Achonu, through his lawyer, Okwudili Anozie, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/755/2024 beforeJustice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja. In the writ of summons dated May 29 and filed May 31, the politician sued British Airways as the sole defendant, wherein he sought five claims.
Achonu demanded a refund of the fare paid for the ticket purchased by him from the defendant for the Lagos-Houston return journey amounting to the sum of £16,505.00 (sixteen thousand five hundred and five pounds sterling).
He also prayed the court to order the airline to pay the sum of ₦200 million as general damages. He equally sought a 20% interest per annum on his claim number one above, from December 21, 2022, when the defendant cancelled his booking until judgment was delivered in the suit.
Achonu further sought a 10% interest per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is fully liquidated. He, therefore, sought compensation for the cost of the suit. In his statement of claim, Achonu, who described himself as a businessman, said he is a premium traveller with British Airways “and is a gold member of the defendant’s executive club.”
He said he purchased the airline’s first-class ticket for his trip to Houston through London for £16,505.00 (sixteen thousand, five hundred and five pounds sterling) for his return trip from Lagos-Houston.
“The ticket with booking reference number M7NORM outlined that the defendant’s flight would take off on 15 December 2022 from Lagos, arrive in London on 16 December 2022, take off from London on 21 December 2022 and arrive in Houston same day.
“For the return journey, the Houston – London trip was scheduled for 11 January 2023 and the London — Lagos trip was fixed for 11 January 2023.
“The plaintiff pleads and shall rely on a copy of his ticket.
“The plaintiff travelled from Lagos to London on the 15 December 2022 without any encumbrance.
“However, on reaching London, the plaintiff had a business engagement that necessitated extending his stay in London.
“Prior to the plaintiff’s departure date from London, he informed the defendant’s office of his intention to change his travelling date to Houston from 21/12/2022 to 22/12/2022 for which he was charged $563 (five hundred and sixty-three United States dollars).
“The plaintiff informed the defendant’s staff that he has an outstanding voucher with over $4000 that should be used to settle the sum but this request was refused by the defendant whose staff insisted that the defendant’s E-Voucher was unacceptable for the service and that the plaintiff has to make a fresh payment to effect the date change.”
According to him, the defendant’s staff vehemently refused for the $563 to be deducted from the plaintiff’s E-voucher number: 125-421 4295529 issued to him by the defendant. He said he decided to use the debit card attached to his company’s bank account since the airline refused the request that payment should be deducted from the E-voucher.
“But the same was refused by the defendant’s staff who insisted the plaintiff must use a bank card bearing his own name.
“The defendant’s staff had further informed the plaintiff that his ticket would be cancelled for failure to pay the $563 date change fee with his personal bank card and therefore the unused London-Houston journey, as well as the Houston-Lagos return journey stands forfeited.
“As a result of the defendant’s action, the plaintiff had to source funds to purchase an entirely new ticket with which he made his trip from London to Houston and back to Nigeria.
“The plaintiff, who is a first-class traveller and a gold member of the defendant’s executive club deserved a better treatment than what was meted out to him by the defendant,” Achonu said.
The businessman insisted that British Airways’ refusal to use the funds in the E-voucher it had issued to him or apply his company’s debit card to defray the cost of the date change did not align with the airline’s contract with him.
According to him, the defendant’s inordinate actions have foisted undue stress and financial loss on the plaintiff.
“The plaintiff is left with no other choice but to seek redress from this honourable court,” he added.
Upon resumed hearing in the suit, Gregory Ukpong, who appeared for Achonu, told the court that though the matter was fixed for mention, he had a little mix-up about service.
“In the circumstance, we will be asking for a further date,” Ukpong stated.
“You filed this matter on 25 May 2024. Today is 29 October 2024 and you are coming to talk about service,” Justice Ekwo asked him rhetorically.
The lawyer responded that they mobilised the bailiff for service but they just realised that there was a mix-up.
“You may not be as lucky as you are today next time as I might have to penalise you,” the judge said and adjourned the matter until February 19, 2025, for further mention.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
15- DEC- 2025
Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has paid a deeply emotional and reflective birthday tribute to his wife, expressing profound gratitude, love, and appreciation for her unwavering companionship and strength throughout their shared journey in life.
In the message released to mark her birthday, the Governor described his wife as a steadfast partner whose presence has brought him joy, balance, and reassurance. He conveyed how privileged he feels to walk the path of life with her by his side, portraying her as dependable, faithful, and strong in moments of certainty and uncertainty alike.
Drawing from literary wisdom, Governor Uzodimma likened his wife to a guiding light in turbulent times, noting that her love has been a source of direction and comfort. He referenced the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to illustrate a love that nurtures rather than controls, explaining that through their union, he has come to understand how genuine love cultivates patience, courage, and enduring hope.
The Governor further reflected on their shared accomplishments, emphasizing that their relationship has gone beyond planning and aspirations to the building of a purposeful and meaningful life together. He described each achievement as a joint success and every milestone as evidence of unity, shared resolve, and mutual commitment. In alignment with Aristotle’s philosophy of love as a single soul dwelling in two bodies, he affirmed that their past experiences and future aspirations remain inseparably connected, with greater accomplishments still ahead.
Offering prayers for his wife, Governor Uzodimma called on God to continually guide her steps, bless all her endeavors, and grant her long life, sound health, and abiding peace. He reassured her of the deep and enduring love she shares with him and their children, a bond he described as far beyond what words can fully capture.
The Governor concluded the tribute by warmly wishing his wife a joyful birthday, celebrating her not only as a life partner but as a pillar of strength, love, and inspiration within their family.
It was a night of deserving honour to the Zigima that has shone for decades.
A night of entertainment, joy, excitement and laughter.
Thank you Governor Alex Otti for your intentional dedication to creating a new atmosphere of unity, peace and security, backed by visible transformation in all facets of governance.
Thank you for ensuring that Abia didn’t just rise from the ashes, but that it commenced a progressive journey to greatness in all spheres.
Thank you for choosing to inspire the younger generation by celebrating excellence and great accomplishments.
Happy birthday Bright Chimezie (Zigima)
Ferdinand Ekeoma
December 14, 2025.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
