganduje highlighted the strategic importance of Anambra in the South East and Nigeria as a whole, stressing the need for the state to align with the central government. He expressed confidence in the ability of the council members to achieve this goal and urged them to work together to ensure Anambra’s participation in national politics.

He called on the stakeholders to actively support the party by organizing regular activities and programs in the state to increase political awareness and membership. Ganduje also emphasized the importance of unity among the stakeholders, likening it to the strength symbolized by the party’s broom logo.

Basil Ejidike, the Anambra APC chairman, praised the formation of the council, noting its role in advancing the party’s growth and strengthening its presence in Anambra. He assured the members of the council of the party’s commitment to serving the people of Anambra and achieving their collective mission.

The APC’s Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Duru, affirmed the unity within the Anambra APC, dispelling any speculations of discord.

In a congratulatory message, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) for their recent electoral victory. Museveni commended Kagame’s re-election, highlighting it as a testament to the trust and confidence the Rwandan people have in his leadership.

Museveni emphasized the strategic alliance between Uganda and Rwanda, noting their shared vision of peace and prosperity. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Kagame to further the interests of both nations and the broader East African Community (EAC). This collaboration aims to enhance regional integration and tackle common challenges like security, trade, and infrastructure development.

Kagame’s re-election continues his long tenure as Rwanda’s president, having first taken office in 2000. This endorsement from Museveni is significant, especially considering the historical tensions that have occasionally strained relations between the two countries.

Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has highlighted the significant financial commitment the state government makes to maintain cleanliness, revealing that it costs ₦150 million monthly. During the inauguration of the 2024 desilt exercise for major storm drains in the Gombe metropolis, Yahaya emphasized the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents through regular street sweeping and waste management initiatives.

Yahaya urged residents to support the government’s efforts by using newly built waste collection centers to prevent indiscriminate dumping of waste, which exacerbates environmental challenges, particularly flooding. He stressed the collective responsibility of the community in ensuring that waste does not clog drains, thereby mitigating the risk of flood damage to lives and property.

The governor explained that the state is taking proactive measures to clear major water channels to ensure the free flow of water, which is crucial for preventing flooding and protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure. This initiative is also aimed at preventing disease outbreaks within communities. Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public on proper waste disposal, Yahaya acknowledged the persistent challenges faced in this area.

He reiterated his commitment to environmental conservation through proper waste management and extensive tree planting. Additionally, Yahaya announced the construction of 21 new waste collection centers under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in partnership with the World Bank. The state Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure daily waste collection and management as part of the broader strategy to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

The Labour Party (LP) has criticized the removal of Senator Ali Ndume from his position as Senate chief whip, which occurred after the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanded his removal during a plenary session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the APC calling for Ndume’s resignation and suggesting that he join an opposition party.

Obiora Ifoh, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, condemned Ndume’s removal, suggesting it was due to his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of issues like the high cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria. Ifoh highlighted the situation as indicative of a trend towards dictatorship and criticized the ruling party for undermining the independence of the legislative branch.

Ifoh also pointed out previous instances of suppression, such as the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who exposed budget padding in the government. He noted the economic crisis in Nigeria, citing a report from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating a 40.66 percent rise in food inflation. He accused the government of prioritizing expenditures like a presidential jet over addressing the economic hardships faced by citizens.

Ifoh called on Nigerians to be vigilant and resist the administration’s tactics, which he described as a tyranny of a cabal against legislative autonomy.

The University of Ibadan recently saw protests by students against the hike in tuition fees and power supply rationing. The students, masked to conceal their identities, staged a demonstration blocking the main entrance to the school and around the Senate Building.

The protest was prompted by an emergency congress decision following dissatisfaction with recent policies. These policies included a new electricity rationing plan and significant fee increases. The students demanded the complete reversal of these policies, citing economic hardships that make education unaffordable for many.

According to reports, the protest was organized after a document outlining the students’ grievances was circulated. It detailed plans for a peaceful demonstration and a mass boycott of lectures. Students expressed frustration over annual fee increases, with some departments seeing fees rise drastically.

The university management responded by holding meetings with the students to address their concerns, including the electricity rationing and fee hikes. However, tensions remained high as students voiced concerns about the deteriorating conditions on campus, including inadequate healthcare and essential services.

Efforts to contact the Students’ Union President for further comment were unsuccessful, while the university’s Public Relations Officer confirmed ongoing discussions to resolve the issues raised by the protesting students.

Rema’s emphasis on spirituality and his approach to handling fame provide insights into his personal life and creative process. Here are the key points from his recent interview:

1. **Reliance on Prayer**: Rema attributes a significant part of his coping mechanism to prayer. He mentioned that he prays frequently, seeking wisdom, guidance, knowledge, and patience from God. This spiritual practice helps him navigate the pressures and challenges that come with fame.

2. **Support System**: Acknowledging the importance of a supportive circle, Rema highlighted the presence of influential mentors and friends (“OG’s”) in his life. He specifically mentioned figures like Don Jazzy and others who provide guidance and support.

3. **Honest Feedback**: Rema values people around him who can offer honest feedback, even if it means pointing out when he’s wrong or could improve. This feedback helps him stay grounded and focused on his craft.

4. **Introverted Nature**: Despite his public persona, Rema described himself as an introvert who spends most of his time indoors. He engages in activities like making music, playing video games, and reading books, which contribute to his personal growth and creative inspiration.

Overall, Rema’s openness about his spiritual beliefs and the importance of a supportive network underscores his maturity and grounded approach to navigating the complexities of fame in the music industry. His introspective nature and dedication to his craft provide context to his evolving journey as an artist.