News
Falana Writes Police, Sues For Peace During Rivers LG Elections
Falana Writes Police, Sues For Peace During Rivers LG Elections
By Tobouke JEMINE
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has written to the police authorities over the local government election scheduled to be take place in Rivers State on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The Rivers State Government and the police command in the state have been at loggerheads with the latter saying it would not provide security for the electoral exercise , giving the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
But Femi Falana in a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun said an order has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice Peter Lifu.
Fubara and his team storm RSIEC early Friday, where he allegedly stopped police from ‘carting away’ election materials.
The governor argued that the statement by the Rivers State Police Command is that the police will not maintain law and order during the election.
“We have the instructions of our client to inform you that an appeal has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice P.O. Lifu. Following the filing of the appeal, a motion for stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed by our client,” Falana said.
“Having been served with the copies of the Notice and Motion for Stay of execution, we request you toted to direct the Rivers State Police Command to maintain and law order during the election.”
See the full letter below:
October 4, 2024
The Inspector-General of Police,
Police Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House,
Abuja.
RE:SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 – ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 5 ORS.
We are Solicitors to the 2nd Defendant (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) on whose behalf and instructions we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.
Our client has drawn our attention to the statement credited to the Rivers State Police Command to the effect that it would comply fully with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which barred it from participating in the October 5, local government election in the State. The implication of the statement is that the police will not maintain law and order during the election.
We have the instructions of our client to inform youthat an appeal have been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024 by the Honourable Justice P.O. Lifu . Following the filing of the appeal, a motion for stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed by our client.
Having been served with the copies of the Notice and Motion for Stay of execution, we request you toted to direct the Rivers State Police Command to maintain and law order during the election for the following reasons:
1.Since a notice of appeal has been filed together with a motion for stay of execution, parties are not permitted to take steps that may frustrate the hearing of the motion for stay of execution. By maintaining law and order during the election the police cannot be accused of contempt of court. In the case of Mobil Oil Nig. Limited v Assan(1995) 8 NWLR (PT 412) 129 at 150 the Supreme Court held inter alia:
“Chief FRA Williams, SAN referred the court to the cases of Huang & Ors. v. Bello & Ors. supra and Rastico Nigeria Ltd. v. Societe GeneraleSurveillance SA supra. These are Court of Appeal decisions and were in my view rightly decided. What the court below was saying in both cases was that where a person is appealing against a matter in which he had suffered a defeat and asked for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal, he would not be liable in contempt merely because he had not obeyed the order which he is appealing against or which he wants stayed pending the appeal.
Trial and appellate courts have always had jurisdiction to grant stay of execution of judgment pending appeal. The exercise of the right to apply for a stay of execution by an unsuccessful litigant pending his appeal has not been treated as a disobedience to the judgment he is appealing against.”
2.In Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 – Action Peoples Party v. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission & 2 Ors., the Rivers State High Court has directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the local government election in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024 – Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors. (2024) LPELR -62576 (SC).
3.The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. SiminalayiFubara has directed the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to maintain law and order during the election in exercise of his powers under Section 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). In the case of Attorney-General of Anambra State v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors. (2005) 9 NWLR (PT 931) 572 at 616 the Supreme Court held:
“The Constitution in Section 215 subsection(1) clearly gives the Governor of AnambraState the power to issue lawful direction to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, in connection with securing public safety and order in the State.”
4.A few persons have openly boasted and threatened to destroy electoral materials, cause mayhem and unleash violence on the law abiding people of Rivers State who may wish to exercise their democratic rights during the local government election.
In view of the foregoing, we hereby urge you to direct the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in any part of Rivers State during the local government election scheduled to hold throughout the State on October 5, 2024.
While awaiting your reply to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and professional .
By Divine Perezide
The tranquil town of Oporoza in Delta State came alive with vibrant celebrations as the Amaseikumor Festival commenced, transforming the peaceful community into a lively cultural destination. Known for its ancestral significance, the festival drew visitors from across the globe, eager to witness the colorful traditions of the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Amaseikumor, meaning “no evil should befall the community” in the Gbaramatu Ijaw dialect, is a time-honored celebration dedicated to paying tribute to forebears and divinities, expressing gratitude for harvests, and showcasing the rich customs of the Gbaramatu people. This year’s edition kicked off with remarkable energy, drawing attention from cultural lovers, foreign tourists, and dignitaries from various parts of the world.
The annual event has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Delta State, significantly boosting tourism and driving local commerce. As festivities began, community members welcomed the large influx of visitors with open arms.
“We are extremely elated to have people from different parts of the world gather here to celebrate our culture and tradition. This festival is a demonstration to the unity and diversity of our people,” residents expressed proudly.
The festival features a wide range of traditional activities, including dance performances, exhibitions of indigenous art, and cultural presentations. A standout moment is the grand parade of the elegant Amaseikumor Masquerade, touted as the king of all Masquerade, where participants don bright, colorful garments and perform traditional dances and rituals that reflect the spiritual and cultural essence of the Gbaramatu people.
Many day 1 attendees were visibly moved by the experience. “I have never witnessed anything like this before, it’s truly a sight to behold,” said a tourist from the United States, visiting the festival for the first time in 2024.
Beyond its cultural impact, the Amaseikumor Festival has also given a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists has led to increased demand for accommodations, traditional cuisine, and locally made crafts. Vendors and small business owners are experiencing a surge in sales, hoping the positive economic ripple continues even after the festival ends.
As the celebrations go on, the people of Gbaramatu are filled with pride, seeing the world engage with their rich traditions. The Amaseikumor Festival continues to stand as a powerful symbol of cultural preservation, community unity, and the beauty of diversity.
News
Tantita Security Commissions Modern Police Station, Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Community Development
By Favour Bibaikefie
Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to both national security and grassroots development. He made this assertion over the weekend during the official commissioning of a newly constructed and fully equipped police station for the Nigerian Police Force at the Ugborikoko Divisional Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
While addressing the attendees, Chief Engr. Pondi remarked:
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. We are beyond proud to commission the new Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station—a symbol of our unwavering commitment to security, peace, and community development.
“This station is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. For us, it’s about creating safe spaces where citizens and officers alike can thrive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live in security and peace.”
He went on to emphasize that the company’s objective extends well beyond securing oil and gas pipelines, stating:
“Since 2022, our mission has always gone beyond security—it’s about contributing to national prosperity and local empowerment. As we hand over this new facility, we’re reminded that true progress isn’t just in improving infrastructure, but in uplifting the very people who protect it. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on operational efficiency, this police station is built to serve you—our community.”
Concluding his remarks, he offered a message of dedication to the local residents:
“To the people of Warri, Effurun, and Ugborikoko, this station is for you. Together, we’ll continue working towards a brighter, safer future where security is not just a priority, but a reality for all,” the statement added.
The event marks another significant step by Tantita in supporting law enforcement and fostering a secure environment in the Niger Delta region.
By Divine Perezide
The ongoing political tension surrounding the state of emergency declared in Rivers State has escalated, as 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have assembled a formidable legal team to contest the decision at the Supreme Court.
According to an April 14 report by NijaNews, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is currently drafting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official response to the lawsuit. The suit stems from the March 18, 2025, emergency proclamation that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—who also serves as Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum—alongside his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
President Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as a sole administrator to oversee the state during the six-month emergency period. The National Assembly backed the President’s move through a voice vote.
In response, PDP governors from 11 states—Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—filed a legal challenge at the Supreme Court. Their suit, identified as SC/CV/329/2025, questions the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the President’s authority to suspend a sitting governor and deputy, replacing them with an unelected administrator.
To press their case, the governors have enlisted a high-profile legal team featuring seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. They are joined by six other experienced attorneys.
The core of the legal challenge revolves around the interpretation of Nigeria’s Constitution, particularly concerning the limits of presidential power and the principles of federalism. The governors are asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether the President can suspend elected officials under the guise of emergency rule and whether such actions undermine constitutional democracy.
A source within the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the AGF’s office is fully engaged. “As we speak, my colleagues are in the office working on the processes,” the source disclosed.
In a related development, the House of Representatives is forming an ad-hoc committee to take over legislative responsibilities in Rivers State. This move is part of an effort to ensure continuity of governance under the emergency rule.
According to House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly subjected the President’s emergency declaration to “rigorous legislative consideration,” resulting in amendments aimed at enhancing democratic checks. He explained that one of the key changes “was to designate the National Assembly, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.”
The ad-hoc committee will be chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Whip serving as deputy. Other committee members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi will lead the committee’s secretariat.
Rotimi emphasized the House’s commitment to constitutional integrity. “This development highlights the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring that the extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Supreme Court is yet to announce a date for the hearing of the high-stakes case.