Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria has emphasised the need to accelerate the integration of the West African capital markets in order to unlock immense capital needed to develop the region.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama said West Africa faces urgent developmental challenges ranging from infrastructure deficits and climate adaptation to digital transformation and job creation.

According to him, West African countries need to accelerate the integration of their capital markets as a platform to mobilise the scale of investment needed to drive the region’s development.

Agama spoke yesterday in Abuja at the Experts Meeting on Validation of the WASRA Charter and Recognition of WASRA as the Regulatory Body for Cross-Border Securities Market in ECOWAS.

He said the initiative represented ‘a watershed moment’ in the region’s financial history, warning that each year of delay in integration represents a lost opportunity to mobilise resources for critical projects that can transform the region’s economies.

‘To meet these challenges, we require capital at scale, and the truth is simple: no single national market can provide it alone. An integrated regional capital market is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,’ Agama, who also chairs WASRA, said.

He pointed to Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap of over $100 billion, stressing that West Africa alone requires tens of billions of dollars to modernise transport corridors, upgrade energy systems, and build resilient digital infrastructure.

‘Without integrated markets that pool liquidity and broaden investor participation, our governments and private sector will remain constrained, relying on limited fiscal space and expensive borrowing,’ Agama said.

Drawing lessons from global models, he noted that the European Union and ASEAN achieved significant economic transformation by harmonising rules, fostering investor confidence, and facilitating seamless cross-border funding.

He said: ‘The creation of a single market enabled European firms to access funding seamlessly across borders, boosting innovation and competitiveness. Closer to home, ASEAN coordinated standards and deepened financial cooperation, strengthening its resilience as a regional bloc.’

He emphasised that West Africa, with its population of more than 400 million and a combined GDP of about $800 billion, has even greater potential, cautioning that ‘potential means little without decisive action,’ he cautioned.

Agama outlined how integration would bring benefits beyond infrastructure, noting that ‘In agriculture, integrated markets can mobilise capital for value-chain development, agro-processing, and food security, which are critical priorities for our region’.

He added: ‘In the digital economy, regional capital can support innovation hubs, fintech scale-ups, and broadband expansion, ensuring that West Africa fully participates in the fourth industrial revolution.’

He further stressed that cross-border pools of capital, backed by harmonised regulation, could deliver ‘transformative impact’ across multiple sectors, including youth empowerment and job creation.

Presenting the objectives of the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), Agama said the body was established with a clear mandate to anchor market integration.

‘First, to contribute to the establishment of appropriate mechanisms for the regulation of capital markets; ensuring their proper functioning and the protection of investors. This speaks directly to the heart of investor confidence, without which no market can thrive,’ he said.

He added that WASRA would foster integration through joint programmes and common projects, promote mutual assistance across the region, and set common standards for effective regulation. ‘Integration is not only about policy declarations; it is about practical collaboration and shared initiatives that deliver results for our markets and our people,’ he stressed.

Agama called on policymakers, especially finance ministers within ECOWAS, to champion the WASRA initiative, stating that ‘The political will of our leaders is the single most important factor in moving from aspiration to reality’.

‘WASRA stands ready, in partnership with ECOWAS, WACMIC, and WAMI, to provide the technical leadership required.’

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun noted that the gathering marked a significant step in the collective ‘journey toward a harmonized regulatory framework, one that reflects the shared aspirations of ECOWAS member states to deepen capital market integration, enhance cross-border investments, and promote financial stability.’

Edun, represented by Mr. Hassan Adamu Jibrin, Principal Economist Federal Ministry of Finance, pointed out that validation of the draft WASRA Charter is not merely a procedural formality, but a critical foundation for institutional coherence, regulatory cooperation, and sustainable market development across our sub-region.

On his part while speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Peter Oluonye Acting Director Private Sector noted that for capital markets integration to gain traction in ECOWAS, there need to be need concerted efforts of all stakeholders at harmonizing rules, practices and regulations, to the standards acceptable to all jurisdictions.

He said: ‘We are well aware that our member states depend much on external capital flows and direct investment to sustain and deliver on economic development programmes of our governments. The region is in dire need to develop critical economic infrastructure projects, requiring huge capital investment and facilitate gross capital formation. The capital market is a major vehicle that should support this aspiration

‘The need to drive our capital markets integration initiative to break down barriers to movement of capital within the region by ensuring a harmonized regulatory space, common market information platforms, interlinked trading systems, cross-border trade and payments settlement, harmonized accounting standards and internationally acceptable governance standards and institutions cannot be over-emphasized at this juncture in our economic integration initiatives’.

Neo-Black Movement of Africa in Lagos has expressed concern about flooding in Lekki and called for a more proactive approach to address the challenge.

The group pledged to work with the government and stakeholders in finding lasting solutions, saying residents who bear the brunt of the crisis be compensated.

The movement noted that flooding in Lekki has become a perennial issue, causing millions of naira losses in property, vehicles, and businesses, and impacting livelihoods.

President of its Lekki Chapter, Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, said: ‘Flooding in Lekki is no longer a one-off natural occurrence, it has become an annual challenge residents face. Families are forced to rebuild their lives and businesses year after year. It is important stakeholders, including government, private organisations, and groups like ours, come together to tackle this issue in a sustainable way.

‘As responsible, tax-paying citizens, residents also deserve compensation for the losses caused by government’s lack of preparation. Beyond long-term solutions, we urge the state to establish a compensation and insurance framework that acknowledges sacrifices of residents and provides them with the relief they deserve.’

The movement sympathised with residents affected by the latest floods and underscored the need for transparent flood management projects, improved infrastructure maintenance, and more public awareness on flood prevention.

Agbon-Ifo noted that while other coastal states as Rivers experience heavy rains, they do not face the same scale of flooding witnessed in Lekki, which indicates the need for more action in Lagos.

The movement commemorated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and called on leaders to renew their commitment to welfare of citizens.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we believe true leadership is when government prioritises safety, security, and wellbeing of people. Together, we can make flooding a thing of the past,’ he said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a retired Director (Administration and Finance) at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Garba Mohammed Duku to either refund N1, 592,750,000 (N1.6b) to the coffers of the Federal Government or spend the next four years in prison.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday after convicting Duku, said to have retired from the AMMC in 2014, of the offences of corruption and money laundering, on a six-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Duku, who looked well-fed, with glowing skin, was said to have committed the offences between 2012 and 2013, when he converted funds, totalling N318,550,000 transferred from AMMC into his personal account domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc.

Justice Omotosho found that Duku received N56,250,000 into the Fidelity Bank account on July 23, 2012; N71m on December 2012; N53m on December 7, 2012; N54m on December 2012; N46m on March 8, 2013 and N36,300,000 on March 21, 2013.

The judge found that, not only was the defendant unable to justify the payment of his employer’s funds into his personal account that he opened just a year earlier (2011) and became dormant immediately he retired, he also failed to provide convincing evidence for what official projects the funds were deployed for.

Justice Omotosho noted that the manner the defendant withdrew the funds hastily, in tens of millions, some of which were sent to bureau de change for conversion to United States dollars, betrayed a sinister motive.

The judge found that the defendant, in his statement to the ICPC claimed to have handed some of the funds in dollars to some of his superiors, a claim the court said, he failed to support with evidence.

Justice Omotosho also noted that some of his subordinates, called as prosecution witnesses, claimed to have been directed to issue certificates of completion for projects they did not inspect, a claim, the judge said the defendants also failed to disprove.

He faulted the defendant’s lawyer’s arguement that the funds in question were appropriated for, noting that most of the funds appropriated by public officials in the country are mostly monies duly budgeted/appropriated for projects .

Justice Omotosho found that the prosecution established all the relevant ingredients relating to the offences charged and proved itS case beyond reasonable doubt, as required under the law, with the three witnesses called.

He also found the the defendant failed to dislodge the case of the prosecution through his sole witness, which was himself.

The judge, accordingly convicted the defendant on all counts.

In his allocutus, the defendant, who said he could not fully recollect all that happened while he was in service as at when he made statements to the investigation some years later, prayed the court for mercy.

The judge proceeded to sentence Duku to four years imprisonment per count with an option of fine, which must be an equivalent of five times the amount listed in each count.

Four count one, he is to refund N355m; count two, N230m; count three, N270m; count four, N266.25m; count five, N280m and count six, N191.5m.

Singer Niniola Apata has triggered fresh speculation about a possible pregnancy after she recently appeared in a video flaunting what looked like a pronounced baby bump.

The footage quickly made waves online, prompting fans and gossip blogs to ask whether the singer is expecting.

In the video, Niniola was seen embracing what many interpreted as a mid-riff protrusion. Accompanying the visuals was a caption:

‘There is time and season for everything.’

Some took the line as a subtle nod to a new chapter in her life.

The video has fuelled widespread speculation among fans and media outlets.

Days after announcing a novel ?494 million Locker Room Bonus sponsorship for the Nigeria National League (NNL), Africa’s leading gaming and entertainment brand, BetPawa, at a colourful event in Lagos on Wednesday unveiled Afro-pop star Tekno as its new brand ambassador.

The unveiling highlights betPawa’s strategy of blending football, music and culture to connect with young Nigerians. Tekno, one of the country’s most celebrated hit-makers, now becomes the face of Africa’s ‘home of big winners,’ carrying a message that extends beyond gaming into lifestyle and inspiration.

‘Tekno represents everything betPawa stands for – energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries,’ said Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing and CSR at betPawa. ‘His music inspires millions, just as football does. This announcement comes on the heels of our ?494m investment in Nigerian football through the Locker Room Bonus. For us, it’s about rewarding performance on the pitch and creating unforgettable experiences off it.’

Tekno, known for chart-topping singles like Pana and Skeletun, welcomed the partnership: ‘I’ve always been about pushing limits, from the studio to the stage. That’s why betPawa felt like family. The odds, the pay-outs, the innovation – it’s a game-changer. And you know me, I’m here for winners only,’ he said.

Recall that the Locker Room Bonus initiative, launched in Abuja earlier this month, guarantees ?56,000 direct mobile-money payments to 20 players and three technical staff from every winning NNL team – ?1,288,000 in total per match. With 292 games scheduled, over ?369m will go directly to players and staff this season. Another ?100m will support league operations, while ?8.1m is reserved for end-of-season awards.

For the NNL, the deal is about more than cash; it represents professionalism and transparency. Club officials have already been trained on the Locker Room Bonus platform, which digitises line-up verification and automates payments, ensuring instant rewards for players.

The unveiling of Tekno signals that betPawa is embedding itself in Nigerian culture. From its 1,250% sports win bonus – the highest in Africa – to its exclusive 1M x multiplier on JetX crash games, the company is positioning itself as the ‘home of big winners.’

But the brand says its mission goes beyond business. ‘Across Africa, we’ve shown our commitment to grassroots development. Whether through Locker Room Bonuses or supporting local leagues, our focus is on empowering players and fans,’ Borah added.

Interestingly, at the Abuja launch, stakeholders urged betPawa to extend support to women’s football and basketball, areas where the company already invests in other African markets. The brand’s track record shows inclusivity, ensuring equal rewards for men’s and women’s leagues where it operates.

By investing in both sport and culture, betPawa is shaping a new model of corporate sponsorship in Nigeria – one that fuels ambition on the pitch, drives creativity in music, and empowers communities.

As Tekno prepares to release new music and the NNL gears up for its November kick-off, the synergy of football and Afro-pop promises to keep Nigeria buzzing. For betPawa, this is just the beginning of a bigger story.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku and the Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Olatunji Oshati, have appealed to the protesting youths of Ireakari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to remain calm and hopeful. They assured them that government had not neglected them.

The commissioner said Ireakari axis was mentioned at the last State Executive Council meeting under the Operation Emergency Road Construction programme, and expressed confidence that the roads in Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo communities would soon be attended to as a matter of urgency.

Ajanaku said the state and federal roads serving the communities, including Ipele-Idoani-Isua Road and Oba-Ikun-Afo Road had been brought to government’s attention.

He said remedial works and major interventions would begin as soon as the rainy season subsided.

He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would never abandon any part of the state in its developmental agenda, adding that ‘Our Ease Agenda’ remained a guiding principle to ensure every citizen enjoyed the dividends of democracy. ‘The government of Dr. Aiyedatiwa is responsive and people-oriented. I want to assure our people in Ireakari that they have not been forgotten. Their concerns are already on the table, and as soon as weather permits, the road rehabilitation programme will extend to their axis,’ Ajanaku said.

On behalf of the state government, he urged youths to remain peaceful and continue to engage constructively with government, stressing that their sacrifices and patience would soon yield positive result.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) yesterday described Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking and sustainable plan.

It commended the country for its remarkable achievements in the maritime sector in recent times.

IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, said the maritime plan was a laudable initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainability.

Domínguez, who arrived Nigeria yesterday on a working visit, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He commended the remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly the zero piracy incident, for over three years.

He said the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project was a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Dominguez said the investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, had yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.

He added that these efforts demonstrated Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters, but also for the wider West and Central African regions.

The Secretary-General also acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives, stressing the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.

He assured that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

Dominguez expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure.

He urged greater collaboration among the academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Oyetola said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body.

He noted that the partnership with the Navy and other stakeholders was pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy.

He commended Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were made by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.

The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.

Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.

He reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy,

The Secretary- General said the country’s achievements served as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.

In highlighting the organisation’s ongoing projects, Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled for Ghana in January next year on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states.

He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.

Apart from security, Domínguez emphasised the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms, to support the training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels.

Inter Milan’s new signing Manuel Akanji has for the umpteenth time expressed how proud is he about his Nigerian roots despite turning out for Switzerland at the International level.

Akanji joined Inter on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy from Manchester City in the summer transfer window revealed his affinity with Nigeria as well as his first few weeks in Milan with Inter TV.

The 30-year-old defender was born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father and has an eagle tattooed on his left arm as a tribute to his Nigerian heritage.

‘This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,’ he explained as per Football Italia.

‘Obviously, I play for the Swiss national team, but I’m still really proud of being Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Nigeria. It’s hard for me to go back because I don’t have a break in the winter, and summer is the rainy season, so you never really know what you’re going to get, but when I was young, I went there three or four times.’

Akanji also spoke about his first game played at San Siro, against Inter, with Borussia Dortmund.

‘I remember the atmosphere was unbelievable. I can’t wait to play there again. Hopefully, we’ll get a good result together,’ he said.

‘The first football shirt I had was from Christian Vieri. It was somehow with me. Even if I wasn’t an Inter fan, I always followed Inter because they’ve been one of the best teams in Italy, if not the best, even in the last two years. I followed a lot of teams, but Inter were really good in the past, and I’ve always been following the team.

‘You never really know where you end up in your career. Now I am here and I’m really happy about it. I hope to win as many titles as possible and be a big part of it. I want to play everywhere I go and improve as a player and as a person; these are the most important things for me.’

Akanji has immediately become a regular starter at Inter, making five appearances across all competitions with the Serie A giants.

The Nerazzurri have won two games from two in the Champions League, but have only collected nine points in the opening five Serie A rounds.

Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe was a colossus who walked through the business landscape with his footprints boldly planted on the sand. He was primarily and professionally a pharmacist. But, by the time he bade the world bye on September 22, 2025, at age 97, he had made his mark in many sectors of the economy.

Starting as a pharmacist at Central Hospital, Lagos, in 1950, and establishing his own pharmacy store, Palm Chemists, in 1952, he never looked back in leading the pack of indigenous pharmacists.

He was the pioneer chairman of Spectrum Books, a publishing firm, a director of Barclays Bank, chairman of Procter and Gamble, an international pharmaceutical company and West African Portland Cement.

He was equally involved in birthing the IBTC, Chartered Bank, R.T Briscoe and Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC), among many others. He did not stop at that, he was also involved in the Nigerian Union of Pharmacists where he was the general secretary in the 1950s, and later the fourth President of the Pharmacists Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Nigeria was lucky to have had a man like Chief Akinkugbe, acclaimed as a man of integrity who was committed to national development as President Bola Tinubu said in his eulogy at his death. Although he was a self-effacing man, he still got involved in public service as he served on the economic advisory board of his state, Ondo, and at the federal level, where he demonstrated his patriotism.

The greatest legacy that the boardroom guru gave to Nigeria was his uncompromising commitment to business ethics. This is one thing missing in the private and public sectors of the country.

Most people are out to fleece the country, contending that they are merely taking their share of the national cake. At a time that we are reviewing the contribution of the late Chief Akinkugbe to national development, young Nigerians have to look into his impeccable works as chairman of the University of Ife (later Obafemi Awolowo University) and the Morgan Wages Commission.

To shape Corporate Nigeria, he made his mark in the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, and as Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

He was also one of those who thought it wise to bequeath the Lagos Business School to the nation to ensure that the model of modern business is firmly planted in the country.

Chief Akinkugbe was lucky to have received the gift of long life, which he fully used to the good of Nigeria. He believed in the institution of the family, and showed good example by his marriage to Janet Akinkugbe that yielded children they were proud of.

The couple was united for seven decades and, when his wife died on September 11, just 11 days before him, Chief Akinkugbe said, ‘Janet has been my partner in everything; whatever I achieved, I achieved because she stood beside me’. This is one other example he showed to the younger generations.

Other pioneers in the corporate world now have a duty to guide those currently flying the flag. If Nigeria is to soar high, it will be because the private sector fully aligns with the public service. Time is running out as there are a few Akinkugbes to guide the young ones.

Chief Olu Akinkugbe, born in Ondo, Ondo State, on December 5, 1928, had played his part. Truly, it could be said that he came, he saw, and conquered. He was certainly a man of many parts.

Three suits challenging the declaration of emergency rule, the suspension of elected officials and activities of the appointed administrator in Rivers State were yesterday dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho, in three decisions held that, not only were the cases filed in a wrong court – the Federal High Court – which lacked the necessary justification, the plaintiffs were without the requisite locus standi (the right to approach the court on the issues raised).

The first suit was filed by Belema Briggs, Princess Wai-Ogosu, I. Acho, Emmanuel Mark and Hadassa Ada, who claimed to have sued for themselves and residents of Rivers State.

They listed the President , the Attorney General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retired) and the Nigerian Navy as defendants.

The plaintiffs queried the emergency declaration, the suspension of elected officials including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the appointment of an administrator and among others, prayed the court to void them.

In the judgment yesterday, Justice Omotosho upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and dismissed the suit.

In holding that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, Justice Omotosho held that they could not, on their own file a suit to address the interest of all the residents of a state, moreso when none of the suspended officials was made a party to the suit.

The judge found that the plaintiffs, who claimed to be residents of Rivers did not show that they were more affected by the decision than the elected officials, who were suspended or other residents of the state, nor obtained the permission of the state’s Attorney General before approaching the court.

In holding that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, Justice Omotosho held that it was the law that issues arising or connected with a declaration of state of emergency is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by virtue of Section 1 (1) and (2) of the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962.

He added that the same statute has been modified by the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act (Modification) Order, 2025.

The judge faulted the plaintiffs’ claim that, as voters, their fundamental rights to enjoy democratic government was taken away from them by the emergency declaration, which they argued amounted to coup against Rivers’ residents.

He said: ‘The plaintiffs’ claim that their fundamental rights were breached as a result of these actions holds no water, as Section 45 (1) of the Constitution permits the derogation of rights in the interest of public order and public safety.

‘The facts before the court all show that Rivers State was on the brink of anarchy, and allowing matters to flow in the normal course was only going to lead to severe breakdown of law and order.

‘Consequently, it was necessary that in the interest of public safety and public order that the President suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and also appoint the 3rd defendant, who is a retired Naval officer to ensure peace in the state,’ he said.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the plaintiffs’ contention that conditions precedent to warrant a declaration of state of emergency were not available as at March 18 when the proclamation was made.

He said: ‘To begin this discourse, it is important to examine if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has powers to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria as this is the starting point for the suspension of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

‘The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the custodian of executive powers in Nigeria. He is vested with enormous powers to discharge his duties including the duty to ensure the safety of lives and properties within the country.

‘One of the distinct powers of the President is the power to proclaim a state of emergency in Nigeria, throughout the federation or in a part of the Federation.

‘This power is enshrined in Section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘A state of emergency is usually not a planned event and it is not an event which the law can fully capture as there are several instances which may necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency, such as natural disaster, religious crisis or a political crisis among others.

‘An imminent threat or present danger to the Federation of Nigeria or a part of it is a ground for declaring a state of emergency as done in this case.

‘Once the proclamation of the state of emergency is ratified by the National Assembly, the power to administer the emergency area vests exclusively in the President.

‘He (the President) is then empowered to take measures to restore peace and order to the affected area, including the appointment of the 3rd defendant as Sole Administrator and stationing of the 4th defendant in strategic locations in the state as the case may be.

‘The findings of this court, with regards to the facts before it, shows that there were reasonable grounds for the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

‘The Governor, Deputy Governor and Members of the House of Assembly were suspended for a period of time and not removed from office and the President exercised his discretion in appointing a Sole Administrator as he saw fit.

‘All these actions were aimed at ensuring peace and security in the state.

‘The issue raised by the plaintiffs that the President did not secure the required two third majority of the members of each house of the National Assembly is not what can be resolved through affidavit evidence, but by a writ of summons where witnesses will be called and cross examined,’ the judge said.

The two other decisions were rulings on the suits filed by two groups. One was by The Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative.

It had six defendants – the President, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).

The suit had queried Ibas’ appointment and sought to among others, restrain the President, the AGF and the AG-F from releasing from belonging to Rivers State in the Consolidated Revenue Funds to Ibas.

The second suit filed by Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and Courage Nsirimovu had Ibas as the sole defendant.

The suit which also queried the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, prayed the court to, among others, restrain the administrator from appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas.

In the two rulings, Justice Omotosho upheld the objection raised by lawyers to the defendants, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who represented Ibas and dismissed the suits on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and want of locus standi.

The judge expressed displeasure at the conduct of lawyers to the plaintiffs’, who he noted, failed to conduct adequate research before filing the suits.

Justice Omotosho said: ‘I must not fail to say here that counsel to the plaintiffs ought to make proper research regarding his case before filing same.

‘He must make diligent research as to which court has jurisdiction and the necessary parties in that suit before filing his action.

‘Counsel has the duty to be professional in making such research rather than spending time spreading misinformation or painting the wrong picture on social media and other broadcast media.

‘This court is saddled with a lot of cases including commercial, civil and criminal matters, which makes its time very precious.

‘Filing suits which are void ab initio is inimical to the course of justice and the court can suo motu non suit such void suit in order to save its time.

‘| therefore hold that a void process cannot activate the jurisdiction of this court.

‘In final analysis, the suit of the plaintiffs is outside the subject matter jurisdiction of this court, the plaintiffs themselves lack locus standi to maintain this action.

‘Even if this court could exercise jurisdiction over this matter, the weight of evidence tilts heavily in favour of the defendants.

‘Consequently, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,’ the judge said.