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Breaking: Appeal Court Orders Retrial of Labour Party Candidate’s Case Dismissed at Tribunal.
Appeal Court Orders Retrial of Labour Party Candidate’s Case Dismissed at Tribunal.
By Anthony Beauty.
In a recent legal development, the Appeal Court has issued a decision calling for a retrial of the case involving Ken Pela, the Labour Party Candidate, whose initial case was dismissed at the Tribunal. The court’s declaration stands as a clear and unequivocal directive to reexamine the matter.
The central point of contention revolved around Ken Pela’s candidacy and the election results. The Labour Party candidate had previously taken his case to the Tribunal, seeking a favorable outcome. However, the Tribunal’s initial decision had dismissed the case, prompting further legal action.
The Appeal Court’s ruling is significant as it signals a fresh opportunity for Ken Pela’s case to be thoroughly reevaluated. The court’s statement also underscores the unambiguous nature of their directive, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the evidence and legal arguments.
Crucially, it’s important to note that the Appeal Court’s ruling does not declare Ken Pela as the winner of the March 2023 Guber election in Delta State. The court’s decision revolves around the necessity to reexamine the case, thereby ensuring that justice is served and that the electoral process is carried out fairly and transparently.
In response to the decision, supporters of Ken Pela and the Labour Party are expected to view the Appeal Court’s move as a positive step towards seeking a just resolution. On the other hand, it is cautioned that individuals with mischievous intentions might attempt to spread misinformation or false claims. It is advised that such assertions be disregarded, as they are aimed at misleading the public and creating confusion.
The decision of the Appeal Court carries weight not only for the involved parties but also for the broader public, as it underscores the importance of due process and the judiciary’s role in upholding the integrity of elections. As the case progresses through the legal system, both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see how the retrial unfolds and what impact it might have on the political landscape of Delta State.
By Divine Perezide
The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a key organiser behind the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest, has unveiled plans to hold a nationwide demonstration on April 7, 2025. The protest aims to challenge what the group describes as the imposition of an “emergency rule” in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent and silence critical voices online.
In a statement shared with PUNCH, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the primary demand is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which, according to him, is being used to target activists, journalists, and social media influencers.
“We’re seeing a trend where freedom of speech is under siege. The Cybercrime Act has become a tool to harass those who question authority – from journalists to online commentators like SeaKing,” Sanyaolu stated.
The TIB also condemned what it refers to as the “militarisation” of Rivers State, claiming that the current governance structure resembles a de facto military regime. The movement is calling for the immediate restoration of all suspended state institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive branch.
“We want an end to policies that have worsened the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The economic hardship is real, and people are suffering,” Sanyaolu added.
The protest, tagged “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” will begin at the National Assembly in Abuja, with additional protest locations to be announced.
Over the past year, several journalists have reportedly faced intimidation and arrests, including Segun Olatunji, former editor at First News; Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist.
The suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State has sparked widespread backlash and calls for restraint from various civic groups and political stakeholders.
As inflation continues to rise and the cost of living soars, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the economic challenges gripping the country, adding fuel to the growing dissent against the federal government’s policies.
Source: SaharaReporters
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Bayelsa State Government has secured a court injunction to stop a proposed mega rally in support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was set to take place in Yenagoa on April 12.
Justice I.A. Uzakah of the Bayelsa State High Court issued the interim order following an ex-parte motion filed by the state’s Attorney General, Biriyai Dambo (SAN).
The court barred Wike’s supporters and associates from organizing or participating in any political event in Bayelsa, including rallies, meetings, or public gatherings intended to show solidarity or host the minister, until a decision is reached on the main motion for an interlocutory injunction.
The case has been rescheduled for hearing on April 11, 2025.
Breaking
Ijaws Secure 27, Itsekiris 21, Urhobos 9 Wards in the 3 Warri LGAs After INEC’s Fresh Ward Delineation
By Divine Perezide
Warri, Nigeria – In a significant political development, the Ijaw ethnic group has emerged with a dominant presence in two out of the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Warri, following the conclusion of a fresh ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The new delineation, which aimed to correct longstanding concerns over equitable representation, has redrawn the political map of the Warri federal constituency, leading to a shift in ward distribution across the three LGAs.
In Warri North LGA, which now comprises a total of 18 wards, the Ijaw communities holds 10 wards, while the Itsekiri communities controls 8.
Warri South-West LGA witnessed the most significant shift, with the Ijaws securing 14 out of 19 wards, leaving the Itsekiri with 5 wards.
However, in Warri South LGA, the Ijaw communities holds only 3 of the 20 wards. The Itsekiri control 8, while the Urhobo people lead with 9 wards.
The fresh delineation has been met with celebration in Ijaw and Urhobo communities, who view the exercise as a long-overdue correction of historical marginalization. Supporters have hailed the outcome as a “great injustice corrected” and expressed gratitude to those who championed the cause.
“This marks a new dawn for political representation in Warri,” a community leader said. “For years, our numbers were not reflected in the political structure. Today, justice has finally spoken.”
It will be recalled that the Ijaws of Warri, ledby George Timinimi secured a Supreme Court judgement to redealiniate the Warri Federal Constituency before the 2023 General Elections.
However, the process which started after the elections has now been concluded, report says.
INEC officials have yet to release a detailed statement on the process that informed the delineation, but the outcome is already generating conversations about power dynamics and future elections in Delta State.
Observers anticipate that the shift will significantly influence local politics, resource allocation, and governance in the Warri area.
As the dust settles, stakeholders across ethnic and political lines are expected to begin strategizing around the new electoral realities brought on by the updated ward map.