By Favour Bibaikefie

In a significant development from Port Harcourt, the Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to unseat 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were accused of switching party allegiance.

The suit, filed by the Labour Party, called for the removal of the lawmakers from office over their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Presiding over the matter, Justice Emmanuel A. Obile issued the ruling on Tuesday, effectively ending the legal challenge.

The decision was confirmed by Martins Nwachukwu, a media aide to Speaker Martins Amaewhule—one of the lawmakers at the center of the controversy—through a social media announcement.

During court proceedings, lawyers representing the lawmakers urged the court to strike out the case, referencing a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. They presented a Certified True Copy of the apex court’s judgment, which they argued validated Amaewhule’s leadership of the Assembly. The defense also pointed out that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had already withdrawn similar allegations in a related case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, Clifford Chukwu, counsel for the Labour Party, maintained that the matter of defection was still a valid legal concern. He described it as a “collateral matter” and insisted the court should proceed, citing evidence already submitted in the case.

As of now, this remains a developing story, with political observers closely watching the implications for the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State.

By Divine Perezide

The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as the institution’s new Registrar, along with two other individuals filling vital administrative roles.

The appointments were made during the university’s 21st Governing Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, in Warri, Delta State.

Joining Dr. Bebenimibo in these new leadership positions are Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril, who has been named University Librarian, and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin, who takes up the role of Bursar.

Before this appointment, Dr. Bebenimibo was the Head of the Department of Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka. He is widely respected as a seasoned academic and administrator, bringing a wealth of experience in managing higher education institutions.

He also previously served as the Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). His reputation for integrity, commitment, and academic excellence played a pivotal role in his selection.

The process leading to the appointments was described as competitive and transparent, overseen by an eight-member interview panel established by the university.

In an official statement, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Abdullahi Bardi, emphasized that the selections were carried out in line with the university’s statutory guidelines.

Bardi noted his optimism about the future of the university under the leadership of the new appointees, stating: “Their wealth of experience and professionalism would significantly bolster the continued growth and development of the Nigeria Maritime University.”

The appointments mark a significant step in the university’s efforts to strengthen its administrative leadership and academic direction.

By: Favour Bibaikefie

In a major judicial development that has stirred political discussions nationwide, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has handed a decisive victory to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ruling against the controversial appointment of a Sole Administrator to the Government House.

The court, in its ruling delivered Tuesday morning, instructed that the Tinubu-appointed Sole Administrator vacate the Government House within 48 hours. This decision reaffirms Governor Fubara’s legal standing as the constitutionally elected leader of Rivers State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This verdict comes amid a prolonged political rift between Governor Fubara and his former ally, Nyesom Wike—former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tensions between the two escalated following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint a Sole Administrator for the state—an act widely criticized by legal experts and political analysts as unconstitutional.

Presiding Judge, Justice Boma Diepriye, ruled that imposing a Sole Administrator in a state where a democratically elected governor is actively in office is “illegal, null, and void.” He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution offers no provision for such an arrangement unless the sitting governor has been lawfully removed from office or rendered incapable of governing.

Reacting to the judgment, Governor Sim Fubara expressed gratitude to the judiciary and reaffirmed his dedication to the people of Rivers State. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters outside the court, he declared: “The will of the people has once again triumphed over political manipulation and executive overreach. I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State without fear or favor.”

Despite the ruling, legal counsel representing the federal government is expected to appeal the decision, indicating that the political clash may continue in the courtroom.

Observers say the outcome deals a major setback to Nyesom Wike’s influence in Rivers State politics, with many seeing the court’s verdict as a warning against undue federal interference in state governance.

The ruling not only strengthens Fubara’s position but also sets a constitutional precedent in defending the autonomy of state governments within Nigeria’s federal structure.

As the deadline looms for the departure of the embattled Sole Administrator, political watchers are keenly observing how this decision might alter the balance of power both within Rivers State and at the national level.