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  • Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s double nomination suit against Tinubu, Shettima

    The inauguration of Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as President and Vice President respectively has been sealed as the Supreme Court has struck out a suit seeking their disqualification over alleged double nomination.

    The appeal was filed  by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through their counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

    The PDP alleged that Shettima had double nomination as senatorial candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District and vice-presidential candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The five man panel of Justices of the Apex court, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, held that the PDP’s appeal praying disqualification of Tinubu and Shetima on ground of alleged double nomination by Shetima was grossly lacking in merit and dismissed it.

    Consequently, the court awarded a cost of N2million on PDP.

    It held that PDP has no right to meddle in the internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in the conduct of its primary elections and nomination of its candidates.

    Justice agreed with Tinubu’s lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN that PDP acted as busy body and meddlesome interloper in the ways and manners it dabbled into APC’s affairs unjustly.

    The Apex Court held that apart from the fact that PDP lacked requisite jurisdiction to institute the suit, the party also failed to prove by documentary evidence that Shettima engaged in double nomination.

    It maintained that Shettima withdrew from the Senatorial race before accepting the nomination as Vice Presidential candidate for the APC

    Therefore, the Apex court described the PDP’s claim on the alleged double nomination of the Vice President-elect as most unfortunate and a clear deliberate mischief to mislead the Court and the country.

    The Supreme Court also agreed with lawyer Fagbemi (SAN) that no matter the pains of PDP on how APC conducted it’s primary election and nominated its candidates, PDP must remain an onlooker.

    “It is abundantly clear that the Appellant (PDP) in the totality of its position in the instant case, is peeping and poke-nosing into the affairs of another party as a busybody and meddlesome interloper,” Fagbemi had said.

    The Court held that the action of PDP was painful because it used the social media to set a trap for the Supreme Court to blackmail it.

    “This is most unfortunate, unwarranted and uncalled for and I advise the perpetrators to desist from it,” the court said.

  • FG upgrades vocational skills centres in Anambra

    The Federal Government has commissioned four upgraded vocational skills training centres in some rural communities in Anambra.

    Outing Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige said this on Thursday during the formal commissioning of the centres in Alor, Anambra.

    He said the centres are located in Alor, Idemili South LGA, Ifite-dunu in Dunukofia LGA, Akweze and Enugu-Adazi, both in Anaocha LGA of the State.

    Ngige said the ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, worked tirelessly towards this goal, recognizing the critical role of skills acquisition in shaping the future of Anambra.

    Ngige described the four digitalised skill centres as the pinnacle of collective efforts in advancing apprenticeship and traineeship development in Anambra State and our Nation.

    He said the centres represent more than just physical structures, symbolise the commitment of the government to mass production of a skilled workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing economy, based on advances in technology.

    “We are now in an era defined by digital changes. It is imperative that we equip our citizens with the necessary competencies to thrive in a competitive job market worldwide.

    “That explains why the syllabi include re-skilling and upgrading knowledge in different trades. The launch of these centres is proof of our vision of inclusive growth and empowerment.

    “We are cognizant of the fact that skill acquisition should be accessible to all, irrespective of gender, social background, or physical ability and location.

    “That explains why those centres are not sited in Awka, the state capital, but in the rural areas where people live mostly,” he said.

    Ngige also said that the centres would be vital in providing equal opportunities to every individual, to ensure that all talents are tapped, leaving none behind.

    The minister while expressing satisfaction with the broad nature of the training courses, noted that they took into consideration the evolving needs of industries and designed a programme that aligned with market demands.

    According to him, from technical skills to soft skills, these centres will provide a holistic learning experience that will equip individuals with the versatility and flexibility required to succeed in the workplace.

    “Furthermore, these skill centres will serve as a stimulus of entrepreneurship and job creation.

    “We believe that the true nature of success lies not only in providing training but also in the provision of opportunities for self-employment and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit,”he said.

    Ngige said by nurturing and supporting aspiring enterprenuers, they aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.

    He noted that all the skills acquisition centres, are linked to the ministry’s National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) platform where every Nigerian could stay and access job openings anywhere in the world.

    Ngige said that the success of these skill centres depends on cooperative efforts.

    He added that a synergy between the government, private sector, education institutions and civil society is essential to realise the full potential of their skill development initiatives.

    Earlier, Dr Tiza Shaakaa, Director of Skills Development and Certification Department in the state commended the minister for the uncommon and laudable projects.

    Shaakaa said that Ngige had shown tremendous interest in apprenticeship development in Nigeria in his eight years as the Minister of Labour and Employment.

    He said that there was an increase in the number of specialist skills training centres in the country, owned and ran by his ministry, from eight to 28.

    He noted that this was beside the ones owned and operated by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), a parastatal of the ministry.

    He urged indigenes of Anambra State and every other person residing in the state to make good use of this rare opportunity by registering in any of these skill centres to be trained and re-trained.

    He added that this is in order to upgrade or learn new skills in their trades of practice or upscale their present knowledge.

    He also noted that for the trainees and trainers who would not be accommodated in the hostels, the Federal Government has procured buses and vans to convey them to and from the centres.

  • Revitalise industries, manufacturers task incoming administration

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has outlined the sector’s expectations for the incoming administration within the first 100 days in office to revitalise industrialisation.

    Its President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said this at the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Agenda Setting for the Incoming Federal Government Administration on Thursday in Lagos.

    Meshioye, represented by Mr Ambrose Oruche, Head of Corporate Affairs, MAN, said that a change in administration was usually greeted with expectations, in view of promises made during electioneering campaigns.

    He said the expectations would also assist to increase the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    He said though MAN was an advocacy group and apolitical, the association had expectations from the incoming government.

    According him, the association looks forward to working with the incoming government to accelerate the Nigerian economic development, especially the manufacturing sector.

    “The assumption is that the new government will move swiftly to fulfill those promises they made and thereby justify the confidence reposed by the electorate.

    “This is the essence of the social contract and in a democratic society, the government is expected to be accountable to the people and deliver on the promises made.

    “I am convinced that this momentous gathering symbolises not only the ceremony marking the power transition in the country but also a mission to rebuild the future of our country.

    “This is by setting a reasonably transformative policy agenda to guide the policy decisions and actions of the new leadership,” he said. 

    Meshioye noted that the magnitude of the responsibility awaiting the administration was enormous, demanding high senses of determination, and resourcefulness.

    He said that almost all parts of the economy was presently in shambles, and in crisis.

    According to him, the crisis ranges from political and social rascality to arrays of economic imbalances.

    He said the economic imbalances were in terms of multiple taxes, fees, and levies imposed by all tiers of government.

    Others, he said, include foreign exchange scarcity, bourgeoning borrowing interest rate, energy insecurity, and an infrastructural deficit in a highly inflationary environment.

    According to him, all these have negative impacts on the real sector with graver implications on manufacturing, which has been battling poor performance and now on the verge of collapse.

    “Emphatically, while the government believes in tax increments to rake in more revenue, the action is highly counter-productive.

    Thus is because a high tax burden on manufacturing and small and medium-scale businesses will squeeze their profit margins, which will have an adverse effect on their tax-paying ability.

    “As a matter of fact, multiple taxes on the manufacturing sector cannot enhance government revenue.

    “Rather, it will only erode the operational capability, effectiveness, and competitiveness of the industry, with huge negative spillover effects on government earnings, job creation, and the economy at large,” he said.

    He urged the incoming administration to reverse the 2023 fiscal policy measure that raises taxes on beverages and tobacco and address the issue of multiple taxes in within its first 100 days.

    He added that the productive sector should be given maximum priority for the general good of all, in terms of wealth and job creation for the nation.

    Meshioye insisted that government must promote the use of local content by mandating the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by all government parastatals, agencies, and ministries as enshrined in Executive Orders 003 and 004.

    “Let us not forget that the manufacturing sector is also not doing well due in part to inadequate support for local content development in the sector by government parastatals, agencies, and ministries.

    “For instance, there is significant potential in the textile industry to produce high-quality military and paramilitary wear and apparel for the government that cannot be compromised and it is unfortunate that these are still being imported into the country.

    “Other critical issues of consideration include insufficient raw materials for the manufacturing sector, counterfeiting, smuggling, and importation of substandard products, inadequate and hard-to-get long-term funds, and the negative impact of the overlapping roles of some government agencies.

    “Together, we must build a resilient manufacturing industry that will withstand the test of time and safeguard the wealth of our nation,” he said.

    Meshioye also urged government to identify and break the power broker militating against the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to make available raw materials for our steel and automobile industries.

  • May 29: Police announce traffic diversions in Abuja

    The police in the Federal Capital (FCT) on Friday announced traffic diversions in Abuja ahead of the May 29 Presidential inauguration ceremony slated to hold at Eagle Square.

    The diversion is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday in Abuja.

    She said the diversion points are Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal, Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

    “Other diversion points are Eagle Square (Phase 1 & Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way / National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo and Gana Junction/Transcorp.

    “Traffic will also be diverted at Bayelsa House by Federal High Court, Aso Drive, Ceddi Plaza, NNPC Twin Tower and NNPC/NBS,” she said.

    She said the Command had also deployed human and material resources across the nooks and crannies of the FCT to ensure a safe and peaceful Inauguration.

    Adeh said the deployment consists of all Intelligence and tactical assets at the disposal of the command, solidified with inter-agency collaboration.

    She said the idea was to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the inauguration and to avert any form of threat on the nation’s democratic process

    Adeh said the operational deployment was characterised by visibility policing across the territory, stop and search duty, intelligence-led raids on black spots, surveillance and vehicular/foot patrol.

    “The command equally wishes to notify the public of proposed fireworks scheduled to take place on the eve of the inauguration, midnight of May 28 at the City Gate and the Millennium Tower, to usher in the new administration.

    “The fireworks will be carried out by Messrs Innate Arts and Media,” she said.

  • Osinbajo to lead Commonwealth Observer Group to Sierra Leone


    Nigeria’s Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo has accepted to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) constituted by Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, to observe the Sierra Leone 2023 general elect

    Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice-President, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The Secretary-General constituted the observer group, a team of distinguished experts upon the invitation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone for the June poll in the West African nation.


    As the COG Chair, Osinbajo would be the leader and spokesperson of the group of distinguished experts drawn from around the world, interfacing between the group, the media and the authorities of the host country.

    In a statement on Thursday, Scotland expressed gratitude to Osinbajo for accepting the invitation in spite of his busy schedule.

    “As a senior statesman from the region, Osinbajo understands in depth, the challenges across West Africa and I am confident he will lead a brilliant team,” Scotland said.


    Responding, Osinbajo welcomed the opportunity to lead the election observers in Sierra Leone on June 24.


    “I’m highly honoured by the unique opportunity to continue to bring my expertise and experience in contributing to deepening democracy, especially in Africa and the Commonwealth by extension,” he said.


    According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, Osinbajo will be joined by recognised dignitaries from various fields including politicians, legal, media, gender and election administration professionals from across the Commonwealth to carry out the task in June.


    The mandate of the Osinbajo-led Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone would be to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the election has been conducted in a credible manner.


    The group will then report on the conduct of the elections in accordance with the standards to which Sierra Leone has committed itself, including its own laws.


    “In line with Commonwealth methodology, the group will consider, among other things, whether conditions exist for credible and inclusive elections, including a fair election environment; whether public media has been impartial; the transparency of the entire process; and whether voters are free to express their will.


    “The group, upon completion of its assignment, will submit its recommendations in a report to the Commonwealth secretary-general, who will subsequently share it with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electoral Commission, political parties and all Commonwealth governments,” the Secretariat said.


    The vice-president, on behalf of the Nigerian government, had been at the forefront of championing democratic governments especially in the West African sub-region, under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).


    On several occasions, Osinbajo had represented President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria at different sessions of the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

  • Gombe Govt procures N2.8bn fertilizer for 2023 farming season

    *As SEC approves N1.8bn for payment of compensation for road projects

    The 30th Gombe State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the sum of N2.8bn (Two billion, eight hundred and thirty seven million, five Hundred thousand naira for the procurement of five thousand metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2023 farming season.

    Addressing newsmen on details of the approval after the EXCO meeting, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mohammed Magaji Gettado said the brand of the fertilizer is NPK 20-10-10 which is a higher version of the NPK 15-15 distributed last year.

    The Commissioner explained that the fertilizer has already been supplied to the State awaiting blending by TAK Agro, the company managing the state owned fertilizer blending plant.

    On the issue of subsidy, the commissioner said the Governor will make it known during the flag off of the fertilizer distribution expected to begin between the 1st and 29th of June this year.

    Also speaking on approvals under the purview of his Ministry, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, explained that Executive Council approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of the School of Nursing and Midwifery to the tune of Five Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Naira.

    He said the review of the initial contract sum of One Billion, Fifty Million Naira becomes necessary due to the astronomical rise in the prices of construction materials at both the local and international markets.

    While giving an overview of activities in his Ministry, the Commissioner of Works, Engr Abubakar Bappah said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has, in the last four years, awarded many road projects spread across the State.

    He revealed that the immediate past administration in the state left behind 19 yet to be started road projects for which Governor Inuwa Yahaya has completed 11 while 5 are ongoing.

    On the network 11-100 which seeks to construct at least one hundred kilometers of roads in each of the 11 Local Government Areas of the State, the works commissioner explained that at least a total of 60 kilometers have been covered in each of the local government areas.

    Engr. Abubakar Bappah added that the present administration in the State is equally proactive on repairs and maintenance of wash aways and construction of bridges to link hard to reach communities across the State.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands and Surrey, Usman Jafun Biri said the council approved the sum of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Five Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Five Naira, Fifty Kobo for the payment of compensation to property owners affected by road construction in Kaltungo, Bajoga, Gombe, Tumfure and Ashaka Townships.

    The commissioner used the forum to advise land owners to always seek the approval of constituted authorities before putting up structures, saying the money earmarked for compensation can be use for the construction of more roads to serve the interest of the people.

    In the same vain, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Idris Abdullahi said EXCO approved the sum of One billion andTwenty Five Million Naira for additional work at the Kumo General Hospital.

    According to the commissioner, the additional works include construction of shopping mall of 20 shops to serve as a revenue generating base of the Hospital, a Mosque, electrical and mechanical works as well as fence elevation at the facility among others.

    The Commissioner equally revealed that the State Executive Council also approved the sum of One Billion, Fifteen Million Naira as completion cost for the State Sharia Court of Appeal abandoned some ten years ago.

    The Commissioner of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Adamu Dishi Kupto said the State Government has observed with concern, the resurgence of hoodlums disturbing the peace in the state capital.

    He said Government is assessing and re-strategising to arrest the ugly situation, and therefore urged law abiding citizens in the state capital to report any suspicious movement to the State Rapid Response Squad using the following numbers: 08035158691 and 09139962191.

    Earlier speaking, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Meshack Audu Lauco had while listing the activities lined up for the Inauguration ceremony of Governor Inuwa and his Deputy for Second term, said there will be special Juma’at prayer and a valedictory session of the State Executive Council on Friday.

    He said a cultural night/ gala is expected to hold on Saturday to be followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. The Inauguration of the Governor and his Deputy will be the climax of the activities on Monday, 29th May, 2023.

  • We’ve never had it so bad like under Buhari- MACBAN, COPAN

    *Say Nigeria lost over N500bn to farmers-herders’ conflicts; Buhari failed

    Cattle breeders in Nigeria have expressed displeasure at the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as it concerns the security of lives and property during his tenure.

    They claim that Buhari, who claims to be a cattle breeder, ought to have brought cattle breeders and farmers together with a view to finding an amicable solution to the persistent conflicts that had led to loss of several lives in virtually all states of the federation.

    At a joint press conference, the Cattle Breeders however, expressed hope that incoming administration will restore peace between herders and farmers.

    The joint press conference was attended by the National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Dr. Baba Othman Ngelzarma; President General, Fulbe Global Development and Rights Initiative (FGDRI) Dr. Salim Musa Umar; Vice President, Tabital Pulaaku International Nigeria Chapter, Alh Auwal A. Gonga under the umbrella of Pastoralists Association of Nigeria (COPAN).

    Dr. Salim Musa, who spoke at the forum demanded that the incoming President look into activities of security agents in charge of these areas and mandate them to do more in protecting innocent people who are continuously harassed by the activities of those described as criminal vigilante and bandits.

    COPAN called on the security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved to serve as a deterrent to other criminally minded individuals.

    While calling on elected officials at all levels of government to be responsive to factors that may escalate insecurity in the country, the coalition also urged pastoral communities in the states to exercise restraint in the face the calamity that has befallen them.

    Responding to questions, Alh. Auwal Gonga urged the incoming administration to establish the Federal Ministry of Pastoralist Affairs to manage issues around this aspect of the economy, in line with global best practices, and as obtainable in most neighbouring countries and other ECOWAS member countries.

    According to them, the ministry will be charged with the responsibility of harmonizing and managing the affairs of both farmers and pastoralists, instead of leaving it in the hands of security agencies whom he said have shown themselves to be biased.

    Concluding, the MACBAN president said;

    “You see, wether we are happy he’s going or not, one thing is clear:

    “It is on record that after eight years of his (Buhari) administration, over N500 billion was spent on agronomy and nothing was spent on livestock farmsteads. 

    “And we have never had it so bad like when Buhari was in government.

    “This is the worst era for the Nigerian pastoralists – we’ve never had it so bad like this time.”

  • Steer clear of NDIC day-to-day management, Finance Minister tells board

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has cautioned the board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to steer clear of the day-to-day management issues of the Corporation. 

    The minister, who gave the advice at the official inauguration of the board of the NDIC on Thursday in Abuja, urged the board to focus on its role of giving direction, policy formulation, strategic planning as well as oversight.

    This, she said, will ensure that the Corporation delivers on its mandate.    

    She said: “Let me just add, what the role of the board is not; the role of the board is not day to day management of the corporation. That is the role of the management.

    “So, Mr. Chairman, it is your responsibility to make sure that that delineation is clear that there is no mix in the roles and there is no conflict arising there.”

    Mrs. Ahmed urged them to see themselves as having a key role to play at a crucial time in the nations’ financial system.

    “You are assuming duty at a time when the Nigerian Financial System is still facing some challenges and requires efforts aimed at addressing issues such as corporate governance, high level of non-performing loans and slide in revenue generation. The potential benefits and risks associated with the Financial Technology (Fintech) and block chain technology are also on the front burner. 

    “These and other challenges can cause threats to the stability of our financial system and must be addressed promptly for the sector to play its role in facilitating the implementation of the National Development Plan 2021 to 2025.

    “Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that with the caliber of personalities appointed on the Board, these challenges would be addressed head-long. 

    “I therefore charge you to design policies and programmes with the Management team to enable the Corporation deliver on its mandate,” she said.

    In his response, the chairman of the NDIC board, Abdulhakeem Mobolaji Abdullateef assured the minister that the board will stick to its mandate and its assigned role.

    According to him, the board will stay in its lane.   

    “We will try our best to work very closely with the management that is performing. One of the most disturbing thing is when people don’t know their role and they want to over reach, and because we have so much to do that we do not need to do anybody’s job.

    Ends  

  • Suit against Tinubu’s Inauguration: A/Court slams N40m fine on Owuru

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday, slammed a fine of N40 million on a former Presidential candidate, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, for filing a frivolous suit to stop the inauguration of president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29.

    The Appellate Court ordered the politician to pay the fine of N10 million each to President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Tinubu whom he made 1st to 4th defendants in the suit.

    Justice Jamil Tukur, who read the lead judgment of the three-man panel of the court, held that Owuru embarked on a gross abuse of court process by filing a frivolous, vexatious and irritating suit to provoke the respondents.

    The Court of Appeal held that the grievances of Owuru against the 2019 presidential election was not only strange but uncalled for because the grievances had been pursued up to Supreme Court and was dismissed for want of merit.

    Justice Tukur said that the action of Owuru to resuscitate the case that died since 2019 at the Supreme Court was aimed at making the lower courts to go on collision course with supremacy of the Apex Court.

  • APGA Nat’l Chair, Njoku files contempt charge against Oye

    The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Edozie Njoku has filed a contempt charge against Chief Victor Oye for disobeying a valid court order. 

    Recall that Justice  Mohammed Madugu of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Bwari, had on May 10, restrained Oye from parading himself as the National Chairman of APGA or holding any meetings or gatherings, be it NWC, NEC etc, Congresses or Convention in the name of APGA, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice before the court. 

    The court also ordered INEC from recognizing Chief Oye as the National Chairman of APGA based on Supreme Court Judgement of 24th March, 2023.

    The application was filed by Otunba Camaru Lateef Ogidan, (National Vice Chairman South West of APGA) and Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu, National Welfare Officer of APGA under the Chief Edozie Njoku led APGA.

    At a resumed sitting on Wednesday, Mike Ajara, counsel to the APGA National Chairman Njoku, informed the court of the flagrant disobedience of it’s order by Oye and his group. 

    Ajara said the contempt proceedings were  filed and served on May 22, 2023, and “has dire implications on Oye and on the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses which has been organized by Oye and his men”. 

    Meanwhile, counsel to the defendants, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN informed the Court that they have filed Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal to strike out the Originating Summons for lack of jurisdiction. 

    While presenting his evidence of interlocutory appeal, Ikpeazu prayed Justice Madugu to refer the matter to the Appeal Court and wait for the superior Court to decide on the matter. 

    Reacting, Ajara  narrated how Oye, his assigns and privies violated the court order.

    Ajara faulted Ikpeazu’s appeal process and referred to it as ‘purported’ notice of appeal.

    Njoku’s lawyer asked the court to discountenance Ikpeazu’s submission because he did not secure leave of court.

    To buttress his point, Ajara availed the Court a copy of the letter from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the FCT Court Apo (Appeal Section) which denied ‘not receiving any application for compilation and transmission of Record of Proceedings in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/4068/2023’ to support his assertion. 

    Ajara explained that

    from the point of law, “if such application is submitted, due process demands that it is after 45days, without compliance, that Oye can approach the Appeal Court for any relief whatsoever.”

    Ajara told the Court that the Notice of Appeal was designed to derail and stampede the Court. 

    He reminded the Court that C.I. Mbaeri that represented Oye agreed with the Court’s decision of May 10, 2023 that parties, their assigns or privies should not hold meetings, Congresses or Convention of any sort pending the hearing of the substantive matter. 

    Citing extant notable authorities to buttress his point, he prayed the Court to continue with the business of the day, so that afterwards, the Ikpeazu will have ample materials to proceed on Appeal. 

    However, after taking submissions, the Judge reserved ruling on the issue of jurisdiction for June 2, 2023.