Category: News

In a notice of appeal dated July 14, 2025, and filed at the Abuja Division of the appellate court, Akpabio is seeking to overturn the July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.

The High Court had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as “excessive” and without legal justification.

The appeal, marked CA/A//2025, arises from suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, which was instituted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her suspension from the Red Chamber.

Akpabio’s legal team is contesting the High Court’s jurisdiction, insisting the matter concerns the internal affairs of the National Assembly and falls outside judicial purview as provided under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

In the 11-ground appeal, Akpabio faulted the lower court for dismissing his preliminary objection and for issuing orders affecting parliamentary procedures protected by law.

He argued that issues related to suspension, words spoken during plenary, and Senate resolutions are safeguarded under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and cannot be subjected to judicial interference.

The Senate President further claimed that the suit was premature and did not exhaust the internal dispute resolution channels of the Senate, particularly the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, as prescribed in the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).

He also faulted the trial court for allegedly breaching his right to a fair hearing by raising issues not argued by any of the parties, including the question of whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was excessive.

Akpabio said the judge erred by making recommendations for her recall without giving both sides an opportunity to address the issue.

Additionally, Akpabio accused the Federal High Court of procedural irregularities by merging interlocutory reliefs sought by Akpoti-Uduaghan with her substantive claims, despite their duplication. He also argued that her suit should have been struck out for failing to comply with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which requires a three-month notice to be served on the Clerk of the National Assembly before initiating legal action.

Among other reliefs, Akpabio is urging the appellate court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, atrike out the duplicated reliefs contained in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s multiple applications, dismiss her suit for lack of jurisdiction and reject what he termed the trial court’s “advisory opinions” to the Senate, especially those relating to amending its rules or recalling a suspended member.

The former Akwa Ibom State governor is also asking the court to invoke Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to resolve his preliminary objection and dismiss the entire case.

The government said it was in furtherance of the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tunji-Ojo said the holiday is a mark of respect for the late president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on their life, leadership, and the values they uphold,” the Minister said.

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

“As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half-mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday, 13th July, 2025.

“The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul”, the Minister further said.

Known for his stern demeanour, spartan lifestyle, and unwavering anti-corruption stance, Buhari’s journey from a military ruler in the 1980s to a democratically elected president decades later is a rare arc of redemption in Nigerian politics.

His death marks the end of an era—one defined by discipline, controversy, and the enduring debate over legacy.

From the barracks to the ballot box, Buhari remained a symbol of authority—admired by some, criticised by others, but never ignored.

Tributes are pouring in from across the globe, reflecting a life that stirred strong emotions and left an indelible mark on the nation’s soul.

Weeks ago, he left the country in a private jet provided by a world-acclaimed billionaire for a routine check-up.

His situation appeared to be improving as he went sightseeing at some point.

The former President’s situation, however, took a turn for the worse, as he was moved to an intensive care unit (ICU).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu got wind of the situation and dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President saw Buhari before he was discharged and taken to a care home to recuperate.

A hint about the seriousness of Buhari’s illness came from his spokesman, Garba Shehu, at his book presentation on Wednesday.

He had urged Nigerians to pray for his principal.

It was the lot of the same Shehu yesterday to confirm Buhari’s death.

In a terse statement, he confirmed the dreaded news: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

Announcing Buhari’s passing, President Tinubu stated in a statement he personally signed: “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.

“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.

“I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.

“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

“And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

The body of the former President is likely to be buried in his Daura, Katsina State hometown today.

A full military honour is also to be given to him as a former two-time Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, first as military head of state and as a civilian president.

His death sent shock waves across the country.

It set social media abuzz. Major television networks and radio stations interrupted their regular programming to focus on documentaries on the former leader. Nation

According to a statement released by the Presidency, Buhari passed away at about 4:30 p.m., bringing an end to a period of medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

President Tinubu, who has spoken with the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to offer his condolences, has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany the body back to Nigeria.

The statement reads, “President Tinubu announces President Buhari’s passing, orders VP Shettima to the UK to accompany body back home.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

“Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.

“He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

At the same time, Lukmon Abdulgafar bagged life imprisonment over the murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo at Kugba area, Abeokuta, on January 28, 2022.

The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Friday.

Recall that Sofia had gone to visit her boyfriend, Mustakeem, who had sexual intercourse with her, after which he was said to have viciously attacked and strangled the deceased with the support of Soliudeen and then beheaded her.

They subsequently cut parts of Sofia’s thighs and stuffed her headless body into a sack, after which the deceased’s head was taken to Lukmon’s house to be burnt with a local burner.

In a viral video that surfaced on the internet in January 2022, the trio were caught by community guards with Sofia’s head burning in the local burner.

They were also seen reciting incantations over her corpse.

The commissioner’s statement read, “Today, July 11, 2025, the trio of  Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon
Abdulgafar faces the full wrath of the law over the gruesome killing of Sofia Okeowo.

“The dastardly act which occurred on January 28th 2022, around Kugba, Abeokuta saw Mustakeem Balogun lure 16-year-old Sofia to have canal knowledge of her and later kill her in preparation for a premeditated money ritual charms.

“The two other culprits are Soliudeen Majekodunmi and Lukman Abdulgafar.

“Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of the Ogun State High Court has, however, found the trio guilty of the crime committed and has therefore sentenced Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging while Lukman Abdulgafar received a life sentence.”

The commissioner further stated that the present administration does not allow crime to thrive, prompting the state to secure the conviction of the three criminals, which will serve as a deterrent to other ritualists. Punch

The Vice President gave the warning in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Spokesman of the Vice President), against the backdrop of his remarks at a book launch on Thursday in Abuja, which he said were distorted by some online news outlets.

The statement noted with concern the “gross misrepresentation” of remarks made by Shettima during the public presentation of the book OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

According to the statement, there is no link between what the Vice President said at the event and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“Certain online news outlets and individuals have distorted the Vice President’s comments in pursuit of a mischievous agenda, twisting his account of how the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan considered removing him from office—then as governor of Borno—at the height of the insurgency in the North East.

“This sensational reporting, which strips the Vice President’s remarks of their proper context, ventures into fiction by drawing false equivalence between his personal experience and the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, as well as the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Nkwocha’s statement said.

The statement reads in part: “We wish to state categorically that Vice President Shettima’s comments were made within the context of acknowledging the author’s professional conduct during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation—a tribute to his public service record.

“His remarks were historical references to events during the Jonathan administration and were intended as a discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution. They served to highlight how complex federal-state tensions have been managed through legal mechanisms and the country’s progress in that regard.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional measure implemented was a suspension, not an outright removal. This action, along with the declaration of a state of emergency, was taken in response to the grave political crisis in Rivers State at the time.

“The situation was unprecedented, with the State House of Assembly complex under demolition and the governor facing a looming threat of impeachment by aggrieved members of the legislature. No objective observer can deny that this decisive intervention by the President brought stability and calm to Rivers State.

“This situation is not comparable to that of the North East under the Jonathan administration, where violent non-state actors were directly challenging the sovereignty of the Nigerian state, demanding unified action by both federal and state authorities to confront terrorism.

“In contrast, President Tinubu acted strictly within constitutional limits and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and restore order in Rivers State.

“Nigeria’s laws provide a clear framework for addressing such matters. Section 305(3)(c) of the Constitution authorises extraordinary measures when there is ‘a breakdown of public order and public safety in the federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.’

“The situation in Rivers clearly met this constitutional threshold, with persistent politically motivated violence, systematic attacks on federal institutions, and near-complete paralysis of governance—conditions intolerable in any democratic society. According to credible security reports, these acts even escalated into attacks on national assets.

“President Tinubu acted with constitutional fidelity. His proclamation invoking Section 305(2) was ratified by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, as required by Section 305(3).

“This cross-party consensus in suspending the government of Rivers State, led by Sim Fubara, reflects a shared understanding among our elected representatives that the situation had reached a point of constitutional necessity, requiring immediate federal intervention.

“Clearly, without mincing words, the action of President Tinubu in suspending Mr Fubara and others from exercising the functions of office averted the governor’s outright removal. To conflate suspension with removal is misleading. Therefore, interpreting Senator Shettima’s remarks as commentary on current events is either a willful misrepresentation or a deliberate neglect of constitutional context.

“The Vice President, speaking extemporaneously, focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and on the enduring principle of accountability in public service. His historical references were made to illustrate the principled stands taken by past public servants, as well as his personal ties to Mohammed Bello Adoke and former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

“His remarks were not in any way a criticism of President Tinubu’s actions, which the Vice President and the entire administration fully support and stand by without reservation.

“Vice President Shettima stands in loyal concert with President Tinubu in implementing these difficult but necessary actions to safeguard our democracy. We urge media organisations and political actors to desist from the destructive practice of wrenching statements from context in order to fabricate nonexistent conflicts.”

Your recant is political correctness — ADC

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the clarification issued by the Presidency on Vice President Shettima’s recent remarks regarding the powers of the President to remove elected officials, describing it as “a mere attempt at political correctness.”

In a statement signed by the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary and spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and issued in Abuja, the ADC insisted that the Vice President’s original comments were accurate, constitutionally sound, and resonated with Nigerians.

Responding to the clarification, the ADC maintained that the Vice President’s statement—that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove even an elected councillor, let alone a governor—was a necessary reminder of constitutional limits on executive power.

“This simple truth, which is anchored in the Nigerian Constitution, must not be lost in the fog of political correctness that is currently emanating from Aso Rock.

“Truth does not respect political correctness. What was wrong and unconstitutional under President Jonathan in the case of Borno State remains wrong and unconstitutional under President Tinubu in the case of Rivers State. This is not just history. It is precedent. Unlike Jonathan, who respected the law, President Tinubu has chosen to tread the path of unconstitutionality in Rivers State,” the statement read.

The ADC described the current political situation in Rivers State as an “executive overreach,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the breakdown of law and order cited by the Presidency as justification for the disruption of democratic order in Rivers is nothing compared to the Boko Haram insurgency under Jonathan’s tenure—yet the constitution was respected,” it said.

The party insisted that Shettima’s comments were not a slip but a factual recollection of constitutional history.

The ADC demanded that President Bola Tinubu “immediately restore democratic governance in Rivers State, end all unconstitutional interference, and apologise to Nigerians for what the party termed an abuse of power and blatant disregard for constitutional order.”

“The ADC will continue to stand with the Nigerian people in defence of democracy, justice, and constitutionalism,” the statement added. Tribune