Politics

Emergency rule: Dagogo’s legal team protests transfer of case to Abuja

Published

11 months ago

May 28, 2025

The legal team representing former federal lawmaker from Rivers State, Farah Dagogo, has formally opposed the relocation of his suit challenging the Federal Government’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

Ekwutosblog recalls that last week, the suit which was filed at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, was transferred to the Abuja Division.

The transfer followed a directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Aside the suit by Dagogo challenging the emergency rule, every case challenging the state of emergency was also transferred to Abuja.

However, the legal team of the former lawmaker, in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge and copied to the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, disapproved the transfer, stating that it is a violation of judicial independence and due process.

Dagogo’s lead counsel, Chief Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, argued that the Attorney-General lacked the statutory authority to request the transfer of a case from one judicial division to another, as he is a party to the suit, representing the President.

“Your Lordship, allowing a party to dictate the forum of adjudication sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public confidence in the justice system.

“The current development amounts to forum shopping and constitutes an abuse of court process,” the letter further stated.

Enweluzo restated that the effects of the State of Emergency and the actions of the Administrator are being felt in Rivers State, and therefore the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court is the appropriate forum for hearing the matter.

The legal team advised the Chief Judge to reconsider the decision and uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing threats to national assets.

The President further suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

Dagogo, in response, initiated a suit on April 9, 2025, challenging the constitutionality of the President’s actions.

The case which was formerly presided over by Justice Turaki Mohammed, had been adjourned to May 26, 2025, for further proceedings.

However, before the scheduled date, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court approved a request by the Attorney-General of the Federation to transfer the case to Abuja.

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Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

4 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

5 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

5 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.