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Rivers APC raises concern over misinterpretation of Appeal Court judgment

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The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, has expressed concern over what it described as misleading interpretation of a recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.

The case, in Appeal No. CA/PH/371/2024, involves H.E. Abdullahi Ganduje and others as appellants against Peter Ohochukwu and others.

The Beke-led APC contended that prevailing interpretations of the judgment do not accurately reflect the actual decision of the appellate court.

On Friday, May 2, the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal ruled on an appeal filed by the APC National Executive Committee challenging a High Court injunction that restrained the party from conducting congresses in Rivers State.

The appellate court held that matters relating to the internal affairs and leadership of a political party are non-justiciable, thereby nullifying the earlier High Court order and striking out the suit filed by Peter Ohochukwu on behalf of the Emeka Beke-led, previously dissolved, state working committee.

In a joint statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke and the Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, the Rivers APC acknowledged the judgment but insisted it does not alter the current situation.

The statement reads in part, “The matter was an interlocutory appeal challenging the interim orders of injunction made against Appellants therein by the High Court of Rivers State.

“The judgement did not disturb the validity of the tenure of office of the duly elected Executive Committee of the Party as led by Chief Beke which has been duly recognized and affirmed by the High Court of Rivers State.”

The party recalled that on August 12, 2024, the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice S.H. Aprioku in Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023, affirmed and validated the tenure of the Beke-led Executive Committee as the legitimate leadership of the APC in Rivers State until October 21, 2025.

This decision, the statement noted, remained in effect as it has not been overturned or set aside by any superior court.

“It is therefore a ridiculous misadventure for any other person or group outside the Emeka Beke led Exco to claim to be Leader of the Rivers State Chapter of the APC,” the statement added.

The party also referenced “Suit No: PHC/3859/CS/2024 (Okwu Joebrown Ndike & Ors. vs. All Progressives Congress & Anor), in which claimants, having paid for nomination forms for elective congresses, were denied access to the forms and sought a court order to stop the APC from conducting congresses without providing them.

“Again, you will recall that in SUIT NO: PHC/3859/CS/2024 BETWEEN: OKWU JOEBROWN NDIKE & ORS. VS. ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS & ANOR, one Okwu Joebrown Ndike and 2 others who bought Nomination Forms for All Progressives Congress’ Ward, Local Government and State Executive Committees elective congresses. The Claimants after paying for the Nomination Forms were not given the said Forms.

“They thereafter approached the Rivers State High Court to restrain APC from conducting the said elective congresses without issuing them with the Nomination Forms.

“On November 21, 2024, the High Court granted an ex parte order maintaining the status quo and allowed substituted service of court processes to the APC National Secretariat.

“The suit and orders were served on November 22, 2024, as directed.

“Despite being served, the faction led by Tony Okocha proceeded to conduct the ward and state congresses on November 23 and 30, 2024, in defiance of the court’s directive.”

Subsequently, the claimants filed two motions seeking to nullify the congresses for being held in violation of court orders.

On December 20, 2024, the High Court ruled in favour of the claimants, nullifying the congresses and awarding N10 million in damages against the defendants for disobedience.

The court also adjourned the substantive suit sine die (indefinitely), pending the outcome of an appeal filed against the ex parte order.

While the Court of Appeal, in its May 2, 2025 judgment, ruled that the matter pertains to internal party affairs and is therefore non-justiciable, the Beke-led APC cautioned individuals claiming leadership outside the duly elected Executive Committee to desist as there is an existing judgement ratifying their leadership.

They urged all members of the APC in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast, reaffirming the party’s commitment to democracy and good governance.

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Ekiti lawmaker, Bamisile denies complicity in death of lady at Sutera Hotel

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A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Bamisile, has denied the social media report linking him and the management of Sutera Hotel, Ado Ekiti, to a case of complicity in the regrettable death of a lady at the facility on Tuesday.

The former Speaker stated unequivocally that medical experts have started an autopsy on the said lady and only this could accurately reveal the source of her demise, urging the public not to pander to concocted stories and conjectures on social media.

On this said day, a lady and staff of Sutera Hotel was said to have slumped and died in a mysterious fashion, which made some rumour peddlers insinuate that the management was complicit.

In a rebuttal released by his Media Office in Abuja, on Thursday, Bamisile said linking him or the management to such a painful and excruciating demise of the lady struggling to make a headway in life was not only callous but wicked.

“The Media Office of the Rt. Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti State Federal Constituency 2, is compelled to address the unfounded and malicious allegations circulating regarding the unfortunate incident at Sutera Hotel and the character of my principal.

“These claims, propagated by an anonymous source, are not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated public servant and a reputable business establishment.

“We categorically reject these accusations and urge the public to disregard them as baseless and irresponsible.

“The tragic passing of a staff member at Sutera Hotel on Tuesday morning is a deeply regrettable incident that has left the management, staff, and Rt. Hon. Bamisile heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, and we are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation by the Ekiti State Police Command to determine the cause of this unfortunate event.

“The hotel management promptly notified the authorities, and we are cooperating fully with the police, who have confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death. We trust that this process will be thorough, transparent, and devoid of speculation.

“The claim that this is the ‘third case of death’ at Sutera Hotel is entirely false and unsupported by any verifiable evidence. Sutera Hotel has maintained a strong record of safety and compliance with industry standards, and no such pattern of incidents exists.

“The suggestion that the hotel’s safety standards are inadequate is a gross misrepresentation. Sutera Hotel adheres strictly to all regulatory requirements, including regular safety audits, staff training, and the provision of emergency response equipment.

“The facility is equipped with first aid kits, trained personnel, and clear emergency protocols, all of which were activated in an attempt to save the life of the deceased.

“Despite these efforts, the hospital pronounced her deceased, a tragedy we deeply mourned.

“The anonymous writer’s insinuation that the deceased was under the influence of drugs is a reckless and unverified claim that disrespects the memory of the young lady and causes undue pain to her family. Until the autopsy results are released, such allegations are nothing more than malicious speculation.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed rumors and to respect the dignity of the deceased and her loved ones during this difficult time.

“Most egregious are the baseless accusations leveled against Rt. Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile, alleging involvement in drug peddling. These claims are not only false but also a calculated attempt to defame a man who has dedicated his life to serving the people of Ekiti State. Rt. Hon. Bamisile is a respected legislator with an unblemished record of integrity and commitment to public service. His contributions to the development of Ekiti State, including job creation through businesses like Sutera Hotel, are well-documented and widely acknowledged.

“To suggest that he is involved in illicit activities is an affront to his character and a desperate ploy by detractors to undermine his political standing.

“We also reject the notion that Rt. Hon. Bamisile’s political influence is being used to shield the hotel from accountability.

“Sutera Hotel operates under the full scrutiny of relevant regulatory bodies, including the Ekiti State Ministry of Tourism, and has consistently met all operational standards. The hotel welcomes any inspection by the appropriate authorities to reaffirm its compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

“Rt. Hon. Bamisile has always advocated for transparency and accountability, both in his legislative duties and in his business endeavors.

“We call on the people of Ekiti State and the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations, which appear to be the work of faceless individuals with ulterior motives. The anonymity of the accuser speaks volumes about the lack of credibility behind these claims. Rt. Hon. Bamisile and the management of Sutera Hotel remain committed to truth, justice, and the welfare of all stakeholders. We will not be distracted by smear campaigns designed to sow discord and division.

“In this moment of grief, we reiterate our commitment to supporting the family of the deceased and ensuring that the investigation into her passing is conducted with the utmost diligence. We also assure the public that Sutera Hotel will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Rt. Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile remains steadfast in his service to Ekiti State, undeterred by these baseless attacks.

“We urge the media and the public to await the official findings of the police investigation and to refrain from spreading unverified information.

“Together, let us honor the memory of the departed by seeking truth and justice, not sensationalism,” he said.

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FCT Minister suspends FCDA Executive Secretary, Shehu Hadi Ahmad

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has suspended the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister, in a statement on Thursday, said the suspension of Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad is with immediate effect.

According to the statement, he has been directed to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services, FCDA, even as no reason was given for his suspension.

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Ex-Anambra Governor Obiano, Wife Transferred U.S. Properties To Texas Firm After 2022 Arrest For Alleged ₦4Billion Embezzlement –Report

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Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has indicted Obiano for allegedly misusing security funds, though he has denied all charges. The case remains ongoing, with accusations of embezzlement and money laundering still under investigation.

Former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and his wife, Ebelechukwu, began transferring ownership of several U.S. properties in 2022, just months after his arrest on allegations of misappropriating public funds, according to a report by OCCRP.

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has indicted Obiano for allegedly misusing security funds, though he has denied all charges. The case remains ongoing, with accusations of embezzlement and money laundering still under investigation.

Obiano, who governed Anambra from 2014 to 2022, was arrested at Lagos airport while preparing to board a flight to Houston. Shortly after, he and his wife transferred ownership of six apartments in Texas, as revealed by property records examined by OCCRP, the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), and the Houston Chronicle.

Despite these transfers, records indicate the couple still retains ownership of four other U.S. properties. There is no evidence suggesting that the funds used to purchase these assets were misappropriated.

Of the six transferred apartments—valued at approximately $1.8 million—four were acquired before Obiano assumed office while working as a banker. The remaining two were purchased during his tenure as governor.

The first two transfers occurred in 2022, the year of Obiano’s arrest, with one Houston apartment sold by him and another by his wife.

When contacted by OCCRP, Ebelechukwu characterized the transactions as “private business” and declined to comment further on the properties or the case against her husband.

In 2024, the year Willie Obiano was charged with embezzlement and laundering 4 billion naira (approximately $4.4 million at the time) in state funds, he and his wife transferred ownership of four properties to a Texas-based company, Wilveg Investments Series LLC, according to property records.

Corporate amendment documents reveal that in November 2023, Ebelechukwu Obiano became the registered agent for Wilveg Investments Series LLC. Records indicate that the company was established in 2010, with its management comprising Obiano, his wife, his daughter, and one other individual.

Reporters attempted to reach Obiano through phone numbers linked to his lawyer and a spokesperson but received no response to inquiries.

The former governor faces a nine-count indictment filed by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of misappropriating funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account. Obiano has denied the allegations, and the case remains ongoing.

According to a joint 2018 report by Transparency International and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, funds in the Security Vote Account “are provided to certain federal, state and local government officials to disburse at their discretion.”

According to the report, while the funds “are reserved for covering unforeseen security needs,” the Security Vote Account “fuels corruption in Nigeria.”

The report highlights that security vote expenditures are exempt from legislative oversight and independent audits due to their classified nature, making them susceptible to mismanagement and embezzlement.

Obiano has denied the allegations against him, but his trial has been delayed due to the suspension of the presiding judge by Nigeria’s National Judicial Council over unrelated misconduct.

Property records indicate that Obiano and his wife, Ebelechukwu, still jointly own an apartment in Texas, acquired in 2011.

Additionally, Ebelechukwu owns two more apartments in the state, purchased in 2011 and 2024. In 2014, she bought another property, which she transferred to her daughter the following year.

 

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